It's been a year since Septimus Heap, the seventh son of a seventh son, discovered his real family and true destiny to be a wizard. As Apprentice to ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, he is learning the fine arts of Conjurations, Charms, and other Magyk, while his best friend Jenna (the adopted girl who lived with his family for ten years until it was discovered that she was royalty!) is adapting to life as the Princess and enjoying the freedom of the Castle.

But, as is the way with all good fantasy stories, something sinister is still afoot. The evil necromancer DomDaniel may have been has been disposed of, but something Darke is undeniably stirring. A Shadow pursues ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, following her every move, growing stronger every day. Septimus realises the danger but, before he can act, Jenna is snatched, taken by the most unlikely kidnapper. Could it really be his jealous brother Simon who is responsible? Septimus must rescue his sister but does not, at first, realise the nature of the threat apparent.

This satisfying second volume, again stuffed with mayhem and thrilling adventure, confirms the immense readability of Sage's novels and consolidates the reputation for her growing sequence of funny fantasy novels that should mean they remain popular with young readers for many years to come.

(Age 10 and over) --John McLay

It's a bit slow at first, but as you read on, you'll find that you can't put the book down.

There are a lot of twists and plots in this book that will surprise you and keep you going. The boys have all grown up and started to lead their own lives. For Simon, he had just came back from some unknown places and has changed a lot since then. His family felt that somethings odd about Simon, but they just can't place what. For Sam, Edd, Erik, Jo-jo, they went to live in the forest and has slow down their pace of living, just like the forest. Nicko went to work at Jannit's boatyard and is working along with Rupert Gringe, Lucy(Simon's lover)'s brother. Septimus has learnt more about Magyk since the Apprentice dinner and is growing more accustomed to it. He lives in him own room in the Wizard tower, and tidy the Library every morning, since it's his job as Apprentice to the Extraordinary Wizard. The Heap family has moved to the Castle along with Jenna, Septimus visits there sometimes, when he has his day off, which is not a lot.

But when Simon kidnapped Jenna and no one believed it(except Nicko), Septimus must find a way to rescue her, no matter how much it costs. On the other hand, Jenna felt uneasy being with Simon, he seems to have changed and his moods are unpredictable, sometimes he would be kind to her, but only for a second, then he became the evil man again. Both Septimus and Jenna must find a way, for the former, to save Jenna; for the latter to escape Simon's grasps. And together, the three of them, Septimus, nicko and Jenna, undergoes a perilous journey to face the unknown.

The author has done a great job in writing this sequel to the best-selling "Magyk", she has gave us the whereabouts of the familiar figures that appeared in the first book, such as the Heap family, the ex-Apprentice of DomDaniel, Stanley, etc. She also introduce us to some other new characters and some that have been mentioned in the last book but never appeared.

I sincerely recommend this book to you all, but if you haven't read "Magyk" yet, then read it now!