From School Library Journal
Gr 5-7βIn this sequel to Oracles of Delphi Keep (Delacorte, 2009), Laurie places her characters at a crucial point in history: the buildup to the Nazi invasion of Poland, which triggered the beginning of World War II. Orphan siblings Ian and Theo are trying to fulfill the prophecy of Laodamia of Phoenicia and have become the center of a struggle to save humankind from devastating evil and violence. The brothers, who are in possession of certain magical abilities and objects, travel from Dover to Poland through a portal in search of the Healer, the third of six oracles, who will help them to save the world. In the process they face great danger at the hands of the evil Magus the Black and his equally malevolent siblings. While the attempt to connect ancient myth to modern historical events is interesting, the mythological connections include a mishmash of ancient Greece, medieval Christianity, and druidic Britain, and the connections fall flat. The sense of adventure is hampered by a meandering plot, wooden dialogue, and one-dimensional characters. The hint of romance is awkwardly presented and remains unresolved. Although the characters succeed in their quest for the Healer, the author has set up the ending for a sequel.βSue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Product Description
The Curse of Deadman's Forest is the second book in the Oracles of Delphi Keepβa series with all the timeless charm of classics like the Chronicles of Narnia and all the action-packed adventure of a modern middle-grade blockbuster.
Since Ian Wigby and his sister, Theodosia, found the silver treasure box and the prophecy within it, their world has changed. There's no denying what they discovered in Morocco: a powerful evil is budding, and to defeat it, and save the world from darkness, six uniquely gifted children must be gathered.
According to prophecy, a trip through the magical portal near the castle will bring them to the third Oracle--a child with extraordinary powers to heal. But the very same prophecy foretells Ian's death should he venture through the portal again.
Everyone agrees: to risk Ian's life is too great a gamble. But when a terrible curse enters the keep, it becomes clear that there is no other choice.
If Ian and Theo stay in Dover, all will surely be lost, but to follow the prophecy, they will risk theirΒ lives and everything they have ever held dear.
According to prophecy, a trip through the magical portal near the castle will bring them to the third Oracleβa child with extraordinary powers to heal. But the very same prophecy foretells Ian's death should he venture through the portal again.
Everyone agrees: to risk Ian's life is too great a gamble. But when a terrible curse enters the keep, it becomes clear that there is no other choice.
If Ian and Theo stay in Dover, all will surely be lost, but to follow the prophecy, they will risk their lives and everything they have ever held dear.
Since Ian Wigby and his sister, Theodosia, found the silver treasure box and the prophecy within it, their world has changed. There's no denying what they discovered in Morocco: a powerful evil is building, and to defeat it, and save the world from darkness, six uniquely gifted children must be gathered.
According to prophecy, a trip through the magical portal near the castle will bring them to the third Oracleβa child with extraordinary powers to heal. But the very same prophecy foretells Ian's death should he venture through the portal again.
Everyone agrees: to risk Ian's life is too great a gamble. But when a terrible curse enters the keep, it becomes clear that there is no other choice.
If Ian and Theo stay in Dover, all will surely be lost, but to follow the prophecy, they will risk their lives and everything they have ever held dear.
Since Ian Wigby and his sister, Theodosia, found the silver treasure box and the prophecy within it, their world has changed. There's no denying what they discovered in Morocco: a powerful evil is building, and to defeat it, and save the world from darkness, six uniquely gifted children must be gathered.
According to prophecy, a trip through the magical portal near the castle will bring them to the third Oracleβa child with extraordinary powers to heal. But the very same prophecy foretells Ian's death should he venture through the portal again.
Everyone agrees: to risk Ian's life is too great a gamble. But when a terrible curse enters the keep, it becomes clear that there is no other choice.
If Ian and Theo stay in Dover, all will surely be lost, but to follow the prophecy, they will risk their lives and everything they have ever held dear.