Vicky Ludas (Children's Literature)
Dark things are astir the night Septimus Heap is born, the seventh son of a seventh son. But he is stillborn, and the Heaps are devastated. They are somewhat mollified by the mysterious introduction of another baby, who is herself more than she appears. The Heap girl grows up in a tense world of selfish, evil Castle rulers who forbid all use and teaching of Magyk, until a chain of events begins that will cause the truth to be revealed. The first in a series, this story makes use of the themes of identity and belonging, perhaps not altogether originally, but with strong family bonds and interesting characters. Older children may find they have guessed a twist or two before they occur, but will read on anyway. 2005, HarperCollins, $17.99 and $18.89. Ages 8 to 12.

Cindy L. Carolan (Children's Literature)
Wizards, castles, dark and mysterious forests, flying ghosts; what more could a fantasy lover want? Silas Heap, father of seven and reluctant Wizard (who begged to be released from an apprenticeship so he could read bedtime stories to his boys rather than being stuck in a turret with his nose in a dusty old spell book) happens upon an abandoned baby in the woods while out on an errand for his own ailing infant. He gathers the child up and takes her home to his wife, who is distraught as the midwife has just whisked their own purportedly dead baby (Septimus, the seventh son of the seventh son, hmmmm…) away. Little do they know at the time that the child’s true identity is that of a princess! All is not well for long, however, as the forces of evil are plotting to take over the kingdom. It is easy to pick this chunky book (564 pages) up and difficult to put down; the characters are colorful and lively and the storyline reads quickly but contains plenty of intrigue to keep readers guessing. This is the author’s first novel, although she has previously written numerous picture books and chapter books for children. Book One of the “Septimus Heap” trilogy. Highly recommended. 2005, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, $16.99. Ages 9 to 12.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, January 15, 2005 (Vol. 73, No. 2))
Heads up, Harry, there's a new young wizard on his way up. Ten years after a complicated bit of baby-switching, young Jenna learns that she's not a member of the tumultuous Heap household (six boys, just imagine), but a hidden Princess. The revelation comes as she's being swept to safety, her life forfeit to a crew of thoroughly knavish baddies headed by Necromancer DomDaniel. Along the way, she and her protector, ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand pick up not only an assortment of fugitive Heaps, but an orphaned pipsqueak dubbed "Boy 412"-who gradually exhibits stunning powers of Magyk, as the local brand of spellcasting is dubbed. Tongue firmly in cheek, Sage creates a vividly realized world in which pens and rocks can display minds of their own, and a forest "still had a bad wolverine problem at night, and was infested with carnivorous trees." Ultimately, Jenna and Co. overcome all such obstacles, as well as their sly, dangerous, but bumbling adversaries, and Boy 412's (thoroughly telegraphed) true identity comes out. A quick-reading, stand-alone, deliciously spellbinding series opener. (Web site) 2005, HarperCollins, 576p, $17.99. Category: Fantasy. Ages 10 to 13. Starred Review. © 2005 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Timnah Card (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, February 2005 (Vol. 58, No. 6))
As the seventh son of a seventh son, Septimus Heap was destined to become someone special. At least, everyone thought so until he died suddenly in infancy and his place in the Heap home was taken by a foundling baby girl, whom his father found abandoned in the snow. Ten years later, the girl Jenna is discovered to be the mislaid heir to the throne--an empty title, since her mother the Queen has been assassinated at the behest of the evil wizard DomDaniel, and a dreary tribe of Custodians has taken over running the Castle. Now the whole Heap family--six boys, two parents, and Aunt Zelda--must join with two ExtraOrdinary Wizards (one alive, one dead) and a mysterious orphan known only as Boy 412 to overthrow the powers of the Darke and restore Jenna to her rightful place. An affable incarnation of the lost-heir tale, Jenna’s (and Boy 412’s) story is packed with personable minor characters and histrionic villains, engaging verbal interchanges, and witty commentaries on the foibles of individual cast members. The eccentrically spelled (“Darkenesse” and “Magykal” are representative) and liberally bolded enchantment terminology can become tiresome; however, these quirks of typographical representation are minor drawbacks compared to the pull of genuinely warm domestic relationships and acutely practical character development. Heavily textured pencil sketches head the chapters, their rough lines providing open-ended visual cues which spark the reader’s imagination without constraining it. This first book in the Septimus Heap series is a cheerful, clever offering; readers seeking a lighthearted dip into the world of fantasy will find safe haven here. An informational/recreational CD is packaged with the book. (Reviewed from galleys) Review Code: R -- Recommended. (c) Copyright 2005, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois. 2005, Tegen/HarperCollins, 576p, $17.99 and $18.89. Grades 4-6.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2006)
In place of their presumed-dead seventh son, the "Magykally"-inclined Heap family raises a changeling Princess, a decision that culminates in an epic flight from various villains and the less-than-surprising unveiling of the not-so-dead-after-all Septimus. Despite its unwieldy length, haphazard composition, and unoriginal setting, this fantasy (the first in a series) is a boisterous, undemanding, and occasionally hilarious debut novel. (Septimus Heap series). Category: Intermediate Fiction. 2005, HarperCollins/Tegen, 564pp, 16.99, 17.89. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 4: Recommended, with minor flaws.

Shawn Kerbein (The Kutztown University Book Review, Fall 2005)
Septimus Heap, the seventh son of a seventh son, destined for great magic, is stolen the night he is born by a midwife who claims he is dead. That same night, Septimus’ father finds a baby girl abandoned in the snow. The heap family the baby, and names her Jenna. Where is Septimus? Who is Jenna? In the tradition of fantasy characters like Harry Potter and Charlie Bone, comes Septimus Heap. This is a great story, a lot of fun to read. Good characters, very bad characters, mysteries, adventures, this book has it all. Well written, enjoyable, and leaves the reader glad that there is another on the way. Category: . 2005, HarperCollins Children’s Books, $16.99. Ages 10 to 14.

Kathleen Roseboom (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 18, No. 1))
The seventh son of a seventh son has died at birth--or so says the midwife. Thus begins a tale of the Heap family along with the baby girl found in the snow that fateful day. The family is boisterous, loud, and possesses the powers of magyk. In steps an evil wizard DomDaniel, and the adventure and the chase begin. This book is fanciful, constantly moving forward, and full of action. The characters may at times not be as strong as Harry Potter or Charlie Bone, but for a young reader who can place him/herself as the character, it will be a fanciful adventure with twists, turns, and magical spells. The one thing that may deter a child is the fact the book is 564 pages long--but those who persevere will enjoy it fully. (Septimus Heap.). Fiction. Grades 5-9. 2005, Katherine Tegen Books, 564p., $17.89. Ages 10 to 15.

Mary Ann Darby (VOYA, February 2005 (Vol. 27, No. 6))
Maybe one can judge a book by its cover. Certainly the striking cover of Sage's first Septimus Heap book will lure readers into this delightful new series. It is the tale of Silas Heap, Ordinary Wizard, who lives with his large family in a setting that feels like a Dickens England gone "magykal." Coming home on the night that his seventh son is born, Silas finds a baby in the snow. As he carries her home, he is instructed by ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand to say that the baby is his. Meanwhile his own seemingly healthy newborn son is pronounced dead and swept away by the midwife. Thus begins a tale in which the Heaps, Overstrand, and other eccentric characters find themselves in castle walls, Wizard's towers, garbage chutes, and an unforgettable swamp. Charms, potions, and a magykal ring entwine a princess, an evil hunter, a confused rat, and a host of others to uncover the mystery of Septimus Heap. Clearly Sage owes debts to J. K. Rowling and J. R. R. Tolkien as familiar story elements appear throughout her tale. Young fans of the Harry Potter books will welcome this new series with open arms, and although it will snag some older fans as well, this book is clearly aimed at a younger audience. The fun, mystery, and rollicking characters will hook and satisfy those lured by the cover. The mini-CD included provides a wonderful interactive map for fantasy fans who need to see where they are. Middle school librarians will need to order many copies of this one. VOYA CODES: 4Q 5P M J (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Every YA (who reads) was dying to read it yesterday; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2005, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 576p., $17.99 and PLB $18.89. Ages 11 to 15.

Patrick Darby, Teen Reviewer (VOYA, February 2005 (Vol. 27, No. 6))
Two things about the book are annoying: the lack of a map inside the book and overly coincidental events. Other than those flaws, it is on par with Harry Potter and other fantasy novels I have enjoyed. Although the plot and story might be a bit predictable for older readers, they will enjoy it just the same. The unique world is full of magical beings and people. Once the book got hold of me, I couldn't put it down. Anyone who enjoys a good fantasy novel will enjoy Sage's first book of Septimus Heap. VOYA CODES: 5Q 4P M J (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Broad general YA appeal; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9). 2005, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 576p., $17.99 and PLB $18.89. Ages 11 to 15.