He holds the secret that can end the world. The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life. The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty. The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects; the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it. Sometimes legends are true. And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.
The Alcyemst has been on my to read list for a long time. My 12 year old son read it about a year ago and really liked it but I have never gotten around to reading it. I recently found an audio copy available for free download from our library so decided to give this book a try.
To be honest this book is a little slow in places. I listened to one section at least a half dozen times because my mind kept wandering and I had no clue what was happening. So why a 4 star rating? I loved how the author was able to weave myths, legends and history into this story. By the end of the book I had really enjoyed it and was glad I had taken the time to listen to it. Plus it was totally clean with nothing objectionable in it.
The Alcyemst is book one in The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott. There are currently 4 books in the series that have been released and 2 more planned making this a 6 book series. I intend to read the rest of this series but will probably wait until 2012 when the final book is released to do so.
Content: Clean
Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Download from Overdrive
My fifteen year old and I have been reading this as they were released. I actually have been enjoying them quite a bit!
ReplyDeleteThis wasn't my favorite ever, but I did enjoy this book. So far I've read the first three in the series... I bought the fourth for my NOOK, but I still haven't read it yet!
ReplyDeleteActually, honestly, this book series isn't bad to read as they come out. Mr. Scott is pretty diligent about releasing one a year and it's something nice to look forward to!
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought the books were a bit pretentious, adding SO many historical people/places/events in... and saying "Oh yeah, main character, totally caused that..."... but then I read more about Michael Scott and his background, and it made sense that he's be adding more of that in to entice kids to check it out.
Thanks for the honest review and thanks for visiting my blog :)
ReplyDeleteI've been obsessed with alchemy and the occult for years, so I can honestly say I have absolutely no interest in reading this :/
ReplyDeleteI came from Staruday Situation hosted by Candace's Book Blog and Pure Imagination.
ReplyDeleteI have been eyeing this book for sometime. But like you, I think I will wait until the last book is released bofore starting to read this one. Thank you for sharing your views!
Cherry Mischievous
cherrymischif-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com
I have been curious about this one, thanks for the review. I will keep in mind the slow spots, but hang in there for the awesomeness.
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Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Thanks for the review. So many books, so little time!
ReplyDeleteWhile I loved that the author include myths and history in his story, I truly wish that he can add more on that part to make the book even more solid. For me, it is a good book but not the best all the way through.
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I'm here from Book Review Party Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds intriguing when I first read the synopsis. It is on my wishlist...=) Thanks for the honest review. =)
My Bebe Boy James and I read this as one of our "read-together" books. I enjoyed it because HE enjoyed it. Anything to encourage the love of reading! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteJulie @ Knitting and Sundries
I have a feeling I could enjoyed this book. The cover looks stunning and you stated there are some myths and legensd which I adore so I will probably give it a try in a future.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review.
I came from Saturday Situation
This book was okay, but I really liked the second and the third book. They were amazing!
ReplyDeleteI've been debating on if I'd like this book or not. I might have to check it out at the library.
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