The Alchemyst by Michael Scott © 2007 Delacorte Press ISBN
978-0-385-73351-1 375 pages (Includes Author's Note) Hardbound Book
Club
Edition $16.99 (U.S.)
I got this book from one of the book clubs I belong to for two simple
reasons. The first is that I have been fascinated by Nicholas Flamel for
many years. And the second reason is that I enjoy fiction with a mystical
or magickal theme
Much like the Harry Potter series, which was (allegedly) for the "younger"
reader, this book contains a wealth of details which go far beyond a
child's
understanding of myth and legend. It will not teach any great secrets,
but
it may pique your interest in various topics.
This is the opening volume of a series (presumably to run to at least five
volumes, based on the format set out here) of well-thought-out, carefully
planned, well-executed books. Michael Scott has done his research in a
thorough manner. He has skillfully blended reality, myth, legend, and his
own perceptive "take" on things to bring to life a group of individuals
who
are reminiscent of the heroes of Narnia, with a touch of Lovecraft,
without
being copies of anything.
This is going to be, I am sure, a magical series firmly rooted in reality
(SUVs, Alcatraz, cell phones, etc.) with more than touch of
Otherworldliness
(Nicholas Flamel, John Dee, the Witch of Endor, Bastet and Hecate among
others).
Some of the motivations are easy to see from the opening chapters. Others
develop as you get further into the story. Regardless, each motive is
given
time to develop and be revealed fully as the story progresses.
I'm not sure how many books are going to be written in this series, but I
can safely make these personal predictions: No matter how many are
written,
more will be wanted. And, the wait between volumes will, regardless of
the
actual time elapsed, be too long to be endured.
Looking for a good series to help ease your withdrawal from Harry Potter?
My guess is, you may well have found it in this series. Read this book
and
see if you agree with me.
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