Septimus Heap, Book One: Magyk (Septimus Heap)

From Booklist
Gr. 5-8. As the magically (make that Magykally) gifted seventh son of a seventh son, hated and feared by a powerful necromancer, Septimus Heap is more Harry Potter than Artemis Fowl. But unlike most characters who lend their names to fantasy cycles, Septimus--whose birth shortly before chapter one set this series in motion--is killed off in chapter one, whisked away by a midwife shouting, "Dead!" Fast-forward 10 years, when it becomes apparent that Jenna, a foundling girl whom the large, boisterous Heap family has adopted, has her own grand destiny to fulfill. As for Septimus, could it be that his death is more presumed than actual? Many will dismiss this first novel, put off as much by its obvious parallels to existing blockbusters as by elements of affectation (like placing all Magykal spells in distracting bold type). But scores of less-jaded youngsters will lose themselves happily in Sage's fluent, charismatic storytelling, which enfolds supportive allies and horrific enemies, abundant quirky details, and poignant moments of self-discovery. A CD-ROM with games and extras is tucked inside the front cover of the trade edition. Jennifer Mattson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"This first book in the Septimus Heap series is a cheerful, clever offering"

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) (Starred Review)
"Middle school librarians will need to order many copies of this one."

Kirkus Reviews (pointer)
"A quick–reading, stand–alone, deliciously spellbinding series opener."

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"This first book in the Septimus Heap series is a cheerful, clever offering."

Kirkus Reviews (pointer)
"Heads–up, Harry, there’s a new young wizard on his way up…A quick–reading, stand–alone, deliciously spellbinding series opener."

Book Description

The seventh son of the seventh son, aptly named Septimus Heap, is stolen the night he is born by a midwife who pronounces him dead. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across a bundle in the snow containing a new born girl with violet eyes. The Heaps take this helpless newborn into their home, name her Jenna, and raise her as their own. But who is this myster ious baby girl, and what really happened to their beloved son Septimus?

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The 7th son of the 7th son, aptly named Septimus Heap, is stolen the night he is born by a midwife who pronounces him dead. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across a bundle in the snow containing a newborn girl with violet eyes. The Heaps take this helpless newborn into their home, name her Jenna, and raise her as their own. But who is this mysterious baby girl, and what really happened to their beloved son, Septimus?

The first part of this enthralling new series leads readers on a fantastic journey filled with quirky characters, clever charms, potions and spells, and a yearning to uncover the mystery at the heart of this story...who is Septimus Heap?

Angie Sage writes in the tradition of great British storytellers. Her inventive fantasy is filled with humor and heart: Magyk will have readers laughing and begging for more.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

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 fianc e 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. (Mar.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Children's Literature - Cindy L. Carolan

Wizards, castles, dark and mysterious forests, flying ghosts; what more could a fantasy lover want? Silas Heap, father of seven and reluctant Wizard (who begged to be released from an apprenticeship so he could read bedtime stories to his boys rather than being stuck in a turret with his nose in a dusty old spell book) happens upon an abandoned baby in the woods while out on an errand for his own ailing infant. He gathers the child up and takes her home to his wife, who is distraught as the midwife has just whisked their own purportedly dead baby (Septimus, the seventh son of the seventh son, hmmmm . . . ) away. Little do they know at the time that the child's true identity is that of a princess! All is not well for long, however, as the forces of evil are plotting to take over the kingdom. It is easy to pick this chunky book (564 pages) up and difficult to put down; the characters are colorful and lively and the storyline reads quickly but contains plenty of intrigue to keep readers guessing. This is the author's first novel, although she has previously written numerous picture books and chapter books for children. Book One of the "Septimus Heap" trilogy. Highly recommended. 2005, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, Ages 9 to 12.

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