Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus by R.L. LaFevers
I wish the THEODOSIA THROCKMORTON series had existed when I was a kid. I went through one heck of an Egyptology phase, and I don’t suppose I’ve ever left my brainy-heroine phase. My parents, though, should probably thank their lucky stars R.L. LaFevers hadn’t written these books yet. I can just imagine the mess I’d have made, trying to whip up ancient Egyptian potions in the backyard.
Theodosia is an 11-year-old girl growing up in the Edwardian era. Her parents run a museum, and since they’re rather absentminded about anything that doesn’t pertain to their work, Theodosia has more freedom than is usual for girls of that time. It’s a good thing, too, seeing as how she’s always having to save the world. You see, Theodosia has an unusual talent. She can detect curses on ancient Egyptian artifacts. And since she’s studied a lot, she kn... Read More
Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers
I first heard about Robin LaFevers’ new YA release, Grave Mercy, a few months ago and was intrigued by its premise, which involves an order of assassin nuns. Based on that, I thought it was set in a fantasy world. When I learned that it was in fact set in our own world, in medieval France, I was more skeptical. How would LaFevers set assassin nuns in real France without it seeming unrealistic?
Alongside the real history, LaFevers sets up a secret, fictional one in which the people of Brittany have continued worshipping a pagan pantheon under a thin veneer of sainthood. The assassin nuns belong to the convent of St. Mortain, who is based on a god of death.
It’s still not quite realistic, but it’s so much fun that you won’t mind. LaFevers’s fictional history is rich with traditions and myths, doled out to the reader at a natura... Read More
More books by Robin (R.L.) LaFevers
Lowthar’s Blade — (2004-2005) Ages 9-12. Publisher: Kenric’s homeland is in danger. Fierce Mawr hounds and grymclaws prowl the land and skies, and an evil power is on the rise. Lord Mordig has killed the true king and plans to rule Lowthar by forging a new blade of power. When Kendric’s father disappears, Kendric knows he must find him, before it’s too late.
Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist — (2009-2011) Publisher: Nathaniel Fludd’s life has taken a turn for the worst. With his parents lost at sea, he lands on the doorstep of a distant cousin — the world’s last remaining beastologist. Soon Nate is whisked off on his first expedition, to Arabia, where the world’s only phoenix prepares to lay its new egg. When disaster strikes, Nate quickly finds himself all alone. Will he be able to see the phoenix safely hatched, keep his accidental pet gremlin out of trouble, and rescue his guardian from the Bedouin? If he fails, nothing will stand between the world’s mythical creatures and extinction. Too bad Nate’s not the sort of boy who enjoys adventure… yet.
Stand-alone novels:
The Falconmaster — (2003) Ages 9-12. Publisher: This fantasy combines wizardry and magic with an absorbing animal-rescue story and should appeal to all fantasy lovers, but especially boys. Wat, a crippled boy, is an outcast in his village and retreats often to the forest, away from the cruel taunts of the villagers. There he witnesses the lord’s handlers heartlessly kill a nesting pair of falcons so they can take the baby birds for their master. Wat, outraged, steals the nestlings and escapes into the heart of the forest, where he meets a mysterious old man. He is a mage — a wizard — who teaches him many things, among them how to care for the birds so that they may eventually fly free, and how to find some helpful magic — which is closer to him than he ever believed.
Werewolf Rising — (2006) Ages 9-12. Publisher: On the eve of Luc’s thirteenth birthday, a man called Ranger offers him a horrifying, enticing truth: Luc is a shapeshifter, a werewolf. It’s time to come home to his pack — and to make his first change into wolf form. Luc is thrilled by his new powers and loves the community of the pack. But Luc’s uncle wants to see the shapeshifters destroyed. How can Luc save his new family from the danger he has brought them? This spinetingling, accessible read is packed with middle-grade boy appeal and perfect for summer reading.
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Robin Lorraine LaFevers has been fascinated by libraries and museums ever since she first set foot in one. When she’s not gazing longingly at ancient artifacts or wallowing in old forgotten texts, she’s busy trying to keep one step ahead of her two teenage sons. She lives with the aforementioned sons, her husband, and a demonic cat in Southern California. Read excerpts of her novels at R.L. LaFever’s 
