Sage, Angie. 2005. Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1). Ill. by Mark Zug. New York, NY: Katherine Tegen Books. ISBN-13: 978-0060577315
Plot Summary
Septimus Heap, as the seventh son of a seventh son, should have incredible magical ablilities. Through the machinations of the evil wizard DomDaniel he grows up as boy 412 in the Young Army. In his place, the Heaps raise Jenna, whom Silas Heap finds in the snow the day Septimus is born. She turns out to be the missing princess DomDaniel wants to kill in his quest for control of the kingdom. When the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, Marcia Overstrand, takes her to the Wizard's Tower for protection, the whole family must escape the Assasin on her trail. Their quest leads them to Aunt Zelda's home in the swamp, a dragon boat, a magic ring, and true identities as they strive to defeat the evil wizard and save their kingdom.
Critical Analysis
From the long list of characters on a quest, to the map of unknown lands, Magyk follows the great tradition of high fantasy. Sage creates a complete, though small, world in the initial book in the Septimus Heap series. Details such as the spelling of Magyk or the talking floor in the Wizard's Tower add interest while descriptions of the dwellings, dress, and magical creatures complete the setting in the reader's mind. Characters fall into sharp divisions of good and evil. The "good" are likeable; some are easy to admire. Take Sally, the pub owner, for example. She risks her life and livelihood to help the Heaps escape. Septimus does not emerge strongly as the protagonist in this first novel. Readers must follow the series to watch him develop.
The plot is predictable; readers know 412 will turn out to be the missing Septimus. Still, Sage's inventiveness makes the reader wonder how the characters will overcome. From "shield bugs" to secret passages, they find a way. Her book contains humorous elements as well, such as Aunt Zelda's cabbage sandwiches and Marcia Overstrands purple boot fetish. Altogether Magyk makes a pleasing read. I found myself checking out the next book in this series to follow Septimus' further adventures and will most likely faithfully read to the conclusion.
Book Review Excerpts
Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books: " . . . This first book in the Septimus Heap series is a cheerful, clever offering; readers seeking a lighthearted dip into the world of fantasy will find safe haven here."
School Library Journal.: "Despite the hefty length, the novel is quite easy to follow. Many creative magical elements, such as the deliciously repulsive Magogs, add to the fun. Frequent point-of-view shifts give a well-rounded picture of the multiple plot threads and add many opportunities for light humor. On the other hand, with so many characters represented, it's hard to feel strong empathy for any of them."
Connections.
The rest of the series includes:
Sage, Angie. Flyte. (Book 2) ISBN-10: 0060577347
Sage, Angie. Physik. (Book 3) ISBN-13: 978-0060577377
Sage, Angie. Queste. (Book 4) .ISBN-13: 978-0060882075
Fans will enjoy exploring Septimus Heap's online world:
http://www.septimusheap.com/
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