I admit to a certain fascination with stories about magical studies, ancient deities or powerful beings with mystical powers, alchemical manipulation, and of course rare books. When I saw this book advertised and accoladed, flush with mysterious immortals and martial arts trained otherworldlings, I had to pick it up. Despite being more of a teen read than I'd expected (the main characters are just learning to drive and have their first jobs in coffee shops and bookstores), the imagery is rich and interesting and the story moves along quickly, exploring new ideas and bringing unexpected characters to life. It is a bit predictable in places, especially the drama between the two main characters (Sophie and Josh Newman, non-identical twins separated by just a few minutes) and their lack of relationship with their parents, but it kept me more engaged than I'd expected and didn't disappoint (other than not wrapping up within one book, such that I have to wait for an as yet indeterminate amount of time for a sequel, or the second in the trilogy, to appear--I don't know whether I was ready to commit to a three-parter from the outset, and now that I'm in it, I pretty much have to finish...). Of course, it's no His Dark Materials, but it will do.

The subject of Nicholas Flamel is an interesting one, and there are aspects of this legend woven throughout many a modern magical tale, from Harry Potter's sorceror's stone to the ancient texts and magicks discovered and studied in The City Of Dreaming Books. If anything, this book has made me more aware of the essences of people, the auras and flavors and energies of each of us... that and a reminder of that abiding distrust of crows... that Morrigan with her army of Dire Crows is one scary tale I don't want to get tangled with...

Overall, interesting read, probably more awe-inspiring for a younger reader who has not already been completely indoctrinated in the ways of Tolkein and Moers and Pullman and Rucker and all the rest of my favorite fantastical writers... and even if not awe, amusement and excitement for all! Now to wait for the second installment...