The Necromancer

Scott, Michael. The Necromancer. Delacorte Press; 2010. ISBN: 9780385735315.

Plot Summary:
The summer solstice, June 21, possibly the last day of earth as we know it. Sophie, Josh, and the Flamels are trying to stop Dr. John Dee in his quest to bring back the Dark Elders and unlock the secrets of the Codex. Sophie and Josh have both been awakened. Sophie's awakening and subsequent acquisition of magic has left the imprint of the Witch of Endor in her consciousness. Josh's awakening by Prometheus has left something much more disturbing than an imprint.
The twins continue to amaze people with their gold and silver auras. Honestly, they still continue to amaze themselves. The line between hero and villain remains unclear as the twins are drawn deeper into the world of the Codex and the Elder Race.
Dr. John Dee hooks up with Virginia Dare, an unlikely pairing, but needs must. New characters and twists emerge and old, familiar characters keep the action intense.

Critical Evaluation:
Sometimes sequels can be disappointing. They can lack the originality and freshness of the first book. The Necromancer is the 4th book in The Secrets of Immortal Nicholas Flamel. This book is great; exciting and fast paced and every bit as good as The Alchemyst. Anchored in present day technology the fantasy element is reminiscent of Harry Potter with a community of magic existing along side normal humans who are clueless. Sophie and Josh's character development expands as the rift in their relationship more becomes wider. Teens who are twins will relate to this story as siblings change from intense closeness to strangers. The series has two more books and The Necromancer continues to set the stage for the final showdown between the humans and the Dark Elders.

Reader's Annotation:
June 21, the first day of summer and the last day of the known world.

Information About the Author:
Michael Scott is a prolific Irish author with 100 titles to his credit. He has been writing for 25 years and also worked as a book seller. This multi-talented writer has published adult and teen books, scripts and plays. Michael Scott's books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List and The Alchemyst has been translated into 20 different languages. Considered a master of fantasy, Michael Scott is a master of history as well. He uses history as his play-thing, giving us the real deal, and then morphing it into his purposes.

Genre:
Fantasy/Mythic Reality

Curriculum Ties:
Mythology
Geography
Elizabethan History
Jamestown

Booktalking Ideas:
Have you ever been close to your brother or sister and then suddenly they change and are like a stranger to you?
Monsters, magic and the grim reaper.

Reading Level/Interest Level:
7th+

Challenge Issues:
None

Why Include This Book:
I read the first in this series and was hooked!