danica_v's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mommyhale's review
5.0
This is the third in a series of fantastic adventures using mythical creatures from many countries and genres. I like the premise, and have sped through all three books and will read the next one when it comes out.
sable_m's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
3.75 (liberally)
So I wanted to rate this higher, though in reality it's likely a 3.5 or 3.25 star book.
Quick review is that it's an average book, but my appeal for the references, creatures and magic has it boosted up a bit. But of the first 3 books, this one is weakest for various reasons.
More indepth:
The pacing is relatively fast in this book but my main gripe is that there's a sudden change in style for the book. In the previous book there was little to no "recap" in terms of characters being redescribed or actions/events being rehashed. Here, the majority of calmer events or descriptions (though in reality it's likely just under half) feel as though it's rehashing the previous 2 books and knowledge- annoying when doing a binge read of the series. Essentially every character on the page gets a complete detailed rehash as well as events (not so casually) being resummarized in the twins' or Flamel's thoughts.
As for the pacing, it was still fast though when you think on actual events there's not much happening- the grand majority of the book is comprised of roughly 2 extremely large fights broken into roughly no less than 3 chapters each (probably about 50 pages each), 2/3 Perenelle fights (1 fight happens right after one so it could be counted as 2 by some), and like 1-3 small scuffles that end quick. In fight scenes I'd say of the 483 page copy I read from, a good 300 was just the "action".
There's many perspective shifts- such as
I was disappointed when I was reading as
We do get some good conflict in the form of
I also did catch a minor error in page 353 of my copy, where it's stated they were taken to the Witch of Endor to be awakened- which is wrong as it was the Witch who trained Sophie, but Hekate was the one who was asked to awaken them.
Overall, story wise, this book got a little bit of push along the plot- namely
So I wanted to rate this higher, though in reality it's likely a 3.5 or 3.25 star book.
Quick review is that it's an average book, but my appeal for the references, creatures and magic has it boosted up a bit. But of the first 3 books, this one is weakest for various reasons.
More indepth:
The pacing is relatively fast in this book but my main gripe is that there's a sudden change in style for the book. In the previous book there was little to no "recap" in terms of characters being redescribed or actions/events being rehashed. Here, the majority of calmer events or descriptions (though in reality it's likely just under half) feel as though it's rehashing the previous 2 books and knowledge- annoying when doing a binge read of the series. Essentially every character on the page gets a complete detailed rehash as well as events (not so casually) being resummarized in the twins' or Flamel's thoughts.
As for the pacing, it was still fast though when you think on actual events there's not much happening- the grand majority of the book is comprised of roughly 2 extremely large fights broken into roughly no less than 3 chapters each (probably about 50 pages each), 2/3 Perenelle fights (1 fight happens right after one so it could be counted as 2 by some), and like 1-3 small scuffles that end quick. In fight scenes I'd say of the 483 page copy I read from, a good 300 was just the "action".
There's many perspective shifts- such as
Spoiler
right before the first large battle, we get Flamel and the twins, then we get Perenelle, then the twins again, then one of Perenelle's fights, then a lead into the battle, and then Dee and Bastet, and then the twins again. Now, for a timeline cohesion it's understandable, but when the entire book is 2 large fights with the smaller sometimes being Perenelle fighting, it doesn't make formatting sense (as in keep the large fight together then flash over to Perenelle till hers is done and flash back).I was disappointed when I was reading as
Spoiler
we get nothing on Scatty beyond a brief mention at the beginning until roughly page 300, and Gilgamesh is heavily mentioned/focused on for the summary and lead in to the book I read, but he doesn't actually make an appearance page 321. I was super hyped for Gilgamesh but we barely get him in the book (at best 142 pages he was "there" as in with the group) before he's gone again as they get away back to San Francisco at the end.We do get some good conflict in the form of
Spoiler
"other twins". As well as a Excalibur and Clarent battle between Dee and Josh. We also get the Archon- who are older than Nidhogg and the elders, and likely the first race on the earth (who created the words of power that trapped Aerop in the previous book).I also did catch a minor error in page 353 of my copy, where it's stated they were taken to the Witch of Endor to be awakened- which is wrong as it was the Witch who trained Sophie, but Hekate was the one who was asked to awaken them.
Overall, story wise, this book got a little bit of push along the plot- namely
Spoiler
Josh gets his first training, Sophie only needs 2 more magics, and they reunite with Perenelle. Most of the calm though we get lore and background information, such as the Archon being Clarent's original wielder and that Bastet and Mars are actually siblings.chrissireads's review
4.0
I've been looking forward to reading this book having read The Alchemyst and The Magician recently. This book particularly centres around Perenelle Flamel who is The Sorceress. Still, the other characters get a chance to shine.
In this book there are some legendary characters that appear. I love this about Michael Scott's series. It's very clever. I don't want to ruin the story for everyone that reads it so won't say too much. Definitely recommend reading The Sorceress though. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
Sigh... how long until book 4 comes out again?
In this book there are some legendary characters that appear. I love this about Michael Scott's series. It's very clever. I don't want to ruin the story for everyone that reads it so won't say too much. Definitely recommend reading The Sorceress though. Looking forward to reading the next installment.
Sigh... how long until book 4 comes out again?
febrianikmadusari's review against another edition
4.0
The Alchemyst = Nicholas Flamel, The Magician = DR John Dee, The Sorceress = Paranelle.
Bikin penasaran seri ini, walau udh menduga2 gmn jalan ceritanya... Never thought i would like the book the way i do...
Bikin penasaran seri ini, walau udh menduga2 gmn jalan ceritanya... Never thought i would like the book the way i do...
khourianya's review
5.0
I am enjoying this series so very much! Definitely recommended for young and old alike :)
jbojkov's review
5.0
The continued saga as Josh and Sophie search for the next Immortal to help them learn water magic before attempting the return to CA. Perenelle is locked in her own battle on Alcatraz as one after the other evil creatures seeks to destroy her. Another cliff-hanger will keep you wanting to read.
just_tommye's review
5.0
The slow burn tension in this series is nail-biting. Even though the pages refuse to answer so many questions, or at least release information very gradually, the story itself pulls you along for the ride.
I remember first finishing this book and being like, ‘That was great! Where’s the next one?’
I had to wait another year!
It was worth the wait though; more about that later…
I remember first finishing this book and being like, ‘That was great! Where’s the next one?’
I had to wait another year!
It was worth the wait though; more about that later…