Author: Michael Scott
Series: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #1
Edition: Paperback
Publication: May 22, 2007 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 375 pages
Source: Bought from National Book Store
Category: Adventure, Mythology, Fantasy, Middle Grade
Synopsis:
He holds the secret that can end the world.
The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life.
The records show that he died in 1418.
But his tomb is empty.
The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it.
Sometimes legends are true.
And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.
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The story is just basically about fifteen year old twins Sophie and Josh Newman. Sophie works at Perenelle Flemings' coffee shop and Josh works at Perenelle's husband, Nick Fleming's book store across the street. One afternoon, mysterious John Dee attacked the bookstore in search of the Book of Abraham the Mage. It contains codex on how to make the Elder Race rule the world once more then the twins witnessed something that would change their lives forever - magic.
This book is one of those which attempts to retell mythology and history with a light fantasy approach and have perfected it. After books such Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, I never thought that there is something as great as this one out there. The world building is something you could easily picture and the characters are definitely relatable. You wouldn't have a hard time reading this one because of the delightful way it was written.
Sophie and Josh obviously are young characters which is why most of their intake about each situation is tolerable. I didn't have issues with these cute characters but they aren't my favorites. It goes down to Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Flamel. They are just phenomenal. I liked how these couple grow on each chapter and how the story deepens each time. From being an alchemyst to meeting legendary characters are just mind blowing. Just after I Googled Great Fire of London and Great Famine of Ireland, I couldn't help but be amazed by Michael Scott. It is not always that I get to be completely dazed with authors after J.K Rowling, Rick Riordan and Dan Brown. You'd feel through his characters how hard he really researched about history and I think that's one of the strengths of the book aside from its alluring cover. The only thing I find ridiculously funny in the story is how can someone, who have lived over 600 years, doesn't know how to drive? The least you could find time for is to learn how to drive? But putting the book down as been a struggle because I wanted to finish it immediately. What's the worse part is not having its sequel books right away.
I just couldn't express how happy I am that this one exceeded my expectations. Its a light and fun read with an extra-ordinary adventure that would make you want for more!
"At the heart of every legend there is a grain of truth."
"But what science cannot understand, it dismisses."
"Magic is really only the utilization of the entire spectrum of the senses. Humans have cut themselves off from their senses. Now they see only a tiny portion of the visible spectrum, hear only the loudest of sounds, their sense of smell is shockingly poor and they can only distinguish the sweetest and sourest of tastes."
