The Alchemyst- Michael Scott

I’ve been picking up books, starting and then setting them aside, when I picked up The Alchemyst (The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel) and very quickly settled into a fascinating read. For those young people who have completed their numerous re-reads of the Harry Potter series, here is the next series for your reading enjoyment. With a little more depth and maturity, this would be the next great recommendation for our fantasy lovers. Well-researched, and indeed with characters straight out of the annals of history, Michael Scott has created an unforgettable world; a world where the line between reality, myth, dreams and legend are crossed time and time again. The ease with which Scott does this is testament to his exemplary research and a desire to explore possibilities.

In the present, the twins Josh and Sophie are delighted to have found jobs in San Francisco while their archaeologist parents are off doing their own thing. Unknown to Josh, the owner of the bookshop where he is working also happens to be one of the most famous alchemists known to mankind. Centuries later he and his wife are still alive because of the Book of Abraham which among many other mysteries, contains the secret of eternal life. Of course, there has to be an antagonist who also wants this revered book- enter Dr. John Dee, who has finally found Nicholas Flamel and intends to use even the creatures of magic in order to get his way. What follows is the greatest of fast-paced adventures, peopled with creatures even your nightmares could not bring to life. Peppered throughout with just enough reality and myth, you are swept up in the drama and the what ifs? of a great fantasy story. And the twins’ part in all this? Well, twins, in particular, ones with the auras of Sophie and Josh are part of the great prophecy and will assume a pivotal role as their powers are awakened. Part way through, it became abundantly clear that this book is only the beginning, and indeed, Book 2, The Magician, is available. I look forward to reading it as well. Recommended for high school as well as your avid young adult fantasy readers. A pretty good read for grown-ups as well!!