Physik (Septimus Heap # 3)

Readers unfamiliar with the two previous episodes will flounder—but stay entertained nonetheless, thanks to the speedy pace of events and, boosted by expressive vignettes at many chapter heads, strong-minded characters.

Few fans of the best-selling Septimus Heap series will be disappointed.

Gr 4 - 9 - In the third volume in the series, the young Apprentice to the Extraordinary Wizard yearns to go beyond his training in Magyk to Physik, an ancient form of healing championed by the great Physician Marcellus Pye. He gets his chance when the decrepit, 500-year-old Marcellus kidnaps Septimus back in time to help him turn his ill-fated tincture for everlasting life into one for everlasting youth. Princess Jenna, joined by Nicko and his love interest, a new character named Snorri, goes searching for a way to reach Septimus and bring him back to his rightful time. She must also elude the ghost of Marcellus's mother, Queen Etheldredda, who is bent on murdering the princess so she can assume the throne. Explanations of time travel are wisely avoided: "at that point, Septimus' brain refused to think anymore," and many other plot elements are juggled successfully. There are too many characters to keep track of, however, including lesser figures who are not presented with enough background information. Readers will quickly warm up to the stars of the book, sketched with liberal doses of humor, and all back in top form. Chapters alternate points of view, keeping suspense high, while lots of vivid details portray a palace life humming with Magyk. Fans of the series will enjoy the secrets that are revealed as "Physik" delves deeper into the labyrinthine palace walls and will eagerly await the next installment."Emily Rodriguez, Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL" Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Readers will quickly warm up to the stars of the book, all back in top form."—School Library Journal

"Few fans of the best-selling Septimus Heap series will be disappointed." —ALA Booklist

"Readers will be indubitably hooked—worrying, laughing, and gasping over the nonstop adventures of this engaging troupe." —VOYA (Starred Review)