Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos

LaFevers, R.L. 2007. THEODOSIA AND THE SERPENTS OF CHAOS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618756384 [Suggested Grade Levels 3 – 6]

REVIEW
Theodosia spends her days wandering through artifacts and her nights sleeping in a sarcophagus. Although both her parents work for the Museum of Legends and Antiquities in London, Theodosia seems to be the only one in her family able to feel the curses and black magic that swirl around many of the artifacts. When her mother returns from an expedition to Cairo with the “Heart of Egypt,” an artifact that has the potential to bring chaos to humanity, 11-year-old Theodosia embarks on an adventure with a mysterious secret society, a street-wise pickpocket, and a dangerous group of power-hungry Germans.

Set in 1906, LaFevers brings a strong heroine together with elements of fantasy, history and adventure. Although parts of Theodosia’s life are completely far fetched, and her independence at age 11 a stretch of the imagination, these elements coupled with a complicated plot will interest readers ready for a more intricate storyline. Told in first person, Theodosia’s voice is mature, and will appeal to both girls and boys looking for a suspenseful, fast-paced story.

CONNECTIONS
Challenge readers to sculpt an artifact out of clay and create a story surrounding its history.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books by La Fevers:
THE FORGING OF THE BLADE. ISBN 0142405574
THE SECRETS OF GRIM WOOD. ISBN 0525473726
THE TRUE BLADE OF POWER. ISBN 0525474315


By Tammy Korns