"The Amulet" by Michael McOwell is a gripping supernatural thriller set in modern-day London. The story revolves around a mysterious amulet, a powerful artifact that possesses dark and dangerous capabilities. The protagonist, Sarah, stumbles upon the amulet during a visit to an antique shop. Intrigued by its beauty and potential, she decides to purchase it without realizing the consequences that lie ahead. As Sarah begins to wear the amulet, strange occurrences start happening around her. Unbeknownst to Sarah, the amulet holds a malevolent spirit that seeks to take control of her mind and body.
Alchemy can generally be defined as an ancient art form that seeks purification of the soul and immortality in parallel with the transmutation of chemical elements where gold symbolizes perfection. Alchemists made medicines and pharmaceuticals, and endeavoured to understand the material basis of the world. Although the alchemists practiced actual chemistry and medicine, turning lead into gold symbolized a spiritual transmutation equivalent to an awakened consciousness present in all forms and which created the universe.
Alchemy emerged alongside and inextricably tied to an esoteric tradition known as hermeticism, so named for its foundational texts collectively, The Hermetica by the prophet Hermes Trismegistus, a figure who s more myth than fact. It s not to say these things are wrong, but according to the process, the development of a higher level of consciousness and the refinement of the spirit is hindered by these attachments.
Unbeknownst to Sarah, the amulet holds a malevolent spirit that seeks to take control of her mind and body. It slowly manipulates her actions, leading her down a path of darkness and despair. Sarah's friends and family become concerned for her well-being as they witness her drastic personality changes and erratic behavior.
As Above, So Below: Alchemy in The Neverending Story (1984)
This week on the Midnight Myth Podcast, Derek and I discussed the 1984 fantasy classic The Neverending Story. Trying to deconstruct all of the mythological, symbolic, and philosophical subject matter in this movie is not a task anyone can be expected to undertake in an hour-long podcast, so this blog exists to expand on some of the ideas put forth on the podcast and introduce a few more. Specifically, I want to look deeper at The Neverending Story’s relationship to the history of alchemy and its roots in Platonic philosophy.
As the story unfolds, Sarah discovers the true nature of the amulet and the ancient curse it carries. She becomes aware that the only way to break free from its clutches is to find a way to destroy it. With the help of an enigmatic historian, Sarah embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the amulet's origin and put an end to its reign of terror. Throughout the novel, McOwell masterfully builds suspense and tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. His vivid descriptions and vivid characters add depth to the story, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the narrative. "The Amulet" delves into themes of temptation, inner strength, and the battle between good and evil. It explores the human psyche and the lengths one may go to in order to rid themselves of a malevolent force. McOwell's writing style is engaging, and the twists and turns of the plot make for a thrilling read. Overall, "The Amulet" is a compelling supernatural thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. McOwell's skillful storytelling and intriguing plot make it a must-read for those seeking an enthralling and spine-chilling experience..
Reviews for "An Analysis of the Characters in The Amulet by Michael Mcowell"
1. Jane - 2/5 - Although the concept of "The Amulet" seemed promising, I found the execution to be lackluster. The pacing was incredibly slow, with several chapters dragging on without any significant plot development. The characters were also one-dimensional and uninteresting, making it difficult for me to care about their journey. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it.
2. Mark - 1/5 - "The Amulet" was a complete letdown for me. The writing style felt amateurish, with frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. The plot was predictable and cliché, lacking any originality or surprises. I could not connect with the characters, as they were poorly developed and lacked depth. Overall, this book was a waste of my time and I would not recommend it to others.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Amulet," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story lacked cohesiveness and seemed disjointed at times. The world-building was minimal and left much to be desired. The dialogue felt forced and unbelievable, making it difficult to immerse myself in the narrative. While there were some interesting elements, they were not enough to salvage the overall reading experience.
4. Tom - 2.5/5 - "The Amulet" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver for me. The pacing was uneven, with certain sections dragging on while others were rushed. The characters were forgettable and lacked substance, making it difficult to invest in their journey. The writing style was average, lacking the lyrical and captivating prose I was hoping for. Overall, this book fell flat and left me feeling unsatisfied.
5. Megan - 1.5/5 - I found "The Amulet" to be incredibly dull and unengaging. The plot was convoluted and poorly executed, making it difficult to follow and stay interested. The character development was minimal, leaving me feeling disconnected from their struggles. The story lacked any real depth or emotional impact, failing to evoke any genuine response from me. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.