The Alchemist's Portrait

by Simon Rose

On a school trip to the museum, Matthew has an eerie meeting with Peter Glimmer, who was imprisoned in his own portrait by his uncle, the villainous alchemist, Nicolaas van der Leyden. Peter Glimmer entrusts Matthew with recovering from the past the one thing that can save the world. Encountering magic, mayhem and murder, Matthew ends up in a desperate race back through time in order to save the future.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

I am the author of The Alchemist's Portrait, The Sorcerer's Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic's Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera, The Sphere of Septimus, Flashback, Future Imperfect, the Flashback series, the Shadowzone series, The Stone of the Seer series, and An Untimely Death. I'm also the author of eight guides for writers, including The Time Traveler's Guide, The Children's Writer's Guide, The Working Writer's Guide, and The Social Media Writer's Guide, more than a hundred non-fiction books, and many articles on a wide range of topics. I offer a number of services for writers, including editing, coaching, mentoring, consulting, and writing workshops, as well as copywriting services for the business community. I also offer a wide variety of presentations, workshops and author in residence programs for schools and libraries, am an instructor for adults with the University of Calgary and offer a variety of online workshops for both children and adults.

www.simon-rose.com

Reviews

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful really romp through history

I love this book and how it makes history exciting and tangible. I wish the book had been around when I was in school. Bravo!

[Simon Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Alchemist's Portrait is a delightful and charming read. The reader is not only quickly transported to the quiet echoing hall of the museum, but back in time to the height of the Northern European art scene of the 1600's. I absolutely loved this book! It is a definite contender for one of my favourite reads of 2003 for the 9 - 12 year old set!"
Greenwoods' Bookshoppe, Edmonton

"The Alchemist's Portrait is guaranteed to keep junior readers in suspense. Its fast paced plot will keep them reading to the end. This is a good acquisition for any library or private collection and might well augment a classroom reading program. Those who study fantasy as a literary genre might well add The Alchemist's Portrait to their teaching repertoire."
Resource Links

"Harry Potter fans will find the story a satisfying remedy to their post-Phoenix blues."
The Calgary Herald

"In this fast paced enactment of the classical theme of good vs. evil, the settings are vivid in detail. The characters are believable and diverse..."
University of Manitoba CM Magazine

"Author Simon Rose combines time travel with an exciting twist, and the power of magic. Well written and fast-paced this novel will keep the reader spellbound."
The Bookmark

"Congratulations on a great read for kids."
CanLit For Kids Books Ltd.

"Complete with an evil villain, magic and suspense, Rose weaves a tale that will have young readers engaged right up until the very end."
BC Parent

"These three mid-grade adventures, two fantasy and one science fiction, will keep any self-respecting adventure fan glued to their chair and turning pages. Fast-paced, good tension and a satisfying ending are becoming Simon Rose's hallmarks. He has a finely balanced sense of pacing, knowing exactly when to crank the tension to keep the pages turning. In very few words, he can evoke the feeling of an era, and make the reader feel as though they are there with the main character. Boys and girls, and adults will enjoy all three of the books, and come back to read them again."
Smartwriters on The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox and The Clone Conspiracy.

[Samantha Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Matthew visits an art museum on a field trip, he is intrigued by an old painting of a Dutch boy. Then the boy speaks to him. So begins The Alchemist’s Portrait, an adventure-filled romp through art and history.

Matthew discovers that Peter, the boy from the painting, has been trapped inside his portrait by his evil uncle, Nicolass van der Leyden. Now Peter needs Matthew’s help to go back in time and recover his uncle’s secret spell book.

I enjoyed this fast-paced fantasy story and especially the clever glimpses of history throughout. A great book to introduce middle grade students to the past.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking at the Harry Potter section in book store and found this bad boy! I read it back when I was in grade 5 or 6 and I couldn't remember the title of the book! All I could remember was it had the word "alchemist" in it, however plenty of books do! Anyway, I was looking at the HP section and it was RIGHT beside it, on the same shelf! I was so fricken happy when I found it so I had to buy it! I absolutely love this book, even as a 21 year old. I read it for the Cramathon as I haven't read it since I was like 11 or 12 and it was a very quick read!

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable book by this author. Worth a read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast-paced and very fun! Recommended for reluctant young readers.