I enjoyed it

So, I came into this knowing it had mixed reviews and thought for the worst. I'm not saying where I read these reviews, and I don't always read reviews beforehand, but sometimes it's good to know, so I don't get too excited only to be let down. The crux of it is that I enjoyed the book. Sure, it's a little slow at times with all the talk and what not, but overall I found it enjoyable and a good ride.

Characters

There are several main characters in this book. But, like all books, there are probably more central characters than the rest. The first character I'd like to describe (or voice my opinion about) is Sophie Newman. She's the (spoiler) twin sister to her brother Josh. They are both ordinary teenagers until they meet Nick. Now, Sophie is the smart one of the two twins. She's the one who can think and act reasonably. Josh is a hot head and says whatever he wants without any filter. Obviously, Josh is the one who lands them in trouble most of the time.

After the twins, we have Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle. Nicholas seems to be the schemer in the family while Perenelle is the stronger sorceress (the one with the more powerful magic). We didn't read much about Perenelle, so she's still a mystery to me as to how she'll behave. But, I do believe she's more honest than Nicholas. Nicholas was a character I liked and also disliked at times - he came across quite arrogant and demanding, but I suppose if you've lived for hundreds of years one might tend to think they're better than the others.

As for the bad guys of the story, we have Dr John Dee, the main "baddie" of the story. He's been the Flamel's enemy for a long time and has just found them in this book. He teams up with some evil (god-like) beings that nobody should team with. I thought he showed the usual signs of a villain, how he's afraid, but determined to show his strength and power at the same time.

Themes

So, the central theme throughout this book and is referenced over and over again (sorry if this a spoiler) is the idea of fate. It is written in this grand book that Flamel has, that twins, Josh and Sophie, will either tear up the world or save up. They are fated to do this and can't escape the prophecy that was written about them thousands of years ago. I like the idea that we're fated to do things, and it's written in the threads of time.

Another theme is that the twins, Josh and Sophie Newman, have to grow up fast. For everyone, whether you're old or young, will notice this. You'll always be forced into situations where you have to grow up and stop acting like a kid. To be honest, I wish I could still be a kid and not have the responsibilities that I have now. But that's life. You grow up.

Lastly, I'd like to discuss the theme of morality. I know I almost present this every book, but nearly every book is teaching us what is right and wrong, or the opposite. In The Alchemyst, we learn that the Flamels might have ulterior motives and that Dr John Dee might not be as bad as we thought he was.

Recommendation

Like the first title says, I enjoyed the book. It wasn't s good as some of the books I read last year, but I'm going to continue the series. So, I definitely recommend you give this a read (if you're into Young Adult) and let me know what you thought of the book. I heard a rumour that this is going to become a film, so I'll also go and see that when it comes out.

  "Are you a victim too?" -The Alchemyst, p.338

It's somewhere around a 2 and 3/4 star book.

Ever since I seen the cover of this book I wanted to read it. I have always had an interest in alchemy, philosophy and mythology and stories with those elements. I also adore the cover. It is beautiful.But, reading the reviews I was some what put off. Then I read it anyways. I don't know why but just had too.

It's actually an okay book. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It is an easy read with more potential than it's actual realization. The story line is okay, it's not the most suspenseful though. There is no inner vs outer conflict. The struggle doesn't seem real in the story.

The main issue is that it lacked characterization. There was no attachment for me to any of the characters. The were all flat and you never get to really know any of them to actually care about them. I also found the relationship between the twins to be really...odd. However, I do not know what it's like to be a twin so maybe that's what it's like.... dunno. I also expected more out of Nicholas Flamel. I wanted his character to be more wise and sage-like. I mean, he's like 900 years old after all. But, he just turned out to be goofy with a dash of douchebag mixed in.

Even after all that being said, I may continue with the series too. It lacked emotional involvement for me but I didn't mind the story line. So, I think it will be nice to read the rest of the series while I'm at the beach this summer.

I thought I was going to like this book a lot more than I did. I loved the idea of having Nicholas Flamel and his wife as the protagonists of a contemporary book about recovering the book that made him immortal and saving the world, and I really did. I especially liked reading about Perenelle. Nicholas was also very interesting to read, and I kept picturing him like Joel Gray, and I love Joel Gray :) 

Unfortunately, in my very humble opinion, I think the writing was not great.

I'm not a writer myself so if you write a book, I think you're great and you have my admiration, but with this book I was constantly reminded that I was "reading" a book. There was always something that impeded the fluidity of the writing. It felt forced. Maybe it was just me, but I never managed to lose myself in the book.

Also, the twins. The girl was clever enough but Josh was infuriating. Increasingly annoying and stupid, just his character alone makes me consider not reading the second book because I don't know if I could stand him for another 400 pages. And, my dear author, how many times do you have to mention that their parents are Archaeologists? We got it the first time.

But it's not like I hated the book, I just feel disappointed because this could have been great and it was just ...ok. Three stars!

[I'm counting this for the 2014 TBR PILE CHALLENGE]