Syren

November 1, 2009
Gr 4-9-Septimus Heap returns triumphantly to the Castle and Wizard Tower, the only Apprentice ever to return alive from a "Queste", let alone to complete one. Marcia Overstrand, ExtraOrdinary Wizard, then makes him a very young Senior Apprentice. With his new freedoms, Septimus sets out on his dragon, Spit Fire, to retrieve his brother Nicko and friends Snorri, Princess Jenna, and Beetle, whom he promised to return safely to the Castle. When leaving on this rescue mission, though, Septimus does not receive a Live SafeCharm from his Aunt Zelda, and a chain reaction of unfortunate events besiege him and his companions. Many small plotlines are introduced, but they converge clearly in Septimus's challenge on the Islands of Syren. Unlike the two previous books, which could be a little confusing, "Syren" is Sage at her best: it's full of fun, adventure, humor, irony, friendship, loyalty, and nonstop action. In spite of its length, fans of the series will tear through this book and come out eagerly anticipating the next installment."Jessica Miller, New Britain Public Library, CT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2009
Grades 3-6 The fifth installment in the best-selling Septimus Heap series begins a few days after the events of Queste (2008). Septimus is preparing to recover his friends, including Princess Jenna, from the lowly Harbor environs. Meanwhile, Wolf Boy has a mission to complete to become the next Keeper. Each thread of this tale includes a multitude of twists, turns, witches, a jinnee (and an army of warrior jinns), storms at sea, and pirates and ultimately converges on a mysterious island inhabited by a possessed girl. Once again, Sages tale combines humor, adventure, and inventive storytelling and is sure to please her many fans.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)