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Theodosia Throckmorton #4
Теодосия и Последний Фараон
n this fourth book in the series, Theodosia sets off to Egypt to return the Emerald Tablet—embedded with the knowledge of some of the ancient world’s most guarded secrets. Accompanied by her cat, Isis (smuggled along in a basket), Theo plans to return the artifact, then explore the mysteries surrounding her own birth and oh, yes— help her mother dig up treasures on her archeological expedition.
But nothing ever works out as planned, especially when a precious treasure appears suddenly, and then just as suddenly disappears . . . When the Serpents of Chaos get involved, Theo finds she’s digging up a lot more than she expected!
But nothing ever works out as planned, especially when a precious treasure appears suddenly, and then just as suddenly disappears . . . When the Serpents of Chaos get involved, Theo finds she’s digging up a lot more than she expected!
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
40 people are currently reading
1499 people want to read
About the author
R.L. LaFevers
15 books2,021 followersR.L. LaFevers (Robin Lorraine when she’s in really big trouble) grew up surrounded by shelves of old dusty books and a passel of brothers. She has also spent a large portion of her life being told she was making up things that weren’t there, which only proves she was destined to write fiction. She is the author of over fourteen books for young readers, including THEODOSIA AND THE SERPENTS OF CHAOS, (Houghton Mifflin, 2007) which received starred reviews and was a Junior Library Guild selection, a Booksense Summer Pick, and nominated for the Malice Domestic’s Agatha Award, and the NATHANIEL FLUDD, BEASTOLOGIST series. R.L. also writes the His Fair Assassin books using her full name, Robin LaFevers, but cannot get Goodreads to link the two, so you have to check out a separate profile for that. So sorry for the inconvenience!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
April 18, 2011
This series is an adventure, an education, and an utter delight, but this book was something above and beyond. It was a coming into it's own, a growing up for the series as well as the protagonist. It is at once an ending and a beginning... as all coming-of-age tales are. In this case it's more of a coming-in-one's-own and not merely accepting, but owning oneself completely - foibles, peculiarities, and all. How many adults could do with this lesson?
I have to say that in all of my reading, and having studied literature that's a fair bit, Theodosia is one of my most beloved characters. Her strength coupled with her goodness, her curiosity married with her desire to honor her parents, her "calling" to help and her loyalty and her fierceness and her compassion and love jumbled up with her trepidation and youthful bullheadedness make her a complete character who feels more like a dear friend.
My only regret in finishing this book is that I have so very long to wait before the next one! Thank you, R.L. LaFevers for a beloved friend and many delightful reads.
I have to say that in all of my reading, and having studied literature that's a fair bit, Theodosia is one of my most beloved characters. Her strength coupled with her goodness, her curiosity married with her desire to honor her parents, her "calling" to help and her loyalty and her fierceness and her compassion and love jumbled up with her trepidation and youthful bullheadedness make her a complete character who feels more like a dear friend.
My only regret in finishing this book is that I have so very long to wait before the next one! Thank you, R.L. LaFevers for a beloved friend and many delightful reads.
May 21, 2020
I really liked this book and this series, but I'm not thrilled with how the author just decided to drop the series and not give some type of final wrap up (at least a novella). Grownups finally start taking Theo seriously and it looked like she was going to have a talk with her parents about her abilities and then, poof, series is done. :(
I wanted to know how her parents reacted. What about her grandmother? Did things change with their relationship? What about Henry & Sticky Will (who aren't in this one at all)? I'm left wanting more and not getting it.
I wanted to know how her parents reacted. What about her grandmother? Did things change with their relationship? What about Henry & Sticky Will (who aren't in this one at all)? I'm left wanting more and not getting it.
December 1, 2014
This series is delightful, insightful, and addicting!
This is the fourth book in the Theodosia Throckmorton series. In this book Theodosia travels with her mother to Egypt, the land of her birth, on the pretense of accompanying her mother on a dig. Secretly Theodosia is set on fulfilling a promise she made to return an artifact, while trying to stay one step ahead of the Serpents of Chaos. As usual, things don't quite go according to plan.
I can't wait to see what adventures Theodosia will be involved in next.
This is the fourth book in the Theodosia Throckmorton series. In this book Theodosia travels with her mother to Egypt, the land of her birth, on the pretense of accompanying her mother on a dig. Secretly Theodosia is set on fulfilling a promise she made to return an artifact, while trying to stay one step ahead of the Serpents of Chaos. As usual, things don't quite go according to plan.
I can't wait to see what adventures Theodosia will be involved in next.
June 28, 2015
A fine ending and nice wrap up to a fun series. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the Egyptian Gods and history.
March 5, 2024
A perfect end to one of the best series I read as a kid.
January 30, 2011
Theodosia is returning to the land of her birth. Egypt! Who cares if she has a very important mission to return some items to a secret society bent on hiding artifacts of the Gods in the desert. It's Egypt and she's on an expedition with her mom. Take care of the Orb and Rae and the Emerald Tablet and spend the rest of the time doing what she's always dreamed of doing, archeology! Obviously, with her pet cat Isis by her side, despite her mother's protestations. When they arrive in Cairo though, the angry people milling about does tend to put a damper on the Egyptological fervor. The Nationalist Party is holding a demonstration, one of many to cause an inconvenience. Her mother needs to check in at the Museum, as does Theo, though, not so much with Maspero, but with the Brotherhood of the Chosen Keepers and their subterranean headquarters. But the Keepers in Egypt are very different from those in England. Here they are the front line, not the last defense. So it's more offense than defense, and Theo is not quite sure she's willing to embrace those methods. That's until she sees von Braggenschnott posing as a member of the museum staff, a Mr. Borscht, and having a cup of tea with her mother! Trying to flee the museum is harder than you'd think. There's another rally and they resort to taking Donkey's. Theo's driver is a little hunchback boy, Gadji, and he proves himself very wise in the ways of the street... and very cunning, his "hump" is his pet monkey, Sefu.
The next day they travel to Luxor, and surprisingly so does Gadji and Sefu, his family was originally from there. Which makes Gadji the perfect tour guide for her when Theo's playing sick. Because what other explanation could she give her mother for not wanting to scramble around in the dirt looking for hidden temples? But she must meet her contact here, a Major Grindle, and get the trade off set up at the temple with the wedjadeen. The trade off goes pretty well, despite all the threats that she shouldn't be allowed to live, even if the wedjadeen take an unusual interest in Gadji. Things can't remain so simple for long, the Serpents of Chaos are stirring the natives for more uprisings, and soon they kidnap Gadji in order to get the Emerald Tablet, which they apparently don't realize Theo already got ride of. Another trade is set up, which goes horridly wrong and ends with Theo and Major Grindle in the hands of the wedjadeen. They know too many secrets and their lives now hang in the balance. But will Theo's powers and her destiny be able to save herself and all those in danger? Most importantly of all, will she get answers as to what she actually is?
The Last Pharaoh is everything I expected from Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles that it failed to deliver. Theo's world is expanding and becoming more complex, but in a way that is natural. Robin has not forced the change, she has gradually led us to it in the most wonderful journey yet. Instead of being trapped within the confines of the museum and having Theo playing all her contacts off one another, here we have a true Egyptian adventure. All the books have been leading to this one. Temples with true power, statues that come alive, where Theo's magic really comes from. All of this is woven together in a plausible yet magical way. You don't have to suspend your belief to be satisfied by the ending. At first I did have some misgivings. Gadji was very much like an Egyptian Sticky Will with a monkey instead of a snotty younger brother. But I should have trusted that Robin knew what she was doing and the plot twist, I did not see coming. Plus Theo's connection to Isis made my heart yearn for a cat in my life again. The only problem I now face is how will I wait for the next installment. Will Theo begin training? Will the wedjadeen and the Chosen Keepers embrace their shared goals and heritage and work together to defeat chaos. As we crawl ever closer to the first World War, I wonder how Chaos and all their evil little Germans will fit in. But as long as I get my Egyptian fix I will be a satisfied reader.
The next day they travel to Luxor, and surprisingly so does Gadji and Sefu, his family was originally from there. Which makes Gadji the perfect tour guide for her when Theo's playing sick. Because what other explanation could she give her mother for not wanting to scramble around in the dirt looking for hidden temples? But she must meet her contact here, a Major Grindle, and get the trade off set up at the temple with the wedjadeen. The trade off goes pretty well, despite all the threats that she shouldn't be allowed to live, even if the wedjadeen take an unusual interest in Gadji. Things can't remain so simple for long, the Serpents of Chaos are stirring the natives for more uprisings, and soon they kidnap Gadji in order to get the Emerald Tablet, which they apparently don't realize Theo already got ride of. Another trade is set up, which goes horridly wrong and ends with Theo and Major Grindle in the hands of the wedjadeen. They know too many secrets and their lives now hang in the balance. But will Theo's powers and her destiny be able to save herself and all those in danger? Most importantly of all, will she get answers as to what she actually is?
The Last Pharaoh is everything I expected from Rick Riordan's Kane Chronicles that it failed to deliver. Theo's world is expanding and becoming more complex, but in a way that is natural. Robin has not forced the change, she has gradually led us to it in the most wonderful journey yet. Instead of being trapped within the confines of the museum and having Theo playing all her contacts off one another, here we have a true Egyptian adventure. All the books have been leading to this one. Temples with true power, statues that come alive, where Theo's magic really comes from. All of this is woven together in a plausible yet magical way. You don't have to suspend your belief to be satisfied by the ending. At first I did have some misgivings. Gadji was very much like an Egyptian Sticky Will with a monkey instead of a snotty younger brother. But I should have trusted that Robin knew what she was doing and the plot twist, I did not see coming. Plus Theo's connection to Isis made my heart yearn for a cat in my life again. The only problem I now face is how will I wait for the next installment. Will Theo begin training? Will the wedjadeen and the Chosen Keepers embrace their shared goals and heritage and work together to defeat chaos. As we crawl ever closer to the first World War, I wonder how Chaos and all their evil little Germans will fit in. But as long as I get my Egyptian fix I will be a satisfied reader.
June 28, 2011
At times it may feel as though Theodosia is not the 11-year-old child, especially if you do not know many 11-year-olds who have long held particular (possibly pervasive) interests. Then there is the fact that her parents are intelligent, and as calamitously curious as Theo is, her knowledge and abilities aren’t too stretched. If anything, her ability to surprise and impress the adults in her world is an encouragement for young readers to brush up on their own brilliance. But ever there is the reminder that Theo is of an earlier historical time. She is practically ignored and constantly underestimated (okay, perhaps that is not so different). That she is brilliant, and yet ignored and underestimated creates a rub; it both works in her favor and creates hurt feelings and incredible frustration. Theodosia is forced to become more confident in her resourcefulness and her worth. The protagonist’s courage is not rendered with unbelievable ease; actually, Theo is all too reliably young and unsure and still needing of her parents’ love and approval. It is refreshing to have an impressive young heroine whose parents’ are kept heartbreakingly and sometimes humorously in mind. Theodosia is well suited for all audiences, but most especially her primary one—juvenile readers/middle-graders.
For a set of historical novels, and paranormal ones, the adventures are appropriately intriguing and perilous. LaFevers does not soften the physical or emotional costs, but by no means pushes her audience’s limits. Her writing style is gives first person narrator Theodosia a consistent voice that is able to mature, including perfectly placed moments of humorous self-deprecation along the way. The historical settings come to life without weighing the reader down with too much detail, and the research the author has done on Egyptian history and lore seeps out of the text effortlessly. These aren’t small books at 300+ pages, but the pacing does draw the reader on through to the end.
If you have found Rick Riordan’s treatment of Greek myth in the Percy Jackson series and/or Egyptian myth in the Kane Chronicles to your liking than you will appreciate LaFevers approach even more so. She isn’t modeling her hero’s adventures after a previous incarnation’s quest, but her adventures are just as steeped in the lore with which she would intrigue her readers. Of course, her characters are placed in a less contemporary setting which may put off potential readers. —a shame, as I think the timeframe LaFevers uses lends itself more satisfying without alienating the possibility that readers could still daydream themselves into fantastic scenarios—especially after this latest installment. (Also, her protagonist is less annoying.)
Besides my liking to read stories set in the late 1800s-early 1900s London, the setting really does work in creating useful conflict for Theodosia. She is a child, a girl, and when in Egypt, a foreign oppressor. That she is an odd duck is icing. That it is early-1900s allows for villains we can readily identify—a certain group of Germans. That it is the early-1900s allows for other politically tense climates, like the occupation of Egypt by the British. Book 4 begins November 1907 in transit toward Egypt. A brief perusal of “History of Modern Egypt” on Wikipedia one can find, “In 1906 the Denshawai incident provoked a questioning of British rule in Egypt. British occupation ended nominally with the establishment of a protectorate and the installation of sultan Hussein Kamel in 1914, but British military presence in Egypt lasted until 1936.” If you’ve read, or plan to read this series, LaFevers provides a reading list on the series’ website. She also hosts a page on Theodosia’s life and times. Regardless, Theodosia is curious and compassionate and is a fine companion in encouraging her readers along a similar path.
L @ omphaloskepsis
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
For a set of historical novels, and paranormal ones, the adventures are appropriately intriguing and perilous. LaFevers does not soften the physical or emotional costs, but by no means pushes her audience’s limits. Her writing style is gives first person narrator Theodosia a consistent voice that is able to mature, including perfectly placed moments of humorous self-deprecation along the way. The historical settings come to life without weighing the reader down with too much detail, and the research the author has done on Egyptian history and lore seeps out of the text effortlessly. These aren’t small books at 300+ pages, but the pacing does draw the reader on through to the end.
If you have found Rick Riordan’s treatment of Greek myth in the Percy Jackson series and/or Egyptian myth in the Kane Chronicles to your liking than you will appreciate LaFevers approach even more so. She isn’t modeling her hero’s adventures after a previous incarnation’s quest, but her adventures are just as steeped in the lore with which she would intrigue her readers. Of course, her characters are placed in a less contemporary setting which may put off potential readers. —a shame, as I think the timeframe LaFevers uses lends itself more satisfying without alienating the possibility that readers could still daydream themselves into fantastic scenarios—especially after this latest installment. (Also, her protagonist is less annoying.)
Besides my liking to read stories set in the late 1800s-early 1900s London, the setting really does work in creating useful conflict for Theodosia. She is a child, a girl, and when in Egypt, a foreign oppressor. That she is an odd duck is icing. That it is early-1900s allows for villains we can readily identify—a certain group of Germans. That it is the early-1900s allows for other politically tense climates, like the occupation of Egypt by the British. Book 4 begins November 1907 in transit toward Egypt. A brief perusal of “History of Modern Egypt” on Wikipedia one can find, “In 1906 the Denshawai incident provoked a questioning of British rule in Egypt. British occupation ended nominally with the establishment of a protectorate and the installation of sultan Hussein Kamel in 1914, but British military presence in Egypt lasted until 1936.” If you’ve read, or plan to read this series, LaFevers provides a reading list on the series’ website. She also hosts a page on Theodosia’s life and times. Regardless, Theodosia is curious and compassionate and is a fine companion in encouraging her readers along a similar path.
L @ omphaloskepsis
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
December 29, 2010
This is the fourth book in the Theodosia Thockmorten series by R.L. LaFevers. This was my favorite book in the series so far, it really took the story to another level.
Theodosia has journeyed with her mother to Egypt supposedly to help her mom on an archaeological dig. Theodosia's real purpose it to return the Emerald tablet and other important artifacts to the protection of the Brotherhood so that they don't fall into the evil hands of the Serpents of Chaos.
I really enjoyed this book. Theodosia takes on more responsibility than in previous books and is really maturing; she has started making decisions that take the welfare of others into account. We also get some great new characters thrown into the mix.
In general it was just cool to have this book take place in Egypt. Theodosia finds out a ton of interesting things about her birth and history and about how she is tied into the ages long battle between the Serpents of Chaos and the Brotherhood. All in all a very solid addition to the series.
I continue to enjoy Theodosia's intelligence, snarky attitude, and ability to work her way through almost anything. There were a lot of twists and turns in this novel so it really kept me guessing and was hard to put down.
I did have one small complaint and that is things are getting complicated. Between the secret groups in London and the similar but separate secret groups in Egypt I was having a bit of trouble remember who belonged to what group and what the focus of each group was. This would have been clearer in my mind if I had read previous novels more recently.
Overall a great addition to the series. If you liked previous books you will like this one. I loved that this Theodosia to Egypt and that she learned so much about her history. Fans of strong young women, adventure, travel, and ancient magic should enjoy this book. I highly recommend this series, it is lots of fun to read and appropriate for all ages.
Theodosia has journeyed with her mother to Egypt supposedly to help her mom on an archaeological dig. Theodosia's real purpose it to return the Emerald tablet and other important artifacts to the protection of the Brotherhood so that they don't fall into the evil hands of the Serpents of Chaos.
I really enjoyed this book. Theodosia takes on more responsibility than in previous books and is really maturing; she has started making decisions that take the welfare of others into account. We also get some great new characters thrown into the mix.
In general it was just cool to have this book take place in Egypt. Theodosia finds out a ton of interesting things about her birth and history and about how she is tied into the ages long battle between the Serpents of Chaos and the Brotherhood. All in all a very solid addition to the series.
I continue to enjoy Theodosia's intelligence, snarky attitude, and ability to work her way through almost anything. There were a lot of twists and turns in this novel so it really kept me guessing and was hard to put down.
I did have one small complaint and that is things are getting complicated. Between the secret groups in London and the similar but separate secret groups in Egypt I was having a bit of trouble remember who belonged to what group and what the focus of each group was. This would have been clearer in my mind if I had read previous novels more recently.
Overall a great addition to the series. If you liked previous books you will like this one. I loved that this Theodosia to Egypt and that she learned so much about her history. Fans of strong young women, adventure, travel, and ancient magic should enjoy this book. I highly recommend this series, it is lots of fun to read and appropriate for all ages.
September 6, 2013
All right, I admit freely that in the end, I did like this book. But I got a little worried sometime in the middle. I can lavish praise upon the character of Theodosia all day long. I love her. I've probably read the Serpents of Chaos twenty times. But when I read this book, I was put off by three things: 1) Some of my favorite characters whom I love dearly are missing. i.e. Will, Henry, Fagenbush etc. 2) Some of the stuff that happens doesn't exactly make me desperate to find out more. I just wasn't as interested in what happens to Theo as I usually am. And finally, 3) While the other books have a tendency to be clever and funny and pure Theo through and through, most of this book lost that and I felt like I was just reading a report of events in the correct order.
I know the author is losing steam because this is the fourth book in the series. I know that she needed new characters to help juice up the story. I know these things, but I still was worried that I would end up disliking the book while I was reading it. I shouldn't have to feel that way. I'm the reader. I'm just supposed to buckle up and sit back to enjoy the ride.
However, that being said, in the end, it was alright, and I liked it more than I thought I would.
I know the author is losing steam because this is the fourth book in the series. I know that she needed new characters to help juice up the story. I know these things, but I still was worried that I would end up disliking the book while I was reading it. I shouldn't have to feel that way. I'm the reader. I'm just supposed to buckle up and sit back to enjoy the ride.
However, that being said, in the end, it was alright, and I liked it more than I thought I would.
January 7, 2011
I received this as an advanced reader's copy to give a review on, and I must say this was a fantastic book! This was the first of this series that I have read, and the author did a fabulous job making sure that the reader could follow the entire story without becoming lost and feeling this something was missing. The necessary back story was explained without giving away all of the surprises that I will get when I go back and read the books that came before this one (trust me, Miss Theodosia has my attention, I want to know all of her story!)
The Egyptian environment was a wonderful background for a story, I love hearing about the gods and goddesses and the magic they held. Any child who is interested in the ancient Egyptians will love this book. It is full of adventure, excitement, mystery, and surprises! I give this book an A for the characters, storyline, originality, and environment! Get a copy of this as soon as it comes out, you will not be sorry!! (for more enjoyment, go get the first books too, before this comes out so you and Theodosia have some history before diving into the wonders of the Last Pharaoh!)
The Egyptian environment was a wonderful background for a story, I love hearing about the gods and goddesses and the magic they held. Any child who is interested in the ancient Egyptians will love this book. It is full of adventure, excitement, mystery, and surprises! I give this book an A for the characters, storyline, originality, and environment! Get a copy of this as soon as it comes out, you will not be sorry!! (for more enjoyment, go get the first books too, before this comes out so you and Theodosia have some history before diving into the wonders of the Last Pharaoh!)
January 8, 2011
OK. What do I say without giving too much away.
1) SO fun. On a day I was stuck at home fighting nasty allergies I distracted myself for several hours reading. Once I started I literally couldn't stop.
2) Now I will be distracting myself trying to figure out a fun celebration to have at school to introduce more kids to Theodosia--which is not to say she doesn't already have fans but hey. Some sort of Egyptian party would always attract more. (I will say this, though. This is not an easy read--would recommend for advanced fourth and fifth grade, middle school, and nerdy high school or adult set in early 1900's Egyptian fans like myself. Thank you Amelia Peabody. :])
3) Crazy action! Interesting characters! Description that really brought the setting and story to life!
4) Hopefully this is not too spoilerish but ...
OH SO MEAN CLIFFHANGER ENDING! I kept clicking hoping the file would move to a new page. It didn't. Crossing fingers book five is not so very, very far away.
I actually kept track of a couple quotes I wanted to share but as I'm pretty new to reading these ebook ARCS I'm not sure if I can. So I might have to save them and repost when the books come out.
1) SO fun. On a day I was stuck at home fighting nasty allergies I distracted myself for several hours reading. Once I started I literally couldn't stop.
2) Now I will be distracting myself trying to figure out a fun celebration to have at school to introduce more kids to Theodosia--which is not to say she doesn't already have fans but hey. Some sort of Egyptian party would always attract more. (I will say this, though. This is not an easy read--would recommend for advanced fourth and fifth grade, middle school, and nerdy high school or adult set in early 1900's Egyptian fans like myself. Thank you Amelia Peabody. :])
3) Crazy action! Interesting characters! Description that really brought the setting and story to life!
4) Hopefully this is not too spoilerish but ...
OH SO MEAN CLIFFHANGER ENDING! I kept clicking hoping the file would move to a new page. It didn't. Crossing fingers book five is not so very, very far away.
I actually kept track of a couple quotes I wanted to share but as I'm pretty new to reading these ebook ARCS I'm not sure if I can. So I might have to save them and repost when the books come out.
November 8, 2011
Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh by R. L. LaFevers takes Theodosia to Egypt. She's convinced her mother to let her see a dig but her real goal is to turn a dangerous artifact.
The journey though quickly reveals dangers entrenched in the very places Theodosia has gone for help. To make matters worse she's been befriended by a donkey boy who has as fantastic a tale as her own. His destiny and hers seem tied up together.
It was fun to see Thedosia finally back in Egypt. She learns along the way about her special ties to the country and why she's so sensitive to curses and other magic.
Book four is by far my favorite of the series. It had the same mixture of fun, mystery and peril as the early Amelia Peabody series does.
Fans of the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan will find some similar themes and plot twists being played out. Both are aimed at a middle grade audience.
The journey though quickly reveals dangers entrenched in the very places Theodosia has gone for help. To make matters worse she's been befriended by a donkey boy who has as fantastic a tale as her own. His destiny and hers seem tied up together.
It was fun to see Thedosia finally back in Egypt. She learns along the way about her special ties to the country and why she's so sensitive to curses and other magic.
Book four is by far my favorite of the series. It had the same mixture of fun, mystery and peril as the early Amelia Peabody series does.
Fans of the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan will find some similar themes and plot twists being played out. Both are aimed at a middle grade audience.
June 6, 2011
Love these books! It ended like that may be it for Theodosia. But I hope not. There was some reference to the fact her gift was not limited to Egyptian artifacts, I had hoped her travels would go somewhere else?
January 30, 2011
LeFevers always provides an excellent balance of detail and action to give Theodosia's adventures a wonderful tang. A perfect addition to the series. Theodosia is never boring!
December 13, 2015
I want more of these books! The ending is good, but definitely left me wanting to know more.
August 20, 2017
This is the forth book in the Theodosia series and I feel like it is the best so far. Theodosia convinced her archaeologist mother to take her to Egypt to help find the temple of Thutmose III. But Theodora is really planning on returning two powerful artifacts she found in London with the help of the Brothrhood of Chosen Keepers. She also hopes to learn the circumstances of her own birth while her parents were working on an archaeological expedition in Luxor 11 years ago.
Many characters have appeared in the previous three books including the dangerous Serpents of Chaos. Theodosia must contact a new group in Egypt; the wedjadeen, a shadowy organization that is charged by the Egyptian gods to guard and protect the magic of some ancient powerful artifacts. Theodosia must accomplish all this without involving her fretful mother. Theodosia is not just clever and confident but also posesses some instincts to feel ancient curses and magic.
As she was digging in a patch of rubble a good distance from the hovering adults, she discovers a hole, a narrow shaft and a dark passageway. Pg. 215 "As I stepped more fully into the room, it felt like wading into a warm tub of faintly moving water, only the water was soft and dry rather than wet. I held my had away from my body and felt the warm currents push lazily against it. Not probing, like the power from a curse, but soft, like a gentle, playful breeze. The quiet of the chamber stole over me, quieter and more peaceful than any other place I'd ever been in. I felt completely and utterly safe. And in that quiet safety, I was finally able to face how heartsick I was. How hungry for comfort....."
I hope the author continues the fast paced adventures of a very principled young heroine and the interesting bits of history that she has put into the series this far.
Many characters have appeared in the previous three books including the dangerous Serpents of Chaos. Theodosia must contact a new group in Egypt; the wedjadeen, a shadowy organization that is charged by the Egyptian gods to guard and protect the magic of some ancient powerful artifacts. Theodosia must accomplish all this without involving her fretful mother. Theodosia is not just clever and confident but also posesses some instincts to feel ancient curses and magic.
As she was digging in a patch of rubble a good distance from the hovering adults, she discovers a hole, a narrow shaft and a dark passageway. Pg. 215 "As I stepped more fully into the room, it felt like wading into a warm tub of faintly moving water, only the water was soft and dry rather than wet. I held my had away from my body and felt the warm currents push lazily against it. Not probing, like the power from a curse, but soft, like a gentle, playful breeze. The quiet of the chamber stole over me, quieter and more peaceful than any other place I'd ever been in. I felt completely and utterly safe. And in that quiet safety, I was finally able to face how heartsick I was. How hungry for comfort....."
I hope the author continues the fast paced adventures of a very principled young heroine and the interesting bits of history that she has put into the series this far.
October 13, 2023
I read the 1st 3 Theodosia books as fast as I could and I was looking forward to this one. I have to admit to being a bit disappointed with it, and that's probably just my own opinion and not worth much. But it seems that every time I love a series that begins as just plain creative fun, it sooner or later gets turned into a long, involved, epic tale of good vs. evil with secret organizations and men at war (think Hobbit/Fellowship, Harry Potter, and even Star Trek Next Generation).
This book was definitely well-written and Theodosia, bless her heart, kept it lighter than it would have been without her. Maybe it's just that, at the moment, there's enough evil and war in the world and I was looking for more of an escape from that. It felt like a long read to me (the book is over 400 pages) and none of the earlier books did (perhaps it needed better editing for pacing). I wish it had had more strong female characters besides Theodosia--I realize that it's set in a time and place where men ruled everything, but there just seemed to be too many men coming from too many different directions and most acting macho.
This book was definitely well-written and Theodosia, bless her heart, kept it lighter than it would have been without her. Maybe it's just that, at the moment, there's enough evil and war in the world and I was looking for more of an escape from that. It felt like a long read to me (the book is over 400 pages) and none of the earlier books did (perhaps it needed better editing for pacing). I wish it had had more strong female characters besides Theodosia--I realize that it's set in a time and place where men ruled everything, but there just seemed to be too many men coming from too many different directions and most acting macho.
September 2, 2024
The only reason I started reading this series was because I was jealous that my niece had the “Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos” on her sixth grade reading list. When I was younger, I was subjected to “The Lord of the Flies” and “The Pearl” and “The Old Man and The Sea”. Books that were just boring, if I had a book series like this when I was her age, I would have been reading all the time. Instead, I was stuck with books that I could not connect with and for that it made me not want to read.
So here I am now, years and years later, soaking up all the reading that I like and having just completed all the books in the series, I’m disappointed that there’s none left to read. I loved this series so much and this book in particular finished with such a movie ending it was perfect.
If you are a fan of the mummy or the mummy returns this series is one that you should read. It doesn’t matter that it’s a junior book it’s for everybody. Smart, funny, adventurous, feel good. It’s everything that you want in a book and more!
So here I am now, years and years later, soaking up all the reading that I like and having just completed all the books in the series, I’m disappointed that there’s none left to read. I loved this series so much and this book in particular finished with such a movie ending it was perfect.
If you are a fan of the mummy or the mummy returns this series is one that you should read. It doesn’t matter that it’s a junior book it’s for everybody. Smart, funny, adventurous, feel good. It’s everything that you want in a book and more!
September 11, 2019
Theodosia is off to Egypt with her mother to return the Emerald Tablet to honor a promise to a friend. In this fourth book in the series, Theodosia sets off to Egypt to return the Emerald Tablet—embedded with the knowledge of some of the ancient world’s most guarded secrets. But when she gets to Egypt she finds herself involved with the dreaded Serpents of Chaos, and another group that puts her int he middle of an adventure that could cost her dearly.
I have enjoyed every book int his series, and this one is a great addition. Theodosia is a great character. She is full of spark and in this book we discover more about her. I love the twist in this book, and the way R.L. LaFevers crafted the story.
This is a wonderful story for youths, and for adults who like adventures set with an Egyptian flair. Kudos to Ms. LaFevers.
I have enjoyed every book int his series, and this one is a great addition. Theodosia is a great character. She is full of spark and in this book we discover more about her. I love the twist in this book, and the way R.L. LaFevers crafted the story.
This is a wonderful story for youths, and for adults who like adventures set with an Egyptian flair. Kudos to Ms. LaFevers.
October 21, 2021
Ok, first off, why isn't the series more famous? This is way better than Rick riordan's throne of fire series.
Secondly, the only thing stopping me from giving this 5 stars was Theodosia's parents. Her mother is a terrible mother and there's no excuse for her name calling and embarassment no matter how worried she was. It's so cringy to watch the adult's behavior and I seriously wished the mother character found some redemption atleast in this book but even until the end, she was just as annoying as ever. Theodosia went above and beyond in this book to be awesome, the plot line was fantastic, missed some characters but the new ones introduced were really awesome. Isn't this the last book? Shouldn't there be a reunion of sorts with all characters? I don't get that feeling of closure I usually get from the last books in the series.
3.5 stars
Secondly, the only thing stopping me from giving this 5 stars was Theodosia's parents. Her mother is a terrible mother and there's no excuse for her name calling and embarassment no matter how worried she was. It's so cringy to watch the adult's behavior and I seriously wished the mother character found some redemption atleast in this book but even until the end, she was just as annoying as ever. Theodosia went above and beyond in this book to be awesome, the plot line was fantastic, missed some characters but the new ones introduced were really awesome. Isn't this the last book? Shouldn't there be a reunion of sorts with all characters? I don't get that feeling of closure I usually get from the last books in the series.
3.5 stars
July 5, 2022
4th in the "Theodosia" series (now loosely adapted into an HBO series) and last book so far; the series is about a British girl from the early 20th century whose parents are archaeologists and who has a mysterious ability to "see" and sense Ancient Egyptian curses and magic. It turns out in this book that there is a reason for some of this (she was actually born in a temple in Egypt, under odd circumstances). This book is mostly set in Egypt as Theodosia joins her mother on an expedition in which she hopes to make archaeological discoveries (and Theodosia is on a secret mission to return some artifacts to the rightful owners in Egypt) . . .
November 25, 2022
Theodosia manages to get herself included in her parents' archaeological trip to Egypt (along with her cat.) She intends to return the Emerald Tablet to where it belongs, and also to satisfy her curiosity about where she was born. She meets a young street boy named Gadji, who apparently is the last Pharaoh, according to a cult, befriends him, and gets him hired as their donkey boy so he will have a place to eat and sleep. The boy's monkey also comes into the story. Of course the Serpents of Chaos also get involved, and Major Grindle has to rescue her a couple of times. I found this one much more interesting than the previous book.
January 8, 2023
I am not as frustrated as other readers are that this author chose to just drop the series and never gave her readers the promised last volume so I went ahead and rounded up my rating to four stars. I have enjoyed this series and I can live with the way it ended. "A thirsting mind seeks knowledge like a withered vine seeks water." This quote from the book rather neatly ties up the theme of Theodosia's life through the series and likely beyond! I am grateful for the answers she finally received and hope that the adults in her family will finally grow up and be honest with this remarkable young lady. Thanks for the romps through Egyptian history and artifacts, dear Theodosia.
February 5, 2018
I enjoyed the series up until this book. For some reason I lost interest. I kept putting it aside hoping I would get back to it...cut to three years later, I still can't sit down and finish it. So I'm just going to call it. I did not finish this at about 55%.
I can't even put my finger on why I lost interest. Theodosia and her mother are in Egypt. A different setting and a promise of new adventure should have been enough for me to turn pages. However, I was bored, and I can't tolerate being bored in a book.
Oh well.
I can't even put my finger on why I lost interest. Theodosia and her mother are in Egypt. A different setting and a promise of new adventure should have been enough for me to turn pages. However, I was bored, and I can't tolerate being bored in a book.
Oh well.
October 19, 2018
Theodosia has joined her mother on a trip to Egypt to seek out a hidden temple, all while trying to get the Emerald Tablet back to its protectors without getting taken out by the Serpents of Chaos - and perhaps even learning more about her relation to the Egyptian gods! LaFevers gives fans another exciting and adventurous story with this entertaining entry to a series full of charm and wit. Can Theo, Isis, and a couple new friends keep her and the artifacts safe from her enemies...and the curiosity of her own mother?
February 24, 2019
My favorite part was when Isis came back after being turned into a panther or whatever it was that she was turned into, because it made it sound like she wouldn't come back again. My least favorite part was when Theodosia and Major Grindle were taken by the Eyes of Horus because they didn't know if they could trust them, and it worried Theodosia's parents that she was missing. I wish that here was another book that would explain how everything goes now that Theodosia told her parents about what had been going on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2017
The final part in one of the best kid's series I have read in ages. I know I will read them all again and again; for the fun, for the magic and Egyptology, for the action and adventure and mostly for Theo, who is honestly! (as she would say) just a wonderful character with so much to teach all of us, at any age. And also for Isis (the cat who is more than a cat - but all cat owners think that and perhaps it is true!)
October 4, 2021
A magical adventure
I have greatly loved reading the adventures of Theodosia. She is a very clever and resourceful young girl that any child can relate to. I have enjoyed reading this series with my nieces and nephews and they have looked forward to each new book. I am sad for it to have ended with this book and would have loved to read more of Theodosia's adventures. I hope one day that may become a reality.
I have greatly loved reading the adventures of Theodosia. She is a very clever and resourceful young girl that any child can relate to. I have enjoyed reading this series with my nieces and nephews and they have looked forward to each new book. I am sad for it to have ended with this book and would have loved to read more of Theodosia's adventures. I hope one day that may become a reality.
June 19, 2025
4.2
Oh! The end of this series. It has been quite a fun ride. The last book did not disappoint, even though it might have been a bit confusing at the end with so many different factions and their respective agendas. But maybe it was me, I couldn't read it continously for a few days, so... The ending, it looked like a fifth book was planned but it never happened, but that's fine by me, I don't need everything neatly tied up (and sometimes endings suffer precisely because of that)
Oh! The end of this series. It has been quite a fun ride. The last book did not disappoint, even though it might have been a bit confusing at the end with so many different factions and their respective agendas. But maybe it was me, I couldn't read it continously for a few days, so... The ending, it looked like a fifth book was planned but it never happened, but that's fine by me, I don't need everything neatly tied up (and sometimes endings suffer precisely because of that)
April 12, 2019
The story comes to an epic conclusion as Theodosia discovers more about herself than she ever knew before and once again gets caught in the middle of secret societies. She has lots of trials to overcome but she finds help in unlikely places.
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