The sixth and final book in the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, by Michael Scott.
Summary (Where We Begin, SPOILER ALERT especially if you haven't read the Warlock):
San Francisco: Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel, both with only one day left to live must fight off the monsters that have been kept on Alcatraz. They are joined by Niten, Prometheus (modern day), Mars, Hel, Odin and (somewhat belatedly) Tsagaglalal/Aunt Anges. Also, surprisingly, by Billy the Kid, Machiavelli and Black Hawk, all of whom have chosen to fight on the side of humanity.
Danu Talis: Scathach, Joan of Arc, St. Germain, Prometheus (past), Palamedes and William Shakespeare are all preparing to destroy Danu Talis so that their civilization can rise. Also, Sophie, Josh, Virginia Dare and John Dee have all crashed through into the past as well. They will be instrumental in the saving or destruction of the world.
"The Two That Are One must become the One That Is All. One to save the World, One to destroy it."
Reaction: (Once again, minor SPOILER ALERT)
This is a book I was waiting eagerly for, and which I bought on the day of its release.
The cover is, as always, completely gorgeous. Silver this time, to go with the fold on Warlock. And, as always, it tells a lot about the book (most of which only makes sense after the book has been read, however).
Cover aside, this book really impressed me.It has a good ending, not too happy, not too sad, but hopeful (albeit rather confusing at times). The author did a really good job of managing his enormous cast of characters, while making them all engaging. There was action, magic, some really funny comments, some really sad scenes (Tsagaglalal's choice, Josh's letter), lots of surprises and a little bit of romance (actually, there is a wedding mentioned...). The main plot was good. There were a couple of loose ends left un-tied, but that to was good (we can make our own stories, which keeps the book alive). I found that the part on Alcatraz and the defense of San Francisco were more engaging for me than what took place on Danu Talis, though I was really fond of Virginia in this book.
This was a really good concluding novel, and definitely a re-read book, since I feel like I rushed through to the end. The world kept getting in my way.
This Book Was Read: Into the early hours of the morning (on a school night), the next morning at the breakfast table, in the car on the way to school (I wasn't the one driving, so no worries), under the table during class, during D.E.A.R., at lunch, on the car ride home and finally at home. All in all, it took me about 24 hours to finish (interruptions of the world included).