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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I read the first book as a child and loved it but for some reason I never finished the series. I remember loving it so picked it up again as a part of my 'childhood reads i intend to finish' challenge and to remember what happened in it.
I love that there are so many female characters in this book, all different and interesting. I enjoy all the historical elements, the small look into the magical systems and realms, I really like the action in this book too.
I'm looking forward to reading the second.
I love that there are so many female characters in this book, all different and interesting. I enjoy all the historical elements, the small look into the magical systems and realms, I really like the action in this book too.
I'm looking forward to reading the second.
[bc:The Magician|2402971|The Magician (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #2)|Michael Scott|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1256027624s/2402971.jpg|3216911] is next!
My Recommendation: If you're reading them for the first time I'm sure you will LOVE them! The myths and legends Scott brings to life throughout the series are so well crafted and have such great personalities they stay with you. The only downside of the series, and this is coming from a re-read perspective, is that it's hard to ignore what you know at the end. It was really hard not to let what I know about the end of the series affect my re-read of the series. For a lot of the time I was able to ignore it, but it was always there.
My Response: I first read this in the first six months of this blog! Unfortunately, I didn't actually respond to every book so I only have my thoughts to The Warlock (#5) from that original read (and later The Enchantress (#6) when it was released in 2012). I picked up hard copies of these books back in October 2012 when I left a job and they gave me a bookstore gift card.
The series has languished on my shelf for the last four years, partly because I'd read it before, but mostly because I wasn't sure I wanted to read it again. When I bought it, I definitely did, but then every time I went to re-read it I remembered what happened in the last book and the revelations in the last two books and questioned if I wanted to re-read the series.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
My Response: I first read this in the first six months of this blog! Unfortunately, I didn't actually respond to every book so I only have my thoughts to The Warlock (#5) from that original read (and later The Enchantress (#6) when it was released in 2012). I picked up hard copies of these books back in October 2012 when I left a job and they gave me a bookstore gift card.
The series has languished on my shelf for the last four years, partly because I'd read it before, but mostly because I wasn't sure I wanted to read it again. When I bought it, I definitely did, but then every time I went to re-read it I remembered what happened in the last book and the revelations in the last two books and questioned if I wanted to re-read the series.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
This book did just enough for me to want to continue the series to find out what happens to the characters but it was not compelling enough for me to rush out and buy the next book. The thing I did like about the book is that some of the characters are based on extraordinary people who existed in history. Other than that there is not much to say but I am hoping the series improves from here.
I simply cannot imagine why The Alchemyst has so many bad reviews.
First and foremost, The Alchemyst is a fantasy novel. If you don't like fantasy novels (Harry Potter withstanding) you most likely won't like The Alchemyst. As for me, fantasy novels are my bread and butter. I've read Tolkien, Lewis, Rowling, Pratchett, Gaiman, and a numerous list of other names you wouldn't recognize.
The Alchemyst is exactly what I've come to expect as a fantasy reader - magic, dragons, a distinct and unique world, the mentor, the prophecy, etc. and so forth. I don't read fantasy to get away from these tropes. I've come to expect them and they are apart of some of the greatest fantasy novels I've ever read. For me, reading fantasy is about discovering new worlds with characters that I care about on adventures that usually determine the fate of the world.
The Alchemyst delivers on that front and on many more. No, it's not the greatest fantasy novel I've ever read, but it is a great novel, Scott's writing and world building will draw you in, and it's one I would recommend to fantasy lovers.
3.5 stars and I look forward to reading the rest of the novels in the series. I'm only sorry it took me so long.
First and foremost, The Alchemyst is a fantasy novel. If you don't like fantasy novels (Harry Potter withstanding) you most likely won't like The Alchemyst. As for me, fantasy novels are my bread and butter. I've read Tolkien, Lewis, Rowling, Pratchett, Gaiman, and a numerous list of other names you wouldn't recognize.
The Alchemyst is exactly what I've come to expect as a fantasy reader - magic, dragons, a distinct and unique world, the mentor, the prophecy, etc. and so forth. I don't read fantasy to get away from these tropes. I've come to expect them and they are apart of some of the greatest fantasy novels I've ever read. For me, reading fantasy is about discovering new worlds with characters that I care about on adventures that usually determine the fate of the world.
The Alchemyst delivers on that front and on many more. No, it's not the greatest fantasy novel I've ever read, but it is a great novel, Scott's writing and world building will draw you in, and it's one I would recommend to fantasy lovers.
3.5 stars and I look forward to reading the rest of the novels in the series. I'm only sorry it took me so long.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Second Re-read: I still think this a a great YA book. Reminds me of Rick Riordan's books since it incorporates a bit of history with current times. The twins can get a bit annoying, but they're supposed to be 15 year olds. I don't think they're supposed to be smart or mature yet. I still find the story and plot interesting and fun.
First review: I really enjoyed this book. I find the whole concept fascinating. The fact that alchemy exists and that Nicolas Flamel has been alive because of the sorcerer's stone this whole time. I also love that their power is their Aura.
First review: I really enjoyed this book. I find the whole concept fascinating. The fact that alchemy exists and that Nicolas Flamel has been alive because of the sorcerer's stone this whole time. I also love that their power is their Aura.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
3-4 stars. TBD. Review in Progress. I'm 98% sure I read this whole series somewhere around 2010. Back in the good old days when I could scale a tree with books and snacks under my arm and read a whole series in a day if I so chose.
WIL
1) the Meme States
2) Carter and Sadie Kane // (RIORDAN READ THIS TOO?????)
3) Mythologies in combination (and LEY LINES!)
4) Cool ideas (hard stop.)
WIDL
1) what's with the repeating phrases? "
2) Mary Sue Duo. gahhhhhHHHHHH. JOSH? Are you a football star OR a nerd? You can't be both.
3) Bad Decisions with zero justification. "I could awaken her but it might kill her...so let's do it then!!"
4) "disorientating"
WIL
1) the Meme States
2) Carter and Sadie Kane // (RIORDAN READ THIS TOO?????)
3) Mythologies in combination (and LEY LINES!)
4) Cool ideas (hard stop.)
WIDL
1) what's with the repeating phrases? "
2) Mary Sue Duo. gahhhhhHHHHHH. JOSH? Are you a football star OR a nerd? You can't be both.
3) Bad Decisions with zero justification. "I could awaken her but it might kill her...so let's do it then!!"
4) "disorientating"
Good idea, poor execution. Should have been way better.