velvetpage: (bibliophile)
velvetpage ([personal profile] velvetpage) wrote2009-07-05 01:31 pm
Entry tags:

Good book

I just finished reading "The Alchemyst," by Michael Scott, first in the series called "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel."

It was excellent. Scott wove history and mythology from around the world into a cohesive the-world-is-not-as-it-seems fantasy. The characters include, not just Flamel and his wife (who is more powerful than he is) but also Dr. John Dee, Elizabethan magician and astrologer to Queen Elizabeth I, Hekate, the Witch of Endor, Bastet, the Morrigan, and the Warrior Maid. Also a set of twins, Josh and Sophie, who in true high-fantasy fashion, are just normal teens working summer jobs when they're pulled into the story and discover they're actually the keys to saving or destroying the world.

The next time I buy books (a few weeks away at least, seeing as how I bought four on Friday and haven't finished Skybreaker yet from before that) I'm buying the rest of this series. The cliches - and there are plenty - are made up for by the quality of the writing and the fast pace of the story.

[identity profile] mar2nee.livejournal.com 2009-07-06 01:22 am (UTC)(link)
I read this aloud to Adam and didn't like it. But, I think when reading aloud, I just can't pay attention to the story, so probably shouldn't judge.
I think I've read too many "for kids/teens" books in a row now, and am really wanting something more adult (not that I'm sure what I mean by that). Of couse, the only book of the 3 for this week's bookclub I'm nearly done is the teen one. Yeesh!

[identity profile] tintaglia30.livejournal.com 2009-07-06 12:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Okay, that sounds pretty good, must see if I can pick it up.
Isn't Nicholas Flamel the sorcerer/philosopher from the Harry Potter books? I am sure they mention him, how odd.

[identity profile] velvetpage.livejournal.com 2009-07-06 12:38 pm (UTC)(link)
Yep, in the Philosopher's Stone. There doesn't appear to be a connection, though. He was a real historical figure used in both books. Rowling is pretty good at weaving mythology into her books, too.

OT: Cake

[identity profile] ankhorite.livejournal.com 2009-07-07 10:03 pm (UTC)(link)

Cake? Is it time for cake?

I brought you some in the icon.

Re: OT: Cake

[identity profile] velvetpage.livejournal.com 2009-07-07 11:34 pm (UTC)(link)
It is! Thank you!