Short Review: I loved this book and can't wait for the sequels and the 2009 movie.A Bit More About the Story: Michael Scott is an Irish author who cut his teeth on folklore and mythology. He's put that knowledge, and his research skills, to good use in creating the Alchemyst series.
The premise for this series is that Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle, (real people who lived in the late 1300-early 1400s) did not die in Paris, but discovered the secrets of immortal life from the Book of Abraham the Mage that Nicholas discovered in his original profession as a bookseller. When The Alchemyst begins, Nicholas and Perenelle are living and working annonymously in modern-day San Francisco, where they become friends with twins, Josh and Sophie Newman. Everything seems normal until the Flamels are attacked by enemies wanting to control the ancient Book of Abraham.
Along with Josh and Sophie, readers are introduced to the magical world of the Flamels, their enemy Dr. John Dee, and the Elder Race (powerful magical beings who once ruled the world and inspired stories of mythological gods and goddesses).
The twins and Nicholas Flamel must fight against Dee and Elders who want to reclaim control over the world. Sophie's innate magical powers are awakened by the Elder, Hekate, who resides in a giant living tree. Josh has to fight his feelings of being left behind and a pull toward Dee.
Why I Loved It: I'm very impressed that Michael Scott is able to write well from both the male and female perspective. He gives readers the point of view of all four main characters (Nicholas, Perenelle, Josh and Sophie) and a bit of insight from the story's villain, John Dee. This ability seems to have been honed during Scott's years of writing under a female pen name, as Anna Dillon.
I'm also excited about the historical elements that Scott weaves into his story. The Flamels and Dr. John Dee really lived and studied alchemy. The mythological figures included in the story, Bastet, Hekate, The Morrigan, etc. also exist outside of of Scott's story. Just for fun, Scott has also thrown in passing references to other historical events, such as the Great Fire of London in 1666. You can appreciate the story without knowing about these individuals and events, but it felt to me like an inside joke with the author to recognize them.
Finally, I like this book because it's not trying to be Harry Potter. The story isn't organized around the main characters' school year. The twins are not orphans (although Scott has cleverly arranged for their parents to be out of town throughout the book). The twins are both the focus of the book -- first as the readers' proxies learning about the magical world, and then as possible subjects of a prophesy in the Book of Abraham. I enjoyed J.K. Rowling's books, but don't feel that they need to be the pattern all other teen science fiction falls into.
My only complaint about this book is that it only resolves the main conflicts created for the characters. Other key issues are left open for the book's sequels. Fortunately, I have the second book in the series, The Magician, waiting on the bedside table. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until May 2009 to read the third book in the series, The Sorceress.
Along with Josh and Sophie, readers are introduced to the magical world of the Flamels, their enemy Dr. John Dee, and the Elder Race (powerful magical beings who once ruled the world and inspired stories of mythological gods and goddesses).
The twins and Nicholas Flamel must fight against Dee and Elders who want to reclaim control over the world. Sophie's innate magical powers are awakened by the Elder, Hekate, who resides in a giant living tree. Josh has to fight his feelings of being left behind and a pull toward Dee.
Why I Loved It: I'm very impressed that Michael Scott is able to write well from both the male and female perspective. He gives readers the point of view of all four main characters (Nicholas, Perenelle, Josh and Sophie) and a bit of insight from the story's villain, John Dee. This ability seems to have been honed during Scott's years of writing under a female pen name, as Anna Dillon.
I'm also excited about the historical elements that Scott weaves into his story. The Flamels and Dr. John Dee really lived and studied alchemy. The mythological figures included in the story, Bastet, Hekate, The Morrigan, etc. also exist outside of of Scott's story. Just for fun, Scott has also thrown in passing references to other historical events, such as the Great Fire of London in 1666. You can appreciate the story without knowing about these individuals and events, but it felt to me like an inside joke with the author to recognize them.
Finally, I like this book because it's not trying to be Harry Potter. The story isn't organized around the main characters' school year. The twins are not orphans (although Scott has cleverly arranged for their parents to be out of town throughout the book). The twins are both the focus of the book -- first as the readers' proxies learning about the magical world, and then as possible subjects of a prophesy in the Book of Abraham. I enjoyed J.K. Rowling's books, but don't feel that they need to be the pattern all other teen science fiction falls into.
My only complaint about this book is that it only resolves the main conflicts created for the characters. Other key issues are left open for the book's sequels. Fortunately, I have the second book in the series, The Magician, waiting on the bedside table. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until May 2009 to read the third book in the series, The Sorceress.
3 comments:
I've been dying to read this, thanks for the great review! I love hisfic, and have been into Nicholas Flamel stuff from JK's books. Very cool. :o)
Thanks, Smash. I'm about halfway through the Magician now.
I just finished this book and wow what a read. I wish I had read your review before I got handed the book maybe then it would not have sat on mt TBR as long as it did.
I agree though it is nice to have a change from Harry Potter styled books.
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