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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
The Alchemist was a decent book. I rated it 3 of 5 because it was so much like other books I've read in this genre, so it was predictable throughout. All in all it was a good story.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-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
Started off terribly slow and confusing, to the point I almost quit reading. The plot and development rapidly picks up in the last third of the book which make this book worthwhile afterall. The slowness at the start makes more sense once you finish. Definitely a book to setup the series.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I like how the book incorporates mythology and occult lore. The book though, is a bit simplistic and shallow in depth. It is still a fun book, just not a great book.
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Reread: 6th April 2025
First read: May 2022 (goodreads rating: 4⭐️)
This book is set in the real world and features both historical figures and mythical creatures, blending it all together pretty well with magic and alchemy 😆 The action begins fairly quickly and the multiple POVs keep it from becoming too boring 😃 However, the main characters fell a bit flat when compared to everything else going on 😕
From what I remember, the series does get better but should be read slowly to avoid burnout 😅
I think I was expecting too much from this book. It is obviously for children and young teens.
One of the biggest problems I found with the book is that it frequently referenced common characters from mythology or history but it changes the history of those characters from what I have learned and read in the past. I had a hard time with that. I like my mythologies to line up neatly. For example, in the Percy Jackson series, many Gods and Goddesses are included in the series and other than the fact that they currently exist, their mythos is intact. This book took too many liberties, in my opinion and made too many changes.
It was a quality story, however. I wouldn't rule out reading the rest of the series at some time.
One of the biggest problems I found with the book is that it frequently referenced common characters from mythology or history but it changes the history of those characters from what I have learned and read in the past. I had a hard time with that. I like my mythologies to line up neatly. For example, in the Percy Jackson series, many Gods and Goddesses are included in the series and other than the fact that they currently exist, their mythos is intact. This book took too many liberties, in my opinion and made too many changes.
It was a quality story, however. I wouldn't rule out reading the rest of the series at some time.
Enjoyable and fairly fast moving with a nice modern bend to the mythology, magic and fairy tales that fuel the imagination. Only docked a few stars because I have a bit of a pet peeve with half truths and lies - the former pop up a lot though out the book, and the latter show up more at the end.
4 Stars
What fun. I love some good YA; especially when the kids aren't snotty, little brats.
This is the beginning of a series, with Fraternal twins Josh and Sophie stumbling upon an adventure of a lifetime... save the world.
We are introduced to some fascinating characters; namely Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle. Who have become immortal due to their care and protection of the Codex. It is the acquisition of this book that is at the center of this adventure; with it's two missing pages. With the dark Elders and one of my new anti-heroes; Mr John Dee, on the hunt for these last two pages... this is going to be entertaining and fun, whilst I read more tame books throughout the year. I can't wait to read the next book.
What fun. I love some good YA; especially when the kids aren't snotty, little brats.
This is the beginning of a series, with Fraternal twins Josh and Sophie stumbling upon an adventure of a lifetime... save the world.
We are introduced to some fascinating characters; namely Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle. Who have become immortal due to their care and protection of the Codex. It is the acquisition of this book that is at the center of this adventure; with it's two missing pages. With the dark Elders and one of my new anti-heroes; Mr John Dee, on the hunt for these last two pages... this is going to be entertaining and fun, whilst I read more tame books throughout the year. I can't wait to read the next book.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No