Breaking the Code (x)
Michael Scott's The Alchemyst has swept
across the bookstores of America, captivating
countless fantasy-lovers, especially those among the
teenage demographic. The story unfolds as twins
Josh and Sophie Newman decide to spend their
summer working for a couple with
the alias of Nick and Perry Fleming.
However, after the twins witness and
participate in an almost inconceivable,
magical battle between Nick and a
strange midget by the name of Dr. Jon
Dee, their summers, not to mention
their destinies, are forever altered.
In a desperate race against time to
recover the Codex, a precious book
that the evil Dr. Dee has stolen, the
twins embark upon a supernatural
journey, alongside Nick. In their
attempt to recapture the Codex, save Flamel's wife,
and prevent the annihilation of humanity at large, the
twins take on unspeakable demons and encounter a
world of magic in an epic adventure that has proved
enrapturing to all.
The Alcheymyst stands out as a best-selling,
critically acclaimed novel in the teen-fiction genre.
However, to be fair, there are dozens of quality novels
written each year; what is it about the Alcheymyst that
so resonates with teenagers in this country? Well, for
one thing, Michael Scott fashions two very relatable
protagonists in the form of Sophie and Josh Newman.
Their accessibility to the reader surely contributes to the
novel's rampant success. Additionally, the multiplicity
of imaginative sub-characters gives this story the extra
oomph that most fantasy novels lack. With each turn
of the page, new, colorful characters emerge. Scott's
brilliantly inventive characters
coupled with the very relatable
Josh and Sophie Newman
distinguishing The Alchemyst from
the other novels in the teen-fiction
section of the library.
While The Alchemyst offers both
genuine, dynamic twin protagonists
and vibrant sub-characters, what
truly individualizes it from other
fictional novels is its fantastical
and fast-paced plot. Scott has
successfully managed to create
a superb story; the novel's flow
engenders a continuous excitement
that will prevent any reader from
putting down the book. Because
the readers are constantly
experiencing new adventures along
with Sophie and Josh Newman,
the story leaves the reader begging for more after the
turn of each page. Not only does the plot's pace make
The Alchemyst so noteworthy, but Scott's ingenuity in
fashioning the storyline also lends to the success of
the work. The story's inventiveness provides readers
with the opportunity to not just read, but to imagine as
well. Clearly, The Alchemyst has intrigued the minds
of so many teenagers across the country; perhaps other
writers looking to hit literary gold should take heed
from Michael Scott-sculpt a brilliant storyline and then
pepper it with a colorful and relatable cast of characters.
"The Alchemyst has
swept across the book-
stores of America"
Aaron Zimmerman (`13)
A Book Review
-Eleven-
LITERATURE