
"The Alchemyst is a contemporary fantasy which opens in modern
day San Francisco when brother and sister, Josh and Sophie
discover that the owner of the bookstore where Josh works
is the immortal French alchemist, Nicholas Flamel. Flamel
and his wife, Perenelle, are the guardians of the Book of
Abraham which they have protected for centuries. This is
a collection of the most powerful spells in the world. When
Dr John Dee discovers the Flamels’ whereabouts, he attacks
and snatches the book. Josh and Sophie intervene to help
Flamel, but now they too are being hunted by Dee and creatures
that predate humanity.
All of the main characters in The Alchemyst series are based
on figures from history or mythology.
Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel both existed. Nicholas was
born in France in 1330, and not only do his diaries and writings
exist, his house at 51 rue de Montmorency still stands in
Paris today.
In his diaries he writes extensively about discovering the
Book of Abraham, and his long quest to translate it. He claims
he discovered the secret of the Philosopher’s Stone – how
to turn base metal into gold – and also the secret of eternal
life.
From being a poor bookseller, he became extraordinarily
wealthy and founded schools, churches and hospitals in Paris.
In recognition for his charitable works, there are two
streets named after him and Perenelle.
He lived simply and when he died in 1418, his tomb was broken
into by thieves looking for his vast wealth.
His tomb – and that of Perenelle – were both
empty.
In the centuries that followed, there were several sightings
of Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel across Europe."
http://www.dillonscott.com/the-secrets-of-the-immortal-nicholas-flamel/books/the-alchemyst/
This is one of my favorite series. There are six books in the series. This is a very fast moving story with lots of action. Easy to read. Very enjoyable. The Nicholas Flamel character is the same one that is mentioned in the Harry Potter series as having invented the sorcerers stone.
I would rate this a PG for some of the mildly violent action scenes. I would suggest this to a 10 + audience.
Ok, I have heard of this and wanted to read it. But, I need to know the why before I read a book. What great moral dud you learn? Why did you like it?
ReplyDeleteThere was a great deal of perseverance and enduring to the end. They showed great examples of courage and teamwork. Also repentance and forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteI like your view of repentance on that because I didn't like the fact (Spoiler alert!) on how the boy keeps going to the bad guys. I mean really? Never finished the series though. School started before I could. :(
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