Discussion Questions for “The Alchemyst”

1. You are a famous book reviewer from the New York Times. On a one to ten scale with ten
being a fantastic read and one meaning a terrible read, rate this book. Then describe why
you rated it as you did.
2. What is an aura?
3. What is the prophecy of the CODEX?
4. What turned Dee into Flamel’s enemy?
5. What did Flamel tell the twins that they needed to do to survive? How would this advice
have helped Josh with his dinner with Hekate?
6. What is special about Hekate?
7. Michael Scott chooses to Awaken only one of the twins.
a. What is the effect of this choice on Sophie’s development?
b. Does it make a difference to the twins' relationship?
c. Does it impact the events in the story as a whole?
8. Scathach's advice is to trust one's instincts. How does this apply to your life?
9. Describe how Josh's feelings toward the Alchemyst, Nicholas Flamel, are conflicted.
10. Do you believe Nicholas set up the twins? Why or why not?
11. What was your favorite moment of the book?
12. How is this book similar to some other books you have read?
13. Was Nicholas Flamel a real person?
14. Which characters from a myth would you like to see added into the story? How do you
envision they would play a role?
15. If you had the chance to be Awakened, would you take it? Why? Why not
16. Flamel says, “We are all prisoners of a sort here—prisoners of circumstance and events.” (p.
197) What does he mean?
17. Are the powers Sophie gains worth the pain?
18. Why have two twins as the main characters in The Alchemyst? How would the book be
different if it was just about Josh? Just about Sophie?
19. Is The Alchemyst just Harry Potter set in present-day San Francisco? Do you agree or
disagree, and why?