Magyk by Angie Sage (Septimus Heap: Book 1)

9/10

A baby girl is rescued from a snowy path in the woods. A baby boy is stillborn. A young Queen is taken ill. An ExtraOrdinary Wizard mysteriously resigns from his post. And all on the same night. A string of events, seemingly unconnected, begins to converge ten years later, when the Heap family receive a knock at the door. The evil Necromancer DomDaniel is plotting his comeback and a Major Obstacle resides in the Heap family. Life as they know is about to change, and the most fantastically fast-paced adventure of confused identities, magyk and mayhem, begin.

Fantasy fans that have enjoyed the works of JK Rowling and Ursula Le Guin will find much to like in this exciting, fast-paced adventure from London-born author Angie Sage.

Magyk marks the beginning of the Septimus Heap series and it is a magical and humorous tale of wizards, a princess, an evil necromancer and a magical ring. The pages fly by thanks to a sparkling narrative and Sage’s attention to detail places Sage’s work well above the many books that have appeared in Harry Potter’s wake.

Those looking for a Harry Potter replacement; you may have found just what you are looking for. Magyk and its sequels will spellbind young readers and this is a journey that definitely should not be missed.

'A book to gallop through' Irish Times

'Warm, funny and humane, Sage takes care with the destiny of even her smallest characters, and is a real discovery' Amanda Craig, The Times

'Her yarn scoots along like a dragon-boat with the wind in its sails' Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times