Physik (Septimus Heap) (original 2007; edition 2008)

This may be my favorite, so far... ( )

Loved this series ( )

In this volume of the Septimus Heap series, Sage continues to deliver a story that, though it uses many conventional children's fantasy motifs and devices, is fresh and entertaining. Darker than the first two books, Physik extends and deepens its world and develops the increasingly complex relationships between characters. More characters are introduced; characters mature into early adolescence, and the mysteries of this world are broadened with hints of Northern Trader culture and the hidden practices of alchemy. Civil unrest demonstrates that being a princess, or an ExtraOrdinary Wizard, is not sufficient to command the respect of a mob. Though this books action resolves fairly well, it clearly references future books (for example, the unfolding of Lucy and Simon's relationship). Whether other points a (such as what the rat-chasing mob is doing by the end of the book) were simply dropped or are relevant in a later volume cannot yet be determined. Queste (book 4) is now available at a bruising 596 pages. ( )

The time travel adds interest to what would otherwise be a tiresome story, and the new character -- Marcellus Pye and, especially, Snorri -- and new villain -- Queen Etheldredda -- add some life to a story that I found to be faltering in Book 2. Snorri and Ullr were my favorite elements; I was disappointed that they played a relatively minor role in later books. ( )

This book was a good sequel to the other books. You don't hear from Marcia as much as the book focuses more on the children. The new characters introduced fit into the story and you want to know how they will get out of this adventure. ( )