The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel: Alchemyst

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.