 | The Magician: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
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 2008-11-09 - The Magician big hit with 12 year old
My 12 year old granddaughter loved this book (and the 1st book in this series). It arrived in 2 days with Amazon Prime! She couldn't wait for it to arrive. When it did, she sat down and read it in one day! She is disappointed that the sequel to The Magician isn't due out until the spring of 2009.
2008-11-05 - Even better then the Alchemyst - can't wait for #3!!
Interestingly, I saw a review titled "the real heir to Harry Potter" - and I couldn't agree more. Ironically, I picked up the first in this series The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel at the Borders release party for Deathly Hallows. I liked it - thought it was ok. I was going to wait until the paperback version of this one - but was convinced by some other reader friends to get it now. I am so glad I listened to them. This was even better then the first - although, in my opinion, it would probably be hard to follow without having read the first. "Do-able" but better if you read them in order.
It introduces us to some great historical characters - in a totally new light - and brings in so many different aspects of so many different mythologies from around the world. But in a fun way. There's magic all over the place (some might say "duh" because of the title) and the story moves along well. There are visits to some great landmarks too. The characters are becoming more developed and complex. And there's plenty to discuss on message boards about what might come next (there are 4 more to come).
The author is well versed in mythology - which can be seen in the over 100 books he has written. This series does a wonderful job of tying all sorts of important historical and mythological events and characters and places into one big magical bow. Totally the next Harry Potter... or at least it should be! The Flamel Fansite has more helpful info on the series and the next installment - which I can't wait to read!!
2008-10-20 - Inspiration for the Athlete Within Everyone!
Sports stories are usually about success and failure! But those two terms are differently defined in this exciting, unusual collection that will spark the mind of all readers, whether you like sports or not! For these are real stories told about something in each experience that moves the hardest of head and/or hearts!
"Ignore the definitions and follow the impulse every inch of the way it leads," might be a most appropriate motto for each character in these terrific stories. You'll meet a guy who can't play basketball for beans until he has a larger vision of why he wants that ball to land in that swishing hoop! And maybe you'll enjoy the "large" girl who can't even come close to excelling in sports until she's fueled by one single, pulsing thought. Or maybe you'd like to meet a shy girl who finally starts being proud about being a BMX punk-girl after a visit from a very old friend. How easy can it be to impress a girl with one's kayaking skills when you lose a loosely strung piece of memorabilia?
Lay-Ups and Long Shots works so well because the stories are real living experiences that focus on the most proud, and yes even embarrassing, moments a teen can experience in this high end, glossy world that celebrates six-figure paid athletes but far too often ignores the spirit behind sports that makes real heroes and heroines, the kind who never make to the press. The authors convey the plot-driven tension, dreams and memories behind courageous, all to human men and women like you and me!
These are just some of the quickly readable stories that will propel you through these pages quicker than you can blink your eyes! And when you're done, you'll be able to say there's not one dud in the entire 112 pages. That's quite a feat for the collector and even more of a feat for the 9 authors whose tales will stick in your mind and heart for many, many days after you've turned the last satisfying page!
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on October 19, 2008
2008-10-14 - Better than the first one
Definitely the better of the two books (so far). Couldn't put it down. I admit I'm a bit miffed that I have to WAIT for the third book to see what happens! Highly recommended.
2008-10-13 - Fantastic Sequel
The Magician does not disappoint as a continuation from the first book, The Alchemyst. Scott really does a remarkable job of blending history and mythology and magic all into one amazing adventure.
In this installment Sophie and Josh run into more trouble and adventure while both of their powers' grow stronger, while Nicolas and Pernelle grow weaker by the hour. I'm so looking foward to the third installment of this series!
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