Picture an American storyteller who conjured a magical world of Egyptian curses and secret societies—meet R. L. LaFevers! Writing under her initials (and occasionally her full name, Robin Lorraine, when she’s in big trouble), LaFevers has enchanted young readers with her adventurous tales. Best known for the Theodosia Throckmorton series, she weaves history, mythology, and a dash of magic into stories that spark curiosity and wonder.
Born with a knack for daydreaming, LaFevers grew up surrounded by dusty books and a menagerie of pets, from goats to bear cubs. Now living on a Southern California ranch, she draws inspiration from forgotten texts and the wild creatures that visit her porch. Her stories invite readers to explore the past while unraveling mysteries alongside clever young heroes.
The Making of R. L. LaFevers
R. L. LaFevers, born Robin Lorraine, grew up in Los Angeles, immersed in a world of old books and a lively household of brothers and exotic animals. Her childhood, filled with tales of chipmunks, a baby anteater, and even two bear cubs, fueled her imagination. Often told she was inventing things that weren’t there, she found her calling in fiction. After honing her craft, LaFevers began writing for young readers, blending her love of history and the supernatural into stories that feel both timeless and thrilling.
R. L. LaFevers’s Unforgettable Stories
LaFevers’s Theodosia Throckmorton series is her crown jewel, a four-book adventure starring an eleven-year-old girl who detects ancient curses in her parents’ London museum. The first book, Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos (2007), follows Theo as she battles dark forces tied to a cursed Egyptian amulet. Praised for its rich vocabulary and Indiana Jones–style excitement, it earned starred reviews and a Junior Library Guild selection. The sequels—Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris, Theodosia and the Eyes of Horus, and Theodosia and the Last Pharaoh—dive deeper into secret societies and Egyptian mythology, keeping readers hooked.
Beyond Theodosia, LaFevers penned the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series, a charming saga about a young boy exploring mythical creatures. Under her full name, Robin LaFevers, she wrote the His Fair Assassin series, a young adult trilogy blending medieval intrigue and assassin nuns. Her style shines with vivid historical details, witty dialogue, and strong, resourceful protagonists who navigate danger with brains and bravery.
LaFevers’s knack for blending fact and fantasy makes her books educational yet fun. Her Victorian settings and Egyptian lore spark interest in history, while her humor and suspense keep pages turning. Fans adore her ability to craft heroines like Theodosia, who refuse to be victims and tackle challenges head-on.
Why R. L. LaFevers Matters
R. L. LaFevers has left a lasting mark on middle-grade and young adult literature by making history accessible and thrilling. Her stories empower young readers, especially girls, to embrace their intelligence and courage. The Theodosia series, now inspiring a TV adaptation on HBO Max, has introduced countless kids to Egyptian mythology and the joy of reading. By sneaking vocabulary lessons and historical tidbits into her action-packed plots, LaFevers educates while entertaining, a rare feat in children’s literature.
Her influence extends beyond books. LaFevers’s love of animals and nature, evident in her Nathaniel Fludd series, encourages ecological awareness. Her tales of magic and mystery remind readers to stay curious and open to the wonders of the world.
- Pen Name: R. L. LaFevers (Robin Lorraine LaFevers for YA)
- Key Works: Theodosia Throckmorton series, Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series, His Fair Assassin series
- Awards: Junior Library Guild selection, Booksense Summer Pick, Malice Domestic’s Agatha Award nomination
- Fun Fact: She once cared for two bear cubs!
Ready to embark on a magical adventure? Grab Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos and dive into R. L. LaFevers’s spellbinding world of curses, courage, and clever kids!