rima_amani's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
fictionalkate's review against another edition
4.0
Sophie and Josh Newman, fifteen-year-old twins, had planned on working during the summer to save up enough money to buy a car. But when the book store Josh was employed at gets broken into by a couple of golems, Josh learns that his boss – the laid back Nick Flemming – is none other than the immortal alchemyst Nicholas Flamel. Dee manages to fling around his dark magic, kidnap Flamel’s wife and steal the one book that Flamel has spent most of his unnaturally long life trying to protect.
And that’s just the first chapter!
This book is full of action and all sorts of magical and mythical creatures. There’s Greek, Irish, Egyptian and so many other types of mythology touched upon and I was surprised to read in the author’s note that all the characters (with the exception of the twins) were based on real historical people or mythological beings.
The twins are interesting characters. The entire novel takes place over a matter of days and despite the short time frame they have both changed so much since the start of the book. I can’t wait to see what happens the in other books with regards to the prophecy and who Josh and Sophie decide to align themselves with.
Nicholas Flamel – the Alchemyst himself – was probably my least favourite character. I think I was expecting too much from him and in this first novel he and his motives remain a bit of a mystery.
I loved the idea of Hekate’s shadowrealm and her World Tree – that’s the kind of tree house I’d love to have in the backyard. Scathach (Scatty) was more fun than I expected a 2500 year old character to be and I can’t wait to see just how Perry fares. The Morrigan is rather scary and not just because she hangs around with a murder of crows. She’s turning out to be a brilliant villain – I just can’t wait to see what sinister plans she has next.
This was an entertaining book and a pleasant change from all the YA romances I’ve been reading of late.
And that’s just the first chapter!
This book is full of action and all sorts of magical and mythical creatures. There’s Greek, Irish, Egyptian and so many other types of mythology touched upon and I was surprised to read in the author’s note that all the characters (with the exception of the twins) were based on real historical people or mythological beings.
The twins are interesting characters. The entire novel takes place over a matter of days and despite the short time frame they have both changed so much since the start of the book. I can’t wait to see what happens the in other books with regards to the prophecy and who Josh and Sophie decide to align themselves with.
Nicholas Flamel – the Alchemyst himself – was probably my least favourite character. I think I was expecting too much from him and in this first novel he and his motives remain a bit of a mystery.
I loved the idea of Hekate’s shadowrealm and her World Tree – that’s the kind of tree house I’d love to have in the backyard. Scathach (Scatty) was more fun than I expected a 2500 year old character to be and I can’t wait to see just how Perry fares. The Morrigan is rather scary and not just because she hangs around with a murder of crows. She’s turning out to be a brilliant villain – I just can’t wait to see what sinister plans she has next.
This was an entertaining book and a pleasant change from all the YA romances I’ve been reading of late.
mallorykjorgensen's review against another edition
5.0
What a wonderful book! I loved that this book mixed realistic fiction with fantasy and mythology. There were so many times during my reading that I had to stop and think about what I know to be real history and what I know to be myths or folklore. This is the type of book that really makes you think!
stormcloud82's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
pagesofpins's review against another edition
3.0
Nicholas Flamel has been mixing the elixir of life for centuries, and the secret of eternal life is kept within a book he protects, until it is stolen by Dr. John Dee, who wishes to use it to destroy the world. Twins Josh and Sophie are the only ones who can stop him.
A bit more dark magic than I generally like in my fantasy, but the author does a phenomenal job of blending legends that readers may be less familiar with and historical people, adding a richness to this adventure that will get readers excited.
A bit more dark magic than I generally like in my fantasy, but the author does a phenomenal job of blending legends that readers may be less familiar with and historical people, adding a richness to this adventure that will get readers excited.
fugater096's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Don’t go into this expecting anything ground breaking, but it is a decent book. It’s a fun ride that leaves you with a lot of questions going into book 2. I’m hoping the main characters get fleshed out a little more in the rest of the series, they were a definite weak point for me. However, the plot was solid, and a couple of the side characters, scatty and Hekate were really well written. This is a good pickup if you find yourself in a rut from the normal adult literature and just want something fun and quick paced. It’s not going to change your life, but it might keep you out of a reading slump.
mailmac's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
brendanjones's review against another edition
4.0
Picked it and its sequels up for next to nothing in an op-shop not realising it was YA fiction, but it was such easy and fun reading I got hooked and finished the series in just over a week. An enjoyable romp with which to escape from the non-fiction I've been consuming of late.
gemspy7's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0