Magyk by Angie Sage

Book Jacket

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 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 book in this entralling new series by Angie Sage leads readers on a fantastic journey filled with quirky characters and magykal charms, potions, and spells.  Magyk is an original story of lost and rediscovered identities, rich with humor and heart.

Review

Magyk is, in a word, delightful.  That sounds incredibly hokey, I know, but it's the best word I can come up with.  The setting and the characters are all presented with such humor and wit that I couldn't help smiling throughout the whole book.  (I don't recommend smiling at a book in public--people are bound to think you are strange.)

Sage has thought out a wholy realized magical world that is an awesome combination of medival life and Harry Potter.  The magical charms are hilarious, covering all kinds of needs, from Shield Bugs to Freezer Burn.  The narrative flows from one character to the next, so that there is no main character.  Everyone, from the villian to the dog to the youngest kitchen maid, gets to take center stage at some point.  As a result, the reader gets to see the story from everyone's point of view, which makes for a very entertaining read.

It's a great book.  I can't wait to continue the series.  If you like stories about magic, or stories about family, or even just stories that make you laugh, then Magyk is for you.

Five out of five mistaken identities.

Release Date:  March 2005
Reading Level:  Grade 4+
Where In Dunlap Public Library's Collection:  YPL SAG