The Magician by Michael Scott

5th August 2010

Paperback
496 pages

Review Copy

Children's Fantasy

Content: Fantasy violence, Tension

Summary from Random House

Ashes to ashes ...California: The book of Abraham the Mage holds the secret of eternal life - a secret more dangerous than any one man should possess. Dr. John Dee is two pages away from the knowledge that would bring the Dark Elders into ultimate power - and could mean the destruction of the world as we know it. Two people stand in his way: Josh and Sophie Newman. Paris: Time is running out for Nicholas Flamel and his wife Perenelle. Every day they spend without the book, they age one year: their magic becomes weaker and their bodies more frail. Niccolo Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, works for Dee and is in hot pursuit of them - Flamel knows there's no time to lose and Sophie must learn about Fire Magic...Josh and Sophie are the world's only hope. If they don't turn on each other first.

The Mole's thoughts

The second book in the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. The next 3 days in the lives of Josh and Sophie condensed into a mere 464 pages.The continuing story starts in Paris and is a rollercoaster around, under and over Paris. I felt Josh start to adjust to his situation although he becomes tempted by the raw power he can command, but Sophie and Josh are learning to look after themselves more in the magical chase for the Book of Abraham and are still ably assisted by Nicholas Flamel and friends. An easily read book that is extremely enjoyable for both old and young alike. Highly recommended to fantasy readers everywhere.

Again many of the scenes are set in historical locations but in an entirely fictitious way and it is intriguing some of the facts that come from Michael Scott's stories. A word of two of caution, once you start you won't want to stop and these books really should be read in order for many reasons that will become apparent as you read on.

Another fantasy to read is Firebrand by Gillian Philip