This series (which will eventually encompass 6 books) follows the exploits of two twins, Josh & Sophie Newman, who, as it develops, are endowed with unique auras--the metaphysical field that surrounds all sentient beings. They also discover that a couple they have known for over a year are none other than Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel, the immortal alchemist and his wife, who are both living in their seven-hundredth century. Unfortunately, they aren't the only immortals populating the Earth. Dr. John Dee, who served on the staff of Queen Elizabeth the first in the seventeenth century, is also still alive and has ambitions of ruling the planet with the aid of hidden and incarcerated beasts from the worlds nightmare and mythical past.
The story, though already in its fourth book, has progressed only a week in story time as Nicholas & Perenelle age rapidly due to having been unable to prepare the potion off of the Philosopher's Stone (renamed the Sorcerer's Stone by Harry Potter's American publishers) after the Book of Abraham, which is partially stolen by Dee in the first book. Unlike some other fantasy series, though, Josh & Sophie must contend with their own abilities almost as much as those of their foes, which introduces an interesting new twist to the series: which side should they be on? Can we really judge the trees by the fruit that they bare? An interesting twist which will no doubt keep readers wondering right up to the last chapter of the last book.
Books: 1) The Alchemyst; 2) The Magician; 3) The Sorceress; 4) The Necromancer; 5) The Warlock [due out 2011] and 6) The Enchantress [due out 2012].
Merit: Introduction to several historical characters and their environs. Easy style for any reader from 12 on.
Share: Read aloud excerpts. Book club.
Appeal: Plenty of exciting adventures with many exciting historical figures.
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