The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, #1) in The Not-So Austen Bookclub

Mar 04, 2013 L rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: first-reads

Enter an enchanting world which beautifully blends the magical and mythical with a modern scientific twist!

I was astonished to uncover a book like no other, which contrary to epic fantasy creations contains solid scientific fact amid a contemporary feel. As a huge fan of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, I was already familiar with Nicholas Flamel who had created the Philosopher’s stone (the elixir of life) and so secrets to immortality had already been discovered. What I did not expect to find Enter an enchanting world which beautifully blends the magical and mythical with a modern scientific twist!

I was astonished to uncover a book like no other, which contrary to epic fantasy creations contains solid scientific fact amid a contemporary feel. As a huge fan of JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, I was already familiar with Nicholas Flamel who had created the Philosopher’s stone (the elixir of life) and so secrets to immortality had already been discovered. What I did not expect to find was a totally original creation with exciting characters, which took me on the most thrilling journey and otherworldly adventure. The two ‘meddling’ twins reminded me of Fred and George Weasley’s distinct personalities, as they brought such vibrancy and energy to the gripping narrative. Cleverly combining folklore with mythology, this is a series (that although targeted towards the younger reader), will appeal to JRR Tolkien fans and those who enjoy spellbinding fantasy in the vein of Harry Potter or His Dark Materials.

The Alchemist is the first installment within a five book series that focuses on Nicholas Flamel the seven hundred year old Alchemyst. Born in Paris on 28 September 1330, Flamel is known as one of the greatest Alchemyst of all-time, with his discovery of the secret to eternal life being a noteworthy achievement. Within the book of Abraham the Mage lies this powerful secret, and so in the wrong hands it could ultimately destroy the world…this element reminded me of Torchwood: Miracle Day, when no one dies!
…modern day – Dr. John Dee plans to steal the book. A prophecy states that two youngsters, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to prevent this from happening. As Sophie and Josh find themselves in the middle of a perilous quest to save mankind from extinction, they also realize the magnitude of this when at the heart of one of the greatest legends of all-time...

Plunging into a dazzlingly dangerous world filled with immortals and extraordinary creatures, distant lands and vast realms was simply breathtaking. As an avid reader and individual whose mind spends one hundred percent of its time in a fantasy land (whether that be Hogwarts or Middle-Earth), I was utterly awestruck by the inspired vision and scope of this novel. I cannot enthuse enough about this remarkable series which was pure joy to read, addictive and profoundly absorbing as to render me unable to put the book down. If I could give more than a five star rating I would, hence I cannot wait to delve into book 2 ‘the Magician’.

…What would you do if you held the secret which could end the world?

*I won a paperback copy of “Book 1: the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel, The Alchemyst” by Michael Scott, from a Goodreads (first-read) giveaway. I would like to thank Random House publishing for sending me a copy of this book*
...more

2 likes · Like · see review