Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos by R.L. LaFevers

Who doesn’t love a heroine who gets her power from reading!

Before you can say boo to a scarab, Theo is plunged into a dastardly plot.

Eleven-year-old Theodosia sleeps in a sarcophagus in the Museum of Legends and Antiquities. She has a cat called Isis, a crush on the first assistant curator, and a deep interest in hieroglyphics and Ancient Egyptian curses.

‘She was no doubt trying to see if I was being impudent, but I have spent many hours practicing my most innocent face.’ p.209

When her mother returns from a dig with the priceless Heart of Egypt, Theo can literally feel the black magic crawling down her spine. Before you can say boo to a scarab, Theo is plunged into a dastardly plot, chased by ruthless black-marketeers, and has the fate of pre-war Britain in her jammy fingers.

Luckily, Theo has three tricks up her sleeve: a sharp mind, a lot of pluck, and the ability to see magic by moonlight…

There are many things I loved about this book: Theo’s manipulation of the adults; the Cairo market scenes; the subtle use of Nabir as a guide - allowing Theo to remain in control of the action, and the terrific, bone-squelchy finale. The relationship between brother and sister rang true, as did the chip on Will’s shoulder.

Great fun!

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