The Curse of Deadman's Forest (Oracles of Delphi Keep) [Library Binding]

Victoria Laurie (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up | Series: Oracles of Delphi Keep

The Curse of Deadman's Forest is the second book in the Oracles of Delphi Keep—a series with all the timeless charm of classics like the Chronicles of Narnia and all the action-packed adventure of a modern middle-grade blockbuster.

Since Ian Wigby and his sister, Theodosia, found the silver treasure box and the prophecy within it, their world has changed. There's no denying what they discovered in Morocco: a powerful evil is budding, and to defeat it, and save the world from darkness, six uniquely gifted children must be gathered.

According to prophecy, a trip through the magical portal near the castle will bring them to the third Oracle--a child with extraordinary powers to heal. But the very same prophecy foretells Ian's death should he venture through the portal again.

Everyone agrees: to risk Ian's life is too great a gamble. But when a terrible curse enters the keep, it becomes clear that there is no other choice.

If Ian and Theo stay in Dover, all will surely be lost, but to follow the prophecy, they will risk their lives and everything they have ever held dear.


According to prophecy, a trip through the magical portal near the castle will bring them to the third Oracle—a child with extraordinary powers to heal. But the very same prophecy foretells Ian's death should he venture through the portal again.
 
Everyone agrees: to risk Ian's life is too great a gamble. But when a terrible curse enters the keep, it becomes clear that there is no other choice.
 
If Ian and Theo stay in Dover, all will surely be lost, but to follow the prophecy, they will risk their lives and everything they have ever held dear.
 
 
Since Ian Wigby and his sister, Theodosia, found the silver treasure box and the prophecy within it, their world has changed. There's no denying what they discovered in Morocco: a powerful evil is building, and to defeat it, and save the world from darkness, six uniquely gifted children must be gathered.

According to prophecy, a trip through the magical portal near the castle will bring them to the third Oracle—a child with extraordinary powers to heal. But the very same prophecy foretells Ian's death should he venture through the portal again.

Everyone agrees: to risk Ian's life is too great a gamble. But when a terrible curse enters the keep, it becomes clear that there is no other choice.

If Ian and Theo stay in Dover, all will surely be lost, but to follow the prophecy, they will risk their lives and everything they have ever held dear.
 
Since Ian Wigby and his sister, Theodosia, found the silver treasure box and the prophecy within it, their world has changed. There's no denying what they discovered in Morocco: a powerful evil is building, and to defeat it, and save the world from darkness, six uniquely gifted children must be gathered.
According to prophecy, a trip through the magical portal near the castle will bring them to the third Oracle—a child with extraordinary powers to heal. But the very same prophecy foretells Ian's death should he venture through the portal again.
Everyone agrees: to risk Ian's life is too great a gamble. But when a terrible curse enters the keep, it becomes clear that there is no other choice.
If Ian and Theo stay in Dover, all will surely be lost, but to follow the prophecy, they will risk their lives and everything they have ever held dear.


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 5-7–In this sequel to Oracles of Delphi Keep (Delacorte, 2009), Laurie places her characters at a crucial point in history: the buildup to the Nazi invasion of Poland, which triggered the beginning of World War II. Orphan siblings Ian and Theo are trying to fulfill the prophecy of Laodamia of Phoenicia and have become the center of a struggle to save humankind from devastating evil and violence. The brothers, who are in possession of certain magical abilities and objects, travel from Dover to Poland through a portal in search of the Healer, the third of six oracles, who will help them to save the world. In the process they face great danger at the hands of the evil Magus the Black and his equally malevolent siblings. While the attempt to connect ancient myth to modern historical events is interesting, the mythological connections include a mishmash of ancient Greece, medieval Christianity, and druidic Britain, and the connections fall flat. The sense of adventure is hampered by a meandering plot, wooden dialogue, and one-dimensional characters. The hint of romance is awkwardly presented and remains unresolved. Although the characters succeed in their quest for the Healer, the author has set up the ending for a sequel.–Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

When Victoria Laurie was eleven, her family moved from the United States to England for a year abroad. She attended the American Community School at Cobham, and one day, while on a class field trip, she first glimpsed the White Cliffs of Dover. Her trip to the cliffs, the year abroad, and her grandfather's stories of his childhood as an orphan left such an indelible impression on her that when she turned to a career as an author, she was compelled to write the Oracles of Delphi Keep series. The Curse of Deadman's Forest is the second book in this series. The first book, Oracles of Delphi Keep, is available from Delacorte Press.You can visit Victoria at www.oraclesofdelphikeep.com. 

When Victoria Laurie was eleven, her family moved from the United States to England for a year abroad. She attended the American Community School at Cobham, and one day, while on a class field trip, she first glimpsed the White Cliffs of Dover. Her trip to the cliffs, the year abroad, and her grandfather's stories of his childhood as an orphan left such an indelible impression on her that when she turned to a career as an author, she was compelled to write the Oracles of Delphi Keep series. The Curse of Deadman's Forest is the second book in this series. The first book, Oracles of Delphi Keep, is available from Delacorte Press.

You can visit Victoria at www.oraclesofdelphikeep.com.


From the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Library Binding: 432 pages
• Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (August 24, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385905629
• ISBN-13: 978-0385905626
• Product Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.4 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,735,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

When I was in the 7th grade I took one of those career aptitude tests - you know, the ones where you answer a bunch of questions and the results indicate what profession you'd best be suited for? Yeah, well my test results indicated I was best suited for a career as a government spy.

A SPY!

I think I had the coolest results in the entire class. :)

Needless to say, I did not follow that particular career path - or maybe I just took the more indirect route. In my thirties a very good friend of mine who is now one of the world's most renowned psychic mediums suggested I stop ignoring my talents and dive right into the professional world of a psychic intuitive. On a lark, I did. And the results were pretty mind-blowing. Within just a few short weeks even I couldn't deny it - so much of what I predicted for total strangers was coming true and I really had to accept the "gift" so to speak.

Over the years I've built a really fabulous clientele and all those experiences have helped me create the Psychic Eye Mysteries, the Ghost Hunter Mysteries, and - for children - Oracles of Delphi Keep. And along that way I discovered my true love - writing.

Writing is one of those passions that gets me out of bed in the morning and invigorates my day. I love spinning a good yarn, and when I feel I actually get it right - wow! There is no better feeling.

In fact, the other day I was kicking back after a looooong day of writing, which ended in the completion of a manuscript and I remember just marveling in the fact that I actually get paid to daydream! I can't think of a more satisfying way to spend a life. And let's face it - it's a whole lot safer than working some covert operation. Although - I'm pretty sure the benefits might be better at the CIA. Still, I'll stick to my daydreams...at least for now... :)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Laurie's imagination and storytelling talents are pure genius, November 1, 2010

By 

A Customer (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Curse of Deadman's Forest (Oracles of Delphi Keep) (Hardcover)

Thirteen-year-old Ian Wigby (almost 14) and his 11-year-old sister, Theodosia, live in an orphanage called Delphi Keep nestled in the English countryside near the White Cliffs of Dover. In 1939, Ian and Theo discovered a box containing an ancient prophecy. The prophecy spoke of a Guardian protecting a special orphan called The One, and together they would gather six more gifted orphans by traveling through a magical portal. This team of oracles may have a chance to defeat the evil underworld god, Demogorgon, and his four children --- Magus (powered with fire), Caphiera (powered with water), Atroposa (powered with air) and Lachestia (powered with earth).

In the year since their discovery and first trip through the portal, Ian has accepted his role as Guardian, and Theo's as The One and the first oracle, the Seer. They and their loyal friend, Carl, another orphan from Delphi Keep, barely survived their portal trip to Morocco where they found the second oracle, the Seeker, a fellow otherwise known as Jaaved, and the second box. The box contained a magical sundial and the next riddle, neither of which they had figured out just yet, but are working on diligently. They do know that their next trip through the portal will be for the third oracle, the Healer, and that it will endanger Ian's life. With this bit of information, The Earl, who oversees Delphi Keep, has decided that Ian won't go through the portal when the time comes; to ensure his wishes, he has placed a locked gate in front of the portal.

But life is still far from boring for Ian. As they wait for the next step of the prophecy, Ian, Theo, Carl, the Earl and the professor travel to Spain to track down a clue in an old diary. During the trip, a pretty girl begins to come between Ian and Carl. She seems to like Carl, but Ian has trouble fighting the jealousy that sprouts up, threatening their very friendship. And then a stranger shows up at the orphanage claiming to be Theo's long-lost father and wanting to take her away to his home. Theo knows he isn't her father, but the man goes to court with his evidence. If he takes Theo away, Ian no longer will be able to protect her.

A further threat comes to Delphi Keep in the form of a polio outbreak. In a desperate attempt to save their friends, Ian, Theo and Carl sneak away through a secret passage in order to steal the key to the portal; they must find the Healer to save the polio victims. And despite his best intentions to avoid the trip, Ian goes through the portal as well. They end up in Poland, right in the middle of the forest where not only the dangerous Nazis are invading, but also one of the evil offspring is attempting to free his imprisoned sister, all adding up to a huge, catastrophic battle.

Victoria Laurie has a charming writing style that fits well with her 1940 English setting, and her characters are endearing and fascinating. The relationships between them tug at the heart, with the special bond between Ian and Theo, and the solid link between Ian and Carl. Laurie does introduce a tiny bit of romance in this book, creating some conflict between the best friends. The storyline constantly moves, sometimes deliciously inching forward a bit at a time, revealing another piece of the puzzle, other times flying forward with massive action and fantastic adventure. Laurie also cleverly weaves in some life lessons, like standing by your friends and making the right choices, no matter how difficult. Her imagination and storytelling talents are pure genius, and we look forward to future installments of this wonderful series.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Follow-up, September 24, 2010

By 

Queensuz - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Curse of Deadman's Forest (Oracles of Delphi Keep) (Hardcover)

I bought the first book in the series "Oracle of Delphi Keep" for my 12 year old daughter because I loved the cover art and I knew that I would be reading it after she finished it. We enjoyed the first book immensely and could not wait for "The Curse of Deadman's Forest". I enjoy this series because it is scary and thrilling without being too graphic. So many young adult books treat adults as bumbling fools while Ms. Laurie has chosen to allow her characters of all ages to work harmoniously and believably.
You can't help but enjoy the characters, their fears, their strengths and their quirks. In addition, the fast pace of the story, the excitement of the adventure and your love for the chartacters will leave you wanting more.
Don't make us wait too long!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another winning entry in the Oracles series, September 26, 2010

By 

ellen "ellen in atlanta" (Atlanta, Georgia USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Curse of Deadman's Forest (Oracles of Delphi Keep) (Hardcover)

Yes, I am a fan of Victoria Laurie's. She has shown her versatility by writing three series that in themselves are interesting and entertaining, and that, I can tell you, as a fledgling writer myself, is no small feat.

Ms. Laurie's second offering in her Oracles of Delphi Keep - The Curse of Deadman's Forest continues where its debut stopped. In ancient Phoenicia, a talented and good prophetess writes of young people in our current time to help them from dark forces taking over the world. Those children are Ian Wigby and Theodosia. Through finding magical portals in Dover, prophecies that fortell of dangerous and wondrous things. It is up to the group to help deter the bad from happening.

With the help of gentry in an estate nearby, they start their destiny.

This second entry continues the magic, and the chemistry of all the characters. Although there is a shadow that Ian's life is in peril, how can the children and their adult friends not go on with their quest to help the world?

Ms. Laurie writes with such ease that kids of all ages enjoy and cannot stop turning pages to see what will happen next.

Then comes the end of the book and you cannot believe you have to wait until the next entry! Aarg!

If you haven't jumped on board with this series, do yourself a favor and read this series. It is based on stories told by Victoria Laurie's grandfather, and as I said in the first novel's review, he is mighty proud of her.

Well done!