Book Three: Physik, Septimus Heap

Another great addition to this series! I love how every book brings us deeper and deeper into Septimus's apprenticeship and his "magykal" learnings, and Jenna's queenship. At first, I started this story with a little bit of... uncertainty, because it starts with a completely new character, Snorri Snorrelsen, the daughter of a Northern Trader. She may not seem like a main character, however, she actually has a lot of interaction with the other characters throughout the rest of the books.
I think it was interesting how Angie Sage used time travel in this book, with Marcellus Pye and Septimus becoming his apprentice five hundred years back, and Jenna, Nicko, and Snorri going back to look for him. Queen Etheldredda was also an interesting new character, and the association with the Sickeness and the Aie-Aie. However, the way all the trouble starts is not very strong - Silas unsealing a sealed attic room to store his CounterFeet and releasing the ghost of Etheldredda? The story would have been a lot stronger if it had been for a different, more Magykal, "Darke" reason.
All in all, great book, interesting idea, and still love the characters!

Glad I’ve picked up this series again, had been looking forward to meet the Heaps again. It didn’t go all that fast though… First I got to meet Spirit Seer Snorri Snorrelssen and her cat Ullr. What is there not to like about a Northern Traders girl who likes dark rye bread and pickled herring for breakfast?!? :D

No time to ponder about these things! In the meanwhile Silas and Gringe are still crazy about their Counter Feet. Silas’ addiction to the game makes him forget more important things, thinks he’s found THE perfect place to keep his Counters and by unsealing the attic, he ‘accidentally’ releases the spirit of Queen Etheldredda and her Aie-Aie. And that’s how the ball started to roll…

Although this 3rd book in the series started off a little weird and I’m still not sure what to think of Jillie Djinn (perhaps we find that out in Queste?), time travelling took it all to a totally different level! Going back 500 years is quite something, don’t you think!?

For those who keep saying the plot twists or simply everything is (too) predictable… you won’t see this one coming!! This being said : “I’m going fishing!” ;)

3 1/2 stars

Another enjoyable installment in the Septimus Heap series.
In this tale, we find ourselves wrapped up in plots involving time travel, magical mirrors, a young dragon, a Sickness (which the Rats get unjustly blamed for and hunted... :-/ not sure how I really felt about that) and a Ghost who appears to be more "solid" than she should.

I do like the characters in these books, and I like the ideas Sage has. I'm not sure how I feel about the increasingly multi-person perspectives, but if you know its there, it works and flows okay.

I think if you're going to read these, you have to be okay with Sage's style and the (I do hate to say it) but lack of "depth." Perhaps part of this is because I've forgotten things from the first few books, but I found myself wanting our young princess to do more, to stand up more, (and, you know, try to save the Rats). I wondered why so many things were withheld from loving parents, and why the parents weren't more distraught over their children. If you are okay with reading along and not letting yourself question these things, the overall story, plots and messages are good, nice, and a fun read. I do appreciate the 'younger style' of writing and characters, and I think it would be a good tale for MG readers -- especially those looking for a fast read.

I also like the balance of strong male and female characters.

So yes, I do enjoy this series, and this, the third installment. I do have some qualms, but I'll put them aside and move on to book four.

This series is often compared to Harry Potter, but I think in many ways it's much different. The only parallels that I see are that it involves a boy, who at one point is an orphan, and magic. Definitely written for a younger audience, the Septimus books have a tendency to be a little silly sometimes and the endings easily resolved. However, in contrast, Sage deftly creates an interesting world with often odd and humorous characters who have the ability to surprise the reader. The plot structures of each story vary, and, to any fantasy reader's great joy, she doesn't use the same antagonist throughout every single book. Some of the characters switch sides, and other, new bad guys emerge as the series progresses. Also, unlike many series writers, Sage will start a chain of events that last throughout several books, continuing to hook readers from book to book. She does not wrap everything up neatly, but is still able to finish a book in a way that makes the story seem complete. Then, the reader has the anticipation of discovering how some of the issues that arise in earlier books will unravel in later additions.

Within this book specifically is a prime example of a complicated plot structure and set of characters that break the far too often tread mold of fantasy novels. The main bad guy is a Queen named Etheldredda, who is now a ghost attempting to live forever. However, another `bad guy' of this book is her son, Marcellus Pye who kidnaps Septimus from 500 years in the past. However, in order to create three-dimensional characters, Marcellus is shown throughout the book to be kind and fiercely intelligent, winning Septimus's admiration and trust even though he doesn't want to be back in time. Far too often, the antagonists are simply evil and have nothing more to them. It certainly makes the reading more interesting when there are levels of good and evil, and not everyone has to be simply one or the other. Even Simon, who was the bad guy in the previous book, seems to be coming around because of Lucy's influence. I recommend this to all readers 9+, skewing more toward boys.

-Lindsey Miller, [...]

Angie Sage keeps the Septimus Heap series going strong with Physik - the third book after Magyk and Flyte. In Physik we have a complex web of plot elements (no spoilers in this review) that take the narrative deep into the history and architecture of the castle and deeper into a an increasingly sophisticated magical realm. There's more about the forms and uses of magyk in this title, and less focus on the weird creatures of this place. Nothing is lost. The central trope is magnetically compelling and there is action and danger and new fabulous characters. The Septimus Heap world keeps getting deeper and weirder with each new title in the series - yet the stories remain page turning romps that don't give kids nightmares. Sage treads the line between thrilling action and stuff that's too scary for kids with brilliant sensitivity. As an adult I don't get the feeling she's condescending - yet I have no qualms giving this to my second grader. He devours these Septimus books with gusto and is well ahead of me in the series.

If you read Magyk and Flyte you'll definitely be reading this on your way to Queste - so it's not vital that I tell you that Physik rocks. It's probably the best title in the series so far.

My thoughts:
Positives:

* Lots of adventure that keeps you moving from beginning to end
* Alchemy, time travel, magic, but always in a believable way.
* The enemy of the main character is reminiscent of the Queen of Hearts (one of my favorite villains)
* Septimus Heap is likable, intelligent, and generally a very well described character. I always care about what happens to him and his family members
* Marcellus Pye is interesting and makes me think about what eternal life might end up being like.
* There are moments when this book had me laughing out loud and being embarrassed by the odd stares I got from doing so.

Negatives:

* You have to read the first two in order to understand this book.
* There is mention of Simon, but he does not really have a part in the book. I wonder why they keep mentioning him if they won't let the reader know what happened to him.
* There is little worth to the amount of things in this novel. I'm not sure what is considered wealthy and what is not.
* I wish there was more of a description of Queen Etheldredda other than she always looked upset. I'm sure that there could have been some metaphors and similes that could have brought her into the forefront better.

This story starts with a portrait in the attic. Silas Heap was looking for a place for the counters until he found one - a room sealed for a reason: to keep the ghost of Queen Etheldredda from escaping. After her (Queen Etheldredda's) escape, she planned to kill the princess (Jenna) and return to her rightful way of the Queen. Meanwhile, Septimus was kidnapped through the time and was parted from Jenna and everything else in time lane of 500 years. Knowing Septimus was kidnapped, Jenna got Spit Fyre to SEEK for his imprinter. On the way, Jenna makes a new friend: Snorri. After a quick introducing, they learn that Queen Etheldredda wants Jenna dead. With strokes of lucks, they find a way to the time Septimus's time and they make it out. Partly. Of course, this is not the whole story, but it covers most of it.
I gave this book five stars for the folowing five reasons. First, it is intriguing. Second, it is funny. Third, it is totally original. Fourth, it kind of tells us about the past. And last of all, I like the plots. Overall, I L O V E this book and I recommend this book to everyone.

Angie Sage keeps the Septimus Heap series going strong with Physik - the third book after Magyk and Flyte. In Physik we have a complex web of plot elements (no spoilers in this review) that take the narrative deep into the history and architecture of the castle and deeper into a an increasingly sophisticated magical realm. There's more about the forms and uses of magyk in this title, and less focus on the weird creatures of this place. Nothing is lost. The central trope is magnetically compelling and there is action and danger and new fabulous characters. The Septimus Heap world keeps getting deeper and weirder with each new title in the series - yet the stories remain page turning romps that don't give kids nightmares. Sage treads the line between thrilling action and stuff that's too scary for kids with brilliant sensitivity. As an adult I don't get the feeling she's condescending - yet I have no qualms giving this to my second grader. He devours these Septimus books with gusto and is well ahead of me in the series.

If you read Magyk and Flyte you'll definitely be reading this on your way to Queste - so it's not vital that I tell you that Physik rocks. It's probably the best title in the series so far.

In yet another amazing Septimus Heap book, Septimus goes back in time to the time where Physik and Magyk were entertwined together. He falls through the Glass back in time and he becomes Marcellus Pye's apprentice in Physik and learns things that no one in his time knows. He learns Physik which has been looked down upon for decades and finds it useful and exciting. Jenna is there to, but whether or not she's faring quite so well, you'll have to read it to find out.

I gave this book's predecessors (Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1) and Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2)) rather lukewarm reviews, finding them a little too simplistic and reliant on the success of "Harry Potter", with rather weak villains and too many periphery characters to keep track of. However, all that changes with the third installment in the series, which has a sophisticated plot with an intriguing resolution, a truly unnerving villain and a very real sense of danger and suspense. The protagonists of the series are Septimus and Jenna Heap, the former the Apprentice to the ExtraOrdinary Wizard and youngest son of the Heap family, the latter a long-lost princess raised by the Heaps who has recently found her heritage as future-ruler of the land. Together, they make a good team and are friendly, likeable and intelligent characters in their own right.

An ongoing joke of the series is the trouble that Heap family cause, and so it's only natural that their patriarch - Silas Heap - is the source of the problems that arise in this book, after inadvertently freeing the ghost of a five hundred year old Queen. Queen Etheldredda is as terrible as she ever was, and has a plan to reclaim her throne - one which involves the removal of Septimus, the death of Jenna and the talents of her mysterious son Marcellus Pye, a famous physician who holds the key to her hopes of immortality. As strict and severe as the worst storybook governess and ultimately quite as evil as any fairytale stepmother, Queen Etheldredda tricks Jenna and Septimus into looking into a strange dark looking-glass, one that hurtles Septimus back to the time of her living reign.

Also thrown into the mix is a Northern Trader named Snorri Snorrelson, a young woman with an ordinary-looking orange cat that does something rather extraordinary every night, and Marcellus Pye himself, a fascinating character who is not quite a good guy, and yet not quite a bad guy either. Other familiar characters such as the rest of the Heap family, Aunt Zelda, Marcia Overstrand, Alther Mella and the dragon Spit Fyre turn up as well, all of whom play reasonably important parts in the story. Furthermore, for the first time her invented fantasy world feels like a real place, historically, geographically and socially, what with the introduction of other cultures, other times and new locations.

Any book that deals with time-traveling usually gets confusing, but Sage handles the situation well, and in several interesting ways. Septimus, for example, is stuck in the past for quite a while, and as such goes through several drastic changes in his persona and appearance. It's nice when characters in a series change and grow over time. Likewise, there are several funny quirks throughout the story - such as letters written in the past that turn up in the present, diary entries that shed light on the location of certain people, and the origins of a few urban legends that the protagonists themselves create. It's all as mind-bending as any time-traveling story is, but handled with consistency by Sage. And even when the characters (well, *some* of them anyway) make it back to the present, there are a few surprises left...

At times, the story does tend to go off-track, such as the needless presence of a crazed mob of Rat-Stranglers and several characters serving little purpose in the flow of the story (such as Lucy Gringe and Wolf-Boy, who seem to be present simply so Sage can set up their roles for the forth book). Silas and Sarah Heap still show a surprising lack of concern for the welfare of their children (perhaps Sarah can be excused as she is elsewhere at the time of their disappearance, but when Silas sits down to play a board game with his friend whilst his youngest children are potentially in mortal danger...well, you have to wonder if maybe there's something wrong with him). Even odder is the complete lack of Jenna's biological father, introduced in the second book, but only mentioned briefly here. You'd think their long separation and new reunion would have been a matter of more importance to the both of them.

However, perhaps these are issues that will be dealt with in the next book, as there are plenty of loose plot threads to sustain another book, particularly when reading Sage's trademark ending, in which she divulges background information on some of her characters in a chapter called "Things You Might Like to Know About."

This was a great rollicking read. I have read both the previous Heap books and this one was the best, but still with a few flaws. On the positive, she brought in new characters and old favorites, weaving them together in way that showed she knew what would be in book three while she was writing book one. Even small bit players from book one made an appearance. On the weak side, the Time Traveling plot ploy was hard to get my head around, and I am going to re-read it (just finished it 20 minutes ago) so that I can get it straight in my head. The villain was quite unpleasant. Honestly, I think this book needed another two hundred pages, I wanted more detail on several different areas, such as the era in which the character traveled to.

The map in the front of the book keep me happily occupied for some time.

I am surprised these books are not more popular, they are very well done and should be higher in the sales rank on the store.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
No I wouldn't, because the first two books in the series wasn't as good as this one. The series has gotten better with each book. Yet I don't know it's worth the trouble to get here.

What three words best describe Gerard Doyle's voice?
Clean, crisp, & clear

Was Physik worth the listening time?
I think it was worth it, but I don't know if the first books are worth there time.

Any additional comments?
This book wasn't great or was it the worst. This book was better than Magyk and Flyte the other two book in the series. Maybe it's because I'm too old for this book that it took me till book three to really like the series. I haven't decided if I want to go on to the others in the series.

Although this book was extremely frustrating at the end, it still made me want to continue reading the series. There are some awesome new characters introduced, even while the old ones made me want to give them a good shaking. This 3rd addition to the series had a lot more substance than the previous ones, even if the plot was similarly complex. It also had a lot more humor. Will I be reading the rest of the series? With more vigor and anticipation, after this one. Would I recommend this book to others? Yes, if they don't mind cliffhangers so much.

See the full review on my website: [...]

Calling all Harry Potter fans! If the bespectacled wizard has you yearning for more fantasy stories, then you're going to love the Septimus Heap series, with its wild adventures and quirky characters, imaginative spells and bizarre contraptions --- not to mention wizards (including an ExtraOrdinary Wizard), witches, evil schemes, hidden royalty, dragons, spell charms, human-munching trees, vicious beasts, ghosts and much more. These books sparkle with laugh-out-loud humor and, thanks to the characters' close-knit family ties, warm the heart as well.

It is said that the Heaps' newest baby, Septimus, will have great powers because he is the seventh son of the seventh son. In the first installment, MAGYK, we meet some amazing characters: the Heap family, bossy ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, a "queenling" who doesn't know she's a princess, Stanley the Message Rat, a mysterious boy called "Boy 412," the evil DomDaniel, and a ghost who used to be the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. As good and wicked forces fight each other to gain power and secret identities are uncovered, readers literally will be on the edge of their seats.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

_Physik_ is the most entertaining of the "Septimus Heap" series by a long shot. As Septimus is pulled back in time (no spoilers here), much is revealed about the history of the castle, the Extra-Ordinary Wizard, and of course, "physik." The panopoly of strong and well-developed characters continues, as their deep pasts are also revealed. The story moves fast (I literally read the book in a single sitting it was so engrossing), with the added sense of urgency given the distance Septimus is from his own time. Highly recommended for younger (9 - 12) readers, or for those (like me) who have been missing the magic (or "magyk" if you will) of the Harry Potter series.

This is an excellent series, and this book keeps up the momentum. An ancient nasty ghost of a former queen haunts the castle, and a strange pestilence afflicts the population. Septimus Heap begins his study of the art of Physik in an attempt to find a cure. But, of course, more is going on than he bargains for and before long he is swept off into an adventure that wil take the combined resources of himself and his friends to resolve.

The book has tension and poignancy, all nicely set off with the off-beat comic relief of the funny little world of Angie Sage. A delightful read.

Septimus Heap, book 3.

Septimus is kidnapped by 500 year old physician Marcellus Pye and taken back in time. Marcellus needs Septimus (the seventh son of a seventh son) to help him turn his potion of everlasting life into a potion for everlasting youth.

Princess Jenna, joined by Nicko and Snorri, searches for Septimus. They are determined to bring Septimus back to his own time. Meanwhile, Queen Etheldredda, the ghost of Marcellus's mother, is released from an enchanted portrait by Silas Heap. She is determined to kill Jenna as she killed her daughters. She plans to rule the castle forever.

This series showed so much promise, especially Magyk: action, adventure, thoughful characters, amusing creatures... But the plot lines are never tied up--even with a cop out ending list at the end of what happens to the characters, there are so many loose ends it made me throw the book at the wall. Waste of time. Jenna never talks to her mother's ghost, Jenna's brother & Snorri are left in another time dimension. There were hints of romance there, but author never follows it up. Does Septimus ever gain position? Do he & Jenna hook up? Who knows--I'd like to strangle this author & the publisher who let her get away with this.

When Silas Heap opens a forgotten room in the palace, he releases the ghost of a queen who lived 500 years ago. Like ghosts typically are this ghost is is evil. The queen was evil in life and she's worse in death especially after being trapped in a forgotten room for 500 years.

As the book deals with some dark subject matter, it is more suitable to young readers who are a bit older. To keep the book from getting too dark, the author adds in some necessary humor. I'd recommend this highly to readers of Robert Stanek's Keeper Martin's Tales. The books are similarly well written and inventive. I'd also recommend to those who enjoy Artemis Fowl but are looking for more detail and more mature stories.

The evil queen isn't the only new arrival. A young trader named Snorri (who sees dead people) has also arrived. Snorri has her pet cat for protection and not much else. She soon finds herself in the middle of a time traveling adventure with Septimus, Jenna and Nicko.

"Physik" is the third book in the Septimus Heap series. I absolutely loved the first two, and this one is no exception. I was mesmerized by the action and suspense, and the touch of humor pieces the whole novel together. For those who want fantasy and a little bit of sci-fi, "Physik" is for them. Angie Sage is a talented writer, and I would give this series to anyone around 14 years old. It didn't take me long to complete this book, and now I am itching to get my hands on book four!

Another fine addition to the Septimus Heap series. I enjoyed this volume even more than the second one (Flyte). I'm not sure exactly why but the time travel component may have had something to do with it.

The third book in the Septimus Heap series is another great addition. In the book, the paradox of time travel is introduced. Sep goes back in time about 500 years. He meets the famous alchemist Marcellus Pye. Pye wants Sep because he believes that Sep will be able to help gain eternal youth. Jenna and Nikko go to try to find Sep using some miirors that Pye built. Do ALL three make it back when the mirrors start to crumble? Find out in the book Physik. I highly recomend this book for fans on the first two books.

I just finished this installment in the Heap Series, from author Angie Sage. I will mention here that I'm an adult reader of sci-fi / fantasy literature and can admit to reading sci-fi novels from the student / teen reader sections. I enjoyed the books, including this installment immensely. The author does an excellent job of bringing to life her characterizations and environments within these books. They held my attention from cover to cover. I would recommend these books to anyone interested in the genre, and feel they are equal to the Harry Potter series, with strong male and female characters represented. I would imagine these books could easily be transalted to the silver screen - let's hope!!!!

this is the best book series EVER!!!!!!!!!because on my opinin i personale love books about magic dragons wizards night and castles ad i espetionley love this book series because they have a twist in them i'm cuentley reading FLYTEand so far there are about maby 3 twists already i've been looking for a book like this for ever i love this series and i totlley recomend it because its like immpossible to put tis book down aka its super super super good:)

My book was nice. The the store staff and shipping were very horrible. I will not be purchasing from the store again. The book's cover was literally taped into the OUTSIDE of the box. The customer service was polite but forced me to return the ruined book. This involved me having to give the nasty book to someone for a gift and then replacing it, packaging the damaged book back up and going to the Post Office. This was a lot of gas and work. I deeply resent having to do all of this. Other people do not want a damaged book. Why not just throw it away? It was their mistake and I had to do the work. Bad service.

This book continues the saga of Septimus Heap and was a good read. Angie (the author) has a great imagination, and brings her characters to life in a way that is believable. These books are lighter than the Harry Potter series - probably for a younger audience, but I like them (and I'm 50).

Once i started reading this book i could not stop. After already outdoing herself on her first two books, Magyk and Flyte, Angi Sage once again shows off her unbeatable writing skills in her new book Physik. Harry Potter and his friends better watch out because there is a new wizard in town and his name is Septimus Heap. I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK! :D

This is an amazing book and carried the story from the last book very well. If you are into Magical books, this is a great choice, I would recommend reading Magyk and then Flyte before reading this one though.

Thouroughly enjoyed this book. I will not discuss the plot, but will say that the villain was hideous, the heroes had to face difficult and almost insurmountable problems, and while there was a resolution, there are still problems left unresolved. Looking forward to book 4.