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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I do not understand how one squanders such potential as "the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel," but apparently, this series is how you do it.
The plot was derivative, the writing not even serviceable, and the characters made me scream.
I could only make it about halfway through the book, and while I have read quite a few books that mysteriously turned amazing at around the halfway mark, I did not think this book would be one, as it would only become somewhat terrible instead of godawful.
The plot was derivative, the writing not even serviceable, and the characters made me scream.
I could only make it about halfway through the book, and while I have read quite a few books that mysteriously turned amazing at around the halfway mark, I did not think this book would be one, as it would only become somewhat terrible instead of godawful.
I gave up on this book with less than 100 pages left. Throughout most of it I kept thinking I should just put it down and end my suffering. However, I stuck with it more out of spite than anything else. But I just couldn't take it anymore. Cramming 2 days worth of story into 370 pages is just stupid. There was way too much useless information, the characters were dull, and even the action scenes were slow moving. Nicholas Flamel wasn't even the main focus, which is funny seeing as the series is named after him. Sophie and Josh are so flat it's painful. I would much rather hear more about Scatty and Nick, but no, it has to be about the chosen ones. It's obvious what's going to happen between Sophie and Josh. Josh's distrust of Flamel is really unwarranted. Here this guy is, trying to protect the kids. Putting his life on the line for these two. Trying to help them stay safe and learn how to use their abilities. And Josh just turns and rages about how his sister could have died. Yes, Josh. Flamel mentioned that. Don't say he didn't. Because he did. He said it was risky, but it was also risky to not do anything. Why not help the world. And then Josh will turn around and say he trusts Flamel completely. Stop flip flopping your opinion. It's incredibly annoying and makes you sound unstable.
The writing read like a poorly written fanfic. I have a feeling it's because Michael Scott tried to cram two days of stories into 370ish pages. He added so much fluff that just wasn't needed, it made it really slow and boring. The dialogue, especially between the twins, was painful most of the time. It really only picked up when they met Hekate. She was probably the most interesting character next to Scatty. And it's safe to assume she's not going to show up again in the series.
I'm very disappointed in this book. I saw it in a store one day and thought it sounded so great I would have bought it on the spot. Now, I'm glad I didn't have money on me. Saved myself a few bucks. The story wasn't horrible, it's just how it was written and how the characters were portrayed. It could have been so much better, and that makes me sad.
The writing read like a poorly written fanfic. I have a feeling it's because Michael Scott tried to cram two days of stories into 370ish pages. He added so much fluff that just wasn't needed, it made it really slow and boring. The dialogue, especially between the twins, was painful most of the time. It really only picked up when they met Hekate. She was probably the most interesting character next to Scatty. And it's safe to assume she's not going to show up again in the series.
I'm very disappointed in this book. I saw it in a store one day and thought it sounded so great I would have bought it on the spot. Now, I'm glad I didn't have money on me. Saved myself a few bucks. The story wasn't horrible, it's just how it was written and how the characters were portrayed. It could have been so much better, and that makes me sad.
I read this book at the reccommendation of someone else. I enjoyed the book and have since read the rest of the books in the series. The author pulls in alot of characters from both real history and myth.
i loved this book. a fast moving adventure story with so much history and legend wrapped throughout.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really reminds me of Riordan's "The Red Pyramid", except the mythology is not just bound to Egypt. Instead, we have twins (whose parents are archeologists...convenient, no?) who wind up on an adventure with the legendary Nicolas Flamel. Turns out he and his wife have been alive for hundreds of years protecting the book of Abraham the Mage, which contains the recipe for the Philosopher's Stone. Throughout the adventure, we discover that all the old gods and goddesses (and various other creatures of legend) are real. It's a fun romp, complete with a prophecy and an epic journey. Not life-altering, but a fun read nonetheless.
Read and discussed with my middle school group, most of whom liked it quite a bit. A few had trouble getting into it. Recommended for fans of Riordan and Rowling.
Read and discussed with my middle school group, most of whom liked it quite a bit. A few had trouble getting into it. Recommended for fans of Riordan and Rowling.