Unlike the other books I’ve profiled here, Scott’s series is more mature and darker that what I normally listen to. The humour isn’t there, having been replaced by mind-bending intensity and and an epic storyline that sweeps through 10,000 years of history in a few short days. The entire series, starting with The Alchemyst, takes place over the span of one month, but the characters move across the earth and through time in the span of a heartbeat.
The story centres around Josh and Sophie Newman, fifteen year-old twins who are believed to be the twins mentioned in an ancient prophesy - one to save the world and one to destroy it. Which is which? They are taken in by Nicholas Flamel and his wife, Perenelle, when Dr. John Dee chases them to steal the Codex, a book that holds many secrets, including the formula for Flamel’s immortality elixir.
Each book moves the story along by focusing on one central character and their archetypal role in the story. The Alchemyst, the Sorceress, the Magician, the Necromancer, and most recently, the Warlock, are all unveiled as Josh and Sophie learn elemental magic and uncover their own extreme magical powers. Characters like Scathach, Hekate, Prometheus, the Witch of Endor, Gilgamesh the King, Niccolò Machiavelli, Bastet, Odin, William Shakespeare, Joan of Arc and Mars Ultor join Nicholas Flamel, the French Alchemyst, and his wife, Perenelle as they try and stop Dr. John Dee. Dee, a scientist and mathematician who first appeared in the 1600’s, is trying to destroy the world (or at least rid it of humans). All of the characters, except Josh and Sophie, have encountered each other for centuries, but for the twins this magical world is all new, and frightening.
Michael Scott has written a number of fiction books for adults and young adults, and is well known for his non-fiction books on Irish and Celtic folklore and mythology. This deep understanding of mythology is definitely evident in the details associated with each of the characters.
Unfortunately, more than one reader has been brought in to bring this story to life. I’m not a big fan of this tactic but I know that sometimes it can’t be helped. Denis O’Hare read the first book, Erik Singer read the second, and Paul Boehmer has read the last three. Boehmer is definitely the best suited to the story, and once you’re into each book the discontinuity is nearly forgotten. It’s when you go quickly from one book to the next that you notice the difference. I’m hoping that Boehmer will finish the series.
I won’t reveal the surprises but these books are absolutely awesome! As book 5 (The Warlock) ended, a completely unexpected twist in the plot was revealed that will make my year-long wait almost unbearable. If you’re going to listen to these books, perhaps wait until March of 2012 so the wait won’t be so painful.
I downloaded all five books for free through the BC Public Library's Library to Go site. You can download excerpts from there, or from the Random House Audio / Listening Library links below.
Listen Up!
The Enchantress scheduled for Spring 2012
Michael Scott's new release in his Nicholas Flamel Series is sure to delight. The historically based fiction involved with this series stirs the senses and breathes life into one's imagination. This book follows in the set tradition of Scott's previous additions to the series with excitement.
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