Discussion+Questions+The+Alchemyst

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
**More Information:** [|BarnesandNoble.com]
 * Discussion Posts:** [|Alchemyst Post Category]
 * Discussion Period:** February 22 – February 28, 2010

Discussion Questions:
Yeah, I think I would, I might get lonely but I could do so much with my time. yes but it wouldn't be fun losing your friends all the time. Yes. In a second. Um... Hi It's Ian, I can't figure out how to change the color of my text. Help? 2. If you had to make the decision about whether or not to Awaken the twins, what would you do? I would awaken them, the risks are great but to save the world one must take risks. yes to save the world but it would be very risky. I would, without a doubt.
 * 1) Would you become immortal if you had the chance?

3. If you had the chance to be Awakened, would you take it? I think that having that kind of power would be cool but it depends on what was happening. If it wasn't needed, probably not. I'd hate to risk my life for cool powers. Yes yes yes yes yes!!!!!

4. One important task for fantasy writers is to build a believable world while still moving the story forward. How did Michael Scott do this? Was he successful? He took his world from stories that we've heard all our lives, thus making it more real to us. As with all fantasy, you must "suspend your disbelief." By setting the series in the real world, it is easier for us to do this. Also, by using existing myths, it is easier to create a believable world.

5.Who is your favorite character? Which characters from myth would you like to see in the story? My favorite character is either Scatty or Gilgamesh who comes in book 3. I would really like to see some more of the Norse or Greek gods. Probably Scathach. Like Sage I'd like to see more Greek gods. Scatty, followed up closely by Perry and Josh.

6. Josh and Sophie both have doubts about Nicholas. Why don’t they trust him sometimes? Do you think he’s trustworthy?

They don't trust him because he keeps things from them. I think he's complicated, but I'd have to say "yes." I would trust him, just not completely. He doesn't exactly "lie", but he doesn't always tell the whole truth.

7. Think about the alliances in the book. Why does Dr. John Dee work for the Dark Elders? Why do Scathach, Hekate, and the Witch of Endor help Nicholas and the twins?

Dr. John Dee works for the Dark Elders because they have promised him power when they take over the world and he is a power hungry person. Scathach and the Witch of Endor help humanity because they understand that it is humandkind's time to rise, the elders have had their turn and it's the humanni's time to rise.

(also, Hekate does not wish to side on the side of the humanni but she was forced into it by having her Shadowrealm invaded.) Dee was corrupted by his lust for power. As Sage said, Scatty and the Witch realize their time is past. Again, as Sage said, Hekate wished to remain neutral but was forced into taking sides by Nicholas and the impending attack on her shadowrealm.

8. Nicholas and Perrenelle Flamel were real people. There are streets and hospitals in Paris named after them. Dr. John Dee was also a real person, the most famous alchemist and astrologer of his age. How does the factual basis affect how you read this story?

Not at all, don't really care. Not much. Their real story does not conflict with the plot line.

9. What are your predictions for the next book in the series? I really can't say any thing because I've read up to book 4 and I'm waiting for book 5. I KNOW IT ALL HA HA HA HA. Ditto.