Two family-reading books ago, I read
the second Theodosia novel to my girls. They were both extremely eager to begin
it. Every evening they were impatient to continue it. After each chapter, they
begged for one more. Sometimes they hid under the covers. And I confess,
sometimes I instigated the hiding… The talent of reading ahead while reading
out loud is exceptionally useful for drawing greater suspense as well and
preparing to frighten unsuspecting children. HA HA HA HA HA!!!
I enjoyed this book for the pleasure
it gave to my girls. Anything that gets them into their pajamas quickly is a
winner in my book. Whatever gets my girls to brush their teeth in a timely
fashion gets an A+ in my records. I will read through dull and boring and
lackluster if they ask. Really, I will. I am glad that I don’t have to because
they both have fine tastes. They recognize inferior writing… It will fall to
the bottom of the pile. Five thumbs up for the second Theodosia. They loved it…
I was not as enthralled myself.
There were many elements that I
appreciated significantly. There were three separate plot lines that I would
have loved to stick with. My favorite was seemingly unfinished. Grandmother
Throckmorton is on the hunt for a governess for Theodosia. She interviews them
and then brings them to the Museum of Legends and Antiquities to meet and teach
Theo. We meet three of them in this volume. Each is funnier in their manners
than the next. It is Theo’s mission to run them off. Hilarious in my opinion, but
not the main plot and never completed. I loved it, but it isn’t really
necessary to the plot even… just extra added laughs.
My second favorite plot line
involves another secret society! The Arcane Order of the Black Sun is the “most
secret of societies, dedicated to studying and understanding the wisdom and
power of the ancients.” The Museum’s nervous and bumbling Third Assistant
Curator is a member. Unbeknownst to Theo, he has been watching her and her
peculiar brand of magic – removing black curses. And he is bringing her before
his secret Order because he believes that she is the Queen of all goddesses
reincarnated! The Black Suns wish to worship and protect her! I haven’t laughed
so hard for a while. But again, is this plot necessary or just more laughs
thrown in?
Finally, the main plot line! Very
enjoyable once… but three times? All of the mummies in London are disappearing!
And they can be found… you guessed it! At the Museum of Legends and
Antiquities! They seek out the Staff of Osiris which happens to be in the “catacombs”.
Theo uncovers it herself, puts it back together and discovers its power all on
her own. She also devises as plan to prevent the mummies from returning a
fourth time. It is imperative! Or her father will be thrown in jail!
Still recommending to the 5th
through 8th grade crowd, particularly girls. We shall read the third
and fourth as well. I will not deny my two!
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