The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel - Michael Scott
Myth-based, modernized fantasy is nonstop fun.
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- Author:Michael Scott
- # of pages: 384
- Publisher:Delacorte Press
- Original Publication Date: 05/22/2007
- Genre: Fiction - Fantasy
- Hardcover: $16.99
- Publisher's Recommended Reading Level: 12
- Read Aloud: 10
- Read Alone: 11
Parents need to know
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?
Message
Social Behavior:
Consumerism:
Numerous products mentioned as part of normal life: video games, movies, electronics, TV shows, etc.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
Much fantasy violence and deaths, no gore.
Sex
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Matt Berman
Dee kidnaps Perenelle and steals the Codex, an ancient book containing the secrets of magic, and a prophecy involving twins. But Josh accidentally ends up with the final two pages, and now Dee and his masters and minions are out to reclaim the pages, and enlist or kill the twins. As they race across the West Coast, members of the Elder Race begin lining up on both sides.
Is it any good?
Though the good-vs.-evil and kids-with-secret-powers themes may be well worn by now, nothing about this story, from its setting and characters to its intricate use of myth to create an alternative history of earth, is typical. When Dee lines up the Celtic Crow-Goddess and the Egyptian Bastet (who lives in an L.A. mansion, of course) to fight against Greek Hekate, who lives in Yggdrasil, the Norse World Tree (currently located in a shadow world just off Mill Valley), you know you're not in Kansas anymore.
Though an appendix with references for all the characters and places mentioned in the story would have been welcome, this book, first of a planned series, is plain old-fashioned fun, with an intellectual gloss that will give fans something to look into while waiting for the next in the series. Put it together with The Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan, and The Corydon Trilogy by Tobias Druitt, and you've practically got a college course in mythology.
Other choices
Other Books by Michael Scott:
Culai Heritage
The Merchant Prince
Irish Myths and Legends
More Myths in Modern Times:
The Oracle Doll by Catherine Dexter
The Eyes of Kid Midas by Neal Shusterman
The Lightning Thief: Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 1 by Rick Riordan
Related Web sites:
Official Site
Nicholas Flamel on Wikipedia
Parents and kids say
All Reviews
There are 11 reviews.
Adult Reviews
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Kids Reviews
There are 9 reviews.

