Fyre

With this book, Angie Sage reaches the culmination of her story surrounding Septimus Heap and his large and fascinating family; as well as the amazing cast of characters that inhabit his world.  Fyre is the seventh book in the series and the Fyre in question is produced by Alchemie and is required to destroy the ‘two-faced’ ring, in which are trapped two of the most evil wizards of all time.

Angie Sage has produced a brilliant finale to the sequence of books and many of the heroes find a satisfying conclusion to their stories (so far).  For those who have not read all of the other books there is a problem in trying to play ‘catch up’, but the author gives enough clues and explanations for most people to become deeply involved in the current plot line.

The story is strong, the characters well drawn and  sympathetic and the pace of the story keeps the young reader enthralled to the end.  For those coming late to the sequence, it will encourage them to go to the beginning and read all the books, a real treat for them.

Stylistically I think there is a sense of J K Rowling in the way we are drawn into the lives of the large Heap family (much like the Weasleys) and we even find that Bertie Bott has moved from making sweets to selling cloaks in this series of stories.  However this is a totally fantastic world, where Magyk and Alchemie are part of everyday life.

A wonderful series for the dedicated 8- to 12-year-old reader, although it can be enjoyed by older lovers of the genre.