BookBrowse Reviews Magyk by Angie Sage

A deliciously spellbinding series opener for ages 9+

Comment: 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 a planned trilogy 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?

Our 11 year old in house reviewer gave Septimus Heap a big thumbs up!

This is Angie Sage's first novel but she has previously written numerous picture books and chapter books for children.  She was born and grew up in and around the London area but now lives in Cornwall, England, which she describes as a 'Magykal place where I feel almost anything can happen'.  (It is also, by coincidence, the same small part of England where the Mermaid Chair, mentioned earlier, can be found).

This review first ran in the April 6, 2005 issue of BookBrowse Recommends.