Soul Stealer

The Alchemist's Son #2

by Martin Booth

When an enemy of Sebastian's father reappears in order to find the ancient book of spells in the hopes of stealing millions of souls, it is up to Pip and Tim to help their friend find the disguised evil-doer and botch his plans before it's too late. Reprint.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Fiction, Childrens, Time Travel

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2004

About the author

Martin Booth was a prolific English novelist and poet. He also worked as a teacher and screenwriter, and was the founder of the Sceptre Press.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid, entertaining instalment of the Doctor Illuminatus series (to date there are only two but this one definitely hints at a third part to come). Booth really goes out of his way to educate as well as entertain but there is a part of me that wonders if it’s these mini info dumps that rob these books of that magical feeling you get from all the best works of fantasy. It might just be me. Anyway, this aside, I’m definitely up for further adventures of the twins and their time-tossed alchemist pal.

Additional: I just found out the author has died, so I’ll stop waiting for that third book... oops.

[Tawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago, when I was still in my late teens/early 20's and really enjoyed it. It wasn't quite long enough for me but I enjoyed all of it none the less. It's a shame the author died before he could get more books out in the series.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this second book in the series, although slightly less than the first book. I wish there had been a third.

[Kadmiel Osaro]

I love Goodreads

[Riza (Pages and Coffee Cups) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Soul stealer is the second installment of Martin Booth’s The Alchemist Son series. It accounts the adventures of Pip and Tim together with Sebastian, a 15th century-born whose father is a notable alchemist, as they try to stop the people that targets to use alchemy with evil intent following their summer quest in Doctor Illuminatus, the 1st installment of the series.

Since it’s been years now since I’ve last read Doctor Illuminatus, I can’t really remember the notable features of the story plot besides the fact that they’ve (Pip and Tim) befriended a 15th century-boy who was sleeping (literally) all along in a secret chamber in their newly bought house and how they defended themselves against Malodor, an alchemist who is in pursuit of perfecting the art of creating a homonculus. But what I can clearly remember was how fun it is to read the last book. And this feature isn’t absent in this sequel at all. All the facts are carefully researched, the exhibition of wittiness and cleverness of the characters at the same time was really entertaining, and the action was not that fast-paced but pretty good. I always find it really fascinating how the three main characters think very fast when trapped in an inescapable circumstance.

This book as well as its prequel (Doctor Illuminatus) kinda reminded of The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Micheal Scott that I’ve read last year. The same elements as with almost all of the alchemy-related books that I’ve read so far. But still, this is a good book if you want to spend you free time reading one. Very light, but full of thrills. 3 stars.

[Alfonso Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Soul Stealer is a continuation of the first book Doctor Illuminatus. It continues on with the same characters Sebastian, Tim, and Pips adventures into alchemy. In Doctor Illuminatus, Tim and Pip first started learning about alchemy. In the Soul Stealer Pip and Tim learn a new alchemy tactics like taking advantage of another through their soul and brain.Then using the people being taken over like puppets to follow their masters every order. Martin Booth does a number of things to reveal the problems in the story. He reveals problems too the story when he adds new characters and characterizes them as homeless or dirty. Booth also uses imagery to really put the reader into the scene of the story. The book gets into detail about alchemy and explains the three or four different goals. The goals of alchemy: to turn any metal or object into gold, second to create a homunculus[is a human created from scratch without no soul], and third to find a potion to extend life even further. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in chemistry or science of some sort but others will not like this book very much.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A neat book with a fun plot, and a mystery. And alchemy.

[Nyron Guerra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, it had action and almost taught us of Alchemy. Before i didn't know what alchemy was but after reading this i learned about what it is. I'm sure people believe this magic is real like the author did which makes me more curious about it. But anyways back to the book, this book was set up great by the first book in the Alchemists Son series. I actually think its kind of funny how Sebastian had to enter Bourne End Comprehensive as a student and how Pip and Time were teaching him about being modern. He had no idea what they were trying to say. During the book you got a sense that they would have a battle with Scrotton and Yoland, but the end was quite a surprise. Who would've believed Malador de Loudeac came to the school as a aubstitute teacher. Although his presence became known when the Scrotton clones started popping out. Also, i dont believe Malador died, that would be such a weird death (falling through the floor at the powerplant) for such a strong alchemist.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to The Alchemist's Son. Sebastian has not returned to his hibernation and that must mean evil is still abroad. Another enemy from the past has emerged and is trying to steal souls using an ancient book of spells. Can Sebastian, Pip, and Tim stop this evil magician in time? This book really makes you wish there was a third book in the series. A clever tale, filled with historical references and information.

[Black Dog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mordern taie merges the past with the present,and at the same time, terrifies people (not a lot) with chilling happenings and scary characters. This book also features Alchemy, Sorcery,gadgets,and magical equipment. Guaranteed to satisfy anyone who believes in magic.This will keep their "spark" alive.

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like the last book, this was an adventure between three children that fight evil. The story is cute and exciting. If I was this age, I would enjoy the book and not question the small things I'm wanting to question. Overall, I'm happy with the ending.

[Reita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 is not as good as book 1, story moved slowly. Again the 600 year old 12 year old and the twins have a new evil villian to deal with.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second of 2 books - I wish there were more. It is a young adult novel but it had some fantasy/sci-fi that I enjoyed.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

really intersting.

[Jerrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was an interesting read. I sure it would be better were I to acquire the others.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this sequel. It was a fun read.

[Div Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

good book. but some parts were confusing

[Rosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

That this series went unfinished was one of the greatest sources of book-related agony to preteen-me.

[Brinlie Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evil plans normally don't succeed. Try not to make enemies if you don't have to.