dantanian_noir's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
wiseowl33's review against another edition
4.0
Big fan of Theodosia! And this one did not disappoint. There was plenty of action and humor. It had been a while since I read book 2 of this series, but the author had plenty of reminders to keep up with the story line as a whole. I LOVE this series.
iffer's review against another edition
4.0
I'm becoming more partial to this series as I read on, since I stuck with the series because it satisfied the particular book craving I've had lately. Oftentimes I feel that children's series with fantasy/sci-fi (in this case fantasy-ish) elements would be better read in one big volume than in several since the beginning is always a bit slow due to the fact that not only do the characters need to be developed, but magical framework, if you will must be set up. In this volume, more than the others, I feel like I've just finished a particularly promising installment, and I'm eager to find out what happens next.
This book still possesses the minor fault of the other volumes insofar as circumstances still seem a bit contrived as to why the 11-year-old Theodosia must solve such serious problems on her own without the help of the many adults in the novel (classic groaner mix-ups). My only other concern is that Theodosia become like Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai, which you'll likely understand if you read this volume, but which I don't want to go into more since it would be a spoiler.
This book still possesses the minor fault of the other volumes insofar as circumstances still seem a bit contrived as to why the 11-year-old Theodosia must solve such serious problems on her own without the help of the many adults in the novel (classic groaner mix-ups). My only other concern is that Theodosia become like Tom Cruise in The Last Samurai, which you'll likely understand if you read this volume, but which I don't want to go into more since it would be a spoiler.
lazygal's review against another edition
3.0
If you haven't read Books 1 or 2 of this series (as I haven't), it doesn't really matter - there's enough exposition for you to catch up and the adventure itself is relatively self-contained. Yes, there are elements that will carry over into Book 4, but this is more like An Unfortunate Event or Percy Jackson than a "long-arc" series.
Theodosia's a very unusual Edwardian-era girl, with an ability to see Egyptian curio curses (and an affinity for reversing them). Her parents run a museum in London and much of the action centers around her finding an object and trying to reverse its curse or deciphering the hieroglyphics, not to mention juggling at least three secret societies eager to find/keep track of/abuse said object. And then there's Grandmother...
It's unclear why her brother Henry is at school and she is not, or exactly what age Henry is. His help in several of the scenes is invaluable, and my guess is that he'll be back in future books. The other characters, Wigmere, Fagenbush, Trawley and Stilton, have been given deliberately Dickensian names (I suppose to add to the younger reader's enjoyment) but are really no more than outlines of characters.
The suggested age range (9-12) seems absolutely right for this series.
ARC provided by publisher.
Theodosia's a very unusual Edwardian-era girl, with an ability to see Egyptian curio curses (and an affinity for reversing them). Her parents run a museum in London and much of the action centers around her finding an object and trying to reverse its curse or deciphering the hieroglyphics, not to mention juggling at least three secret societies eager to find/keep track of/abuse said object. And then there's Grandmother...
It's unclear why her brother Henry is at school and she is not, or exactly what age Henry is. His help in several of the scenes is invaluable, and my guess is that he'll be back in future books. The other characters, Wigmere, Fagenbush, Trawley and Stilton, have been given deliberately Dickensian names (I suppose to add to the younger reader's enjoyment) but are really no more than outlines of characters.
The suggested age range (9-12) seems absolutely right for this series.
ARC provided by publisher.
somewheregirl7's review against another edition
4.0
The 3rd Theo book is a nice addition to the series with the same fast pace, great characters and romping plot. A fun, fast read. Theo finally shows a bit more character progression in this book which was an added bonus. Overall definitely recommended.
sapphire_mayo's review against another edition
5.0
I honestly do believe that this is one of the best middle-grade series out there. I love Theodosia, she is such a sassy and skeptical character that I find so hilarious but also relatable; I'm sure I was a lot like her when I was a kid. This adventure was just as gripping as the last, with a lot of "who can I trust?" at play. It also brings up questions about Theodosia's own identity and how much she actually knows about herself.
Easy five out of five, I can't wait to read the last book!
Easy five out of five, I can't wait to read the last book!
meg_elyse's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
quietjenn's review against another edition
3.0
solid offering in a cute, adventure series for kids. lots about egyptian history/archaeology and doses of magic. it's not exactly remarkable, but is enjoyable.