Theodosia and the staff of Osiris by R.L. LaFevers

Theodosia has an unusual life and unique skills, talents, and interests in Egyptology. It helps that her father is a museum curator with a significant Egyptology collection and that her mother is an archaeologist.  In this second book of the series involving this feisty and intelligent young 11-year-old, she is again inveigled into an investigation involving a powerful and magical Staff that she has discovered in the museum basement, that has power to both animate and destroy. It even has the capacity to enable London’s collected mummies to ‘waken’ and relocate! If  the ‘Serpents of Chaos’ get their hands on the staff before her own investigative team (already introduced in Book 1, in their role as secret protectors of society) can uncover the truth of their nefarious plans it could mean world-wide conflict. 

This is the second book in the Theodosia series (the book has been re-released for a new audience who will have been introduced to the main character via the TV series that has been produced in 2022).  It is action-packed, and  filled with Ancient Egyptian myths, curses and superstition over-laced with supernatural possibilities and secret societies. A truly exciting journey into the past and as Theodosia is a girl from 1907, there is very limited intrusion of technology! Information is gathered remotely using a local friendly ex-pickpocket recruited ‘for good’. Interestingly, her heroics are also designed to protect the world from war. The museum has its own difficulties and her family is intriguing - especially her grumpy and stuffy grandmother.  Learning who can be trusted is also a challenge. The fast-paced action will appeal to young readers aged 10-14, and those who love ancient cultural intrigue and magical fantasy will be especially interested.  I really enjoyed the journey into social life of the early 1900s with the complications for an intelligent female, but also the fascination of Ancient Egyptian mythology.  This is exciting and full of potential interest. ( Those who enjoy the Percy Jackson series may also enjoy this mythology fantasy.) Ancient cultures are part of the Australian Year 7 curriculum, and the mythology of the ancient Egyptian culture makes for captivating content in this fantasy adventure.

Themes: Egyptology, Spells and curses, Secret organisations, Museums, Magical fantasy.

Carolyn Hull