Book Title: The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
Author Name: Michael Scott
Reviewed by TFK Kid Reporter: Sam Rubinroit
Genre: Fantasy
Number of pages: 369
What's the basic storyline?
The Alchemyst revolves around the lives of two ordinary twins, Josh and Sophie Newman, who find themselves in extraordinary situations. While trying to help their friend, Nicholas Flamel, during a robbery at his bookstore, they witness something magical—literally. They see Flamel use magic to fight off two Golems (mud men brought to life) as another man attempts to steal a particular book. As the man tries to escape, Josh grabs at the book and is able to snag the two most important pages. Josh and Sophie learn later that the book allows a person to live forever and control the world. Now the twins must face possessed rats, living trees and other creatures they thought existed only in nightmares, in an attempt to gain possession of the magical book.
Were the characters believable? What made them believable or unbelievable?
Although over half of the characters in the book are magical, they are still believable. Josh and Sophie are just typical teenagers, and the characters they meet along the way just become stranger and stranger.
Would you recommend this book to kids? Why or why not?
I would definitely recommend this book to kids. Although it is 369 pages long, it is very hard to put down, and you will wish it never ends. Even for someone who is not usually interested in fantasy, this is a great read.
What's not-so-great about the book?
I can’t think of anything that is not great about this book. It has a unique blend of adventure, characters and even a little bit of history.
On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being best), how would you rate this book? Explain.
I would rate this book a 9.5. It is perfect for anyone and really teaches the importance of trust and the special bond between siblings.
