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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
A fun read
Having just started the series, The Alchemyst sets up a fun young adult world with a lot of possibility that I'm excited to see let loose.
Having just started the series, The Alchemyst sets up a fun young adult world with a lot of possibility that I'm excited to see let loose.
This book has a lot of potential. I really think the story itself, however, was designed far too much to be a series, and to make sure that many books could be made out of the plot, was filled with an overabundance of faux history and potential storylines that may develop later, and that really took away from the book as a whole. I feel like this series is probably compared a lot to Percy Jackson, but this has much more superfluous detail and too little compelling action. I felt next to nothing about the main characters (the twins), and I feel like many plot holes will be exposed throughout the rest of the series. With that said, there is enough interest in me to rate this book 2 stars (rounding down from 2.5), and to want to read another book in the series (mostly because this book ended with very little actually happening at all). If you're into YA series, though, you could probably do better.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Overall, great read. Main downside was the predictability of events at times; but after all, it is written for youth, so wonderful nonetheless.
Interesting story, main characters are not quite engaging enough to merit following the series.
Nothing new, nothing spectacular, but a fun modern day fantasy which pulls liberally from mythologies all over.
A fun, adventurous middle grade/ young YA novel. Similar to Percy Jackson, but includes many other immortal beings (namely deities), and my main like is that it includes the Morrigan. Otherwise, I didn’t like the 3rd person omniscient POV and the plot was predictable. Would recommend to younger individuals just getting into mythology and reading.
Definitely a YOUNG adult book; my 11 to complained that it was poorly written and boring. Agree that the dialogue was lacking in interest. Characters had no depth. Too hard of an attempt to appeal to current teens wirh pop culture references toss out haphazardly - although the writing seemed for an even younger audience. Over done themes of mythology still alive in the modern world but did enjoy some of the new spin: all mythologies and legends and several historical events combined into various ancient (even before humans) races. Interesting to read after All Souls books 1-2, as some of the same historical characters and concepts are used but from different perspectives. I was very intrigued by the idea of the diminshing of Elder race's power (mystical and magical age) being linked to the rise of the use of Iron. And that immortality for the humani seems to be simply a slowing of age - as they age a year per day when not taking the potion... but why, after making the potion for hundreds of years do they still need to book to do it?
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3.5
The Alchemyst is a fresh take on the story of the famous Nicholas Flamel, along with a blend of legends and mythical creatures taken from every culture you could think of. The story was a little slow in the beginning/middle, but really picked up towards the end of the book and made me interested enough to continue with the series. The characters could be a lot more developed, and the twins, the two main characters, were childish to the point of annoyance at times. However, I like where the story is going, and the weaving in of myths into the story.
For more of my babblings, please visit my blog, Snug Shelf
The Alchemyst is a fresh take on the story of the famous Nicholas Flamel, along with a blend of legends and mythical creatures taken from every culture you could think of. The story was a little slow in the beginning/middle, but really picked up towards the end of the book and made me interested enough to continue with the series. The characters could be a lot more developed, and the twins, the two main characters, were childish to the point of annoyance at times. However, I like where the story is going, and the weaving in of myths into the story.
For more of my babblings, please visit my blog, Snug Shelf