Customer Reviews

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book has an old world charm to it. The author does an excellent job of making you feel like your right there with the little heroine in every page. I like that it has an English/Egyptian setting but there is a gothic air to the book. Here is this little girl on the cusp of adolescence, who feels like the black sheep of her family, and its up to her to preserve/save an artifact in order to save the secret society and her father's good name. I won't describe the plot in details but this book was definitely worth the read. I suggest reading it and giving it to a young girl in your life.

Once I finally picked up the book to read it, I rarely put it down until I was finished. The story is narrated by Theodosia Throckmorton, whose parents work with an Egyptology museum. The mystery at hand and a number of surprises kept me turning pages and reading chapter after next. I felt it moved along at a good pace, drawing you into the story, and the characters are interesting. Secret societies, more than one, reformed pickpockets, villains trying to bring chaos, odd governesses, mummies and more each have their place in the story. Curses, unsettled spirits, and some good old Egyptian magic add an exciting element. I think this could be an excellent movie. There are references to the first of the series, but there is enough background provided so as to not be completely lost. It did entice me to make sure I got both books. There is a companion website for the main character and the author, with more information for those with an interest in Ancient Egypt. I recommend this book.

What kid wouldn't enjoy a story about a self-assured 11-year old set loose in a museum who handles magical Egyptian artifacts and fights an evil secret society? We enjoyed reading the 'Staff of Osiris'; the magical elements are along the lines of Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl, while the museum mysteries are reminiscent of 'From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.' We'll probably get the first in the 'Theodosia' series as well.

I selected this book simply because nothing else at the time struck me as interesting. Which, fortunately, this book was, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of Theodosia's adventures. This girl quickly captured my heart. I was honestly expecting another run-of-the-mill childish adventure with so-so writing, but Theodosia is a full-fledged girl of the pre-teen age ready with plenty of intelligence and wit mixed with a healthy dose of innocence and curiosity--all in all, a thoroughly wonderful heroine to serve as a role model for all little girls. As for the story... it's a marvelous adventure with plenty of nods towards Egyptology--of which I can't get enough. And to top it all off it's set in an old-time London where museums and archaeology are ultimately posh. The writing is clear and snappy with funny names and over-the-top scenes well-balanced by the whimsical and haunting mystery. Theodosia is a little girl Indiana Jones and should be celebrated as such.

This second entry in R.L. LaFevers' delightful fantasy series starring the clever, resourceful 11-year-old Theodosia Throckmorton was even more fun to read than the first. And that's saying a lot! Right at the outset, Theo, attending a reception for Lord Chudleigh, a VIP on the board of the Museum of Legends and Antiquities, where her parents work, recognizes an unwrapped mummy as Tetley, of the British Museum, last seen in an ancient Egyptian tomb. This means the evil Serpents of Chaos, of which Tetley was an agent, are back in London stirring up trouble.

Again, it's up to Theodosia, who is now an agent for the Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers, to thwart the Serpents in their efforts to cause strife and discord so that they can dominate the world. She must keep the Staff of Osiris, which can reanimate the dead, out of their hands. As if this weren't enough, Theo must elude her newly hired governess, the beastly, mean, ever-vigilant Miss Sharpe, in order to carry out her vital mission.

This sequel is even more complex than the first book, with more action and quite a large assortment of interesting characters, not all of whom are what they appear to be. So who can Theo trust? And we find out that the "Fog of War" is not just a metaphorical term. There's also a third secret society, the Arcane Order of the Black Sun, which I guarantee you'll enjoy reading about. This is a wonderful read, and I think fans of Eva Ibbotson, of all ages, will especially like this series.

This book and all of the three series of Theodosia is an excellent book to read for young and adult. Theodosia is funny and interesting. I recommend this book to all.

I haven't actually read these books, but my daughter got the first one when she was a first grader. My husband would read her a chapter a night, but she couldn't stand the suspense of what would happen, so she'd start reading ahead on her own. In other words, these are great books to encourage children to read (and gain vocabulary).

Theo's back, and even though she saved England from disaster in the last book, hardly anyone knows, and almost everyone still treats her like an ordinary 11-year old. If she's going to save the day from another deadly threat, she'll have to be even more cautious this time around. The only problem is she's got more enemies this time around, and lots of new friends she can't be sure she can trust. Add to the mix an uptight and controlling grandma, a sequence of governesses, each more dreadful than the last, a suspicious police chief who thinks her father's a criminal mastermind, a dangerous jackal statue that comes to life, another secret society, and hordes of wandering mummies.

My 9-year old daughter and I read the first book and couldn't wait to get to this one. The plucky young heroine is a nice counterpoint to the predominantly male heroes of most juvenile fantasy/adventure series. She's smart, courageous and resourceful, she knows the value of studying hard, even if she hates busy work, and she knows how to be respectful, even if she hates being "put in her place" by ignorant grown-ups. The story is clever and intriguing enough to draw in smart young readers who will be interested in the mythology, mystery and relics, but engaging enough throughout to keep all readers turning pages.

Highly recommended for young lovers of magic and mystery (and their parents).

As a child I always loved mystery and magic. This book has that and more in it. The characters are well developed and the story is interesting enough to keep you turning the pages. This is the second book in the series. Even though I didn't read the first book it was easy to pick up on the story and read through it. My son also enjoyed it so this is a good book for children to read and enjoy.

Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris is a fun book and an easy read. Theodosia is a very strong-willed girl,which I love. In addition to being strong willed and fearless, she is portrayed as smart, a problem solver, and quirky.

For all of the millions of quirky strong willed girls out there, Theo will feel like a best friend.

Set in England in the early 1900's, the book feels both modern in it's message and quaint in it's setting. We see a bit of history first hand as LaFevers recounts different myths and facts surrounding ancient Egypt. Using fiction to convey knowledge, there are details about archeology and social issues of the time mixed in with bits of magic, which kept myself and my kids entranced.

This is the second book in the series and we were all reluctant to read it without having read the first one. I chose to read it anyway, and was pleasantly surprised that it was great as a stand alone book. LaFevers makes reference to the first book and Theo's adventures in it on a few occasions in the second book, but it never overwhelms the story, nor does it leave the reader confused.

I would recommend this book and it's partner to childrens' libraries both public and private. An excellent addition for anyone who enjoys fantasy writing.