Magyk

January 3, 2005
Sage's debut novel, the launch title of the Septimus Heap series, introduces the seventh son of a seventh son, destined to have deep magical powers but who, as the book opens, appears to have died soon after his birth. Silas Heap, the father (who is also a wizard), has just returned home after discovering a newborn baby girl in the snow, and finds Septimus being whisked away from mother Sarah by the midwife. On the heels of these events, Marcia, the newly appointed ExtraOrdinary Wizard, commands Silas to raise the baby as his own, which he does and names her Jenna. The author quickly reveals the girl's heritage via a busybody tavern owner who passes along some gossip: it seems the Queen was assassinated and the baby princess disappeared. The tale then jumps ahead 10 years, where readers find corrupt wizard DomDaniel trying to finish off the royal line. A chase lands Jenna and friends at the island home of the matronly Aunt Zelda, at which point the pace slows dramatically. The author introduces several subplots, summarized rather than dramatized, incorporating many cameos (e.g., Jenna's best friend and Simon's fiancée are mentioned in passing), and one boy claims to be Septimus. The author eventually reveals the real Septimus in a clever, if predictable, turn of events, making way for the next installments. Ages 9-up.

This is a book listeners will not want to end. A marvelous, magical tale of wizards, witches, and a stolen princess brims over with fantastic creatures. Allan Corduner brings it all to life with charm and fun. Trumpets and violins take listeners in and out of each disc and help create a feeling of epic grandeur, and Corduner ekes out every bit of humor and adventure with perfect timing and wonderfully realized characters. He evokes the mischievous, the cranky, the amazed, as well as gives the main players real emotions. Listeners will be laughing and scrambling to get to the next disc. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine