Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Ember (2009), Edition: Reprint, 496 pages
Description
Fifteen-year-old twins Sophie and Josh Newman continue their magical training in Paris with Nicholas Flamel, Scatty, and the Comte de Sant Germaine, pursued by Doctor Dee and the immortal Niccolo Machiavelli.
User reviews
LibraryThing member elliepotten
The second book in Scott's Nicholas Flamel series, this picks right up where The Alchemyst left off. Immortal Nicholas, warrior Scathach and twins Sophie and Josh have escaped through a leygate to Paris, leaving Dr John Dee thwarted and fuming in San Francisco. Unfortunately for the exhausted
This is the next installment in what promises to be an epic battle between good and evil, set against a complex backdrop of myth and magic. It is fast paced and enthralling reading, the likes of which I haven't experienced since the Harry Potter phenomenon took flight. The places are genuine (for instance, this book takes us into the macabre Catacombs of Paris) and the characters are fascinating figures from history and legend, which added even more interest and sent me rushing off to the computer a few times to find out more. Joining Machiavelli as a new face in this installment, for instance, are the Comte de Saint-Germain, Joan of Arc, the Valkyries and Mars, God of War. That's quite a cast!
I found it gratifying that few of the characters are entirely good or bad, and enjoyed seeing how the good characters' darker sides manifested themselves, and how the villains unexpectedly allowed their humanity to shine through every once in a while. It is that uncertainty that proves all the more gripping as the battle rages on. All in all, fantastic stuff - I couldn't put the book down and I think this is going to be one of those series I never want to end!
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group, Dee's fellow servant of the Dark Elders, Niccolò Machiavelli, is currently ruling the politics and police of Paris, and he's all too willing to join forces with his old rival to further their mutual goal of returning the Elders to power. Meanwhile, Flamel's wife Perenelle is still imprisoned on Alcatraz, guarded by a fearsome sphinx - will she escape and rejoin her husband? Will Sophie learn the next elemental magic she needs to survive, and will Josh's own magical ability finally be Awakened?This is the next installment in what promises to be an epic battle between good and evil, set against a complex backdrop of myth and magic. It is fast paced and enthralling reading, the likes of which I haven't experienced since the Harry Potter phenomenon took flight. The places are genuine (for instance, this book takes us into the macabre Catacombs of Paris) and the characters are fascinating figures from history and legend, which added even more interest and sent me rushing off to the computer a few times to find out more. Joining Machiavelli as a new face in this installment, for instance, are the Comte de Saint-Germain, Joan of Arc, the Valkyries and Mars, God of War. That's quite a cast!
I found it gratifying that few of the characters are entirely good or bad, and enjoyed seeing how the good characters' darker sides manifested themselves, and how the villains unexpectedly allowed their humanity to shine through every once in a while. It is that uncertainty that proves all the more gripping as the battle rages on. All in all, fantastic stuff - I couldn't put the book down and I think this is going to be one of those series I never want to end!
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LibraryThing member hailelib
The further adventures of the twins, Sophie and Josh, after Flamel takes them to Paris. We meet new characters and Sophie learns more about her power. Of course the book ends with the need to visit still another Immortal...
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
The motley group escape to Paris where Sophie deals with power, it's consequences and the memories she has to deal with; Josh deals with jealousy and trust issues and the others deal variously with other immortals trying to kill them all.
Occasionally seemed to drag a little but overall interesting
Occasionally seemed to drag a little but overall interesting
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and fun and pretty well done, I like how the various immortals interweave and I look forward to the next book in the series to see how Josh fares with power! Show Less
LibraryThing member weeksj10
I love how it combines myth, magic, and modern life. The idea of historical characters becoming immortal is cool and I will definitely read the entire series. Not crazy about the writing style, but the characters and plot make up for it.
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
I nearly enjoyed this novel more than its predecessor, The Alchemyst. Josh and Sophie's adventures into the world of immortals continue and some new figures come into play, in particular the immortal Machiavelli, whose rivalry with Dr. John Dee spices up the dialog. In addition, Josh and Sophie
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encounter an immortal Joan of Arc and a few less well-known figures. The fate of some characters is unknown at the novel's conclusion, making me want to jump directly into the sequel. Show Less
LibraryThing member majkia
An okay read, but really I had several issues with this book. Firstly, this immortal guy runs off to Paris with NO PLAN? What's Up with That?
I don't like heroes who can do no wrong, and never lose, but at the same time I want them to have a clue. I felt as if throughout most of this book, no one
And don't get me started on the incompetent bad guys. I suppose it's a good thing they are incompetent since they can't wreck the world, but still...
Worst of all, this book does the genius of Niccolo Machiavelli a deep and abiding wrong! ;-}
I don't like heroes who can do no wrong, and never lose, but at the same time I want them to have a clue. I felt as if throughout most of this book, no one
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had a clue. And don't get me started on the incompetent bad guys. I suppose it's a good thing they are incompetent since they can't wreck the world, but still...
Worst of all, this book does the genius of Niccolo Machiavelli a deep and abiding wrong! ;-}
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LibraryThing member bell7
After going through the ley gate, Nicholas, Sophie and Josh find themselves in Paris. Sophie is Awakened; Josh is not. This puts them somewhat in conflict with each other, even as they find out more about their powers and find themselves up against Machiavelli (yep, he's immortal too).
Well-paced
Well-paced
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and a fun read. Like the first book in the series, the references to current technology sometimes didn't seem to fit quite right, but it was a small irritation in an overall compelling story. Show Less
LibraryThing member ahandfulofconfetti
This book takes place immediately after the end of The Alchemyst, and once again finds Josh, Sophie, Flamel and Scatty on the run for their lives. Admittedly, some of the details about the first half of this book have escaped me, because I started reading it in May 2011 and just now picked it up
Personally speaking, I didn't find this book quite as enjoyable as the first one. Much of this had to do with the constant non-stop action (which is to be expected, considering that each of these books takes place in one to two days) and also Josh's feelings towards Flamel and his jealousy over Sophie's abilities. I did like the introduction of Joan and absolutely loved Saint-Germain, but am finding myself getting really tired of Josh's constant sureness that Flamel isn't to be trusted regardless of what others' opinions are of him. I also cannot understand why on earth he'd think that Dee is to be trusted. I am not sure what to think about Machiavelli; I like that he doesn't like Dee, but he's also not exactly a great guy himself, especially at the end of the book. I will be interested to see what ultimately becomes of him and his decisions, especially since the Elder we meet in this book (no names to avoid spoilers) also cannot decide what to think of him. I fear for Josh and the debt he's going to have to pay, and also the fact that I am fairly certain he's going to end up siding with Dee. I did like that we got to see more of Perenelle, though. Talk about a fierce female character!
I am going to continue on with this series only because I own the other books in the series (of which six have been released). I fear that I am not going to like how many of them turn out, though, which is a shame since I really enjoyed the first one a lot.
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again a week or so ago. This should probably tell you that I wasn't completely enamored with it.Personally speaking, I didn't find this book quite as enjoyable as the first one. Much of this had to do with the constant non-stop action (which is to be expected, considering that each of these books takes place in one to two days) and also Josh's feelings towards Flamel and his jealousy over Sophie's abilities. I did like the introduction of Joan and absolutely loved Saint-Germain, but am finding myself getting really tired of Josh's constant sureness that Flamel isn't to be trusted regardless of what others' opinions are of him. I also cannot understand why on earth he'd think that Dee is to be trusted. I am not sure what to think about Machiavelli; I like that he doesn't like Dee, but he's also not exactly a great guy himself, especially at the end of the book. I will be interested to see what ultimately becomes of him and his decisions, especially since the Elder we meet in this book (no names to avoid spoilers) also cannot decide what to think of him. I fear for Josh and the debt he's going to have to pay, and also the fact that I am fairly certain he's going to end up siding with Dee. I did like that we got to see more of Perenelle, though. Talk about a fierce female character!
I am going to continue on with this series only because I own the other books in the series (of which six have been released). I fear that I am not going to like how many of them turn out, though, which is a shame since I really enjoyed the first one a lot.
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LibraryThing member ShaunDevil
The Magician: SINF, continues on what happened in the first book- the Alchemyst: SINF. The first book was very nice, in my mind, although forgettable if it did not include one of my favourite characters from history (Nicholas Flamel). However, the second book Michael Scott just dropped the ball.
Sophie and Josh became annoying in their dis-trustfulness of Flamel. Especially Josh, who takes up the entire book complaining about his lack of powers. He has the kind of complaining that would make anyone want to smack him. The only characters that seem to have progressed at all/did anything interesting were the two villains- Machiavelli and Dr. Dee. Everyone else on the good side was bland and uninteresting other than the Comte de Saint Germaine (because who can honestly go wrong with a fire rocking magician?).
Fight scenes were predictable and were easily skipped over. The only thing that saved this book from a 2-star rating was the last few chapters. Those reminded me why I liked this book's predecessor so much.
I hope the Sorceress is better than this, and I hope that Josh stops complaining.
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Sophie and Josh became annoying in their dis-trustfulness of Flamel. Especially Josh, who takes up the entire book complaining about his lack of powers. He has the kind of complaining that would make anyone want to smack him. The only characters that seem to have progressed at all/did anything interesting were the two villains- Machiavelli and Dr. Dee. Everyone else on the good side was bland and uninteresting other than the Comte de Saint Germaine (because who can honestly go wrong with a fire rocking magician?).
Fight scenes were predictable and were easily skipped over. The only thing that saved this book from a 2-star rating was the last few chapters. Those reminded me why I liked this book's predecessor so much.
I hope the Sorceress is better than this, and I hope that Josh stops complaining.
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LibraryThing member theportal2002
This is a fantastic book, immortals and magicians racing through the streets of Paris France. Constant action and reference to historical figures....I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
LibraryThing member 4sarad
Great read and great sequel. It was fun to read and all the mythology mixed in kept it really interesting. My only problem with the book was that the bad guys seem pretty easy to evade... but that just seems to come with the reading level of the series. I'm looking forward to reading the third book.
LibraryThing member fgjohnson
I read these kind of books to keep up with Indra's growth. They are fun and more often then not contain a thread of truth in the fantasy, magic, myth and legend. I will read the next books in this series as well.
LibraryThing member gsmattingly
Very enjoyable and fast read about the Elder Gods, the Immortals, Magicians, Alchemists and more.
LibraryThing member hadden
A good read for a cold afternoon. Nice plpot, action, and likable characters.
LibraryThing member TheBigNerd
Book 2 of the series. I think I like this book better than the first. Overall the series is fantastic and enthralling and I'm already starting the third book. It may seem like a young adult series (and it is) but the writing and the plot is so good. I think it deserves to be up there with Harry
On to book 3!
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Potter. For any fan of fantasy and mythology and history, i recommend this series. On to book 3!
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LibraryThing member scote23
I still really like this series. I enjoy all the different mythologies and historical characters the author works in. It took me a lot longer than I wanted to get around to reading it, but I'm happy because book 3 is out and now I can read it right away.
(Also, I have to admit, I laugh every time I
(Also, I have to admit, I laugh every time I
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read the author's name because I imagine Michael Scott from the Office writing the book. If I hadn't read the first book on audio, I imagine Steve Carrell's voice would be the "reader" in my head.) Show Less
LibraryThing member sszkutak
Background: Dr. Dee is still in possession of the Book of Abraham the Mage and looking to release the Dark Elders into the world. Perenelle is trapped on Alcatraz with supernatural beasts guarding her and her husband, Nicolas, is in Paris with the twins. Now they are dealing with both Dee and
Review: The Magician is the second installment of the Nicolas Flamel series, and the series moves a lot faster now that we have some background regarding both magic and the twins. This book has a lot more action than the first, more monsters and battles to escape, which are super fun to read. Scatty becomes even more intriguing as we learn a little more about her background, and more characters are introduced and they are awesome! Being a Humanities instructor I know a good deal about historical figures and a lot of the characters in these books are those very same historical figures, so it is great to see them being introduced in this light to more people. I am really enjoying this series, there are so many fun thing…magic, mythical creatures, historical people…I love it!
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Niccolo Machiavelli in Paris. As they unleash ancient monsters to gain both the twins and the last few pages of the Book.Review: The Magician is the second installment of the Nicolas Flamel series, and the series moves a lot faster now that we have some background regarding both magic and the twins. This book has a lot more action than the first, more monsters and battles to escape, which are super fun to read. Scatty becomes even more intriguing as we learn a little more about her background, and more characters are introduced and they are awesome! Being a Humanities instructor I know a good deal about historical figures and a lot of the characters in these books are those very same historical figures, so it is great to see them being introduced in this light to more people. I am really enjoying this series, there are so many fun thing…magic, mythical creatures, historical people…I love it!
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LibraryThing member mehjg
This book is the second in the series of "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel". I enjoyed the first one ("The Alchemist") but I liked this one even more. Practically every chapter is a cliffhanger, so it's hard to put the book down!
As in the first volume, the author weaves together figures
As a priest, I am happy to say that - besides the issue of magic and sorcery, which merits a more in-depth and nuanced treatment and which is a debate which affects almost all fantasy literature - I did not find anything in this book which was morally ambiguous or problematic. I can recall no objectionable language, sexual immorality, etc. - not even implied. Even the humor is practically never of the "gross-out" kind that could bother some readers (the closest it gets is only one brief conversation about coprolites). The same was true of the first book, and hopefully will be true of the rest of the series.
"The Magician" is very much a part of a series; it won't make sense to you if you haven't read the first book, and the ending isn't really a conclusion. I am finding this book to be like good snack food - you can't read one without an almost uncontrollable urge to read more.
For my opinion on more general issues regarding the style and content of the series, read my review about the first book (not yet written as I post this review, but I hope to have it done soon).
As in the first volume, the author weaves together figures
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from many different mythologies and incorporates a variety of historical figures, bringing them into the 20th century in a very creative and imaginative way. The characters are believable, and have a certain depth to them that keeps them from being too predictable. Personally, I might take issue in part with the way he presents one of the characters introduced in this book, who is also considered a saint by the Catholic Church. Nonetheless, it's not a major point and I did not find it offensive. That opens a whole can of worms (the interface between religion, history, and fantasy literature) that I won't deal with in depth here. Given the genre and the audience, I think it is a legitimate creative license, although I would have preferred it to be done slightly differently.As a priest, I am happy to say that - besides the issue of magic and sorcery, which merits a more in-depth and nuanced treatment and which is a debate which affects almost all fantasy literature - I did not find anything in this book which was morally ambiguous or problematic. I can recall no objectionable language, sexual immorality, etc. - not even implied. Even the humor is practically never of the "gross-out" kind that could bother some readers (the closest it gets is only one brief conversation about coprolites). The same was true of the first book, and hopefully will be true of the rest of the series.
"The Magician" is very much a part of a series; it won't make sense to you if you haven't read the first book, and the ending isn't really a conclusion. I am finding this book to be like good snack food - you can't read one without an almost uncontrollable urge to read more.
For my opinion on more general issues regarding the style and content of the series, read my review about the first book (not yet written as I post this review, but I hope to have it done soon).
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LibraryThing member sriemann
Another really good book from Mr. Scott. I really like how he weaves different creatures from many different mythologies into the storyline, and it always sounds plausible, and not 'I threw this creature in here because I know all about it, aren't I intelligent?' I found myself unable to stop
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reading until I really, really had to be somewhere else or doing something else. So, it didn';t surprise me that I finished it in a couple days. Now I need to get the next book, which has just recently come out. Show Less
LibraryThing member scote23
I still really like this series. I enjoy all the different mythologies and historical characters the author works in. It took me a lot longer than I wanted to get around to reading it, but I'm happy because book 3 is out and now I can read it right away.
(Also, I have to admit, I laugh every time I
(Also, I have to admit, I laugh every time I
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read the author's name because I imagine Michael Scott from the Office writing the book. If I hadn't read the first book on audio, I imagine Steve Carrell's voice would be the "reader" in my head.) Show Less
LibraryThing member tanya.pappas
This series is growing greatly on me. I'm itching to read the 3rd book!! This is a great series in learning about the mythological gods and historical places of famous countries. I look forward to knowing what is to come of the Twins.
LibraryThing member ritapt
fast paced. its easy to see perceptions can be so different even when two people see the same thing. its true every one sees something different.
LibraryThing member twokidsnablanket
this book did have more action than the first one which is the usual, it is a good series. it makes makes me wonder about the truth that lies in the stories because of my belief of the saying "for every pound of fiction there is an ouce of truth"
LibraryThing member cyderry
This is the second installment of the adventures of Josh and Sophie Newman who are the prophesied twins who are to save the Earth from the Dark Elders who are basically a group of evil immortals trying to take over the world and enslave mankind.
Sophie in the first book was awakened to her powers
Flamel with his wife, Perenelle, lived in Paris centuries before but modern day Paris is quite different leading to difficulties for the quartet that are fleeing from the evil Machiavelli and Dr. Dee. Perenelle is already being held captive on Alcatraz and they must save her before Flamel and she age beyond the immortal elixir's magic. In Paris, Flamel meets up with Comte deSaint-Germain, an immortal alchemist of his past and he with his wife, Joan of Arc, teach Sophie the powers of Fire Magic.
As the adventures progress and Josh learns of his powers, the battle between good and evil rages. Will the twins learn enough in time to save the world and their friends?
What a fun series, and my young friend and I will definitely have fun discussing these adventures. Definitely a series for family entertainment.
Sophie in the first book was awakened to her powers
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and immediately fled with her brother, Nicholas Flamel, and a vampire Warrior guardian Scathach where this book starts in Paris.Flamel with his wife, Perenelle, lived in Paris centuries before but modern day Paris is quite different leading to difficulties for the quartet that are fleeing from the evil Machiavelli and Dr. Dee. Perenelle is already being held captive on Alcatraz and they must save her before Flamel and she age beyond the immortal elixir's magic. In Paris, Flamel meets up with Comte deSaint-Germain, an immortal alchemist of his past and he with his wife, Joan of Arc, teach Sophie the powers of Fire Magic.
As the adventures progress and Josh learns of his powers, the battle between good and evil rages. Will the twins learn enough in time to save the world and their friends?
What a fun series, and my young friend and I will definitely have fun discussing these adventures. Definitely a series for family entertainment.
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LibraryThing member hopeevey
I kind of wish I could give this a 3.5, or that I could rate the story and the narration separately. I read the first novel, and it was pretty decent. It was fun, but not all that as far as being literature. I borrowed the audiobook from the library as a bit of brain candy. The narration totally
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made this volume! The story was good, and the narration lent wonderful depth and subtlty. Show Less
Subjects
Awards
Children's Favorites Awards (Selection — 2009)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2008-08-05
Physical description
496 p.; 5.19 inches
ISBN
0385737289 / 9780385737289