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 A fun series Sep 22, 2009
This series is often compared to Harry Potter, but I think in many ways it's much different. The only parallels that I see are that it involves a boy, who at one point is an orphan, and magic. Definitely written for a younger audience, the Septimus books have a tendency to be a little silly sometimes and the endings easily resolved. However, in contrast, Sage deftly creates an interesting world with often odd and humorous characters who have the ability to surprise the reader. The plot structures of each story vary, and, to any fantasy reader's great joy, she doesn't use the same antagonist throughout every single book. Some of the characters switch sides, and other, new bad guys emerge as the series progresses. Also, unlike many series writers, Sage will start a chain of events that last throughout several books, continuing to hook readers from book to book. She does not wrap everything up neatly, but is still able to finish a book in a way that makes the story seem complete. Then, the reader has the anticipation of discovering how some of the issues that arise in earlier books will unravel in later additions.
As each book passes, more and more interested elements reveal themselves about the world that Angie Sage has created. I love the concept of the House of Foryx, the Witch's Way, the Queste and how it was initially intended to work, but that it was distorted from its original purpose. Also, Hotep-Ra showing up in the House of Foryx was another great twist that I didn't see coming. On a literary note, Sage has proven to have a keen ability to continue to evolve her characters from story to story in a way that's not only enticing to readers, but also shows a larger character arc that makes the characters seem very palatable. I could imagine myself in this world, interacting with these magical people. Septimus and Jenna especially wrestle with many internal issues that often mirror the difficult circumstances that happen around them. It's brave of Sage to show that the two main protagonists can make the wrong decisions, which lead to catastrophic things happening in not only their lives, but the lives of everyone else around them as well. Even throughout books four and five, Jenna still struggles over the fact that her decision to lead Septimus into the room with the two-way mirror in book three has split her family apart. I recommend all the books in this series to readers 9+.
-Lindsey Miller, [...]
0 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Ok for very young readers Aug 20, 2009
I have read all four Septimus Heap books and each one is the same. The characters stumble from situation to situation blindly feeling thier way through all four books. If James and the Giant Peach or Stuart Little is what your child is reading you may want to try this series, but I would recommend A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle long before I would recommend these books.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Too many narrative plots Jul 12, 2009
We've read the previous three and loved them, but getting through this one has been a chore. There are too many sub-plots going on to really be able to follow the story line through all 500+ pages. We've given up and won't be reading number 5.
 Nicko and Snorri are back! Jun 24, 2009
I waited so long for this book, and when it finally came out, I was so relieved!
And it was better then I thought it would be!
Angie Sage ends with a bang! May 12, 2009
If you are ravenous for adventure, then I have the perfect book for you. Quest by Angie Sage is a fantastic combination of "Magyk", adventure, fantasy, and love. It is very similar to the world famous series Harry Potter, but trust me, they are still very different. It takes place in a castle head by the Palace and the famous Wizard Tower. You become shocked as you see what has become of Jenna and Septimus' brother, Nikko, and are set into a trance while reading about the dreaded Quest. As a fantasy lover, this book quenched my thirst for something knew. For the conclusion to the "Septimus Heap" series, you can't help but be absorbed into the perspective of Angie Sage in the pages of the book.
Angie does a great job at making her characters come alive. I love how she brings your mind to a place of tranquility the suddenly whisks you away to a time of terror. You can never quite see what's around the corner, even if you think you do. As Jenna, Septimus, and Beetle search for lost brother Nikko and his friend Snorri (who got lost in a time 500 years in the past), your heart will be scared from the pain and emotion from the three children's struggle, as though you were right there with them. Although you may not be into fictional books, this one may surprise you. It doesn't only talk to you about magyk, but how universal love can really be. You hear the tragic tale of a family in need of some help. By going on this adventure with them, you realize that all you need is a little bit of hope to get you through your tough times. I give this book a rating of five stars for its originality, characters, plot, and MAGYK.
~S.P.A.~
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