I've been waiting to read this book since hearing about it. It didn't quite live up to my expectations, but it has a sequel, so I'm hoping the story will improve now that much of the backstory is out of the way. Maybe there was too much anticipation, since I already knew a little about the elusive Flamel and his wife. After reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, my son searched for information about the real Flamel. His story is begging to be told, but no one really knows it.

Nicholas Flamel and his sorceress wife reappear after centuries of inconspicuous living. They have been flushed out of hiding by another alchemyst, John Dee, adviser to Queen Elizabeth I (another historical character of mystique). Flamel is the keeper of the Book of Abraham the Mage which holds secrets of alchemy and sorcery as well as prophecies of the ultimate battles for world dominance. Dee is determined to appropriate the book for the benefit of those he serves. If the alchemy is not enough to grab you, Scott also incorporates an Elder Race, consisting of gods and goddesses from ancient times, and mixes in historic information twisted to match his world view. Possibly the biggest surprise is the inexperienced twins Nicholas is bound to protect and teach due to the prophecies regarding them.

There is information at the end regarding the Flamels and John Dee and the author's inspiration. My interest has been piqued enough that I will also be looking for other works by Michael Scott.

related-Nicholas Flamel, John Dee, alchemists, supernatural, twins, brothers and sisters, mythology and legend
RL=YA