Title- The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
Author- Michael Scott
ISBN-9780385736008
Publication Information- Delacorte Press, New York, 2007
Plot Summary- Twins Sophie and Josh work across the street from each other, she at a coffee shop and he at a bookstore run by Nick Flamel. When a strange man shows up demanding a book from Flamel, the two quickly realize that Flamel is no ordinary book salesman; he is, in fact, Nicholas Flamel, a 600 year old alchemist who has discovered the secret to immortality. The two are quickly caught in the middle of a centuries old fight between humanity and the Elder Race- immortal gods and goddesses of myth. Their situation is compounded when they discover they are the twins of a prophecy to either save or destroy the world.
Critical Evaluation- While the book is not a great innovation over others of its kind, it holds its own. Scott's knowledge of Irish mythology in creatively brought into the contemporary world. The protagonists are good representations of siblings. They are highly protective of each other when they are not frustrated with each other. Flamel is similar to other benevolent guides of the literary past, Merlin, Gandalf, Dumbledore and the like. The interesting added element in this series is Pernelle, Nicholas's wife. She is knowledgeable and inventive. I particularly like the setting of this story. The mythological world is part of the real world but hidden from humans unless they know what they are seeing. Scott uses mythological elements well here too. All in all, it is a series that will keep readers of Harry Potter and the like happy while not just being a stock rip off of the same story.
Reader's Annotation- Two twins must decide what to do once they discover they are the key to saving the universe- a universe they did not fully understand until yesterday.
Author Information- Michael Scott is an expert in the field of mythology- particularly Celtic mythos. He is one of the most prolific writers in Ireland today, having written more than 100 books. He writes adult and young adult titles in both fiction and non-fiction. Most of the titles deal with fantasy or Irish mythology. He does, however, also write a series of horror novels and a series of books under the pen name Anna Dillon.
Curricular Ties- mythology
Genre- Contemporary Fantasy
Book talking ideas- How would you react if you discovered your world was vastly different than what you thought it was? What do you make of the history of Nicholas Flamel presented at the end of the book?
Challenge issues- Fantasy
- Re-read the text to familiarize myself with the story
- Ask parents for their specific objections (they are required to file that with our school district)
- Review approved books list from California Department of Education for similar materials
- Review approaches from ALA
Interest Age- 15- 18
Why I selected this piece- Oddly, it was recommended to me by a Facebook application where one can log their reading selections. It looked interesting.
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