The Necromancer: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

Doubleday, 2010. ISBN: 9780385618298.
Highly recommended for ages 10 and up. When the twins, Sophie and Josh Newman, return to San Francisco, their arrival is marred by the appearance of their friend Scatty's twin, Aoife of the Shadows. Almost as soon as they arrive, Sophie is kidnapped from their Aunt's house and Josh immediately tries to go to her rescue. Not only must the twins try to protect themselves but they need to discover just who can be trusted as they work to develop their powers. They face many threats, with Dee and Virginia Dare plotting together to gain ultimate power. In order to do this, Dee is planning to create an army of creatures and bring the Mother of the Gods back to life. For this to happen, however, he will need a necromancer; a role which he believes can be carried out by the 'twins of legend'.
This is the fourth book in the series and continues with many twists and turns and a myriad of characters, some from history and some from myth and legend, as the twins race against the clock to save their friends and the world from its ultimate destruction. With so many different strands and locations in the story, it continues to be unpredictable and entertaining. Scott has again written a highly engrossing novel which will be devoured by the more capable readers of fantasy.
Jo Schenkel, Pilgrim School