Oracles of Delphi Keep

Gr 5—7—In 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.—Sue Giffard, Ethical Culture Fieldston School, New York City