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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
Charming and entertaining. It does lean towards the younger side of YA, maybe closer to middle grade, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of it. Loved the use of auras in the magic system, and the unique interweaving of historical events and people.
I partially listened to this on audiobook and thought the performance really added some extra energy and charisma to the whole story, so I ended up finishing it that way.
I partially listened to this on audiobook and thought the performance really added some extra energy and charisma to the whole story, so I ended up finishing it that way.
I thought this was a fun book! I loved all of the little historical things that cropped up throughout the story, and think this is a very clever story about Nicholas & Perenelle Flamel. I liked Josh & Sophie and thought they were well written 15 year olds; wishy-washy & whiney, but eager to learn & grow.
What bugged me was how so often the all of the characters were referred to by both their first and last names. I am so confused why it's written this was and got annoyed every time that happened, which happened a lot haha.
Overall, it's a book I'd recommend if you're looking for something in the Harry Potter, Percy Jackson vibe, but perhaps it's too juvenile? I think kids would love it- magical and clean and engaging the entire time. I was thinking I wasn't going to finish the series, but of course it ends with a cliff-hangar that has me intrigued, so I'll probably read the rest, but not immediately.
What bugged me was how so often the all of the characters were referred to by both their first and last names. I am so confused why it's written this was and got annoyed every time that happened, which happened a lot haha.
Overall, it's a book I'd recommend if you're looking for something in the Harry Potter, Percy Jackson vibe, but perhaps it's too juvenile? I think kids would love it- magical and clean and engaging the entire time. I was thinking I wasn't going to finish the series, but of course it ends with a cliff-hangar that has me intrigued, so I'll probably read the rest, but not immediately.
Josh in this book is extremely annoying and a bit selfish. But overall a good read and a good adventure definitely can't wait to read the 2nd book in the series
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Great book! I'd recommend it to anybody who has a sense of adventure and magic!
Please don't let the three-star tag discourage you. I truly did enjoy the book, I am simply very detailed when it comes to the judgment of books. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of the book, I loved the integration of so much history, mythology, and current genres. However, I held frustration with the character of Josh in the book. That for me was a bit of an irritation, but I am hoping he progresses better in the next books. But other than that this book was truly a great read, it had great movement and if you like to be drawn into the book from the first page then this is yours.
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is going to be a short review about the entire series, not this particular book.
For anyone wanting to read this, let me warn you that the rest of the series is not very good. Or at least, it's not in my opinion. This particular book itself wasn't too bad, but I read the rest of the series and was very disappointed. I'd heard this book was good and it was only after I read a couple in this series that my friends started telling me the rest of the books weren't very good. But I pushed myself through and hoped to prove them wrong. Sad to say, they were right.
So I guess if you're the type of reader who gets super committed and just refuses to not finish a book or series no matter how much you dislike it (like me) then I really don't recommend it. If you can read part of it and then put it down and forget the series if you dislike it, then go for it. Read however many books you can. But just letting you know my opinion in case you want to read the series.
For anyone wanting to read this, let me warn you that the rest of the series is not very good. Or at least, it's not in my opinion. This particular book itself wasn't too bad, but I read the rest of the series and was very disappointed. I'd heard this book was good and it was only after I read a couple in this series that my friends started telling me the rest of the books weren't very good. But I pushed myself through and hoped to prove them wrong. Sad to say, they were right.
So I guess if you're the type of reader who gets super committed and just refuses to not finish a book or series no matter how much you dislike it (like me) then I really don't recommend it. If you can read part of it and then put it down and forget the series if you dislike it, then go for it. Read however many books you can. But just letting you know my opinion in case you want to read the series.
Ако я бях чел, в юношески години най-вероятно щеше да ми хареса доста тази поредица. Сега малко отскочих от типичните четива за мен, не че съжалявам. Книгата не е лоша, просто ми е минало времето.
Та явно тези 2 липсващи звезди са за вече установения ми цинизъм.
Ама ако ви интересува магия, митология, история и т.н. Дайте шанс, може да не сте удушили детето във вас.
Та явно тези 2 липсващи звезди са за вече установения ми цинизъм.
Ама ако ви интересува магия, митология, история и т.н. Дайте шанс, може да не сте удушили детето във вас.
Josh and Sophie Newman find out their neighbor is really the alchemist of legend, Nicholas Flamel. Now weird things are out to get them. Fast paced, but for some reason it just didn't hold my interest. I don't think I'll read the next one in the series. My favorite part was the witch of Endor, but her part was too short. Good idea, but the execution was lacking.