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

Doubleday, 2009. ISBN: 9780385613132.
(Ages 10 +) Following the destruction of Paris, twins Josh and Sophie Newman are pursued by John Dee and his underlings. They are accompanied by Nicholas Flamel, the Immortal who has been present during their Awakening and Sophie's training in the use of several of the elements, and Clarent, the sword which is linked to Excalibur. Now, they are on a quest to find the Elder who can continue with their training using the element of water. Meanwhile, Nicholas' wife, Perenelle is trapped on Alcatraz and is battling the creatures attempting to hunt and kill her.
This fantasy cleverly introduces a number of fictitious characters alongside many and various well known names from history and myth. Although set in the modern day, reference is made to the world and times from which the characters originated. Flitting between the different settings and characters, the reader is taken on a wild and enjoyable ride of adventure.
This, the third book in the series The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, almost manages to hold its own as a stand alone text - apart from the reader being left hanging and desperate to see how matters will be resolved in the next title. Not having read the previous two books, I was still able to follow the premise of the story and gain a reasonable insight to each of the main characters. I will be keen to go back and read the original titles and continue the series when the next is released.
Well suited to the more capable readers of fantasy.
Jo Schenkel