Syren (Septimus Heap, Book 5) (original 2009; edition 2009)

Each book in Angie Sage's Septimus Heap series gets better and better. I love how in each book all of the seemingly different story lines all come together. Syren was full of mystery and adventure with secret ice tunnels, pirates, jinn, and the murderous ghost of Tertius Fume. I couldn't put the book down.

I liked it okay, better than Queste. This was about a 3 1/2...maybe. My OCD will make me read Darke, but I'm ready to be done with this series.

Heal the dragon boat already, Lady! ( )

As the characters mature, they gain in power and have more complex relationships. I'm sad to say that I found this installment rather wearying. I wondered where the story was going, and also had a hard time caring. This made for a more passive reading experience. I found myself wondering what this book contributed to the series story arc, or whether it was more picaresque than anything else. I hope not; I want these details gathered up and nicely integrated in the remaining two books. ( )

This was my favorite of the Septimus Heap series -- until I read Darke! Syrah Syara is an engaging addition to the character list, and the expansion of the story's horizons -- literally -- is exciting and suspenseful. It is nice to see Septimus growing up and becoming ever more confident and powerful, yet still feel scared and shy sometimes. ( )

Again, an excellent book that continues the story of Septimus, Jenna, Marcia, and all the rest. This story shows how Septimus is always in the right place at the right time, even if he had to make a couple of mistakes to get there. I can't wait to read the next one to know what will happen to these extraordinary characters. ( )