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surfpark 's review for:
The Alchemyst
by Michael Scott
I first approached this book because of the high praise and apparent buzz that it will catch on as the next 'Harry Potter' successor. The story is compelling, the characters are compelling, but I tend to have an issue when children or teens from the "normal world" are used as anchors in a fantasy book. The dialog is cheesy and written for the pre-teen crowd, but getting past this, Scott makes a believable world that pulls you in.
Although the action moves much quicker compared to other fantasy books, there isn't much richness to the plot. Effectively, this seems like a 'buddy road trip to save the world' book, which can be fun for young readers, but a bit derivative for adults. Having the protagonists be the actual "keys" to solving the problem is trite.
I am going to give the sequel a chance. After all, the tradition of savior/hero is well worn troupe, so I'm willing to suspend judgement on Michael Scott's efforts for at least one more book.
Although the action moves much quicker compared to other fantasy books, there isn't much richness to the plot. Effectively, this seems like a 'buddy road trip to save the world' book, which can be fun for young readers, but a bit derivative for adults. Having the protagonists be the actual "keys" to solving the problem is trite.
I am going to give the sequel a chance. After all, the tradition of savior/hero is well worn troupe, so I'm willing to suspend judgement on Michael Scott's efforts for at least one more book.