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Book Reviews of Queste (Septimus Heap, Bk 4)

Queste (Septimus Heap, Bk 4)
Queste - Septimus Heap, Bk 4
Author: Angie Sage
ISBN-13: 9780060882075
ISBN-10: 0060882077
Publication Date: 4/8/2008
Pages: 576
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 38

4.1 stars, based on 38 ratings
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

3 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

GeniusJen avatar reviewed Queste (Septimus Heap, Bk 4) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Candace Cunard for TeensReadToo.com

The fourth tale of Septimus Heap delivers action, adventure, magic, and a good share of surprises.

The tale begins when Nicko Heap and Snorri, who in a previous book found themselves transported out of their own Time, discover a clue that might allow them to return to their home Time. However, the path home is a tricky one: Nicko and Snorri must find their way to the mysterious House of Foryx, "the place where all Times do meet." Once they are there, the difficulties are not over. Finding and entering the House of Foryx is hard enough, but once they are in, they must wait for someone from their own Time to enter before they will be able to leave and return home.

Meanwhile, the notes regarding Nicko and Snorri's preparations for this journey have survived until Septimus's time, under the care of the long-lived alchemist Marcellus Pye. Using the notes and lists that Nick has left behind, Septimus and Jenna are able to figure out what it is that Nicko and Snorri are attempting, and set off to reach the House of Foryx themselves, so that their appearance might allow Nicko and Snorri to return to the correct Time. However, their plans are complicated by the pernicious ghost of Tertius Fume, who contrives to send Septimus against his will on a Queste from which no apprentice wizard has ever returned.

While the plot rambled in places, I enjoyed the overall arc of the story, and in the end I was glad for the slow development at the beginning which built up to the climax. Sage's characterization was impressive; I got a good idea of the relationships that had formed between characters in previous books, as well as a sense of their internal states and motivations. Her large cast of secondary characters was deftly managed as well.

As a newcomer to the series, getting my bearings was slightly confusing, but after a while I began to understand the backstory better, thanks to the author's hints and insinuations at what had happened before this book. There were still moments when I felt like I was missing out on something--moments where I was sure that the emotional impact would have been greater had I read the previous three books in the series--but overall I was still able to enjoy it, and would recommend it thoroughly.
reviewed Queste (Septimus Heap, Bk 4) on + 7 more book reviews
I loved this whole series. The writing is engaging and I love the characterizations. I am an adult but still enjoy these books.
reviewed Queste (Septimus Heap, Bk 4) on + 3 more book reviews
I loved this book and I am 13. I intend to follow Septimus as long as his books are written. I read the previous books in the series and highly recommend all of them.