Book Reviews

[Trappernicus]

The Alchemyst

Title: The Alchemist
Author: Michael Scott
ISBN: 987-0-552-55709-2
Pub: The Random House Group

Quickly we learn many truths. We learn that Nicholas Flamel is very old. He was born in 1330. Yes more then 670 years ago. And that over these many years he has been everything from a Physician to a Cook. From a Bookseller to a Soldier. From a Teacher of Languages to a Teacher of Chemistry. Even from an Officer of the Law to a Thief. And we do learn that even before all these things, he was first, foremost and had always been, an Alchemyst.

It's true to say we learn many things about the Famous Nicholas Flamel. A world famous Alchemist and celebrity to many a King and Emperor. Yet one question is left hanging in mid air. Like a small spiders web of doubt we are left asking;

Can we trust Nicholas Flamel?

Our two companions on this marvellous journey through History and Mystery. Time and Magic. Are twins, Josh and his sister Sophie. The Twins of Destiny as prophesied by a very strange yet powerful book. A book that must be retrieved. No matter what.

As a side note:

The name Josh means: God rescues

The name Sophie means: Wisdom

Something to keep in mind when reading the books.
 

M J Flack

[Trappernicus]

Thomas Covenant, The Unbeliever
Lord Foul's Bane

Title: Thomas Covenant, The Unbeliever
Lord Foul's Bane
ISBN:0-8050-12729
Pub: Holt, Rhinehart and Winston

Review:

Fantasy books come in a wide and amazing range. Yet they do tend to overlap and share many common themes. Making it hard to find something new and refreshing. This book however has developed an intriguing shoreline. One that has it's roots and subject matter from the authors own experiences from his Father who worked with Lepers. Thus developing the characters with more depth than if the author were writing from just a technical point of view and not from a life experience foundation.

Our Protagonist has found himself in a World far displaced from his own. One that he constantly has to grapple with to understand. One that he rejects as the title says as an Unbeliever. Yet one that he himself may have conjured up as a writer. As he travels through this strange and bewildering land, he meets people who challenge his ideas of right and wrong. As well as meeting with some of his own inner demons.

The end of the book is well crafted and shows the reader that there is more to expect in the next book in the trilogy.

M J Flack

[Trappernicus]

The Great Gatsy

Authour: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Tragedy
Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons
ISBN: 9780460872706

Review: When we think of books that mirror their time and the world we live in, The Great Gatsy will rank up there with the best. Through the pages we can see a glimps into the qworld of the1920's epic Jazz Age. A world just out of conflict and enjoing a fresh new start with everything that dazzles. While the prohibition is in full swing and bootleg booz is the in thing. With a range of fun but naughty dances such as the Black Bottom. It was a time for kicking up your heels and thumbing your nose at conventions. In some ways we could say it was the 1960's of the world.

F Scot Fitzgerald wrote the book in 1924. Setting the scene in the exclusive and secluded Long Island community. The story is told through the words and observations of Nick Carraway. As he interacts with the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. There is the ongoing strugle felt by Gatsby as he is obsessed with reuniting with his former lover Daisy Buchanan. The story is rich with imagary and references to the times and the people. With a rich rexture of what it was like living during the reckless years.

Sadly this book has been banned by some who have deemed it either racist or corrupting. I would suggest that you need to read the book first before blindly accepting someone elses opinions.

[Trappernicus]

 

The Kingdom over the Water

Title: The Kingdom over the Water.
Author: Dorothy Hall
ISBN: 090933190-1
Pub: Wild & Wooley Sydney

Notes: If you're looking for a book with Fighting, Honour, Betrayal, Love, Vanity, Ancient History and Human Frailties; then this is the book for you. A perfect blend of many of life's facets.

Dorothy Hall is a splendid writer. Her ability to weave a story while developing characters and plot lines shines in this book. Perhaps for some this next statement is over the top. But for me 'The Kingdom over the Water' is easily comparable to either the Iliad or the Golden Ass. It has an amazing way in which it develops the story of history, time and place. While putting a very human face to what could otherwise be just a list of facts and figures.

If there were a negative with the book, it would be just a small one. I personally found the last epic or period of time rather short. And would have enjoyed it if it had been developed at the same length as the first two. Thus giving more depth to where characters originated. And why they followed the paths they chose.
 

M J Flack