I tried and tried and tried and tried and tried and TRIED (for two weeks!), but I could NOT get into this book. I made it to page 83.
I found it very irritating that the narrator told me over and over again this adventure was going to CHANGE Sophie and Josh's lives FOREVER. Also, their parents are archaeologists. Want to know how I know? I know because it was mentioned at least four times in 83 pages.
Three times too many.
Anyway. Those are certainly things that probably wouldn't bother some people (and didn't, judging by the majority of the Amazon reviews), and wouldn't necessarily stop me in other circumstances, but combined with my lack of interest in the characters... Yeah. Not for me.
Luckily for some fan of The Alchemyst, I happen to have a copy of the sequel, so I'll be giving it away soon...
Have you looked at the first 39 CLUES yet? I have similar issues with being beaten over the head with repeat info. I was entertained but I kept thinking, "Yeah, I got it the first couple times this was mentioned."
Posted by: Brian F. | 19 September 2008 at 04:10 PM
I haven't. I kind of want to, though -- I'm a sucker for the solve-it-youself mystery thing.
Posted by: Leila | 19 September 2008 at 04:22 PM
I've heard so many rave reviews of these books. Sorry you didn't enjoy them :(
Posted by: Ladytink_534 | 19 September 2008 at 04:44 PM
You and me both!
Posted by: Leila | 19 September 2008 at 04:53 PM
I had the exact same problem as you did Leila - I really tried to like this book, I wanted to like this book but it was so clearly written to formula that I wondered if the author was given a plot outline ala the Stratmeyer syndicate.
I could not stand it and that is being charitable.
Posted by: Colleen | 20 September 2008 at 12:43 AM
I couldn't agree more. This book (well, what I made it through before giving up) was a disappointment.
Posted by: Kate | 20 September 2008 at 12:46 PM
Aw, I liked this book. Can I have the sequel?? :P
Posted by: Kelia | 20 September 2008 at 04:03 PM
I actually liked The Alchemyst so much that I immediately bought the sequel when it came out.
Pat
Posted by: | 20 September 2008 at 04:25 PM
Kelia, it's yours. I'll bring it in on Monday. It seems to be a book that people really take to... or really don't!
Posted by: Leila | 20 September 2008 at 04:38 PM
Thanks! I'll ask Anna to get it from you.
Posted by: Kelia | 21 September 2008 at 09:08 AM
I gave this book to a cousin before I read it myself based on Amazon reviews (I tried to see if you had read it yet Leila to get a good review - alas!) and then rented the audio from the library.
You know what's worse than reading it... listening to it. PAIN-FUL. I could only get through 2 CDs before I was yelling, "I get it! Stop repeating yourself! Geez."
Posted by: Michelle | 22 September 2008 at 04:15 PM