Customer Reviews:
Looks exciting/ can't wait to study all the details!.......2007-10-01
So many details in this book, the sky's the limit as to where all the clues may be hidden. I bought this book for my kids to challenge their imagination, but it would be a challenge for any adult. This book is beautifully written and illustrated as just a story book/ face value/ even if not used as a treasure map!
Writing this w/ my cousin........2007-04-23
To begin, I have to say, the story itself does not interest me that much, the characters being overly simplistic and largely cliched. The puzzles on the otherhand are wildly devious, with an intricacy, that would put Will Shortz (NY Times Puzzle editor) to shame.
Sadly, I cannot see myself (nor would I ever), reading, or using this book again once the hunt is "completed."
For this reason, parents, despite the 'easy reading' in the story, if your kids want anything out of the book, be prepared to invest long hours working with them.
Still, as a 17 year old 'Trover' (term for fans of Stradthers work.), I tend to work on the puzzles alone, and I may refer to the story with help for some solves that only work 'in context' (Some of the books secrets are found in story), I cannot find any lasting appeal in the story beyond the hunt. So while it is largely worthwhile to pick up for the hunt alone, once, the hunt is over, the only hope of sales, is for those dedicated 'trovers' who do it for the fun, rather than the reward. And while I experience/appreciate this feeling, if you're going to be a 'treasure hunter' why look for treasure long since taken?
Will you read it again after the hunt is over?.......2007-03-13
Michael Stadther, Secrets of the Alchemist Dar (Treasure Trove, Inc., 2006)
The A Treasure's Trove crowd is back with another big treasure hunt, and another chapter in the story of Zac, Anna, and Pook, as well, of course as Alchemist Dar, the new leader of the imprisoned (at the start of the book, anyway) dark fairies. Dar has a plan to kill the good fairies and steal the Rings of Eternal Life they wear around their necks (and why, may I ask, do they wear them around their necks and not on their fingers?). Zac, Ana, Pook, and the forest militia have to find a way to stop him-- but how?
Treasure-hunt books are not all that rare, actually; what is rare is a treasure-hunt book that stays around long after the treasure has been found. In order to pen one of those, you need to make sure the treasure aspect of the book isn't what carries it, because the treasure is nothing more than a gimmick to get people to read the book-- or that's all it should be. All too often, it becomes the only thing that makes the book worthwhile-- thus dooming the book to an abbreviated shelf life and an eternity of obscurity. And, like A Treasure's Trove before it, Secrets of the Alchemist Dar is exactly that kind of book-- there's a story here, but it's not nearly detailed enough to stand on its own, and the underlying characters lack any real depth to hold a person's interest for longer than they will spend looking for the treasure.
(For the record, as far as I know, only one treasure-hunt book published in my lifetime is still widely read: Ellen Raskin's 1978 Newbery-medal winner The Westing Game.) ** ½
Secrets of the Alchemist Dar - Review.......2007-03-11
Secrets of the Alchemist Dar - A Brief Review
The book can only be found in the children's section of the most well-known book store chains. Why would anyone hope to sell a book there? Well, Secrets is such a book. Secrets is not just a fantasy, it is also a treasure hunt, filled with imagery, and hints that invite even more images. If you have ever enjoyed tales, this book promises and delivers a unique tale, filled with reminders of flash lighted faces stories told at campfires, at home, and with wonder.
The author dedicates his book to anyone who reads it with a child. The illustrations range from the seemingly crude to the sublime, mystery and wonder. Is it a classic tale retold? Maybe, Maybe not. The story begins with a dance, and ends with something else. Oh no, I won't give that secret away (it might be a solve). If you go to the website dedicated to this hunt, you will hear that often enough, and you will meet people as interesting as the characters in this book. But be careful some of them might be alchemists or worse.
Alchemy, the very word invokes images of menace. Laboratories where vile things like pollution of the environment for greed takes place by villains of every sort. And a challenge, the author makes you part of the story, and you accept. Teachers are invited to investigate the educational possibilities presented.
Biology, physics, mathematics, probability, social responsibility, jurisprudence, archeology, geography, astronomy, history, and research - its all there, and more. Exploring the possibilities. Did the author succeed with this? In my view, yes.
Parents would welcome the opportunity to share this adventure with their children. Age appropriate? Thousands of adults have read and enjoyed this book, not just once, but many times. The book however is not for adults, it is fundamentally a child's story, a tale told to awaken the imagination, the first place reading begins. Then, it reaches in to stir curiosity, and awaken possibilities. Then seemingly out of the blue, critical thinking based upon observation, hypothesis and reasoning starts to take root.
A Real Brainbuster (with Beautiful Graphics).......2007-01-25
This book has been a lot of fun for my entire family. We haven't come close to figuring out one location, but it's fun to try. And the art work is just superb.
For those of you who stumbled upon this review by accident (and don't actually know what this book is), let me explain. This is a book of clues to actual locations that contain actual gems. The gems are very valuable. This is the second book in which the author has hidden gems and used the book as a sort of "treasure map."
The books is hours of entertaining fun. And for the very ambitious -- it could be quite profitable!
Average customer rating:
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How to Become a Spiritual Alchemist
Brad Steiger
Manufacturer: Inner Light
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: 1892062852 |
Book Description
TAKE AN ALTERED STATE OF CONSCIOUSNESS JOUNEY WITH SPIRITUAL ALCHEMIST BRAD STEIGER AND LEARN TO BECOME TO BEST YOU CAN POSSIBLY BE...
Relax and enter an inner world where peace and harmony prevail.
On this 60 minute CD you will learn the secrets of ancient alchemists and how they turned spiritual metal into an abundance of gold.
O You will be able to build an alchemy laboratory in your mind, as well as transcend the physical and thus become immortal just for the asking.
O Find inner piece like you have never felt it before.
O Take command of your life and surroundings by learning to utilize the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water.
Book Description
He holds the secret that can end the world.
The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life.
The records show that he died in 1418.
But his tomb is empty.
The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it.
Sometimes legends are true.
And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting fantasy story but it is book one of six parts.......2007-08-13
We listened to this interesting audiostory on a long car ride since it is 10 hours long. It kept everyone captivated even the 8 year old and the teenagers. If you like fantasy books that include magic like the Harry Potter series, I think you will like this story. We were disappointed though when we learned that this is only the first book of a six book series and only the first book has been released.
A literary Band-Aid for lamenting Potter Fans.......2007-07-19
Blending actual historical figures with mythological monsters and pagan deities, the world of the Alchemyst blurs the lines of reality to the point of surreality. Potter Fans will remember Nicholas Flamel as a maker of the Philosopher Stone in Book 1 of that series. Well, let's say that in the world of The Alchemyst, Harry and Co. are popular fictional characters, just as they are in reality. Where as Nicholas Flamel is an actual historical figure, born in France in the fourteenth century.
This book, the first in a series of I believe six, throws you into the action with very little preamble. A magic battle, mud monsters, a legendary book, and a 2,000+ year old teenage warrior-goddess punk rocker (seriously) come into the story within the first few chapters.
Author Scott has set himself a nice playing field for subsequent books in this series. And while not as detailed as some other books in the genre, it more than makes up for it with lots of action. The story of Nicholas Flamel has five more opportunities to flesh out its world. I am looking forward to spending more time there.
BTW, my magic smells like liquorice.
Anxiously awaiting book 2.......2007-07-12
I read the book and devoured it and I needed more. I decided to pick up the audio tape so I could listen to it in my car. Even with knowing how it ends, it is so exciting and suspenseful! And being taken away to San Francisco and enjoy the fantasy that the characters are experiencing is magical!
The story is fascinating. The events that led up to up it are amazing. I want to go to Paris to visit the Flamel's home. It's incredible that it still exists and that it was the seed out of which this story grew.
Captivating for 13 and under, but..........2007-06-27
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is a captivating story. The characters interact well with each other and the story line, for the most part. However, I found the use and mention of various new technology electronics was too abrupt. They seemed to be thrown in like raisins in rice pudding, rather than used to enhance the story, say - like cream in coffee.
I did find myself eager to return to the story as soon as possible after each time I had to stop and continue my own life's duties.
I would have liked to see Mrs. Flamel more intouch and more influential throughout the story.
I liked the questions that came to mind about Dee as he interacted with the boy.
This book is definatley worth reading. I guess I had too high expectations after reading HP(x6) by JKR.
SUCH A GREAT BOOK!!!!!!.......2007-05-29
I love reading a good book and that is what "The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" is!!!!
I couldn't put the darn thing down and I'm now officially the biggest Michael Scott fan. I just loved, loved, loved this fantastic book!!!
Product Description
5 sound discs (5 hr.) Pip and her twin brother, Tim, awaken an alchemist's son from a centuries-long slumber when their family moves to an old English country estate, and he enlists them in the fight against an evil alchemist who seeks to create a homunculus.
Average customer rating:
- Smashing read!
- A Fine Thriller
- Typos distracted me from the plot
- Kids- free yourselves from cotton wool!
- Amazing Read
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The Secret Of The Alchemist (The Fate of the Stone)
John Ward
Manufacturer: Bolinda Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: 1740935659 |
Book Description
This is the first novel in the Fate of the Thaumatophane trilogy (pronounced TOW/MAY/TOW/FAIN or TOW/MAY/TOW/FAN). The Thaumatophane was a magical machine sought after by the alchemists of the Middle Ages, an all-powerful invention that not only turned lead into gold but gave omnipotence to its possessor. In this first in the trilogy, two teenagers, Jake and Helen, meet by chance at a literary festival in Florence, Italy, where the contestants have to recite passages written by Dante, the Italian renaissance poet. They soon become fast friends: Helen, daughter of a failed marriage between a somewhat seedy Irish art dealer and a Swiss heiress has been raised by her aunts in the chill and reserved world of Swiss chateaux and private schools. A loner, wary of opening herself to others, she longs for her London-based dad to pay more attention to her. Jake, from a rowdy Scottish-Italian Glasgow family, is a happy-go-lucky jack-in-the-box kind of guy, not a great intellectual but with a good solid head on his pragmatic shoulders. Together, they make a fine pair.
Very quickly they fall into a world of practitioners of black magic and the occult arts, for Helen's father has borrowed a 16th-century painting called "The Secret of the Alchemist" from her aunts' private collection and thinks he can hold his buyer up for a higher price by pretending to lose it for a few weeks. He meanwhile smuggles it out of Switzerland and secretes it in Venice, leaving the key for his daughter to find in an ornate desk he ships to Florence for repairs.
The alchemist of the painting is Ruggiero de Montefeltro, an Englishman who went to Italy in the 16th century and began to learn the secrets of the occult at the hands of a magician in order to lay his hands on the Thaumatophane. His own fate is left unclear until the apocalyptic finish to this riveting novel, which takes place in an ancient house in Provence where the very Gates of Hell are opened.
Customer Reviews:
Smashing read!.......2006-07-05
I've read the Harry Potter series and they are fine, but I was hungering for something a little more sophisticated but not dull. This is it! Could not put this book down, and immediately picked up part two if this trilogy. Guys, go for it!
A Fine Thriller.......2006-04-15
This is a darker book than the Harry Potter Books and sounds like it is aimed at an older reading audience.
The characters and reader are all excellent plus it adds an exciting use of place (Italy) not often seen.
Very highly recommended, this is a great audio book for you next car trip with or without children.
Typos distracted me from the plot.......2005-03-16
This was an OK read--though rather confusing plot twists and did not seem to be written for a YA crowd. At times, the book was too heavy and dense and at other times too trite in tone. This book could use a serious edit from a real editor not just someone who thinks he's an editor. But what really bugged me about this book was that there were too many typos! It's distracting from the plot! You would think any legitimate publisher would hire a good proofreader to make sure no typos. If I didn't know better, I would have thought the author and his family published this book in their basement.
Kids- free yourselves from cotton wool!.......2004-09-21
Having read the varied comments on this book, i was intrigued and read it myself. Frankly i was amazed that people thought this book could be unsuitable for its audience. Obviously i am very lucky to have been brought up by parents that didn't wrap me in cotton wool.
The story is one of high adventure, where good takes on evil. There was a fresh air to the book as the author has shown us into his world of danger and responsibility. The main characters ( Jake and Helen) are two very different teenagers from Scotland and Switzerland. Together they travel through Europe in a mad dash to save Helen's father after he tries to double cross the curious occult figure of Pounce. Pounce is a really alive character and is really scary.
Beautiful European cities,tension, great characters, visitors from beyond the grave, a really good scare and goods triumph over evil. What more could you want in a book?
This book is perfect for young adults as it is in the end a rather moral story where the forces of good win out.
Amazing Read.......2004-02-29
Awesome Read! Deep Characters! Shallow Villains! and Occult Antics! Amazingly well developed characters from the cunning Faustian Pounce to the unconfident and rather tag along Jake Giacometti accompanied by the Elegant, self righteous Helen de Havilland who is brewing with enthusiasm and rebellion! A good contrast of characters with Helen who acts like she owns the world and can fit in almost anywhere with acquatinces and relations in almost every European city from Paris to Florence to London to Rome, compared with Jake who is barely at home outside of Glasgow let alone another country, Jake who is nervous buying a train Ticket in France. The Evil and deceit virtually seeps out of Occultist villain Aurelian Pounce from conjuring up False Trials so he can obtain his desires to kidnapping a child and creating the facade that her mother sold her. He is so cunning and cruel yet he himself has been given the raw end of the Faustian deal. Overall an amazing read. Well written and edited. I would like to meet the author and publisher but so would most I suspect!
Average customer rating:
- The Alchemist
- Absolutely beautiful, a number 1 hit in book form.
- un livre pour comprendre la vie / a guide for life
- I love you because the whole universe conspired for me...
- Une belle réflexion sur le sens de la vie
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The Alchemist
Manufacturer: Penton Overseas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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The Alchemist - Gift Edition
Accessories:
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RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
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Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
ASIN: 2895580413 |
Customer Reviews:
The Alchemist.......2007-01-03
Sure this is an interesting book. Unfortunately the copy we received was written in spanish!
Absolutely beautiful, a number 1 hit in book form........2006-05-15
I never left the side of the young shepherd boy and thoroughly enjoyed his quest for the Alchemist. I found sometimes, page after page would have me pondering like reading Anthony de Mello's snap-shot guiding stories, for each interaction that came to the boy brought new light to reflect & consider. A truely magnificent work to mirror back to ones own life and a genuine portal to allow movement into other worlds around ourselves that do, it seems, exist; coincidences, chance meetings. The adults' Harry Potter surely.
un livre pour comprendre la vie / a guide for life.......2003-08-12
En résumé, si vous êtes dans une période de votre vie où tout semble arriver sans raison et but précis...ce livre pourrais bien vous redonnez de l'espoir et vous aider à comprendre ''le pourquoi'' de la vie.
In resumé, if your stuck in a rut, and you feel like nothing is going like you planned out in life; that your wondering why ''this or that'' is happenning....this book will give you hope by allowing you to understand ''the why'' of life.
I love you because the whole universe conspired for me..........2003-04-17
This is an extraordinary story about optimism, hope, courage and perseverance. It is about finding out what is our 'mission' in life, about destiny and following our dreams - whenever one wishes something, the whole universe conspires to its realisation. Everything is possible as long as we really want this to happen.
At the first level, the story seems to be very simple, and as Coelho himself said it, "simple things are the most valuable and only wise people appreciate them". But it is by far a very complex story with very deep meanings.
One of the things suggested here is that people who don't dare to follow their dreams, their 'Personal Myth', will have a superficial and empty life.
It is also about being courageous to meet your destiny, to dare making your dreams come true and following the road that has been made for them, and find God while searching for their destiny and their mission on earth.
Another important issue in this book is finding your soul-mate and love - the core of existence and creation. When we are in love we try to improve ourselves: "I love you because the whole universe conspired for me to come close to you."
I think this book can be enjoyed by everybody, because we all find ourselves in Santiago, the main character of the book - we all have dreams, desires and perhaps some us dont have the necessary courage to follow our dreams - and courage is the language that helps you most in understanding the world.
I recommend this book to everybody who thinks that life is still beautiful and even to those who believe the opposite - Im sure it will make you change your minds.
Une belle réflexion sur le sens de la vie.......2003-02-28
Voilà un beau livre qui nous fait réfléchir sur le sens de la vie. En conséquence, c'est un livre à lire lentement afin de se donner le temps de méditer sur les messages cachés derrière l'histoire. Une mise en garde par contre, il faut être d'humeur à vouloir réfléchir autrement on a l'impression de lire un récit quelque peu moralisateur.
Deux extraits que ma nature fonceuse a particulièrement aimés:
"Une quête commence toujours par la Chance du Débutant. Et s'achève toujours par l'Épreuve du Conquérant."
"Quoi qu'elle fasse, toute personne sur terre joue toujours le rôle principal de l'Histoire du monde. Et normalement elle n'en sait rien."
Voilà donc deux citations pouvant nous aider à toujours faire de notre mieux dans la vie. Espérons qu'elles pourront inspirer d'autres gens.
Average customer rating:
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Alchemist of Pop
Joe Cdpham 466816 Meek
Manufacturer: PHANTOM SOUND & VISION
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: 6309194739 |
Books:
- All You Need to Be Impossibly French: A Witty Investigation into the Lives, Lusts, and Little Secrets of French Women
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- American Born Chinese
- Apple Training Series: Desktop and Portable Systems (2nd Edition) (Apple Training)
- Become An Inner Circle Assistant
- Caillou: The Birthday Party (Scooter series)
- Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul
- Christine Falls: A Novel
- Classical Drawing Atelier: A Contemporary Guide to Traditional Studio Practice
- Confessions of a Wall Street Analyst: A True Story of Inside Information and Corruption in the Stock Market
Books Index
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The Alchemist (Plus)
The Illustrated Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream
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High Bandwidth | Low Bandwidth
In 2004 the author and illustrator Michael Stadther made publishing history when his first book, the self-published A Treasure's Trove, appeared on nearly every bestseller list in the United States. Rarely, if ever, had a self-published book received such popular acclaim so quickly. Inspired by this success, Mike has embarked on an even more ambitious and wide-ranging project. On September 26, 2006, his publishing company, in association with Simon & Schuster, released Secrets of the Alchemist Dar, the sequel to A Treasure's Trove. Alchemist Dar will launch the first worldwide treasure hunt for 100 Aaron Basha jeweled rings valued at over $2 million.
Aaron Basha is known for his collection of magical treasures and masterful designs originated of 18 karat gold, gemstones, and colored enamel. His name is internationally recognized for the signature jeweled Baby Shoes, Love Bugs, spectacular diamond designs, and a high profile celebrity clientele. Aaron Basha's flagship boutique is located on Madison Avenue in New York City. Renowned retailers worldwide featuring the Aaron Basha line are located throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, Hong Kong, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean Islands. "We are thrilled to be a part of the adventure of Secrets of the Alchemist Dar, says Aaron. "Our designs are known to charm the child at heart; may the rings of eternal life bring fun, play and love!"
