(Cover picture courtesy of Michael Scott’s website.)

The twins of prophecy have been divided—the end has begun.

Alcatraz:

Although their ally Dr. John Dee has been declared utlaga, Machiavelli and Billy the Kid will follow the plans the Elders have laid before them: they will loose the monsters of Alcatraz on the city of San Fransisco, thereby triggering the end of the humani race.

Danu Talis:

The Shadowrealm that Scatty and Joan of Arc have entered is far more dangerous than they could have ever imagined.  And they haven’t landed here by chance—the warriors were called for a reason.  So were Saint-Germain, Palamedes, and Shakespeare.  The group was summoned because they must travel back in time to Danu Talis and destroy it.  For the island of Danu Talis, known in humani myth as the lost city of Atlantis, must fall if the modern world is to exist.

San Fransisco:

The end is finally near.  Josh Newman has chosen a side, and he will not stand with his sister, Sophie, or with the Alchemyst, Nicholas Flamel.  He will fight alongside Dee and the mysterious Virginia Dare.

Unless Sophie can find her twin before the battle begins, all is lost—forever.

Unlike a lot of people who have read The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, I like how Josh’s character has developed  Although Dee and his kind would like to see the Elders return to the world, which would be bad, the true motives of Nicholas Flamel are shrouded in mystery.  In the first few books of the series, there was a clear line between good and evil, but now everything is in shades of grey.  And since Sophie and Josh are reunited at the end of The Warlock, it will be interesting to see what side they take, especially when we find out who Dee’s mysterious Elders are.

As usual, the plot zips by at an incredibly fast pace as Litha approaches.  Old enemies become allies and old alliances have changed as the battle for humanity’s future draws ever closer.  I think you’ll be just as surprised as I was at the interesting turn my favourite villain, Machiavelli, takes in this book.  It was very unexpected when it happened, but in hindsight Michael Scott had been dropping hints about the change throughout the series.  If you’ve read all the way up to The Necromancer, The Warlock is a must-read that you will thoroughly enjoy.

I give this book 4.5/5 stars.

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