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The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

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The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Cover

 

Staff Pick

Michael Scott's The Alchemyst series hit us like a ton of gold bricks! Mr. Scott has already published several books of folktales, and this little venture into the life and time of Nicholas Flamel is full of great gods and myths. If you haven't had a run-in with Bastet while you're on the run with a sacred priceless object lately, you haven't really lived. Just try it. It begins, "I am legend. Death has no claim over me...."
Recommended by Mary Z., Powells.com

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

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.

Review:

"Twin 15-year-old siblings Sophie and Josh Newman take summer jobs in San Francisco across the street from one another: she at a coffee shop, he at a bookstore owned by Nick and Perry Fleming. In the vey first chapter, armed goons garbed in black with 'dead-looking skin and... marble eyes' (actually Golems) storm the bookshop, take Perry hostage and swipe a rare Book (but not before Josh snatches its two most important pages). The stolen volume is the Codex, an ancient text of magical wisdom. Nick Fleming is really Nicholas Flamel, the 14th-century alchemist who could turn base metal into gold, and make a potion that ensures immortality. Sophie and Josh learn that they are mentioned in the Codex's prophecies: 'The two that are one will come either to save or to destroy the world.' Mayhem ensues, as Irish author Scott draws on a wide knowledge of world mythology to stage a battle between the Dark Elders and their hired gun — Dr. John Dee — against the forces of good, led by Flamel and the twins (Sophie's powers are 'awakened' by the goddess Hekate, who'd been living in an elaborate treehouse north of San Francisco). Not only do they need the Codex back to stop Dee and company, but the immortality potion must be brewed afresh every month. Time is running out, literally, for the Flamels. Proceeding at a breakneck pace, and populated by the likes of werewolves and vampires, the novel ends on a precipice, presumably to be picked up in volume two. Ages 12-up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Review:

"While there is plenty here to send readers rushing to their encyclopedias of mythology and alchemy, those who read the book at face value will simply be caught up in the enthralling story. A fabulous read." School Library Journal

Review:

"[E]xplores the issues of good and evil, which can be deceiving to the eye, as well as trust and loyalty." KLIATT

Review:

The writing and story line have a flamboyant style that will put readers on the edge of their seats as they rush to the final page, pausing along the way to savor the author's vivid descriptions of worlds and events. Readers will actively root for the good guys in this exhilarating fantasy — if they can figure out who they are." Booklist

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.

Synopsis:

What would you sell your soul for?

Sixteen-year-old Sarah Trevelyan would give anything to regain the power and wealth her family has lost, so she makes a bargain with Azrael, Lord of Darkwater Hall. He gives her one hundred years and the means to accomplish her objective--in exchange for her soul. Fast-forward a hundred years to Tom, a fifteen-year-old boy who dreams of attending Darkwater Hall School but doesn't believe he has the talent. Until he meets a professor named Azrael, who offers him a bargain. Will Sarah be able to stop Tom from making the same mistake she did a century ago?

This is smart fantasy mixed with elements of horror from master storyteller Catherine Fisher. She says, "Darkwater Hall is an image of the power and knowledge we all desire. But what will we pay for them, and are they worth the price?"

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About the Author

An authority on mythology and folklore, Michael Scott is one of Ireland's most successful authors. Writing in genres of fantasy, science-fiction, horror, and folklore, he was hailed by the Irish Times as "The King of Fantasy in These Isles." He lives and writes in Dublin, Ireland.
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What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 9 comments:
emmejo, July 10, 2009 (view all comments by emmejo)
The only knowledge some may have of Nicholas Flamel is that he was mentioned in Harry Potter. However he was a real man and a colorful character. This *fantasy* (not what actually happened, as far as we know) novel tells the story of two teens who, by a twist of fate, end up in the middle of a fight that has gone on for centuries. Flamel once took on an apprentice, John Dee, who when he discovered that Flamel had the ability to be immortal attempted to steal the spell book from Flamel. Flamel has eluded him for five centuries, but can he still stay hidden in our modern world?

I didn't expect much, this book has had very mixed reviews, but I highly enjoyed it. Sudden plot twists and fascinating characters keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. The writing was fast and flowing, almost poetical at times. Very easy to read.
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madcov44, June 21, 2009 (view all comments by madcov44)
Worthwhile review! read it!
I liked this book! Scott is really good at painting pictures, characters and seanes. It was a very fresh idea. There were some falts in it too, though. It didn't bring your emotions into what you're reading. You didn't really relate to the characters as much, or feel how they felt. They were all really dramatic, it seemed like they were acting in a play. sometimes it was verry cheesy. Another thing was I thought the two main characters, Josh and Sophie, were to similar to the characters in Fablehaven. One thing was that sophie got her powers first. and, like if Fablehaven, they both have opposite powers. Other than those things I thought it was a good book.I really liked the aura idea. Very origonal! I still belive another writer could make the story exciting, but still using the same plot. Good read! one funny thing was that the book takes place over two days.
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deanwinchester20, April 15, 2008 (view all comments by deanwinchester20)
This is one of the books that people need to read, it 's amazing. The beginning of the book goes straight to the point and the action. This also talks about a real person named Nicholas Flamel that lived in Paris In the 1800's If you like Harry Potter then you will really love this book.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780385733571
Author:
Scott, Michael
Publisher:
Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers
Author:
Moriarty, Chris
Author:
Fisher, Catherine
Author:
Geyer, Mark Edward
Subject:
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
Subject:
Action & Adventure - General
Subject:
Brothers and sisters
Subject:
Magic
Subject:
Fantasy & Magic
Subject:
Action & Adventure
Subject:
Children s-Science Fiction and Fantasy
Copyright:
2007
Edition Description:
Hardback
Series:
Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
Series Volume:
01
Publication Date:
20070531
Binding:
HARDCOVER
Grade Level:
from 7
Language:
English
Illustrations:
black-and-white illustrations
Pages:
400
Dimensions:
8.25 x 5.5 in 1 lb
Age Level:
12-17
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Related Subjects

Children's » Action and Adventure » Adventure Stories
Children's » Fables
Children's » Science Fiction and Fantasy » General
Young Adult » General

The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel New Hardcover
0 stars - 0 reviews
$16.99 In Stock
Product details 400 pages Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers - English 9780385733571 Reviews:
"Staff Pick" by ,

Michael Scott's The Alchemyst series hit us like a ton of gold bricks! Mr. Scott has already published several books of folktales, and this little venture into the life and time of Nicholas Flamel is full of great gods and myths. If you haven't had a run-in with Bastet while you're on the run with a sacred priceless object lately, you haven't really lived. Just try it. It begins, "I am legend. Death has no claim over me...."

by Mary Z.
"Publishers Weekly Review" by , "Twin 15-year-old siblings Sophie and Josh Newman take summer jobs in San Francisco across the street from one another: she at a coffee shop, he at a bookstore owned by Nick and Perry Fleming. In the vey first chapter, armed goons garbed in black with 'dead-looking skin and... marble eyes' (actually Golems) storm the bookshop, take Perry hostage and swipe a rare Book (but not before Josh snatches its two most important pages). The stolen volume is the Codex, an ancient text of magical wisdom. Nick Fleming is really Nicholas Flamel, the 14th-century alchemist who could turn base metal into gold, and make a potion that ensures immortality. Sophie and Josh learn that they are mentioned in the Codex's prophecies: 'The two that are one will come either to save or to destroy the world.' Mayhem ensues, as Irish author Scott draws on a wide knowledge of world mythology to stage a battle between the Dark Elders and their hired gun — Dr. John Dee — against the forces of good, led by Flamel and the twins (Sophie's powers are 'awakened' by the goddess Hekate, who'd been living in an elaborate treehouse north of San Francisco). Not only do they need the Codex back to stop Dee and company, but the immortality potion must be brewed afresh every month. Time is running out, literally, for the Flamels. Proceeding at a breakneck pace, and populated by the likes of werewolves and vampires, the novel ends on a precipice, presumably to be picked up in volume two. Ages 12-up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)
"Review" by , "While there is plenty here to send readers rushing to their encyclopedias of mythology and alchemy, those who read the book at face value will simply be caught up in the enthralling story. A fabulous read."
"Review" by , "[E]xplores the issues of good and evil, which can be deceiving to the eye, as well as trust and loyalty."
"Review" by , The writing and story line have a flamboyant style that will put readers on the edge of their seats as they rush to the final page, pausing along the way to savor the author's vivid descriptions of worlds and events. Readers will actively root for the good guys in this exhilarating fantasy — if they can figure out who they are."
"Synopsis" by , 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.
"Synopsis" by ,
What would you sell your soul for?

Sixteen-year-old Sarah Trevelyan would give anything to regain the power and wealth her family has lost, so she makes a bargain with Azrael, Lord of Darkwater Hall. He gives her one hundred years and the means to accomplish her objective--in exchange for her soul. Fast-forward a hundred years to Tom, a fifteen-year-old boy who dreams of attending Darkwater Hall School but doesn't believe he has the talent. Until he meets a professor named Azrael, who offers him a bargain. Will Sarah be able to stop Tom from making the same mistake she did a century ago?

This is smart fantasy mixed with elements of horror from master storyteller Catherine Fisher. She says, "Darkwater Hall is an image of the power and knowledge we all desire. But what will we pay for them, and are they worth the price?"
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