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The New York Times bestseller now in paperback!
In the second book in the New York Times bestselling series, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris, the City of Light, home to Nicholas Flamel. Only this homecoming is anything but sweet. Niccolò Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, lives in Paris and is working for Dr. John Dee. He’s in hot pursuit, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenell. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world’s only hope. . . . If they don’t turn on each other first.
★ “Readers will be swept up.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred
“An exciting and impeccably thought-out fantasy, well-suited for those left in the lurch by Harry Potter’s recent exeunt.”—Booklist
“Fans . . . will certainly find much to love, root for, and fear in this successful second installment.”—School Library Journal
Review, Booklist:
“An exciting and impeccably thought-out fantasy, well-suited for those left in the lurch by Harry Potter’s recent exeunt.”
Review, School Library Journal:
“Fans . . . will certainly find much to love, root for, and fear in this successful second installment.”
Gr 6-9
Flamel and company return in this fast-paced follow-up to The Alchemyst (Delacorte, 2007). The immortal human Nicholas Flamel; Scathach, the veggie vampire warrior; and the mortal twins of legend, Josh and Sophie, are still on the run from the malicious Dr. John Dee. Flamel retains two of the pages of the legendary Book of Abraham, and Dee will do anything to get them. After hopping a ley line to Paris, our heroes barely escape the machinations of Dee's partner in crime, Niccolò Machiavelli. While finding shelter with fellow immortals (Joan of Arc turns out to be a particularly helpful ally), Josh attempts to deal with the fact that his twin sister is now incredibly powerful. Having had her powers "awakened," Sophie's new abilities make him surprisingly jealous-a fact that Dee may find useful. Scott tapers down the sheer breadth of gods, goddesses, legends, and myths already introduced in his first novel, which is a bit of a relief. Even though the plot moves forward at breakneck speed, the author is careful not to lose sight of his characters' struggles or inner demons. Fans of the previous novel will certainly find much to love, root for, and fear in this successful second installment.-Elizabeth Bird, New York Public Library
An authority on mythology and folklore, Michael Scott is one of Ireland’s most successful authors. The Magician is the second book in the New York Times bestselling Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. You can visit Michael Scott at www.dillonscott.com. He lives in Dublin, Ireland.
CHAPTER ONE
The charity auction hadn’t started until well after midnight, when the gala dinner had ended. It was almost four in the morning and the auction was only now drawing to a close. A digital display behind the celebrity auctioneer—an actor who had played James Bond on-screen for many years—showed the running total at more than one million euro.
“Lot number two hundred and ten: a pair of early- nineteenth-century Japanese Kabuki masks.”
A ripple of excitement ran through the crowded room. Inlaid with chips of solid jade, the Kabuki masks were the highlight of the auction and were expected to fetch in excess of half a million euro.
At the back of the room the tall, thin man with the fuzz of close-cropped snow white hair was prepared to pay twice that.
Niccolò Machiavelli stood apart from the rest of the crowd, arms lightly folded across his chest, careful not to wrinkle his Savile Row–tailored black silk tuxedo. Stone gray eyes swept over the other bidders, analyzing and assessing them. There were really only five others he needed to look out for: two private collectors like himself, a minor European royal, a once-famous American movie actor and a Canadian antiques dealer. The remainder of the audience were tired, had spent their budget or were unwilling to bid on the vaguely disturbing-looking masks.
Machiavelli loved all types of masks. He had been collecting them for a very long time, and he wanted this particular pair to complete his collection of Japanese theater costumes. These masks had last come up for sale in 1898 in Vienna, and he had then been outbid by a Romanov prince. Machiavelli had patiently bided his time; the masks would come back on the market again when the Prince and his descendents died. Machiavelli knew he would still be around to buy them; it was one of the many advantages of being immortal.
“Shall we start the bidding at one hundred thousand euro?”
Machiavelli looked up, caught the auctioneer’s attention and nodded.
The auctioneer had been expecting his bid and nodded in return. “I am bid one hundred thousand euro by Monsieur Machiavelli. Always one of this charity’s most generous supporters and sponsors.”
A smattering of applause ran around the room, and several people turned to look at him and raise their glasses. Niccolò acknowledged them with a polite smile.
“Do I have one hundred and ten?” the auctioneer asked.
One of the private collectors raised his hand slightly.
“One-twenty?” The auctioneer looked back to Machiavelli, who immediately nodded.
Within the next three minutes, a flurry of bids brought the price up to two hundred and fifty thousand euro. There were only three serious bidders left: Machiavelli, the American actor and the Canadian.
Machiavelli’s thin lips twisted into a rare smile; his patience was about to be rewarded, and finally the masks would be his. Then the smile faded as he felt the cell phone in his back pocket buzz silently. For an instant he was tempted to ignore it; he’d given his staff strict instructions that he was not to be disturbed unless it was absolutely critical. He also knew they were so terrified of him that they would not phone unless it was an emergency. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the ultraslim phone and glanced down.
A picture of a sword pulsed gently on the large LCD screen.
Machiavelli’s smile vanished. In that second he knew he was not going to be able to buy the Kabuki masks this century. Turning on his heel, he strode out of the room and pressed the phone to his ear. Behind him, he could hear the auctioneer’s hammer hit the lectern “Sold. For two hundred and sixty thousand euro . . .”
“I’m here,” Machiavelli said, reverting to the Italian of his youth.
The line crackled and an English-accented voice responded in the same language, using a dialect that had not been heard in Europe for more than four hundred years. “I need your help.”
The man on the other end of the line didn’t identify himself, nor did he need to; Machiavelli knew it was the immortal magician and necromancer Dr. John Dee, one of the most powerful and dangerous men in the world.
Niccolò Machiavelli strode out of the small hotel into the broad cobbled square of the Place du Tertre and stopped to breathe in the chill night air. “What can I do for you?” he asked cautiously. He detested Dee and knew the feeling was mutual, but they both served the Dark Elders, and that meant they had been forced to work together down through the centuries. Machiavelli was also slightly envious that Dee was younger than he—and looked it. Machiavelli had been born in Florence in 1469, which made him fifty-eight years older than the English Magician. History recorded that he had died in the same year that Dee had been born, 1527.
“Flamel is back in Paris.”
Machiavelli straightened. “When?”
“Just now. He got there through a leygate. I’ve no idea where it comes out. He’s got Scathach with him. . . .”
Machiavelli’s lips curled into an ugly grimace. The last time he’d encountered the Warrior, she’d pushed him through a door. It had been closed at the time, and he’d spent weeks picking splinters from his chest and shoulders.
“There are two humani children with him. Americans,” Dee said, his voice echoing and fading on the transatlantic line. “Twins,” he added.
“Say again?” Machiavelli asked.
“Twins,” Dee added, “with pure gold and silver auras. You know what that means,” he snapped.
“Yes,” Machiavelli muttered. It meant trouble. Then the tiniest of smiles curled his thin lips. It could also mean opportunity.
Static crackled and then Dee’s voice continued. “The girl’s powers were Awakened by Hekate before the Goddess and her Shadowrealm were destroyed.”
“Untrained, the girl is no threat,” Machiavelli murmured, quickly assessing the situation. He took a breath and added, “Except perhaps to herself and those around her.”
“Flamel took the girl to Ojai. There, the Witch of Endor instructed her in the Magic of Air.”
“No doubt you tried to stop them?” There was a hint of amusement in Machiavelli’s voice.
“Tried. And failed,” Dee admitted bitterly. “The girl has some knowledge but is without skill.”
“What do you want me to do?” Machiavelli asked carefully, although he already had a very good idea.
“Find Flamel and the twins,” Dee demanded. “Capture them. Kill Scathach if you can. I’m just leaving Ojai. But it’s going to take me fourteen or fifteen hours to get to Paris.”
“What happened to the leygate?” Machiavelli wondered aloud. If a leygate connected Ojai and Paris, then why didn’t Dee . . . ?
“Destroyed by the Witch of Endor,” Dee raged, “and she nearly killed me, too. I was lucky to escape with a few cuts and scratches,” he added, and then ended the call without saying good-bye.
Niccolò Machiavelli closed his phone carefully and tapped it against his bottom lip. Somehow he doubted that Dee had been lucky—if the Witch of Endor had wanted him dead, then even the legendary Dr. Dee would not have escaped. Machiavelli turned and walked across the square to where his driver was patiently waiting with the car. If Flamel, Scathach and the American twins had come to Paris via a leygate, then there were only a few places in the city where they could have emerged. It should be relatively easy to find and capture them.
And if he could capture them tonight, then he would have plenty of time to work on them before Dee arrived.
Machiavelli smiled; he’d only need a few hours, and in that time they would tell him everything they knew. Half a millennium on this earth had taught him how to be very persuasive indeed.
theReader278
Posted June 23, 2011
I Also Recommend:
I loved reading this wonderful book! It is a story that keeps you entertained for hours.
23 out of 24 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.tizarose
Posted April 12, 2010
I can't say if I like Book #2 better than Book #1...but I did enjoy it and can't wait to read #3. I'm almost sorry I discovered these books before all five were written because I hate waiting. It's sometimes fun to start a series after it is completely written so you can go from one book to the other.
I like the new characters that have appeaared in this book. There is more dimension than just (evil) Dr. Dee.
I'm not always sure I think Josh should be overcome with so much doubt just because he is jealous of his sister's powers, but then that could be I just don't want him in Dr. Dee's hands. Since the balance is evened out in this book, it will be interesting to see what happens in Book #3.
Compared to some of the other teen series I have read (Harry Potter, Twilight), I definitely put these above the Twilight series and right behind Harry Potter in terms of writing and being a well written book. I love all the combination of myth, fictional and real people. I constantly google someone to read more about them.
10 out of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 18, 2012
I absolutely love this book! Its one of those books that you cant put down. I cant stop reading it!! Scott has done an amazing job in both book 1 & 2, I cant wait to star book 3!!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 4, 2011
I just finished reading the first two books, and the story just keeps getting better and better. I read the first book in 3 days, the second book in 2 days....the third will probably be even quicker! The books are very well written. If you like action-packed adventure and fantasy mixed with mythology, you will really love these books! I can't seem to put them down! Bravo to the author!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 24, 2008
I love the books of the Nichoals Flamel series. They are a great work and I can't wait till the next one comes out.
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.An excellent continuation of a wonderful series. However, I did find one discrepancy regarding the twins relationship to each other, which you are bound to discover for yourself when you read it.
A much more intense story, better vocabulary, and for intense than the Alchemyst. If you read the first book and are unsure if you want to continue reading the series, CONTINUE!!!! It only gets better :)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 28, 2011
Should i get the book a lot say yes but does anyone disagree.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 5, 2010
After running away from Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty arrive in Paris. This is the home of Nicholas Flamel. Niccolo Machiavelli lives in Paris and is working for the evil Dr. Dee and they're tracking Nicholas around the world. Every day Nicholas and Perenelle spend without the book they age one year. While this is happening in Paris Perenelle is being held captive in a cell in Alcatraz guarded by a Sphinx.
I would give Michael Scott an A because I loved the way he incorporated magic into a fun exciting story. I also enjoyed all of the surprises the author adds in the book. My favorite part was when Josh went to help save Scatty from the Niddhog because Josh was never a big fan of Scatty. He tended to stay away from Scatty because she was a vampire. That was my favorite surprise and that's why I would give Michael Scott an A.
I would recommend this book to 4th to 6th graders because there is a lot of magic that will excite kids. It is also good for 6th graders because there is a thrilling story line that will make you want to read the sequel.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 13, 2012
I think that the Magician is the best book in the world. Even though i just finished it I went out and bout the whole series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted April 11, 2010
I Also Recommend:
The Magician is a nice followup to the success of Michael Scott's thrilling novel, The Alchemyst. The book takes place mainly in Paris as the twins (Josh and Sophie Newman) attempt to escape the clutches of Dr. John Dee and Niccolo Machiavelli. This story makes a nice companion to The Alchemyst as Sophie further continues her development of the five magics and Josh begins to wield Clarent, the coward's blade. And Nicholas Flamel further continues his century-old dispute with Dr. John Dee. This thrilling encounter brings in true mythological characters like Nidhogg, the Disir, and other creatures and beings of several multi-cultural myths and legends. All and All, The Magician is a nicely done followup to the roaring success of Michael Scott's first novel in the series, The Alchemyst.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.After a narrow escape from California, master Alchemyst Nicholas Flamel, (real) vegetarian vampire Scathach, and the supposedly all-powerful twins Sophie and Josh, find themselves in Paris. Flamel is overjoyed to see the city of his birth in the 1500's, but not everyone is a happy camper. Josh is growing increasingly jealous of his sister's new magic powers. Sophie is growing more and more convinced that the only reason why her little brother (by 26 seconds) is in danger at all is the work of their so-called allies. Like-minded after a disastrous run-in with a ginormous monster, Josh is starting to wonder whether the bad guys might be the good guys after all.
I'm afraid that my head will explode if I read The Sorceress anytime soon. Well, that's actually a good thing, because Michael Scott's characters, despite being actual mythological creatures and people, are packed with personality and feeling that make them seem real. The plot, however, got a bit confusing during the climax and the some of the characters started acting a lot less believable in the middle, but otherwise, I loved this sequel to The Alchemyst. The best part for me was the blend of modern and magical, which wasn't too different from the style of Percy Jackson.
-Literary Pizazz, literarypizazz.blogspot.com
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 19, 2013
Hi
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Posted May 10, 2013
6
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Posted May 14, 2013
In 2017
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Posted April 24, 2013
Yea!! Sorry im late
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Posted April 17, 2013
Yall herw?
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 7, 2013
I read the first one but i am not sure about spending 50$ on the whole series but i REALLY want too
Anonymous
Posted February 22, 2013
Michael Scott cranks up the heat by exilerating the plot with lots of action and suspence. Michael Scott is a master yarnspinner who has provided the world with the privelage to read his books. this is my favorite series ever. MASTERFUL BOOK. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MICHAEL
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Posted January 28, 2013
This book is the best book i have ever read by far!!!!!
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Posted January 27, 2013
Great book very intresting for ages 10 and up because most kids wont understand
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Overview
The New York Times bestseller now in paperback!
In the second book in the New York Times bestselling series, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris, the City of Light, home to Nicholas Flamel. Only this homecoming is anything but sweet. Niccolò Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, lives in Paris and is working for Dr. John Dee. He’s in hot pursuit, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenell. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world’s only ...