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Oracles of Delphi Keep #2
The Curse of Deadman's Forest
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 their 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 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 their lives and everything they have ever held dear.
426 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
26 people are currently reading
1634 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Laurie
56 books3,135 followersVictoria Laurie is the New York Times bestselling author of 32 books and counting. Over the past 16 years Victoria has created several series and a few stand-alone novels. Her mystery series include: The Psychic Eye Mysteries, The Life Coach Mysteries, and The Ghost Hunter Mysteries. She's also the author of two YA books, When and Forever Again, as well as a middle-grade series called The Oracles of Delphi Keep.
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
Currently, Victoria is working on the 17th book in both the Psychic Eye Mysteries and the 3rd book in the Life Coach Mysteries, along with also working to produce a brand NEW series called Spellbound set for release winter/spring 2020.
Victoria loves to connect with her fans, and you can find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Victo...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 44 reviews
September 6, 2017
Such an exciting story and thrilling adventure! We're loving this series and have certainly grown quite fond of the main characters, Ian and Theo, Carl, the earl, and the Schoolmasters Goodwyn, along with others. Splendidly written and well spun. Anxious for the third book now, and dearly hoping that Victoria Laurie will be continuing the series beyond that one!
December 30, 2013
About two years ago, we listened to the first book in this series on audio on a long car trip. The kids and I fell in love with the story. Several of my kids have been urging me to read the next books in the series ever since. I am glad I finally did and wish I would have a long time ago. This is an excellent series, well-written, and captivating that keeps the attention of the reader. This is a series worth owning.
November 10, 2010
I really liked this, but I kept feeling like I'd been dropped into the middle of a story. At the end I figured out this is the second book in the series. Makes sense now. I'd like to read the first one. It's a little Percy Jackson-ish.
February 24, 2015
It is rare I give a five star rating but this book deserved it! I blazed through it much faster than the first book, the first one was good but this was one was better. It was much more fast paced and intense, the first one moved a little slower. I would definitely recommend this series!
December 31, 2016
This is the second book in the Oracles of Delphi Keep, Victoria Laurie's young adult series. Let me say that I love her adult Abby Cooper Psychic Eye series.
The Delphi Keep series is growing on me. I enjoyed this book very much. It's been quite awhile since I read the first book, though, and I probably would have enjoyed it even more if details were fresher in my mind. I love books that involve ancient riddles and predictions. This book fulfills that and more. The author ensures that the series will continue by only one of the six gifted children required to fulfill a prophesy is found in this book- the Healer. There's no doubt that the book is very well crafted. And it's quite exciting as the children go through a portal into another place and dodge hellhounds, wicked witches, and even German soldiers intent on invading Poland. The book is set in the late 1930s, which also adds to its charm. The main characters are Ian, whom the Prophecy names "The Guardian", and Theo, "The One" plus their friend Carl. The children live in an orphanage called Delphi Keep in Dover, England. The silver treasure box with its prophesy was found in Morocco in the first book. This prophesy was written by the Phoenician Oracle Laodamia in 1331 BC. The children need to fulfill it to save the world from darkness, which I gather will be brought about by four evil sibling witches. They are seeking "The Healer" in this book. It comes about in a strange way.
Yes, I'll buy book #3. I'm also going to introduce my granddaughter to this series.
The Delphi Keep series is growing on me. I enjoyed this book very much. It's been quite awhile since I read the first book, though, and I probably would have enjoyed it even more if details were fresher in my mind. I love books that involve ancient riddles and predictions. This book fulfills that and more. The author ensures that the series will continue by only one of the six gifted children required to fulfill a prophesy is found in this book- the Healer. There's no doubt that the book is very well crafted. And it's quite exciting as the children go through a portal into another place and dodge hellhounds, wicked witches, and even German soldiers intent on invading Poland. The book is set in the late 1930s, which also adds to its charm. The main characters are Ian, whom the Prophecy names "The Guardian", and Theo, "The One" plus their friend Carl. The children live in an orphanage called Delphi Keep in Dover, England. The silver treasure box with its prophesy was found in Morocco in the first book. This prophesy was written by the Phoenician Oracle Laodamia in 1331 BC. The children need to fulfill it to save the world from darkness, which I gather will be brought about by four evil sibling witches. They are seeking "The Healer" in this book. It comes about in a strange way.
Yes, I'll buy book #3. I'm also going to introduce my granddaughter to this series.
December 6, 2018
edited: How disappointing to discover after Book 3 that the publisher refused to publish book 4. Fair warning as the book 3 ending will leave you guessing. I was totally captivated by this series and not knowing how it ends is quite disturbing.
Original: What I find fascinating is the weaving of this story. It's hard to predict how it will evolve.
The prophecy is disclosed at the beginning of the book. It guides the reader to think that one of two outcomes must be achieved but the journey to that end is a long tale of twists and turns. I have enjoyed this one as much as the first and can't wait to continue on to book three.
I am not at all put off by the "hows"'- those things that would make no sense if this was written as a historical fiction. Yes, it's setting is at the beginning of WWII but like the movie Wonder Women, the setting is what makes the events that transpire believable- if you can buy into the world of magic and mystique.
I find it difficult to provide a review with any details because they would be spoilers. I will offer this: I do enjoy a good mystery, a quest, and this one has proved to be quite entertaining over the past 3 days. While some may say this is a story for boys, as a "girl", I very much think that YA girls will enjoy it just as much.
Original: What I find fascinating is the weaving of this story. It's hard to predict how it will evolve.
The prophecy is disclosed at the beginning of the book. It guides the reader to think that one of two outcomes must be achieved but the journey to that end is a long tale of twists and turns. I have enjoyed this one as much as the first and can't wait to continue on to book three.
I am not at all put off by the "hows"'- those things that would make no sense if this was written as a historical fiction. Yes, it's setting is at the beginning of WWII but like the movie Wonder Women, the setting is what makes the events that transpire believable- if you can buy into the world of magic and mystique.
I find it difficult to provide a review with any details because they would be spoilers. I will offer this: I do enjoy a good mystery, a quest, and this one has proved to be quite entertaining over the past 3 days. While some may say this is a story for boys, as a "girl", I very much think that YA girls will enjoy it just as much.
May 17, 2019
Ian, Theo, Carl and their allies have found one of the prophesied children with Jaaved from Morocco, but the search continues as they seek out a Healer - but with someone vying to adopt Theo, a sickness spreading through the Keep, and Ian fated to never return should he dare enter the portal again, will they be able to get the better of Demogorgon and his mages again?! Laurie brings another action-packed, exciting novel to this charming trilogy that will astound fans. How are Ian and his friends going to overcome such a deadly prediction?
May 12, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Going with Ian and Theo on another adventure was so exciting!!!! They had a whole bunch of encounters with either with the Germans, or the sorcerers. Here I go to read the third on this brilliant adventure!!!!
December 20, 2020
Another great escape book - well-written adventures of three pals seeking the clues left to them by an ancient Greek oracle. I must admit that in my mind's eye, they are Hermione, Harry, and Ron :-)
September 13, 2021
Books with prophecies astound me--they seem so hard to write and make everything line up perfectly. Well, she's done it again-- I never felt like the plot was spoiled, and the foreshadowing still worked effectively.
March 7, 2018
I found this lots of fun!
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
March 19, 2017
Fun city -- but how do I get myself into the middle of a series so often? Looking forward to reading no.s 1 and 3.
February 14, 2012
I fast forwarded my reading through this sequel. Ian and Theo continue their adventures saving the world from the evil Demogorgon and his 4 offspring. The two have to find 7 children (in book one it was 6 children) to save the world from the rise of the Demogorgon. In this book, the prophecy predicts the two finding the third child by going through the portal and she will be a great Healer; however, it also predicts that Ian will be killed. The adults, along with Theo and Carl, agree that Ian is not to go through the portal. When the Plague comes to the Keep and children begin to die Theo, Ian, and his best friend Carl find themselves forced to go through the portal. Will Ian live?
The plot in this book is more inconsistent than the last book and the pacing is slow in spots. I got confused at times who was speaking in certain chapters. For instance, the Earl is mascarading as Mr. Nutley’s nephew and when another character said, “Mr. Nutley…” I had to reread passages to determine if it was the Earl or the Professor speaking. It might have been because I was reading in fast forward motion which I do if the pacing is slow. I also got confused when someone snuck out of the Keep and met with Dieter on page 76. Just remember that Dieter and Hylda are the Van Schufts from the previous book who killed two children from the Keep. I didn’t remember their first names because they are mainly referred to as the Van Schufts.
Ian is out of character a couple of times. The first time is when he spots a woman paying off a cab driver but still gets in the taxi and doesn’t tell the Earl. There have been several attempts at their lives and he is The Guardian, protector, or the cautious one of the group. This action was irresponsible and out of character. The other time is when Carmina steals the journal from the Professor. Ian has no thought as to whether or not the Professor was injured. He would have sent Carl to check on him if he was being The Guardian. Theo sounds older than an 11 year old.
The book is violent in parts particularly when the soldiers shoot Eva and have the children line up execution style with hands behind thier heads so the German soldier can kill them. The soldier shoots the air and kicks them down a ravine. This was too realistic and violent for me. Maybe students lack of knowledge of WWII would make them okay with it. This book has Ian jealous of Carl because the girls like Carl. While publishers have the book for ages 9-12 it has elements that would place it in Young Adult.
The plot in this book is more inconsistent than the last book and the pacing is slow in spots. I got confused at times who was speaking in certain chapters. For instance, the Earl is mascarading as Mr. Nutley’s nephew and when another character said, “Mr. Nutley…” I had to reread passages to determine if it was the Earl or the Professor speaking. It might have been because I was reading in fast forward motion which I do if the pacing is slow. I also got confused when someone snuck out of the Keep and met with Dieter on page 76. Just remember that Dieter and Hylda are the Van Schufts from the previous book who killed two children from the Keep. I didn’t remember their first names because they are mainly referred to as the Van Schufts.
Ian is out of character a couple of times. The first time is when he spots a woman paying off a cab driver but still gets in the taxi and doesn’t tell the Earl. There have been several attempts at their lives and he is The Guardian, protector, or the cautious one of the group. This action was irresponsible and out of character. The other time is when Carmina steals the journal from the Professor. Ian has no thought as to whether or not the Professor was injured. He would have sent Carl to check on him if he was being The Guardian. Theo sounds older than an 11 year old.
The book is violent in parts particularly when the soldiers shoot Eva and have the children line up execution style with hands behind thier heads so the German soldier can kill them. The soldier shoots the air and kicks them down a ravine. This was too realistic and violent for me. Maybe students lack of knowledge of WWII would make them okay with it. This book has Ian jealous of Carl because the girls like Carl. While publishers have the book for ages 9-12 it has elements that would place it in Young Adult.
November 13, 2015
The Curse of Deadman's Forest is another fun-filled, fast-paced, exciting adventure book with well-developed characters that is a real page-turned. Like the first book in the series, there are plenty of bad guys out to stop Ian and his friends from gathering all of the oracles. But the children are clever and although they have a lot of close calls, are usually able to out-smart the evil forces at work in the book.
Young Readers will instantly bond with the main characters. Ian, Theo, and Carl are all highly likable children, and I hated to see the two boys fight over a girl. Yes, this can happen in real life, and sometime does, and it always ends with tragedy at the expense of the two friends' relationship. So, boys, don't ever let a girl come between you and your best friend. Girls may come and go, but best friends should be forever. This goes for girls too.
Victoria Laurie has done a wonderful job writing the second book in the Oracles of Delphi Keep series. This book is a real page-turner that will keep you reading late into the night. I found that I didn't want to put the book down until the last page, and then I was quite bummed when it was over. I wanted more.
Overall, The Curse of Deadman's Forest is an excellent addition to a series that has tons of potential to be quite extraordinary. This is the type of adventure series that would make wonderful movies. Boy, that would be great if that happened. I cannot wait to see what happens next in Quest for the Secret Keeper. I'll bet it is a blast!
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
Young Readers will instantly bond with the main characters. Ian, Theo, and Carl are all highly likable children, and I hated to see the two boys fight over a girl. Yes, this can happen in real life, and sometime does, and it always ends with tragedy at the expense of the two friends' relationship. So, boys, don't ever let a girl come between you and your best friend. Girls may come and go, but best friends should be forever. This goes for girls too.
Victoria Laurie has done a wonderful job writing the second book in the Oracles of Delphi Keep series. This book is a real page-turner that will keep you reading late into the night. I found that I didn't want to put the book down until the last page, and then I was quite bummed when it was over. I wanted more.
Overall, The Curse of Deadman's Forest is an excellent addition to a series that has tons of potential to be quite extraordinary. This is the type of adventure series that would make wonderful movies. Boy, that would be great if that happened. I cannot wait to see what happens next in Quest for the Secret Keeper. I'll bet it is a blast!
I rated this book a 9 out of 10.
December 15, 2012
Book 2 of the Oracles of Delphi Keep series by Victoria Laurie. After I read it, I went back and reread Book 3 in the series, Quest for the Secret Keeper. A good fantasy/action series for (mostly) boys about 4th grade and up. It's set at the beginning of WWII so there's some historical aspects about the story as well, but it is not historical fiction. I definitely suggest reading the books in order starting with the first one, Oracles of Delphi Keep.
The plot--several children living in an orphanage in Dover, England, find they have become involved in a mysterious prophecy from the ancient Oracle of Delphi, a prophecy whose outcome will determine the fate of the world. The children have to locate other children obliquely referred to in the prophecy, battle and/or outwit sorcerors, sorceresses, hell hounds, and Nazis, and recover a series of silver boxes in which they find more parts to the prophesy and clues which lead to the next search. The kids can move through time and space using portals and they have help from various adults living in the children's time as well as a few adults who have come through the portals from ancient Greece, etc.
This probably sounds more complicated than it is. To keep it all straight, however, the books need to be read in order.
The plot--several children living in an orphanage in Dover, England, find they have become involved in a mysterious prophecy from the ancient Oracle of Delphi, a prophecy whose outcome will determine the fate of the world. The children have to locate other children obliquely referred to in the prophecy, battle and/or outwit sorcerors, sorceresses, hell hounds, and Nazis, and recover a series of silver boxes in which they find more parts to the prophesy and clues which lead to the next search. The kids can move through time and space using portals and they have help from various adults living in the children's time as well as a few adults who have come through the portals from ancient Greece, etc.
This probably sounds more complicated than it is. To keep it all straight, however, the books need to be read in order.
October 25, 2013
MontanaLibrary2Go
Strange, I don't know how I neglected to add and review this book, I thought that I had done so. Since I've already written a review for the third book in the series, it's difficult to go back and remember specifically how I felt about this middle book. Especially now that I know the series will not be completed (lack of resolution changes how I feel about a series). So, no proper review here.
Strange, I don't know how I neglected to add and review this book, I thought that I had done so. Since I've already written a review for the third book in the series, it's difficult to go back and remember specifically how I felt about this middle book. Especially now that I know the series will not be completed (lack of resolution changes how I feel about a series). So, no proper review here.
October 26, 2014
I wish this series had an ending. I really can't wait to read the third book. This book was much better than the first and the storyline has progressed to the point of no return for myself to wonder what happens next. Hopefully Ms. Laurie could find a way to finish her story so those that have followed her dream of these orphans can see the conclusion.
July 7, 2012
As with the 1st one, read this to my son. He loved it, and I didn't mind it! Not too predictable, good storyline without being scary. We can't wait till the library gets the next one in the series.
December 2, 2014
1st book of the series took a while to get into. This one popped into my mind immediately. Fantasy, true, but with basis in known history (somewhat similar to Steampunk fiction). Just ordered 3rd book.
June 6, 2010
Laurie had some terrific moments of edge of your seat suspense and this skill kept me captivated until the very end. I can't wait to continue this series.
Want to read
July 26, 2010A lovely ARC from Random House
October 21, 2010
Second book in the Oracles of Delphi Keep series. The story flows well and continues exciting. Theo and Ian collect another of the oracles needed for saving the world.
Want to read
October 22, 2010Obtained from editor to review for curledup.com....
November 7, 2010
Great sequel ..... looking forward the the next in this series....
December 20, 2010
A great sequel to the first and darker. I'll be reading more of their adventures.
January 11, 2011
The second book in the Oracles Of Delphi Keep series. The Oracle Laodamia makes another prophesy. Ian, THeo and Carl journey on another adventure with betrayels, fight scenes, and magic.
July 24, 2011
I LOVED IT! ;)
April 9, 2016
I liked that one. It was a good book. Very creative and the gun was rather.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 44 reviews