A couple of weeks ago, we were in Barnes and Noble and I said to my wife..."I need a good adventure book." She went straight to the teen section and pulled 3 books. The one I chose was "The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel", by Michael Scott.
My wife is a genius! "The Alchemyst" is a fast paced adventure, full of magic, warriors, myths and legends. Michael Scott uses just about every legend, from ancient Egyptian Goddesses, to Atlantis, to King Arthur to weave a terrific story set in and around 2007 San Francisco. Being that Scott is Irish, some of the mythological beings are of Irish Lore, and require a little digging if you want to find out more.
"The Alchemyst" follows twin 15 year olds, Sophie and Josh Newman as they discover a world of magic and mystery after they witness their friend Nick Fleming and his wife Perry get into a magical dual with the infamous Dr. John Dee. When Perry is captured, Fleming tells the kids that they are in grave danger because of what they have seen. He tells them he is really Nicholas Flamel, one of the great Alchemysts of all time, born in Paris, France in 1330. From there, the story takes off and doesn't stop, even on the last page. I can't say more without giving too much away.
Every character in this book, with the exceptions of Sophie and Josh, are based on myths and legends from around the world. For example, Nicholas Flamel, did live in Paris in the 1300's, and was rumored, along with his wife Perenelle, to be immortal. This rumor got started because upon their deaths, their tomb was raided and found empty. If you remember, Flamel was also mentioned by J.K. Rowling in the first Harry Potter Book. The use of characters and legends we all know make for a very fun read. It's also fun if you don't know them...you can do research if you are a nerd like me.
"The Alchemyst" is the first in a planned 6 book series. Books 2 and 3 are available now, and I'm already working on Book 2, "The Magician". If you are a fan of books like Harry Potter, then I think you'll really like "The Alchemyst".
"The Alchemyst" follows twin 15 year olds, Sophie and Josh Newman as they discover a world of magic and mystery after they witness their friend Nick Fleming and his wife Perry get into a magical dual with the infamous Dr. John Dee. When Perry is captured, Fleming tells the kids that they are in grave danger because of what they have seen. He tells them he is really Nicholas Flamel, one of the great Alchemysts of all time, born in Paris, France in 1330. From there, the story takes off and doesn't stop, even on the last page. I can't say more without giving too much away.
Every character in this book, with the exceptions of Sophie and Josh, are based on myths and legends from around the world. For example, Nicholas Flamel, did live in Paris in the 1300's, and was rumored, along with his wife Perenelle, to be immortal. This rumor got started because upon their deaths, their tomb was raided and found empty. If you remember, Flamel was also mentioned by J.K. Rowling in the first Harry Potter Book. The use of characters and legends we all know make for a very fun read. It's also fun if you don't know them...you can do research if you are a nerd like me.
"The Alchemyst" is the first in a planned 6 book series. Books 2 and 3 are available now, and I'm already working on Book 2, "The Magician". If you are a fan of books like Harry Potter, then I think you'll really like "The Alchemyst".
3 comments:
Jake, would this book be appropriate for a 3rd grader? I.e. no adult content... Isaac has read the first 3 harry potter books and I'm always on the lookout for new series for him....
Thanks! Chrissy
Good book review.
What a sweet thing to say about your wife. But you're right; I know your wife and she is a genius. ;)
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