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

Doubleday, 2011, ISBN: 978 0 857530264.
Highly recommended for ages 11 and up. For the first time in their lives, the twins of legend, Sophie and Josh Newman, have been separated. Each has joined characters from different sides and with different allegiances and continues to hone their magical powers. Whilst Josh has gone to work with Dee and Virginia Dare, it seems he has been transformed to accept their evil and selfish motivation. Meanwhile, Sophie has continued to support the Flamels who have fought against the Dark Elders to save the planet. Absolutes in terms of right and wrong, good and evil seem difficult to grasp. Each of the children has occasion to question not only the motives of those with whom they have chosen to side, but also those of their missing sibling. Links between the twins allow them, at times, to have insight into what is happening in the life of the other. At the back of their minds are the words of the prophecy which refers to twins 'with the auras of silver and gold, a brother and sister with the power to either save the world ... or destroy it.' The end is fast approaching!
Scott has written a series which has the capacity to keep the reader on the edge of one's seat. Each chapter has a different character or setting as its focus and the action is fast moving and engrossing. Allegiances change throughout the series and friendships and loyalties continue to evolve. Little in this series seems predictable or anticipated, the characters based on those from myth and legend, blending in such a way as to seem almost natural, despite their differences. This is a wonderful fantasy series for the more capable readers of fantasy. Undoubtedly, I now join a horde of others who eagerly await the final instalment due out in mid-2012!
Jo Schenkel