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winterreader40's review against another edition
DNF, really great concept of Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel chasing each other through time trying to torture or kill the other, after she invents the elixir of life and then he steals it from her, but this story is really drawn out and there is far to much abuse in this book for me to really enjoy the read.
This is one of the few DNF's were I might come back to it and try it again one day but we will see.
This is one of the few DNF's were I might come back to it and try it again one day but we will see.
branch_c's review against another edition
3.0
A concept that seemed to be just right for me: well researched historical fantasy incorporating plausible supernatural aspects into actual events involving real historical figures. So that was all there, and was not badly done, but somehow lacked the spark that really would have drawn me into it.
Part of the problem for me was that the similarity of the various historical interludes made it seem somewhat repetitive and overly long (and in the afterword the author mentions a couple more that were edited out!). The modern day segments were also less than compelling - the situation and relationships struck me as an anticlimactic end to this centuries-long struggle.
So again, Leigh certainly deserves points for research and for elegantly and seamlessly incorporating his story into the historical record, and the book was worth reading for that experience, but overall it just wasn't as exciting or innovative as I had hoped it would be.
Part of the problem for me was that the similarity of the various historical interludes made it seem somewhat repetitive and overly long (and in the afterword the author mentions a couple more that were edited out!). The modern day segments were also less than compelling - the situation and relationships struck me as an anticlimactic end to this centuries-long struggle.
So again, Leigh certainly deserves points for research and for elegantly and seamlessly incorporating his story into the historical record, and the book was worth reading for that experience, but overall it just wasn't as exciting or innovative as I had hoped it would be.
vicrine's review against another edition
4.0
7/10 was interesting, but she was cowardly, and could have used the years to amass amazing powers. And I didn't like how pierce was able to use the old she's a terrible whore excuse in the 21st century and have people actually care.
themadnessofsam's review against another edition
3.0
I am conflicted. This is a very good book. But I still have questions that are unanswered and really no hope of a sequel to answer it.
jonmhansen's review against another edition
4.0
I can't believe Dumbledore would've ever hung with this guy.
pwbalto's review against another edition
2.0
Slow start. Best for Diana Gabaldon fans looking for a fix.
ash_ton's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not just rating this 5 stars because my professor wrote it; I genuinely enjoyed it. Thank you, Dr. Leigh, for creating something so brilliant. Kind of makes me afraid to submit my final manuscript, though...
rgreatreader's review against another edition
3.0
meh
The story was fragmented by the myriad of interludes, few of which gave any more information or served any purpose other than to expand the conceit a little further. Since that was so, it would have been better written chronologically, or with many many fewer interludes.
The story was fragmented by the myriad of interludes, few of which gave any more information or served any purpose other than to expand the conceit a little further. Since that was so, it would have been better written chronologically, or with many many fewer interludes.
nikihannah's review against another edition
2.0
I so wanted to love this book ... Alchemy, magic, history, etc., all the right ingredients for a great story ... But after the third interlude, I was thinking is this book ever gonna end. How many more times can Nicholas vs Perenelle go on for ?!? ... And at the end of every interlude, Penerelle would have a revelation of 'I know what I have to do' ... Clearly not as she let this drag on and on and on .... And David ! What a weak character ! For one whose love is strong enough for Perenelle to divulge her at secrets turns out to be a coward ?!? Great idea for a book, poor execution.
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