(Gr 6-8)
Delacorte Books for Young Readers, June 2008.
Sophie and Josh Newman are twins living in San Francisco. They're very close and work right across the street from each other. One day, Sophie looks out the window of the coffee shop she works in and sees Josh's workplace, a book store owned by an older couple, Nick and Perry Fleming, is under attack. Without thinking, Sophie rushes headlong into the fray, effectively tangling herself and Josh up in a centuries old conflict. Nick and Perry are really Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel, who have been alive since the 1300's. Nicholas is a famous alchemyst and his ancient rival, Doctor John Dee, has finally tracked him down. Dr. Dee is after Flamel's most important treasure, a book, older than even it's owner knows, with the power to save or destroy the world.
This is a nominee for the 2011 Rebecca Caudill Award, and so, a must read for me. Sadly, it was not a good one. The story dragged for me when it should have been exciting and was confusing and rushed when it should have been slower. Scott introduces the reader to his main characters, Josh and Sophie, and then clumsily drops them into the action. They witness the attack by Dr. Dee and, for some reason, this means that Nicholas Flamel now has to take them with him on a quest to get back the book and also tell them all his secrets. He says it's because Dr. Dee will kill them for having witnessed the attack, but when Dee sees them again, it takes him a moment to remember who they even are. He is definitely not planning their demise, until after he sees them a second time in Flamel's company. I hate when fantasy stories just sort of stumble into the action. If a kid is going to become entangled in a magical adventure, I want it to at least feel plausible. It can be fantastical, obviously, but don't just tell me that they have to be part of the action now. SHOW me why!
That was my biggest issue with this book. It's complete lack of SHOW! It was all tell. My seventh grade English teacher would be appalled. There were really only five events in the whole long book which were supplemented by lots and lots...and lots of talking. I suppose a younger reader, with no advance knowledge or history of mythology would appreciate the didactic tone of the novel, but I was bored stiff. Maybe the future books in the series are better, since all the back story has been explained, but frankly, I don't want to find out.
Obviously, I did not enjoy this book, but I was interested in the idea behind it. The writing style wasn't really for me, but I could see how others might like it. I did love Scathach, she was the most interesting and fun character in the story. Frankly, I think Michael Scott should just go ahead and write a book about her! She was smart, quick witted, and an awesome fighter! Maybe if there had been more scenes prominently featuring Scatty, I would have liked the whole book more!
Okay RCYRBA 2011...That's 11 done...9 to go!
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