The Magician, generally, moves from where the first book left of – what became of Sophie, Josh, Nicholas and Scathach after going through the leygate. They were transported to Paris, Nicholas’ hometown, where Sophie must continue her training and where Josh battles with his prevailing issues: in trusting Nicholas and Scathach; in believing in what Dee said on the previous book; in “not having any powers”; and in trying to keep her strong bond with his sister.

Dr. John Dee continues to pursue the group and since he has to travel to Paris from Ojai, he contacted Machiavelli, who happened to be the head of the French Secret Service. With the police force on their side, it seemed that they’ve cornered the group. It didn’t become that simple though, Sophie’s powers grew after the Witch of Endor tranferred her memories to her and she saved the group yet again.

Incidentally, Nicholas found a way to train Sophie further as he meets old friends. He also found a way to convert Josh’s doubts into trust. Dee and Machiavelli, however, made the chase so compelling, you’ll be amazed how things turned out in the end.

New characters were mentioned in the book and once again, Scott did not hide his wisdom not only in mythology but also in philosophy and history. This time, he made use of Niccol Machiavelli, tulpas (creatures animated entirely by the power of imagination), Dagon (a “fish man”), the sphinx, , Comte de Saint-Germain, Joan of Arc, Juan Manuel de Ayala, the Disir/Valkyries, Nidhogg and Mars (boy you would love how Mars turned out here).

He also made further mention of the Crow Goddess, The Morrigan, on Areop-Enap, Clarent and Excalibur, Phobos and Deimos, the Alcatraz and since this is Paris, the catacombs, the Eiffel Tower and the gargoyles of Notre Dame.

What’s great about this book is the feeling that just when you’ve found a second to breathe, something larger almost always comes up. It is full of suspense, action and of course, magic. It would be really wonderful to see this on screen because it has that type of material – the one that can keep you at the edge of your seat waiting for what’s next.

I also like the “realistic” side of the book. The conflicts Josh was experiencing makes his character more human and well, more gullible – which is to be expected, considering where he’s coming from. At some point, Nicholas’ doubts and loss of direction/hope was also moving. Knowing more about Scathatch’s life including her enemies and discovering Perenelle’s powers makes the story more interesting. The skid remarks skid remarks are wonderfully placed, putting wit and well, a bit of humor into play. I just find the book fun to read and really enjoyable. I am looking forward towards the next.

Danu Talis would sink beneath the waves and that our world would end.
It would come again…
When the two that are one and the one that is all have arrived, when the sun and moon are united.

There will come a time when the Book is taken
And the Queen’s man is allied with the Crow.
Then the Elder will step out of the Shadows
And the immortal must train the mortal.
The two that are one must become the one that is all.

- The Book of Abraham, the Mage -

The Alchemyst is the first of a six-part book series The Secrets of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel written by Michael Scott. The story revolves around the prophecy written in the Book of Abraham, the Mage, also known as the Codex which states that the end of the world is near and it can only be prevented by “two that are one and the one that is all.” The short excerpt above generally outlines the events on the book but there is definitely more to this book than that major plot.

The Codex, apparently, does not only predict this prophecy but also possesses the knowledge to control the fifth element – time, which includes the philosopher’s stone – the secret to immortality and the ability to turn ordinary metal into gold and ordinary stones into jewels. This is one of the secrets on the book that the major characters Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel studied, used and protected. This is the same book that was stolen, except for 2 pages containing the last summoning when the story opened. The theft was a fiasco of magic, a battle which Josh and Sophie Newman found themselves accidentally entangled in. The thief, Dr. John Dee, together with his golems thought they had what they came for inclusive of a formidable prisoner, Perenelle.

The story goes deeper by introducing the existence of the Elders and the Dark Elders, the First Generation – gods and goddesses, the Next Generation – the vampires, the wereboars (Torc Allta), werewolves (Torc Madra), weretigers and the humani (the human race). It also began its pacing as regards the fulfillment of the prophecy, the chance to save humanity and the chance to both save Nicholas and Perenelle’s life, as without the brew to immortality, they are beginning to age towards their death. The book thus became a wheel of running and running after, of buying or stalling time and of amazing discovery and wonder.

My first reaction when I saw the title of this book was – what a Harry Potter aftermath. As you know, Nicholas Flamel was a key idea in the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The magic that happened in the bookstore and the coffee shop was undeniably interesting though and that got me reading further. What got me hooked completely however was when various mythical gods and goddesses started springing to life in the story. This includes Scathach, Morrigan (Crow Goddess), Hekate, Bastet and Dora, the Witch of Endor. The Shadowrealm and Necromancy, the mention of magician, sorcery, and of course, alchemy, I just can’t help but take awe in the way Michael Scott brought them all together.

I know I have to stop comparing the other books I’ve read but it’s just so amazing how Scott can insert mythical characters into the book without malice or prejudice, or even consideration from whence they came. Persephone was mentioned at some time and a lot more was mentioned, it’s just that I can’t remember from which mythology they came from. Suddenly, I had this really weird need of reviewing my literature just to cope.

I loved Percy Jackson and I love the Kane Chronicles but this is way exceeding my expectations. Can’t wait to read the next and complete the series very soon.

Nothing is as it seems. You must learn to question everything. To wait before moving, to look before stepping and to observe everything.

- Alchemyst, Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel -

my sight is blinded of a so called light
too dark i can’t see my way
this too shall pass

it better should

everything is haywire
i’m in total disarray
save me from this moment
songs filling up empty spaces

empty meanings
empty words
empty beginnings
this too shall pass

sleep is calling me
i have no one else to turn to
sleep with me
i beg of you
this dream is all about you

empty nights
empty beds
empty moments
this too shall pass

hold me tight and tell me you’re real
or i shall let you pass

without me realizing you were ever here.

this too shall pass
it should.

You said “The fires won’t consume you,
And in the rivers you won’t drown”
I wish to pause this moment…

- Kjwan -

Don’t be deceived by battling eyes that seem to pore into your being,
nor swept by sweet words of invisible poison.
They don’t belong.

Alcohol runs through one’s veins like lips on fire,
whilst ice shall always extinguish.
Things are not always what they seem.

Though I really wish they were.

I walk by faith, not by sight.

- Eli, Book of Eli -

The real hell is your life gone wrong.

- What Dreams May Come -

And like the movie implies, hell is where people cannot accept what has happened to them and what they did to face it – nothing.

Almost dying changes nothing.  Dying changes everything.

- House, TV Series -

I’d rather be close to the birds than forever wish I could fly.

-  House, TV Series-