Book Four, Queste: Septimus Heap

My son and daughter both read the entire Septimus Heap series as young readers. They found the books to be very engaging and interesting to read. They both were so involved in this book series they flew through them. It was hard to find books that both of them enjoyed, but this series did not disappoint. We waited for several of the books in the series to read as they came out. There was no violence, no sex, and no foul language. I read the first couple in this series to ensure they were appropriate for my kids when they were in their early teens.

I would recommend the series for any middle school reader.

Fourth in the Septimus Heap fantasy series for middle-grade readers and revolving around the Heap family. The focus is on Beetle.

My Take
It takes almost 200 pages before we start to get to the purpose of the story, and thoughout, it's an odd combination of Roald Dahl, Harry Potter, and Disney with that fun sense of gross that Dahl brings to a story — I mean, a banana-bacon chew?? ewww — the supportive camaraderie of Harry Potter and his friends, and the cartoon craziness of Disney.

This is a story that you should read as soon as you can after the first three. That four years since I last read a Septimus Heap has left me very confused as to who, what, how, or why.

A nice lesson in here from Simon: he no longer wants to become a wizard the easy way, through the Darke. He wants Lucy to be proud of him.

It's a silly story with lots of action, drama, and laughs. Children will adore it, and adults may well get a laugh as memories of fanciful childhood dreams surface.

The Story
It's Jillie's fault. Putting that ad up. Just anyone can apply and Jillie will take him! And that anyone just happens to be Merrin, er, Daniel Hunter.

It's that bargain Merrin makes with Old Tertius who will send Septimus on a Queste from which he will never return. But he won't go alone, for Beetle, Princess Jenna, and Ullr will go on Queste with him. If they can escape the Witch Mother. And the Thing.

The Characters
Beetle Beetle, a.k.a., Cockroach, is the Front Office and Inspection Clerk at the Magykal Manuscriptorium and Spell Checkers Incorporated where he inspects the Seals in the ice tunnels. His mother, Pamela Beetle-Gurney, lost her husband, Brian, shortly after young Beetle's birth. Jillie Djinn is the Chief Hermetic Scribe and Beetle's boss. Foxy is one of the more highly strung scribes. Partridge is another of the scribes. Ephaniah Grebe is the half-rat, half-human Conservation, Preservation, and Protection Scribe who lives and works in the basement.

Marcellus Pye is the 500-year-old Last Alchemist with whom Snorri and Nicko have been staying. He's also the one who kidnapped Septimus through the Glass and for whom Septimus was Pye's Alchemie Apprentice.

The Heaps are…
…a scattered family with some living in the Castle and others in the forest. In the Castle is Sarah Willow Heap, Sep's mother who was trained as a healer and gave up Magyk; Silas, her wizard husband; Maxie, their wolfhound; and, Jenna, their daughter (well, Milo is her real father) and the Princess and heir to the Castle. Jenna's pets include Ethel, the crocheted-waistcoat-wearing duck. Ullr is a Transforming cat Jenna is watching. DayUllr is a regular mottled orange house cat; NightUllr is a panther. Silas' father, Benjamin Heap, was a Shape-Shifting wizard who now lives as a western red cedar somewhere in the Forest. Demelza Heap is an ancestress who used to sell fine glass apparatus until she disappeared.

The Wizard Tower is where…
…that lying young Septimus is stuck with Marcia Fusspot Overstrand, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. Boris Catchpole is a night porter (demoted from failed wizard); he had been a Deputy Hunter back in the Young Army. Spit Fyre is Septimus' dragon. He's a challenge to keep fed and be a good little dragon.

Camp Heap
The four sons living in the forest with a coven of witches include Sam, Edd, Erik, and Jo-Jo.

Castle staff
There aren't many servants in the castle, only Cook, Cleaner, the WashingUp Boy, and the Housekeeper. The Castle is, however, stuffed with ghosts, including Sir Hereward, a ghost guard. The unhappy Billy Pot is in charge of mowing the lawn and collecting Spit Fyre's dung. He's about to become the Dragon-Watcher. Hildegarde Pigeon is a sub-Wizard on door duty at the Palace.

Message Rats
Stanley is an ex-Message Rat and an ex-Secret Service Rat who still has his instincts. He's thinking of starting the Message Rat Service back up. Dawnie is not his wife any longer. Humphrey was his old Message Rat Service boss who retired six months ago. When the RatStranglers had formed up.

In the town
Mrs. Gringe is the wife of the gatekeeper and Lucy's mother. Micky Mullin is the ferryman and one of Sally Mullin's many nephews; she runs the Sally Mullin's Tea and Ale House. Jannit Maarten is a boatbuilder to whom young Nicko is apprenticed. Rupert Gringe is nearing the end of his Articles. The Grateful Turbot Tavern offers up beds and haunts. Olaf Snorrelssen is the ghost of a Northern Trader, and he chooses to make his first Appearance to Merrin. A mistake. Terry Tarsal is a shoemaker with a purple python. Ma Custard runs the All-Day-All-Night Sweet Shop where Merrin gets his licorice snakes, toffee termites, spider floss, and more.

The Gathering of the Ghosts are…
…ghosts of all previous ExtraOrdinary Wizards. They come together when the Apprentice draws a stone from the Questing Pot. Maurice McMohan has advice for Septimus. Julius Pike is another who lost Apprentices. Syrah Syara and Talmar Ray Bell were Apprentices lost on Queste. Marcus Overland was an Ordinary Wizard.

The Ghost of the Vaults is one of the Ancients, ghosts over 500 years old. He's very unpleasant and refuses to tell anyone his name. Beetle has figured out that he's the very first Chief Scribe: Tertius Fume.

Eldred and Alfred Stone are the brothers and tunnel ghosts trapped in the Emergency Freeze. Moaning Hilda is an Ice Wraith. The Toll-Man is a greedy, nasty bugger of a thief.

The Wendron Witches' Summer Circle
Morwenna is the Witch Mother. Marissa (she's hooked up with Jo-Jo) and Bryony are some of her witches. The Old Quarry is a cave where the witches spend the winter. Madam Agaric was Morwenna's predecessor.

The House of Foryx is…
…the Place Where All Times Do Meet is also a Place of Waiting. You can only leave when someone arrives, and then you have to enter into their time. It's the DoorKeeper's fault that they all fall in. The Guardian of the House is a nasty, vicious woman. Brat and Fowler are two of the Guards.

Nicko Heap has been gone for six months with Snorri Snorrelssen, who had a grandmother, Herdis Laursdottir, who lost a sister, Ells. Alfrún is Snorri's mother. Snorri also has a sister named Herdis. Old Mother, a.k.a., Ells Laursdottir, is a stallholder who happens to be from the same time as Nicko and Snorri.

Hotep-Ra was the Castle's very first ExtraOrdinary Wizard, and he set up the honor of the Queste. The Akhu Amulet is the symbol and source of the power of the ExtraOrdinary Wizards.

Alther Mella was the last ExtraOrdinary Wizard. Alice (she had been the Chief Customs Officer at the Port) was the one he had loved, but their careers had been too important. Now that she's dead, Alther intends to change that.

The bad guys include…
…Simon Heap is the son who went bad and ran off with Lucy Gringe. Thunder is Simon's horse. Merrin Meredith, a.k.a., Daniel Hunter and Septimus Heap, is Simon's sulky assistant. His previous master had been the almost indestructible DomDaniel who had constantly called him stupid.

A Glass is a portal to another time from which it is near impossible to return. Things are a kind of human figure that most people can't see. A good thing as they're mean, miserable, and nasty.

The Cover and Title
The oxblood cover with its gilt border and gilt trim in the corners is fun with its punched out holes along the left edge and the turquoise ribbon "binding" the book together with more turquoise ribbon wrapping around a gold button to keep the book closed. The outer edge of the cover is aged, curling parchment, furthering the impression of an old ribbon-bound book. The series information, title, and author are also in a gold foil. The pebble of lapis lazuli is the Questing Stone.

The title is the journey, the Queste, upon which the quartet sets out, desperate to find Nicko and Snorri, sort of.

My Thoughts: I got through this book a lot quicker than the previous one in the series. Queste has a very interesting premise, and I love how Merrin Meredith was brought back into the series seeking revenge on Septimus for stealing his name. I also like how this weaves in with the House of Foryx and Nicko and Snorri, who were trapped back in time. Tertius Fume was a nice addition to the group of enemies Septimus and Jenna have been accumulating, and I like how later, in "Syren," he's back again to try and defeat the Castle.
As the story progresses, I really enjoyed revisiting Camp Heap and the Wendron Witches, and Ephaniah Grebe was a fun character to add to the story, too. Angie Sage really makes the most of every character she makes - I'm still laughing over the Meat Cart one of the characters in Magyk made, and how it continues to be an unassuming part of the series. The use of "Things" (dead, ghoulish creatures) when they were inhabiting old characters like Hildegarde was cool, because I never thought that Things would posses much use throughout the series.
In the end, the suspense, along with Hotep-Ra, was something I really enjoyed, and seeing Nicko and Snorri again was great, too.
Overall, another great book in this series, and I'm interested to see how Angie Sage will continue to use new characters in future books.

Septimus Heap is back and in trouble once again. The young apprentice wizard has been tricked into a doomed Queste by a vengeful ghost and former Darke Wizard, sparked by the return of the former apprentice who was used as a decoy for Septimus during their childhood. Add the Princess Jenna and the Manuscriptorium Clerk, Beetle, and the trio sets off to try to locate Septimus' older brother Niko, lost in the past and currently believed to reside in the House of Foryx.

Sage infuses her characters with clumsiness and humor, both of which inhibit all efforts to accomplish anything of value. But somehow, in spite of themselves, they soldier on and carry the reader along with them on their perilous journey. It's impossible not to root for these brave children, while laughing at the bizarre situations they find themselves in.

The plot weaves and twists, leading us in false directions while racing to its conclusion. A wonderful, Magykal read that kept me glued to my reading chair. I highly recommend this series to children and adults alike.

BOOK FOUR - INCLUDES SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

I still enjoy the Septimus Heap series. The characters are fun and enjoyable, and you want to pull for them and hope they succeed. I also like the plots and concepts presented in the various books - in QUEST, the fourth book in the series, the Heaps are still looking for Snorri and Nicko who are trapped in another time. And we learn about the wizarding apprentice Quest that some apprentices must embark on - only problem, those apprentices never return.

Overall I enjoyed this book, but I felt there was the opportunity to delve even further into some of the concepts, plots and characters. Some of the ideas Sage presented here quite intrigued me, but they were never fully developed, and I would have liked for them to be.
Similarly, I'd love to see the characters grow more. Plus, a lot of the decision making and realizations seemed far to quick and - sometimes - coincidental. I just wanted "more." Especially because I think there was the groundwork for it.

And, we get a little more with Simon in this book, which was interesting. But, again, his revelations, etc., seemed *way* to fast and 180-ish for me. The one character that showed some growth and I felt it wasn't explained enough.

I was glad that Beetle was highlighted more in this book, and I liked the new character Ephaniah.

If you enjoyed the previous books, I think you'll still enjoy this one, too. And, I do plan to continue on with the series.

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.

As each book passes, more and more interested elements reveal themselves about the world that Angie Sage has created. I love the concept of the House of Foryx, the Witch's Way, the Queste and how it was initially intended to work, but that it was distorted from its original purpose. Also, Hotep-Ra showing up in the House of Foryx was another great twist that I didn't see coming. On a literary note, Sage has proven to have a keen ability to continue to evolve her characters from story to story in a way that's not only enticing to readers, but also shows a larger character arc that makes the characters seem very palatable. I could imagine myself in this world, interacting with these magical people. Septimus and Jenna especially wrestle with many internal issues that often mirror the difficult circumstances that happen around them. It's brave of Sage to show that the two main protagonists can make the wrong decisions, which lead to catastrophic things happening in not only their lives, but the lives of everyone else around them as well. Even throughout books four and five, Jenna still struggles over the fact that her decision to lead Septimus into the room with the two-way mirror in book three has split her family apart. I recommend all the books in this series to readers 9+.

-Lindsey Miller, [...]

On yet another thrilling Septimus Heap book, Septimus has to make the drawing for the Queste stone early. The Queste is a journey that no one ever came back from. It is decided that an ExtraOrdinary wizard's apprentice should go on the Queste if he/she chooses a Queste stone amid many lapis lazuli stones. Septimus does not make the draw but he gets the stone on accident. He goes to find his brother Nick but finds that he is actually on the Queste. What horrors await him gave me the chills. Read it, it's definitely worth buying.

Merrin Meredith, once falsely believed to be "Septimus Heap," has Darke plans for the real Septimus. He has found THE DARKE INDEX, a book of ominous spells, and is ready to unleash a Destiny Darkening spell upon the wizard apprentice. First, he summons a Thing to serve him, but since he is bumbling around, Merrin accidentally calls forth an entire room crammed full of invisible Things. Undeterred, he must rummage about in the nasty pile of slimy bones of his old master, DomDaniel, in order to find the Two-Faced Ring. The ring tightens and burns his own finger...and just about then, Merrin starts to have second thoughts about practicing Darke Magyk. But it doesn't matter because he is now trapped and must continue the spell. So he heads off to the Castle to find his victim.

Meanwhile, Septimus is unaware that there are Darke deeds targeting him. He and Princess Jenna are united in their need to find Nicko and Snorri, who have been trapped in another time. Despite the disapproval of ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, Septimus has continued a friendship with the ancient alchemist Marcellus Pye, who has found information he believes may help Septimus and Jenna locate Nicko and Snorri.

Septimus's good friend Beetle has thoroughly enjoyed working for Jillie Djinn at the Magykal Manuscriptorium, but has gotten into deep trouble with Jillie --- even as Merrin applies to work there --- and finds himself underemployed. Beetle joins up with Septimus and Jenna (whom he secretly adores) as they are given notes and a map actually written by Snorri and Nicko in the long-ago time in which they are caught.

The fragile ancient map leads to a place called the House of Foryx, where "All Times Do Meet." Septimus and Jenna hope that Nicko and Snorri are still in the House of Foryx so they can bring them back...until the map disintegrates. Although Beetle has a solution for the map problem, the most important part --- showing the House of Foryx --- has been lost. That is just the first of their many troubles, though. For, in the meantime, the Darke forces Merrin has set into motion against Septimus are gathering. Although wizard apprentices are occasionally sent on a Queste at the end of their training, none have returned. Now it appears that Septimus may be tricked into going on an early Queste. But what can that mean for the hope of finding Nicko and Snorri? The three set off on an adventure full of peril, hope and secrets --- a journey where shocking surprises lurk around every corner.

QUESTE is another rip-roaring great read, full of the series' trademark laugh-out-loud humor, quirky characters (including a half-man/half-rat fellow), odd magykal tokens, friendships and family relationships, and breathless adventures. The Septimus Heap series continues to delight and thrill us, and is well deserving of its bestseller status.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

If you are ravenous for adventure, then I have the perfect book for you. Quest by Angie Sage is a fantastic combination of "Magyk", adventure, fantasy, and love. It is very similar to the world famous series Harry Potter, but trust me, they are still very different. It takes place in a castle head by the Palace and the famous Wizard Tower. You become shocked as you see what has become of Jenna and Septimus' brother, Nikko, and are set into a trance while reading about the dreaded Quest. As a fantasy lover, this book quenched my thirst for something knew. For the conclusion to the "Septimus Heap" series, you can't help but be absorbed into the perspective of Angie Sage in the pages of the book.

Angie does a great job at making her characters come alive. I love how she brings your mind to a place of tranquility the suddenly whisks you away to a time of terror. You can never quite see what's around the corner, even if you think you do. As Jenna, Septimus, and Beetle search for lost brother Nikko and his friend Snorri (who got lost in a time 500 years in the past), your heart will be scared from the pain and emotion from the three children's struggle, as though you were right there with them. Although you may not be into fictional books, this one may surprise you. It doesn't only talk to you about magyk, but how universal love can really be. You hear the tragic tale of a family in need of some help. By going on this adventure with them, you realize that all you need is a little bit of hope to get you through your tough times. I give this book a rating of five stars for its originality, characters, plot, and MAGYK.

~S.P.A.~

This is the 4th book in the Septimus Heap-series. Some characters are no longer with us, some have left the stage for a while and others have rejoined us. Which was at times a bit messy for me to like and gave the impression we weren’t really getting anywhere. Luckily the Queste brought a change in that and brought the level up again. It didn’t just end there. I think the Endings and Beginnings were in this volume the nicest the read as well!
Looking forward to find out what the Syren will bring!

Another wonderful addition to the Septimus Heap series. I loved the plot, and the few twists along the way. Sage’s writing is really fun. It was a bit of a long book, but worth it- it held my attention all the way through. The characters were very 3D and well done. The setting was very well described. Would I read more by this author? I will certainly be continuing the series. Would I recommend this to others? Definitely.

See the full review on my website, Awesome Book Assessment: http://www.awesomebookassessment.com/2014/07/book-review-queste-angie-sage.html

BOOK FOUR - INCLUDES SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

I still enjoy the Septimus Heap series. The characters are fun and enjoyable, and you want to pull for them and hope they succeed. I also like the plots and concepts presented in the various books - in QUEST, the fourth book in the series, the Heaps are still looking for Snorri and Nicko who are trapped in another time. And we learn about the wizarding apprentice Quest that some apprentices must embark on - only problem, those apprentices never return.

Overall I enjoyed this book, but I felt there was the opportunity to delve even further into some of the concepts, plots and characters. Some of the ideas Sage presented here quite intrigued me, but they were never fully developed, and I would have liked for them to be.
Similarly, I'd love to see the characters grow more. Plus, a lot of the decision making and realizations seemed far to quick and - sometimes - coincidental. I just wanted "more." Especially because I think there was the groundwork for it.

And, we get a little more with Simon in this book, which was interesting. But, again, his revelations, etc., seemed *way* to fast and 180-ish for me. The one character that showed some growth and I felt it wasn't explained enough.

I was glad that Beetle was highlighted more in this book, and I liked the new character Ephaniah.

If you enjoyed the previous books, I think you'll still enjoy this one, too. And, I do plan to continue on with the series.

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.

As each book passes, more and more interested elements reveal themselves about the world that Angie Sage has created. I love the concept of the House of Foryx, the Witch's Way, the Queste and how it was initially intended to work, but that it was distorted from its original purpose. Also, Hotep-Ra showing up in the House of Foryx was another great twist that I didn't see coming. On a literary note, Sage has proven to have a keen ability to continue to evolve her characters from story to story in a way that's not only enticing to readers, but also shows a larger character arc that makes the characters seem very palatable. I could imagine myself in this world, interacting with these magical people. Septimus and Jenna especially wrestle with many internal issues that often mirror the difficult circumstances that happen around them. It's brave of Sage to show that the two main protagonists can make the wrong decisions, which lead to catastrophic things happening in not only their lives, but the lives of everyone else around them as well. Even throughout books four and five, Jenna still struggles over the fact that her decision to lead Septimus into the room with the two-way mirror in book three has split her family apart. I recommend all the books in this series to readers 9+.

-Lindsey Miller, [...]

On yet another thrilling Septimus Heap book, Septimus has to make the drawing for the Queste stone early. The Queste is a journey that no one ever came back from. It is decided that an ExtraOrdinary wizard's apprentice should go on the Queste if he/she chooses a Queste stone amid many lapis lazuli stones. Septimus does not make the draw but he gets the stone on accident. He goes to find his brother Nick but finds that he is actually on the Queste. What horrors await him gave me the chills. Read it, it's definitely worth buying.

Merrin Meredith, once falsely believed to be "Septimus Heap," has Darke plans for the real Septimus. He has found THE DARKE INDEX, a book of ominous spells, and is ready to unleash a Destiny Darkening spell upon the wizard apprentice. First, he summons a Thing to serve him, but since he is bumbling around, Merrin accidentally calls forth an entire room crammed full of invisible Things. Undeterred, he must rummage about in the nasty pile of slimy bones of his old master, DomDaniel, in order to find the Two-Faced Ring. The ring tightens and burns his own finger...and just about then, Merrin starts to have second thoughts about practicing Darke Magyk. But it doesn't matter because he is now trapped and must continue the spell. So he heads off to the Castle to find his victim.

Meanwhile, Septimus is unaware that there are Darke deeds targeting him. He and Princess Jenna are united in their need to find Nicko and Snorri, who have been trapped in another time. Despite the disapproval of ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, Septimus has continued a friendship with the ancient alchemist Marcellus Pye, who has found information he believes may help Septimus and Jenna locate Nicko and Snorri.

Septimus's good friend Beetle has thoroughly enjoyed working for Jillie Djinn at the Magykal Manuscriptorium, but has gotten into deep trouble with Jillie --- even as Merrin applies to work there --- and finds himself underemployed. Beetle joins up with Septimus and Jenna (whom he secretly adores) as they are given notes and a map actually written by Snorri and Nicko in the long-ago time in which they are caught.

The fragile ancient map leads to a place called the House of Foryx, where "All Times Do Meet." Septimus and Jenna hope that Nicko and Snorri are still in the House of Foryx so they can bring them back...until the map disintegrates. Although Beetle has a solution for the map problem, the most important part --- showing the House of Foryx --- has been lost. That is just the first of their many troubles, though. For, in the meantime, the Darke forces Merrin has set into motion against Septimus are gathering. Although wizard apprentices are occasionally sent on a Queste at the end of their training, none have returned. Now it appears that Septimus may be tricked into going on an early Queste. But what can that mean for the hope of finding Nicko and Snorri? The three set off on an adventure full of peril, hope and secrets --- a journey where shocking surprises lurk around every corner.

QUESTE is another rip-roaring great read, full of the series' trademark laugh-out-loud humor, quirky characters (including a half-man/half-rat fellow), odd magykal tokens, friendships and family relationships, and breathless adventures. The Septimus Heap series continues to delight and thrill us, and is well deserving of its bestseller status.

--- Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon

If you are ravenous for adventure, then I have the perfect book for you. Quest by Angie Sage is a fantastic combination of "Magyk", adventure, fantasy, and love. It is very similar to the world famous series Harry Potter, but trust me, they are still very different. It takes place in a castle head by the Palace and the famous Wizard Tower. You become shocked as you see what has become of Jenna and Septimus' brother, Nikko, and are set into a trance while reading about the dreaded Quest. As a fantasy lover, this book quenched my thirst for something knew. For the conclusion to the "Septimus Heap" series, you can't help but be absorbed into the perspective of Angie Sage in the pages of the book.

Angie does a great job at making her characters come alive. I love how she brings your mind to a place of tranquility the suddenly whisks you away to a time of terror. You can never quite see what's around the corner, even if you think you do. As Jenna, Septimus, and Beetle search for lost brother Nikko and his friend Snorri (who got lost in a time 500 years in the past), your heart will be scared from the pain and emotion from the three children's struggle, as though you were right there with them. Although you may not be into fictional books, this one may surprise you. It doesn't only talk to you about magyk, but how universal love can really be. You hear the tragic tale of a family in need of some help. By going on this adventure with them, you realize that all you need is a little bit of hope to get you through your tough times. I give this book a rating of five stars for its originality, characters, plot, and MAGYK.

~S.P.A.~

This is the 4th book in the Septimus Heap-series. Some characters are no longer with us, some have left the stage for a while and others have rejoined us. Which was at times a bit messy for me to like and gave the impression we weren’t really getting anywhere. Luckily the Queste brought a change in that and brought the level up again. It didn’t just end there. I think the Endings and Beginnings were in this volume the nicest the read as well!
Looking forward to find out what the Syren will bring!

Another wonderful addition to the Septimus Heap series. I loved the plot, and the few twists along the way. Sage’s writing is really fun. It was a bit of a long book, but worth it- it held my attention all the way through. The characters were very 3D and well done. The setting was very well described. Would I read more by this author? I will certainly be continuing the series. Would I recommend this to others? Definitely.

See the full review on my website, Awesome Book Assessment: http://www.awesomebookassessment.com/2014/07/book-review-queste-angie-sage.html

This series is just fantastic. It is wonderful to see the characters evolving through this series. There is so much going on in the book but it never seems cluttered or overwhelming. The visit back to the forest was great. It's always nice to find out what all the other Heap boys are up to. Ms. Sage does a wonderful job of revealing the pieces to the puzzle. The Queste process in and of itself was interesting but when you find out the why of the Queste it's just wonderful. I like that everything isn't a BIG REVEAL and that profound meaning in something can be so simple. This series appeals to both boys and girls (I work in an upper elementary library and see these books going out frequently). Can't wait for the next one!! I was excited to see the fourth book as much as our students (in fact, I ordered my own copy so I wouldn't have to wait!!)

As another the store customer put it, the Septimus Heap series is "entertaining and light" and "not as intense as the Harry Potter series" - I couldn't have put it better. I have enjoyed following the adventures of Septimus Heap, and _Queste_ is no exception. The first half of the story drags a bit, as the plot is unfolded at a much more lesiurely pace than in the other books in the series. The last half, however, makes up for the plodding start, as the questions raised (what *is* the "Queste"? What happened to Snorri and Niko?) are answered, and more information is provided regarding the history of the castle and city, and the connection between alchemists and wizards is clarified. While _Physik_ remains my favorite, this is a fine installment in an entertaining series for young adults.

"Queste" is yet again a fantastic book in the Septimus Heap series. I love the skill with which Angie Sage puts in the action, adventure, and the tad of humor that makes the book amazing. "Queste" focuses mainly on Septimus, Jenna, and Beetle as the trio search to find the place where All Times Do Meet in order to save a Heap son, Nicko. Meanwhile, Septimus's enemy, Merrin Meredith, is seeking a way to destroy Septimus in revenge.
Angie Sage has a unique way of writing her books, and this is one of her best. Although it is meant for 9-year-olds, her series should be picked up by people of every age. They are perfect books for children and adults everywhere, and anyone who decides to read it will be sure to enjoy it.

Queste is the fourth book in the Septimus Heap series and the septimus Heap is a very good series indeed and the forth book in this series dose not disappoint.

The book starts out were the thrid book Physik left off, Septimus, Jenna and the rest of the Heap family are trying to find Nikko and Snorri who were lost in time in the third book or more likly The House Of Foryx, this is not the Queste though, the Queste that the book mentions or should I say is named after is a Queste that some ExtraOrdinary apprentce have a chance of going on this Queste is something that is dreaded by apprentce's however becaue no one has ever returned, juggling going on this Quest with finding Nikko and Snorri, being apprentced to both Marcia Overstand and Marcellus Pye is a lot for Septimus to handle.

Quest is a wonderful book for all ages to read and enjoy, It is a truly Magykal adventure. 5/5

My son and daughter both read the entire Septimus Heap series as young readers. They found the books to be very engaging and interesting to read. They both were so involved in this book series they flew through them. It was hard to find books that both of them enjoyed, but this series did not disappoint. We waited for several of the books in the series to read as they came out. There was no violence, no sex, and no foul language. I read the first couple in this series to ensure they were appropriate for my kids when they were in their early teens.

I would recommend the series for any middle school reader.

Queste is the fourth in a series that combines drama, horror, adventure, hilarity and above all magic. This book continues with Setptimus and Jenna looking for their brother Nicko who was trapped in a different time when they were battling the evil queen Eltheldreda. Overall this book was quite good, it still contains all the things you've come to know and love about the Septimus Heap series. Also, quite a few charecters are added such as Ephaniah Grebe the half-man half-rat. I personally liked the devious Merrin Meredith who returned to try to Darken Septimus's future. Although there were some drawbacks.

A few complaints I have about the book is that it is very confusing, because if you haven't read the first few books you are completely lost which would make it quite difficult for people who just want a quick easy read. Also, the new character Tetrius Fume is quite a mystery. He has no motivation to do what he does, I can't tell you what because it would be a huge spoiler, but it's just wrong in so many ways. Finally, there is the problem of having so many things going on at once. It's hard to follow, but it keeps you engaged in the book.

Of course there are many great things to say of the book such as it's originality and charecter develoment (other that Tetrius Fume) is fantastic. You can really relate to all the chatercters and events. Not only can it provide you with connections but it can bring into a new world which can take you away.

Overall the book deserves an eight out of ten. In order to fully appreciated this book however you must, I can't stress this enough, read the first three books which are:

1. Maygk
2. Flyte
3. Physik

Queste is a wonderful book in an amazing series. Probably the best story of the set thus far, although the first one - Magyk is also excellent. I am very glad I read these.

The series will inevitably be compared with Harry Potter, as both are wonderfully funny tales set in a world of magic, and with some other plot similarities. But the Septimus Heap books are not obviously derivative of the Hary Potter phenomenon. They stand very well on their own merits.

There are still some loose ends so I suspect Angie Sage is not done with this series yet. We will see.

In thuis story we see Septimus, Princess Jenna and Beatle searching for Nikko and Snorri, lost in the past at the end of Physik. But Merrin Meredith also re-emerges as a villain, which leads to an attempt to darken the destiny of Septimus Heap.

The plot is more intricate than previous novels. There are perhaps a couple of areas where perfectionsist would quibble over plot details, but if you read it for the story you won't care at all. Highly recommended - this series is a new favourite of mine.

The story of Septimus Heap, his friends and family grows more intricate and surprising with every volume. If you liked the first one read the second and third. Then pick up the fourth. Angie Sage gets better with every novel. There's a bonus for the kiddies too. The hard new, hared cover editions come with a mini disk for the computer. The disk contains fun Septimus Heap games, facts and free printable trading cards. Ofcourse this is a kids book but I'm 30yrs and I can't wait for the fifth volume to come out!

The story of Septimus Heap, his friends and family grows more intricate and surprising with every volume. If you liked the first one read the second and third. Then pick up the fourth. Angie Sage gets better with every novel. There's a bonus for the kiddies too. The hard new, hared cover editions come with a mini disk for the computer. The disk contains fun Septimus Heap games, facts and free printable trading cards. Ofcourse this is a kids book but I'm 30yrs and I can't wait for the fifth volume to come out!

This is another great adventure for Septimus Heap written by Angie Sage. Septimus is in his third year of being an apprentice to the Extra Ordinary Wizard. Darke figures from his past plot to send him on a Queste that no one has every returned from. With the help of his friends and family you will have to see if he comes back. While this is going on, Septimus, Princess Jena, and Bettle are trying to rescue his brother Nicko and a friend from a place lost in time. Are they lost forever or can Septimus save them and himself? Enjoy the fourth book in this great series.

The Septimus Heap series is good, and only read the first three as of right now, and I would highly recommend it to people who like adventure,magyk, and different genres put into one book. This book series is the best on I read yet!!

We've read the previous three and loved them, but getting through this one has been a chore. There are too many sub-plots going on to really be able to follow the story line through all 500+ pages. We've given up and won't be reading number 5.