The Secrets of Nicholas Flamel: The Magician

The Magician, the second of the six-book series, Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, by Michael Scott did not fall short of what is expected based on his first book on the series, the Alchemyst: a deeper story, another set of interesting characters and more magic.

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.