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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
What can I say other than "Eh." It was an interesting take on mythology and modern life. It was enjoyable at times, but the writing is less than stellar and I was bored through most of it. My main interest in reading the book is that its set in San Francisco, a city I am very familiar with and still work in. Within the first few pages there is a comment made by one of the characters about the summer heat in the city. She could not understand why certain men were wearing such heavy coats when it was in the low eighties. Excuse me? Summer heat? In San Francisco? Has the author ever been to San Francisco in the summer? If he had, he would know better. A warm summer day in San Francisco might yield you a high of 74. And those days are few and far between.
That aside, there were other issues I had with this book. I know its a YA title, I know it can't get to racy or in depth . . . but you are dealing with mythological creatures. In many of our myths, the gods were bloodthirsty and jealous; oversexed and vengeful. Maybe the author deals with some of the gods better in later books of the series, but the gods (or Elder Race, as they are called in this series) seem lame.
I plan on giving the series another go. I'll read the second book, but if it does not improve on this first outing, the Immortal Nicholas Flamel won't be around much longer in my literary world.
That aside, there were other issues I had with this book. I know its a YA title, I know it can't get to racy or in depth . . . but you are dealing with mythological creatures. In many of our myths, the gods were bloodthirsty and jealous; oversexed and vengeful. Maybe the author deals with some of the gods better in later books of the series, but the gods (or Elder Race, as they are called in this series) seem lame.
I plan on giving the series another go. I'll read the second book, but if it does not improve on this first outing, the Immortal Nicholas Flamel won't be around much longer in my literary world.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A nice little palette cleanser. Rereading this was a fun breather. Some things didn’t make sense and were pretty one-note but I enjoyed myself and I like the premise.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Liked the adventure, the incorporation of mythology and underworld creatures, and the elements of the 'hero's journey.' It was a quick and fun read..... Did not necessarily like the style of writing. It almost seems like there is no main protagonist. The author includes the point of view from so many different angles- I want him to just pick one! The book reads like a mid-grade book.... But I like mid-grade, and will continue with the series :)
Love the magic that's based on aromatic auras, what an interesting concept.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For Josh and Sophie, life is going pretty well. Sure, they're in San Francisco working while their parents are away, but things aren't so bad. Josh works in a bookstore and Sophie works in the coffee house across the street. Then Josh's boss is attacked by a man named Dr. John Dee, and both are dragged into the mess of Nick and Perry Fleming, or Nicholas and Pernella Flamel.
Josh and Sophie must learn how to defend themselves and each other to survive in the dangerous situation they find themselves. And they have to retrieve the Book from Dee - Nick and Perry will die without it.
The storyline is entertaining, but the story is a little stilted and the dialogue seems a little forced. This series was popular when it came out and it is a good recommendation for those looking for fantasy overlapping with reality.
Josh and Sophie must learn how to defend themselves and each other to survive in the dangerous situation they find themselves. And they have to retrieve the Book from Dee - Nick and Perry will die without it.
The storyline is entertaining, but the story is a little stilted and the dialogue seems a little forced. This series was popular when it came out and it is a good recommendation for those looking for fantasy overlapping with reality.