The Necromancer (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #4)

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The Necromancer (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #4)

by Michael Scott (Goodreads Author)

4.13 of 5 stars 4.13 · rating details · 20,419 ratings · 1,070 reviews

San Francisco:
Josh and Sophie Newman are finally home. And they're both more confused than ever about their future. Neither of them has mastered the magics they'll need to protect themselves, they've lost Scatty, and they're still being pursued by Dr. John Dee. Most disturbing of all, however, is that now they must ask themselves, can they trust Nicholas Flamel? Can they t...more

Hardcover, Deckle Edged, 416 pages

Published May 25th 2010 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

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Dec 18, 2009 Laurel (The Book Garden) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

This book is driving me crazy that I don't have my hands on it yet!

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Apr 29, 2013 Tej Kuruvilla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-alchemyst-shelf

The Necromancer

By: Tej Kuruvilla

Nicholas Flamel can be many things, a human, a husband, an immortal, a liar, a thief, a protector, a friend, but above all things, Nicholas Flamel is the Alchemyst. Michael Scott was born with a thirst for writing. His series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, is an esteemed series of wicked, intrepid, journeys all over our world. Michael Scott takes you places that you have never deemed to be real with The Necromancer.

The Necromancer is about legendary...more The Necromancer

By: Tej Kuruvilla

Nicholas Flamel can be many things, a human, a husband, an immortal, a liar, a thief, a protector, a friend, but above all things, Nicholas Flamel is the Alchemyst. Michael Scott was born with a thirst for writing. His series, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, is an esteemed series of wicked, intrepid, journeys all over our world. Michael Scott takes you places that you have never deemed to be real with The Necromancer.

The Necromancer is about legendary twins by the name of Sophie and Josh Newman who have to save the world with several famous immortals, including Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel, from the evil clutches of the Dark Elders. Michael Scott employs good word choice around everything that he says. One of these moments is when Aoife (E-fa) kidnaps Sophie Newman, and how Josh feels when he is chasing after Aoife. Scott wrote “He collapsed on his hands and knees at the bottom of Scott Street, lungs heaving, heart thundering, every muscle in his body stressed and burning.” (Scott 28-29). I especially love when he says thundering, and heaving to describe how his body is reacting to how fast he ran. Throughout the series, the storyline symbolizes that not everything is the work of god, but of science. The Elders could be honored as gods but they themselves are working with alchemy but are also with auras and magic which are the only unexplained things in the book. My favorite part of the book was when they were fighting Coatlicue in Dee’s building. I love when he made individual battles between each person and how they each described each other. He wrote this in a very fascinating, and intriguing way that caught my attention and wanted me to read more. He wrote “She was the most elegant and beautiful creature he had ever seen in his life. She was tall - seven, maybe eight feet - and looked like she’d stepped out of a painting on the wall of an Egyptian tomb. Jet-black hair cut in a straight line across her forehead hung in a silky curtain to her shoulders, and her eyes were outlined in kohl. Her skin was copper and her eyes were a deep lustrous brown.” which I thought was truly marvelous. The way that Sophie described was much different “Coatlicue had a body that was vaguely female, but with the claws of a crocodile and two serpents’ heads coiling from a thick neck. A long robe composed entirely of snakes covered her body.” (Scott 372-373) which was fairly gruesome, and ugly in my opinion.

Michael Scott masterminded a very intense and amazing series. I think that this book and series should be recommended to people who love action-packed, and intense novels. This book is one of many that holds, history, action, grudges, and secrets beyond belief that are phenomenal in every way.(less)

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Jan 07, 2013 Steven Leuck rated it 4 of 5 stars

The novel Necromancer is a book written by Michael Scott. The novel is a series of books about two twins who have secret powers that they can train and gain knowledge about. They are trained by a six hundred year old man named Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle Flamel. They are put in imminent danger of being killed and being obliterated by time if they don’t make a magic potion to keep them alive forever. The twins Josh and Sophie are open to adventure, but soon realize that this trail is...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Rizal Nova Mujahid rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kemampuan mengembalikan kehidupan pada sesuatu yang telah “mati,” ternyata memang kekuatan yang menakutkan. Bukan hanya bagi manusia, dewa-dewi sekali pun akan berpikir berkali lipat menghadapi seseorang yang memiliki kemampuan seperti ini. Terlebih, jika yang dibangkitkan adalah Induk dari Segala Dewa.

Senjata terbesar Dr. John Dee, selain kemampuannya merangkai kata, tentulah kecerdasan dan kecerdikannya. Meski diburu oleh para Tetua, ia justru mempersiapkan senjata yang cukup kuat untuk mengha...more

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Oct 20, 2012 Tiffany rated it 2 of 5 stars

I loved the the first three books in this series. I thought they were amazing, but things kinda started going downhill with The Necromancer I was a sucker for Josh because he hadn't gotten all the cool powers his sister had, but when he decides to ally with Dee it made me like the book less and less. I like the lines between good and evil clearly drawn in a book, and they were kinda blurry in this one. I still like Josh and I hope he will come to his senses, but he better do it in the next book....more

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Sep 20, 2012 Jonathan Cheong rated it 5 of 5 stars

The book "The Necromancer" by Michael Scott is the fourth fiction book in the series "The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel". The book introduces many new characters like Prometheus the brother of the Witch of Endor and Aoife of the shadows. Continuing from the third book The Necromancer once again plunges Josh and Sophie into a world they thought they got out of. Everyone around them is in danger and most of all there parents are getting more mysterious. Nicholas and Pernelle are quickly aging because...more The book "The Necromancer" by Michael Scott is the fourth fiction book in the series "The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel". The book introduces many new characters like Prometheus the brother of the Witch of Endor and Aoife of the shadows. Continuing from the third book The Necromancer once again plunges Josh and Sophie into a world they thought they got out of. Everyone around them is in danger and most of all there parents are getting more mysterious. Nicholas and Pernelle are quickly aging because they have no immortality potion which was in a book that was stolen by their nemesis Dr.Dee. As chaos follows Josh and Sophie there only hope now is to ask Prometheus to teach Josh the magic of fire.

In the story Aoife of the shadows is Scatty's twin sister. Josh and Sophie mistake for for Scatty who is in a Shadowrealm with Joan of the Arc. Aoife plays a huge role in this book because her uncle is Prometheus so she helps Josh,Sophie,Nicholas and Pernelle. Meanwhile Dee has two of four ancient swords which were said to be one. He is being chased by Odin because Dee killed his love. Accompanying Dee is Victoria Dare a immortal who uses spells with her flute. In the mist of devastation the swords Clarent and Excalibur "talk" to Dee and teaches him how to teleport/use a leygate.

The book then goes back to Scatty and Joan who thought that the were in the past. The reason for this was because dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures were attacking them. The only hint that this was not the past was the four moons rising up. Meanwhile Dr.Dee is searching for Josh because he needs a necromancer to revive the mother of all gods Coatlicue and a person as food for the hungry god. Dee then persuades Josh who thought necromancy was cool, but in reality Dee was using him. long story short Josh gets saved by Spohie, but still goes off with Dee not believing that he was used as bait.

In conclusion the book "The Necromancer" is a thrilling and cliffhanging adventure with many twists and turns. In a word I would call this book a labyrinth of excitement. I would recommend this book however you have to read the preceeding three books in order to get a grasp on things. (less)

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Aug 29, 2012 Goldie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, family, fantasy, female-protagonists, growing-up, kids, magic, paranormal, secrets, young-adult

Originally posted on My Book Musings.

I managed to convince my boyfriend to share the cost for this book with me last Saturday and I do not regret forking over my last money for this book. It was money well spent and I consider it to be the best written book in the series yet.
In the fourth book (yes, fourth already!) the sister of Scatath appears in the picture, Aoife. But she’s not just her sister. They’re actually twins who fought thousands of years ago over a boy and they parted ways. However,...more Originally posted on My Book Musings.

I managed to convince my boyfriend to share the cost for this book with me last Saturday and I do not regret forking over my last money for this book. It was money well spent and I consider it to be the best written book in the series yet.
In the fourth book (yes, fourth already!) the sister of Scatath appears in the picture, Aoife. But she’s not just her sister. They’re actually twins who fought thousands of years ago over a boy and they parted ways. However, Aoife has regretted their dispute and loved her sister all these years. When she felt that Scatath disappeared in the world, she looked for Josh & Sophie and actually ‘kidnapped’ Sophie so that they can talk – or so she said. Josh reluctantly approached the Flamels to help him in getting Sophie back. The Flamels managed to convince Aoife to join them in defeating the Dark Elders but only because she really wanted to get Scatath back and make amends.

Meanwhile, Saint-Germain manages to get to where Joan of Arc is…with no way to go back. There, they met the one who gave Nicholas Flamel the Codex, the one who told Perenelle Flamel her future & her role, and the one who taught Saint-Germain how to master the element of Fire. I’m guessing it’s Abraham the Mage but I’m not sure yet because the book ends with no other other clues to his identity.

Dee has become more desperate but managed to find an ally in his long-time acquaintance Virginia Dare because he promised her the world. With his life and immortality hanging on the balance, he attempts a dangerous move which endangers both the Elders and the humans… and manages to completely turn one of the twins to the dark side.

All in all, the plot for this book is just fantastic. My heart was actually racing the whole time in anticipation and I just couldn’t put it down! I wanted to know what happens next and Scott just delivered even juicier details…with no relief! I must highly praise Michael Scott with this book because his writing style has really improved. He finally delivers a book in the series that really makes me very anxious for the sequels (the next book will be out on May 24 this year so I suppose it will be here in the Philippines around July-August although I’m hoping it will also be here by May 24!).

I am driven insane by the character of Perenelle Flamel! I’m fascinated by the development of the characters of Perry, Sophie, and Josh. I also love that there’s no gender bias whatsoever between male and females, as they are both portrayed as equally strong and capable.

The series has taken quite a darker turn than the previous three books as Aoife seems to be eternally lost to since she sacrificed herself to forever fight with the dangerous enemy Dee indirectly unleashed. Furthermore, one of the twins has turned over to the dark side. Just to make it even more interesting, I’m not going to reveal the twin who flipped. Although if you’ve been reading the past three books, it should not come as a shock because the elements and clues were planted all throughout the series.

If I previously hesitated to suggest the series to you, with this book I’m not holding back. I’m very happy and proud that I’ve got the complete series in my bookshelf. Michael Scott, two thumbs up!(less)

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Jul 16, 2012 Peni Astiti rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: beli-sendiri, buku-keren, buku-terjemahan, dibaca-2012, un-down-able-to-put-books, will-be-read-more-than-once

Seharusnya, karena dimasukkan ke rak "un-down-able to put books", baca buku ini nggak butuh waktu berbulan-bulan, dong? Tapi itulah saya. Demi pengen menikmati hari-hari bersama pasangan Nicholas dan Perenelle Flamel, irit sekali jatah baca buku ini per harinya. Padahal, waktu mulai baca buku ini, Warlock sudah di tangan.

Eh, pernyataan di atas itu ngeles :p

Sebenernya sih, alasan saya karena takut. Sadar kalo Nick dan Perenelle nggak punya waktu untuk bikin ramuan keabadian itu, saya takut kalo...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Hpboy13 rated it 4 of 5 stars

A definite step up from the previous entry in this series. The Necromancer introduces some really exciting twists to the story, and the climax is filled with suspense. Moreover, the new characters introduced in this book are some of the best, like Virginia Dare and Aife. And John Dee gets far more interesting when he's desperate.

However, this series fell prey to every fantasy cliche that drives me nuts, starting with the "learning to master the elements" cliche where we spend pages reading image...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Andy Calingaert rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Necromancer Book Review
The word NECROMANCER itself means magic in general, especially used by witches, wizards, or sorcerers. “The Necromancer” is the fourth book of the series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. The author of the series is Michael Scott. The book starts out fast with the kidnapping of Josh’s sister Sophie. She was kidnapped by one of their friends’ twin Aoife. Josh then goes and finds the Flamels to help get his sister back. The voyage will take the three through d...more

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Mar 06, 2012 IndyPL Kids Book Blog rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, adventure

The Necromancer is book 4 in the series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel. The series tells the story of twins Sophie and Josh who are caught up in a centuries old battle over an ancient book that is supposed to hold the secret of eternal life. Sophie and Josh are thought to be the twins of an ancient prophecy, so both sides of the battle want them. Their problem is figuring out which side is the “good” side. Is it Nicholas Flamel or his rival, John Dee?

I would start with the first one...more

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Jan 24, 2012 Dioskoroi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Nggak rela.
Gua nggak rela.
Serial ~~incest~~ favorit gua berubah jadi opera sabun. Bukan cuma kualitas ~~incest~~-nya aja yang turun (~~nggak penting banget~~), tapi kualitas cerita secara umum. Setelah cerita yang intens dan keren di buku ketiga, lanjutannya ini bener2 mengecewakan..

Oke, kenapa buku ini jadi ~~jelek~~ tidak semenarik pendahulunya:

1. Gua bukan fans berat The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars Eps 5). Cerita ngegantung itu udah cukup buruk. Dan sad ending itu nyebelin. Tapi kalo ngegantung plus sad e...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Riadiani Marcelita rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned

The fourth book of the saga "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" still follows the story of Flamel, an immortal alchemyst, during his task to teach elemental magics to Josh and Sophie Newman, the "twins of legend". Perenelle Flamel, who succeeded in escaping from her prison in Alcatraz, now joins Flamel to find an Elder who can teach the twins Earth magic.

Scathach the Shadow and Joan of Arc are still trapped in the Pleistocene era. Saint-Germain, Palamedes the Saracen Knight, and Willia...more

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Sep 23, 2011 Kathryn Patterson rated it 4 of 5 stars

"The Necromancer" continues the adventures of the twins, Josh and Sophie, as time runs out before the end of the world. I will limit my detailed comments about the story so as not to spoil it for anyone. But I am including my general comments.

Pros: I love how the characters develop. Both the twins, Dee, Machiavelli, and the Flamels grow in this book. Even characters who appear for a chapter or two are not two-dimensional. Michael Scott knows his characters. I also love the plot twists. Foreshad...more

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Aug 19, 2011 JulesQ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

I read the previous two books too close to this one to remember what was in what book, so I'm cheating again and writing a review of the series rather than this particular installment.

Overall this series is quite good. Scott is perhaps not the most skillful of writers, but he's good enough. A couple of notes. Lately it seems like the message du jour in literature, especially the YA genre is that no one is all good or all bad. Which is true. And Scott manages to get us to believe that the charact...more

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Jul 28, 2011 Magdalene rated it 4 of 5 stars

(Review for the entire series)

Michael Scott is, to say the least, charming and intelligent. I was enchanted by his ability to take classical mythological creatures and weave them together into a complicated, vast universe. He is, truly, a talented writer. This is an excellent, very intelligent and well-designed series, although certainly a step away from my regular literary feasts.

This quickly became one of my favorite series, although I am NOT a YA fan. I haven't identified with a 15 year old c...more

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Apr 24, 2011 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Necromancer (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #4) (pp. 389)

The 4th installment of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series takes a new turn where the hunter becomes the hunted. Evil forces are breaking down and Elders are threatening to retract immorality to other layers of super humans. The twins continue to explore their new powers and become peers instead of talked-down-to children.

The reader and characters get even more background on Danu Tails and the Elders. The creatures are mor...more

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Apr 24, 2011 Jess - The Tales Compendium rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-scifi-paranormal

I was very lucky to get an advanced copy of one of my favourite series and The Necromancer completely lived up to my expectations! For anyone who has not discovered these exciting books, do yourself a favour and pick up the first book, The Alchemyst.

The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series is set in present day time but relies heavily on some of history and mythology's best known hero's and villains, from Joan of Arc, Mars - God of War and of course Nicholas Flamel (best known to the c...more

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Mar 10, 2011 Bryan Schneider rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Nicholas Flamel series by Michael Scott, and I having read the other books myself I would have to say that it is the best of the series so far. The Necromancer is an action packed book. Every chapter is packed with fast-paced action and new developments in the story, and the ending of each chapter keeps you turning the page to find out what happens. Be forewarned if you pick up this book you will not want to put it down until you are done.
In this book the both Sop...more

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Jan 31, 2011 Fadilah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Akhirnya buku keempat dari serial The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel ini selesai dibaca. Pada awalnya masih sedikit bingung karena sudah tidak terlalu ingat kisah sebelumnya.

Nicholas dan Prenelle sudah bergabung kembali, bersama Sophie dan Josh. Tokoh baru yang muncul adalah Aoife, juga lelaki bertangan kait yang sebelumnya pernah disebut-sebut sebagai orang yang mengajarkan Nicholas menerjemahkan Codex. Ada pula manusia abadi yang muncul dan bekerja sama dengan Doktor Dee. Mereka memi...more

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Jan 21, 2011 Q Baihaqi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: translator-editor

Ini adalah novel terjemahanku yang ketiga :)

Masih melanjutkan cerita dari buku sebelumnya. Dee kini berbalik menjadi buronan para Tetua untuk dihukum karena telah sekian kali gagal melaksanakan tugas menangkap Flamel dan si Kembar. Dee tidak lagi membutuhkan lembaran Codex yang ada di tangan Josh, dia membangun rencananya sendiri. Untuk melaksanakan rencana itu dia memerlukan kekuatan si Kembar. Sehingga dia masih terus mengejar-ngejar si Kembar. Sedangkan pasangan Flamel kini memusatkan perhati...more Ini adalah novel terjemahanku yang ketiga :)

Masih melanjutkan cerita dari buku sebelumnya. Dee kini berbalik menjadi buronan para Tetua untuk dihukum karena telah sekian kali gagal melaksanakan tugas menangkap Flamel dan si Kembar. Dee tidak lagi membutuhkan lembaran Codex yang ada di tangan Josh, dia membangun rencananya sendiri. Untuk melaksanakan rencana itu dia memerlukan kekuatan si Kembar. Sehingga dia masih terus mengejar-ngejar si Kembar. Sedangkan pasangan Flamel kini memusatkan perhatian melatih si Kembar dengan lebih banyak lagi ilmu untuk merebut kembali Codex dan menggagalkan rencara para Tetua Gelap yang ingin menguasai kembali dunia.

Dengan gaya dan ramuan cerita yang masih seperti buku sebelumnya dalam serial "The Secret of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel", Michael Scott menyusun buku ini dengan multiplot yang beritme cepat. Adegan demi adegan bergulir silih berganti dalam jarak waktu yang tidak terlalu lama, dengan kejutan-kejutan yang kadang tidak tertebak. Michael Scott memang cukup piawai meramu cerita yang seru dengan kemampuan imajinasinya yang luas.

Buku keempat ini terasa agak mengendur actionnya. Itu karena Perenelle dan Nicholas semakin melemah karena menua dengan cepat sehingga tidak dapat berbuat banyak. Sementara Sophie dan Josh memang semakin menguasai kemampuan sihirnya, tapi seiring dengan terkuaknya masa lalu pasangan Flamel tentang apa yang mereka lakukan terhadap pasangan kembar yang lain, keduanya mulai diliputi kebimbangan. Tidak yakin harus berada di pihak mana. Sedangkan tokoh yang lain dalam keadaan terkungkung, Scathach dan Joan masih tersesat di masa lalu, dan Dr. John Dee harus bersembunyi dari kejaran para Tetua Gelap.

Karakter yang ditampilkan semakin banyak, karakter baru dimunculkan sedangkan karakter lama masih dipertahankan, sehingga terasa agak terlalu ramai. Selain tokoh utama pasangan Flamel dan si Kembar, dari buku satu ada Dee, Scathach, dan Penyihir Endor; dari buku dua masih bertahan Machiavelli, Saint Germaine, dan Joan of Arc; dari buku tiga ada Palamedes, William, dan Billy the Kid. Semuanya muncul kembali di buku empat. Dan masih ditambah karakter baru: Aoife, Niten, Prometheus dan Virginia. Penuh sesak :p

Memang masih cukup seru, seperti biasanya, hanya saja agak tidak mengenakkan di ujung akhir cerita. Josh yang dari awal memang selalu menjengkelkan menutup cerita ini dengan sangat tidak menyenangkan. Sementara pada plot yang lain kisahnya digantung begitu saja dengan ending yang hambar. Di versi bahasa Inggris, disisipkan preview bab pertama dari buku berikutnya, "Warlock". Preview "Warlock" ini cukup menarik sehingga bisa sedikit mengangkat kekecewaan dari ending buku keempat ini. Cuma sayangnya di versi bahasa Indonesia sepertinya tidak akan diikut sertakan :(

Bagaimana pun, buat yang sudah mengikuti dari buku pertama, sudah pasti buku keempat ini tidak boleh dilewatkan. Dan pasti akan semakin geregetan untuk menunggu terbitnya buku kelima satu tahun lagi :D
(less)

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Jan 13, 2011 Shannon rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: youngadult

The Necromancer is a good continuation of a series that incorporates mythology, fairy tales, monsters and contemporary characters. Josh and Sophie Newman are the twins foretold in the Codex, written by Abraham the Mage. Over the course of the first four books in the series, we have seen their lives turned upside down as they've gone from normal teenagers to having the fate of humankind resting on their shoulders.

If you've read my reviews of the other books in this series, this book is much the s...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Ithlilian rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

The novelty of this series wore off very quickly. I praised the first book for it's originality, enjoyed the second book, and struggled through the third book. I barely made it through The Necromancer. The pace isn't quite as break neck as the previous novels, but there is still plenty of chase scenes. I really think the alternate points of view do not help this series. I really don't want to read about the bad guys having mundane conversations and plotting things. Nothing of import is really ha...more

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Dec 15, 2010 Aaron rated it 5 of 5 stars

In the forth novel of The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, twins Sophie and Josh Newman find that their adventures with the alchemyst Nicholas Flamel and his sorceress wife Perennelle. Less than a week has gone by since the twins first met the immortal couple, yet they have found themselves transported from San Francisco to Paris to London and back. In the process Sophie and Josh have learned they may be the powerful twins fated to save the world. Their powers are clearly awesome,...more In the forth novel of The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, twins Sophie and Josh Newman find that their adventures with the alchemyst Nicholas Flamel and his sorceress wife Perennelle. Less than a week has gone by since the twins first met the immortal couple, yet they have found themselves transported from San Francisco to Paris to London and back. In the process Sophie and Josh have learned they may be the powerful twins fated to save the world. Their powers are clearly awesome, but they are just now learning about them and are finding out how to use them.

After barely escaping from London, Sophie and Josh have made it back to San Francisco and have reconnected with their aunt, who is less than thrilled at their disappearance. Before they have a chance to settle back in with their family, Sophie is nabbed by Aoife (pronounced Efa), this sister of their dear friend and Celtic warrier Scathach. Josh quickly finds himself chasing after Sophie with the hopes of rescuing her. In the process, he finds himself reconnected with the Flamels. He continues to have more and more doubts about whether they are really the good guys.

Nicholas' archenemy, John Dee, is in major trouble with his master and the other Dark Elders. He had been set with the mission to capture the twins ... something he failed gloriously. The result is a new view about his goals. Dee, who finds a new ally in Virginia Dare, decides that he is going to try to get rid of the Dark Elders and rule the world himself. Josh may just be the perfect tool to accomplish that since the young man may have the power to raise Coatlicue, the Mother of All the Gods. The problem is that she is also a mistress of destruction.

This is definitely a great addition to the series, but it is also a book that requires you to read the earlier novels if you are going to have any clue as to what is happening. There is a lot of action and adventure, and the tale is filled with figures from history and mythology. I had a hard time putting this one down because I really wanted to see what was going to happen. This is another one of those series that I can't wait for the next volume to come out. My understanding is that there will be 6 titles to the story.

The previous volumes in the series include:
1. The Alchemyst
2. The Magician
3. The Sorceress(less)

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Nov 21, 2010 Lindsey rated it 4 of 5 stars

These are fast-paced can’t put it down until your finished kind of books, and this edition to the series is no exception. However, I find myself wanting a lot more from them and the world that Scott is creating.

Don’t get me wrong, I really do love these books, but I have a lot of general qualms with them. I want more magic, and I want to know how the magic is being created. When we all were transported to Hogwarts, there was an explanation of how the magic worked throughout the world, which had...more These are fast-paced can’t put it down until your finished kind of books, and this edition to the series is no exception. However, I find myself wanting a lot more from them and the world that Scott is creating.

Don’t get me wrong, I really do love these books, but I have a lot of general qualms with them. I want more magic, and I want to know how the magic is being created. When we all were transported to Hogwarts, there was an explanation of how the magic worked throughout the world, which had very particular rules about what one can do when and how long it takes to acquire that knowledge.
So, ok, I know that Scott is not trying to recreate the Potter world, but it would be nice to know what rules the magic of this world operates from. The best explanation that we get at any point from either of the twins is, “I don’t know, somehow you just know how to do it.” I think this is a travesty and is missing out on a crucial element of drawing us into the story. How are they developing these abilities? How do they feel as they’re creating the magic?

Every once in a while we get a peek into the whole thing, but it’s not nearly often enough. Even the other immortals have cool spells that I’d like to get a little more depth on. Most of the time, they simply say, a shaman taught me this, or I learned this from Circe. You learned what from Circe? Is it a spell that you cast? How are you creating the magic?

Anyway, past all that, it’s a fun read and, in my opinion, more engaging than the first two, but not as good as the third. Josh and Sophie have generally become less whiney and are starting to jump into this whole being special and having magical abilities thing. They seem more willing to tackle the adventure set before them. I like the thickening plot between what Dee is doing and how it relates to all the elemental swords. However, I really do get tired of Josh waffling between sides. It adds some layers of conflict to the story, but I think Josh’s reasoning is pretty weak and somewhat unbelievable. He should either stand in his convictions one way or the other.

-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com (less)

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Oct 19, 2010 Tanya Talwar rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The Necromancer
Book Review

This book takes place over the course of two days, and once again, Michael Scott delivers a masterpiece. The first three books are amazing reads as well, but this particular book adds twists into this story as never before. The first three books are about training the twins in the elemental magics and fleeing from Dee and Machiavelli; however this book gets darker and reveals more burdening secrets about the world.

This part of the series makes Sophie and Josh even more...more The Necromancer
Book Review

This book takes place over the course of two days, and once again, Michael Scott delivers a masterpiece. The first three books are amazing reads as well, but this particular book adds twists into this story as never before. The first three books are about training the twins in the elemental magics and fleeing from Dee and Machiavelli; however this book gets darker and reveals more burdening secrets about the world.

This part of the series makes Sophie and Josh even more certain that they should trust no one but each other. However, after the unexpected turning events at the end (Josh being possessed by Mars and walking out on Sophie and the Flamels), they even begin to doubt each other. When Aoife of the Shadows is first introduced in the beginning, I find that when she explains the relationship between herself and her sister, Scathach, it very much resembles Sophie and Josh’s. They feel each other’s pain, one thinks their older than the other, etc.; a typical twin relationship.

As a reader, I feel this connection that Sophie is getting with Aoife as well. When I read this part in the beginning of the book when Sophie and Aoife kind of bond, I find myself thinking: Aoife and Scathach have a fall-out, and their relationship if much like Sophie and Josh’s. Is this Scott’s way of somewhat foreshadowing that Sophie and Josh will have some sort of disagreement or argument as well? Does it mean that they will end up going their separate ways, but still care about each other and help each other when one is in need?

There are many ways that one could interpret the plot in this book, but for me the climax is when Josh is raising Coatlicue from her shadow realm. It is such an intense moment, when everyone is running around trying to figure out what’s going on. I think that the ending of this particular book is also the climax of the whole series, because it is completely unexpected and changes almost the whole plot line, and, not to mention, changes the characters quite a bit as well.

Scott introduces various new characters in this book, for example Virginia Dare, Dare is the type of person that is usually independent and neutral. Why is she taking sides with Dee? I know that Dee promised her that she could rule the world with him, but how many others have trusted the English Magician and met their downfall? She should know better than to trust him.

I’ve noticed, however, that after this book, I’ve started to like Machiavelli more and more. Even though he is a villain in this story, Scott makes him have some good moral, and at least an admirable personality. Making a villain is not hard, almost anyone can do it, but creating a villain that has some aspects that you admire, and then think If only he was fighting for the good side, they would be so much better off!, is much, much more immensely difficult.

Another interesting aspect Michael Scott put into these series, and especially this book, is that the reader ends up often questioning the good side as well. There isn't exactly a clear distinction between good and bad. There is a slight distinction, but what I’ve noticed personally as a reader is that the characters aren't described as good or bad, but as characters all utterly convinced of the rightness of what they are doing. Nobody reading this book doubts Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel are on "the good side", but The Necromancer challenges that conviction, and challenges it for other characters as well, especially Josh.

One of the very interesting things that Scott does is that every single one of his characters can be traced back in mythology. He has done his research well and portrayed each of these “gods” and mythological creatures amazingly in aspect to the story. I became so interested in all of the characters, that afterward, I even searched some of the biographies of these characters on the internet! I absolutely cannot wait to read more about all of these characters. The characterisation is for me one of the strongest point of this series, after the plot and story-telling!

This book finally gets at the turning point and climax of the overall story, where the characters find them questioning themselves and you find yourselves questioning them. This book makes you laugh, cry, and long for the next book in the series, the Warlock!(less)

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Oct 03, 2010 Caroline rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, urban-fantasy, young-adult

I think it is possible to divide this series between the first three books and this one (and most probably the two others which will follow: The Warlock (2011) and The Enchantress (2012)). This book takes a whole new tone and you get from the beginning that things really are serious and that a war or at the very least a conflict is imminent. The three first books were about Awakening the Twins and teaching them some magic, as well as fleeing from John Dee and Niccolo Machiavelli. The Necromancer...more I think it is possible to divide this series between the first three books and this one (and most probably the two others which will follow: The Warlock (2011) and The Enchantress (2012)). This book takes a whole new tone and you get from the beginning that things really are serious and that a war or at the very least a conflict is imminent. The three first books were about Awakening the Twins and teaching them some magic, as well as fleeing from John Dee and Niccolo Machiavelli. The Necromancer is a much darker book and shows also the most terrible secrets of the planet.

The twins go back to San Francisco and don't know what to do from there on. They know they have a responsability, being the Twins of Legend. But they are unsure what to do and who to trust. They don't want to trust people blindly.
Each book brings a wave of new characters. In The Necromancer, various new characters appear and Prometheus is the most incredible one, he is the Witch of Endor's (who gave her memories to Sophie) brother and Scathach's uncle. Through Sophie's eyes we learn a lot about him and his past, but also what is going on with the Elders. The character of Virginia Dare is also very interesting: independant and cunning. You will also learn a lot about Scathach through her (wait for it) twin sister Aoife!

I particularly liked reading the changes in the personalities of both John Dee and Niccolo Machiavelli. I feel that their true natures are reflected through their actions in The Necromancer. They are clearly different and "not in the same league". Machiavelli seems to decide on cold calculation whereas John Dee's decisions seem mostly motivated by fear. (Coward.)
No matter how well described the "good" characters are, you can really judge the quality of a story on its "bad guys". Creating flawless and moral characters is less complicated (though not simple either!) than creating a credible "evil" counterpart. In The Secrets of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, there isn't a clear distinction between good and bad. I mean, there is a distinction, but what is pointed out is that the characters aren't described as good or bad but as characters all utterly convinced of the rightness of what they are doing. No one doubts Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel are on "the good side", but The Necromancer challenges that conviction, as well as it challenges it for other characters. All the characters working for the Dark Elders all have very profound reasons to do so, but they vary depending on the characters.

I cannot stress enough my complete admiration for Michael Scott and the incredible story he created intertwining fiction with historical facts and legends. The only characters who do not exist are Josh and Sophie! All the others are so interesting that I went to check their biographies/stories on internet, and I can't wait to read more about them. The characterisation is for me one of the strongest point of this series, after the plot and story-telling!

The ending will keep you at the edge of your seat: wow! I can't say anything, but you will clearly be quite impatient for Summer 2011 and the release of The Warlock!

This book finally gets at the turning point of the story where a conflict seems inevitable and the characters have to choose sides. The Necromancer is a very strong and heart-breaking book that will surprise you, frighten you and make you long for The Warlock.(less)

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Aug 09, 2010 Bob Redmond rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

Book #4 in the "Nicholas Flamel" series is another breezy Young Adult read through a land of historically-inflected sorcery. The non-stop action reads like a latter-season episode of "24" -- enjoyable but also a little fatiguing. One _feels_ like the now-aging Flamel, whose Immortality is fading since the Codex has been stolen by the evil Dr. Dee.

Author Michael Scott (and how can you not imagine, incongruously, hilariously, the central characater of "The Office" behind this whole series?) has lo...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Rhiannon Ryder rated it 4 of 5 stars

With awesome covers and an intriguing story these books have fascinated me since the day I picked the first one up (with absolutely no idea this was part one of six! ugh). I'd be lying though if I didn't say I've struggled with them, and I just couldn't pin point why. I love the story, it's action packed and full of great reveals and monsters. There's an intriguing cast of characters, many of whom are immortal and have rich histories for Michael Scott to divulge at his leisure. So what is it, ex...more With awesome covers and an intriguing story these books have fascinated me since the day I picked the first one up (with absolutely no idea this was part one of six! ugh). I'd be lying though if I didn't say I've struggled with them, and I just couldn't pin point why. I love the story, it's action packed and full of great reveals and monsters. There's an intriguing cast of characters, many of whom are immortal and have rich histories for Michael Scott to divulge at his leisure. So what is it, exactly, that rubs me the wrong way about these books? Why is it I feel kind of unsatisfied every time I finish one?

At first I thought it was because although I was intrigued by the characters I didn't like any of them. Especially the Twins, Josh and Sophie, who are sort of the Hero's of the story. There's nothing worse than when an author, in attempt to be gritty and realistic, ends up taking away all the redeeming factors from a character leaving you with some unlikable, often cruel, protagonist. But while reading The Necromancer I decided that although Michael Scott repeatedly makes Josh a whinny temperamental teenager (ugh, my least favorite, their bad enough in person! please don't follow me into my reading too!), and insists on hinting at Nicholas and Pernelles potentially less than heroic past (I think he's just trying to be mysterious and keep you guessing but really it just gets frustrating), the real problem is the pacing of the books coupled with the one year breaks between them.

Four books into a six part series, Michael Scott has only covered 7 days. They have been an astoundingly action packed seven days, honestly it's shocking when you get reminded of just how little time has gone by, but if you think of it this way, it means he's averaging less than two days per book. With each book spread apart by a year. See what I mean?
And that is what I think the problem is.
Take a series that is gogogogogogo, and cut it off right in the middle of something big, annnnnnnnnnnd, wait for a year to read the next two days of gogogogogogogo, annnnnnnnnd, wait for another year to jump right back into the action and gogogogogogogo.

Honestly, I think this series has awesome potential, once it's fully released in two more years. Until then, it just sort of drives me crazy, and i doubt I'm enjoying the full scope of it reading it as it releases each year. Will I keep buying it as it comes out? Yes. Do I recommend it? Yes, at this point four of the six books are out, so it's a good time to jump on board. But for us suckers who started with the first book? Honestly it just isn't working for me. I'm pretty sure I'll feel differently about it once I double back and read it in one go, but since the ending of The Necromancer was completely annoying(seriously does it always have to end on such a cliff hanger?) I'm not in any hurry to go back to them right away.
(less)

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Jun 05, 2010 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: not-translated, series

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. after the all 5 stars in this series, I'm kinda disappointed with this book.

first, I love the new character, Aoife the Shadow. she was so much alike with Sophie. well, the blurting-everything-in-my-head Sophie maybe.
unlike Scathach who was very mysterious, Aoife was more open up to others. at least, from what she seemed.
she always said she didn't afraid of anything but I didn't think so. for some thing, I think she sounded scared but tried to convince herself that she wasn't scared.
plus, she was...more

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About Michael Scott

Irish-born Michael Scott began writing over thirty years ago, and is one of Ireland's most successful and prolific authors, with over one hundred titles to his credit, spanning a
variety of genres, including Fantasy, Science Fiction and Folklore.

He writes for both adults and young adults and is published in thirty-seven countries, in over twenty languages.

Praised for his “unparalleled contribution...more

More about Michael Scott...

Books by Michael Scott

The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #1)

The Magician (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #2)

The Sorceress (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #3)

The Warlock (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #5)

The Enchantress (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #6)

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Quotes from The Necromancer

“Niten's eyes didn't move, but a trace of a smile curled his lips. "I do not need my eyes to tell me where I'm going."
"I have no idea what that means," Josh said. "Is it like some sort of ninja trick?"
Niten shot Josh a warning look. "Whatever you do, don't mention-"
It was too late. In the backseat Aoife stirred. "Ninjas," she spat. "Why is everyone so obsessed with ninjas? They were never that good. And they were cowards, sneaking around in their black pajamas, stabbing their victims with poisoned darts. I hate ninjas-they have no honor.” — 41 people liked it

“You are not living, you are surviving.” — 41 people liked it

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The Necromancer (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #4)

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