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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
If there could be a YA equivalent to Neil Gaiman's American Gods, this may be it. The Alchemyst is more grown-up than Riordan's Percy Jackson books but has the extra benefit of uninterrupted action, unlike Stroud's Bartimaeus series. A brother and sister discover their respective bosses are actually the immortal couple Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel. This revelation is next to nothing compared to what follows as the twins encounter a variety of fair and foul mythological beings and struggle to understand the destiny that seems to be thrust upon them. Whereas the PJ series has Zeus, Poseidon, and company, The Alchemyst brings in a rich and varied group of characters that include Bastet, the Witch of Endor, and the Morrigan among others. The only real criticism that jumps to mind is the fact that while the more fantastical characters are fleshed out admirably, the twins themselves seem to have the depth and complexity of cardboard cutouts. Sophie's the practical, thoughtful twin: Josh is impulsive and stubborn. Overall, however, it seems such a small price to pay for an otherwise exciting and vibrant story that will spark teens' interest in mythology and legend.
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
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:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
The worst part was when the TEENAGERS in 2007 searched for something using ALTA VISTA. Go home.
adventurous
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was an unexpected pleasure to read. I liked the way the author tried to use myths and legends and created a world in which these myths and legends are true. Although I found the storyline sometimes a little "simple", it was never boring. I'm very curious about book 2.