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Oracles of Delphi Keep by Victoria Laurie, ISBN 978-0-385-73572-8, Delacorte Press (Random House), review by ellen george
I remember Victoria Laurie told me in an email a long while ago that she had an exciting new project that dealt with stories her grandfather told her - I emailed back it sounded wonderful - Wonderful would not be the right word to describe Oracles of Delphi Keep - the word for this book is ASTOUNDING!
You see, Ms. Laurie has two wonderful paperback series dealing with the paranormal - the Abby Cooper Psychic Eye series and the Ghost Hunter Mystery series - both entertaining and fun.
Oracles of Delphi Keep gave me a big clue when I held it in my hands - Michael Scott was the only testimonial on the back cover. Writing a testimonial is the greatest applause an author can be given and Mr. Scott writes he loves this type of fantasy novel - Michael Scott is the author of the wildly popular The Alchemyst series - about Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel. Great cudos from one excellent author to another.
This series will be compared to Harry Potter, and the Alchemyst series, and the Percy Jackson series. That is high praise indeed. Oracles of Delphi Keep takes its place by the sides of these fabulous series, and stands on its own in its unique qualities.
At the White Cliffs of Dover, there is an orphanage and place for abandoned, lost, and parentless children at the castle's keep. Its patron is the Earl of Dover, and it is circa 1938. When you think of the time in history this novel starts on - the turmoil in Europe - Adolph Hitler starting his unrest, etc. there are many things going on, but at this orphanage a semblance of innocence still reigns.
Eight years before, a young boy sees a man bring in a baby girl into the orphanage, late one stormy night. Because the boy Ian Wigby, is there, the benevolent ladies who run the Keep, allow him to name the child, and have him be like a big brother - Ian names her Theodosia Fields. Now for those of you who are not Greek and don't speak Greek - Theodosia - is a variation of Theodora - it means 'Gift from God' - very important name for an important little girl.
So comes 1938 and Theo and Ian are exploring caverns around the Keep, and they find a cavern very different than any they have ever seen.
They find a silver treasure box - with the help of the Duke, several male teachers, their professor, and another boy, they unravel a prophecy written by an oracle three thousand years before! The prophecy holds a quest along with prophecies that have already come true in modern time, with whiffs of what will be WWII...BUT the true part of the prophecy holds for Ian, and Theodosia, who has the gift of prophecy, to unravel the prophecy meant for them to protect the world from Darkness that threatens the world.
Oh, did I tell you there are nasty entities, Hellhounds, treasure hunts, paranormal occurances, and a TIME PORTAL near the Keep???? A portal the good guys can travel as they unravel the mysteries?
Oracles of Delphi Keep is a fun, wonderful read that you will compare to Harry Potter, in that there is a decided team of good verses evil. There is innocence in a time where temptation swirls around. The magic of the Oracle's prophesies and the Oracle that Theodosia is becoming makes you turn the page as fast as you can.
Until...page 549 comes...and it promises of more of the prophecy to unravel and more adventures for this great team of adults and children. I for one hope Ms. Laurie is busy writing book two of this wondrous series.
Us kids of all ages are eagerly waiting!
Oracles of Delphi Keep will bring back the magic of reading again. The kind of magic Michael Scott, Rick Riordon, and dare I say it? JKR???
Bravo Victoria Laurie - your grandfather, who told you stories as a child is giving you a standing ovation!!
Definitely a fantastic read for all ages!
ellen george
Oracles of Delphi Keep by Victoria Laurie, ISBN 978-0-385-73572-8, Delacorte Press (Random House), review by ellen george
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