Magyk
Septimus Heap, No. 1

By Angie Sage

     Magyk is the latest contender to the Harry Potter throne and Harper Collins clearly thinks the book has a shot at the crown as they've built a lovely and fanciful website at http://www.septimusheap.com/ to introduce readers to the world, the author, and even a spell or three. Will it supplant Potter? Who knows. It is a worthy competitor. The story is fast-paced and filled with the kind of wonderful magic details that mesmerized Potter fans. The characters are wonderfully realized and engaging. Sure, you figure out the plot twist rather a long, long while before anyone in the book figures it out, but somehow that doesn't really spoil the plot. It's still fascinating to watch how it unfolds. The young queen is a delightful character and there are just enough magical creatures to be delightful without being cloying - okay, the duck was a little cute, but the boggert helped make up for it. The illustrations are subtle, but they add to the characterization by reminding us of the vulnerability of even the oddest of characters. From beginning to end, I found Magyk delightful.