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The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

(2007, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Michael Scott)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Myth-based, modernized fantasy is nonstop fun.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Much fantasy violence and deaths, no gore.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Numerous products mentioned as part of normal life: video games, movies, electronics, TV shows, etc.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Parents need to know that, despite the almost nonstop action and fantasy violence, there is very little real violence, gore, or anything realistic.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the world-wide mythology behind the story and how allusions to Flamel compare to mentions of him in the Harry Potter books. Kids might also be interested in reading more about the myths the author uses, and the ways in which he has tried to make sense of the legendary past. If the gods of the ancient world lived today, how might they appear to human beings? What would you do if you were immortal? Are the powers Sophie gains worth the pain?

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Our Members Say

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See all 18 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    best book ever

    This book is so awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Get it, read it, love it

    Love it great for lovers of the super natural, Great if you like magic and ledgend

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 3.0

    Good

    I walked away from this book a little disappointed. It wasn't that great even though it wasn't horrible. I'm reading the second book and I'll see how the story countinues.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    LOVED IT

    I LOVED THIS!!!! The Alchemyst is a great lead to the series. This is a great book for boys and girls. It is rare to find a book with such strong female and male characters in this adventurous, mythical, fantasy style. I would say this is a good book for ages 10+

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    AWESOME AWESOME

    Awesome idea! The main character just needs to get it through his head that Nick is the GOOD GUY. Sigh...I love you Nick... =) Wonderful book. There isn't any chanty spell-casting. It's just whooosh like superpowers. Which makes it awesome. !

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