Well this was a let down thay prity much just happen to stumble on a gait way back to their time and thats about it.Ugg is a good book but the end just sucks .(Sob Sob Sob)

I think that this is an amazing book,I thik its cool that the girls name is Jenna and so is mine.Angie Sage is not only an amazing writer,she has amazing story ideas.I enjoyed Harry Potter a lot so I disided to give this a shot.The 2an to 4th were really good but my favoret had to the 1st.
this is a great book I hope you enjoy

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!

My son has over 150 books and he hasn't started school yet. He loves to be read to. I bought this series thinking it would keep him entertained for a while, but soon found myself reading ahead. Not just another Harry Potter knock off. They may be a little predictable, but are a lot of fun and family safe.

the book was a fourth in the series that i have purchased for my grandson. he enjoyed this as the others and is waiting for the next.

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

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

I am an adult who began reading this series on the heels of HP. The first book, Magyk, was just that....magykically delicious. I had high hopes for the series. Through the other books it wafted and waned as most book 2, book 3, etc. do. This is a good series to give to a young adult in combination --- give them ALL the books because they become tedious one by one. I liked them but was glad when Queste was over and I sincerely hope this is the last. There is nothing left to say -- for Angie Sage or me.

Queste was a page turner. Finished in a day and a half!!! I think that it was a slower start than usual but it ended very well. I really love this series. Can't wait for the next book!!! I wonder how many are in this series?? Keep reading everybody!!!! Knowledge is key!!!

Sorry, a bit of a spoiler in the title, but if you have read the series so far then you know the story.

This is a delightful children's story but as a series it's developing nicely. Angie Sage is advancing the overall story very well, but her writing will need to start aging at the same rate of her target audience.

The seventh son of the seventh son, is growing into his role as the most gifted magician who has ever entered the the wizard tower, and in the queste he marks himself as the best ever apprentice.

I must admit to being a little jealous of Septimus as magic just seems to come a little to easy for him.

Keep the good work coming, love the story so far.

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 by: Candace Cunard

Its a well written book, but to appreciate it fully the previous 3 books in the series need to be read. I hope they make the series into a movie or movies

This book, 4th in the series,is as interesting and captivating as the first 3 books. I enjoyed reading all Septimus' adventures, and this book actually meets my expectation. I'll say, I recommend to get the series...

the edition we got in our country is totaly diffrent than the one on the internet we dont have any kind of offers such CDs cards and other..
that is not fair..
however i have no comment about this nice cool book ^^

I've read all the Septimus books and I hope that there will be more and more!

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

I started reading this series after Harry Potter came to an end. I'm still trying to find something to take his place, and I have really been enjoying this series despite the fact that it is for young adults. All four books have been good enough to read in just a few sittings, and I have no complaints!

I'm a big fan of the Septimus Heap books, and loved the 3 previous titles (and gave them all 5 stars). With Queste, the 4th in the series, Angie Sage has served up a continuation of the narrative, and takes Septimus, Jenna, and Beetle to some fabulous new places, but she deviates markedly from the pacing and drive of the previous titles. The first three books set up the central conflict immediately and then rush headlong into action. They burn brightly and then finish up with plenty of pages to go to allow a leisurely denouement. This one plods along without any passion or fire for more than 300 pages before the action gets going. We visit all the major characters and are treated to lots of Septimus world color, but the central crisis is centuries in the past and there is no life-or-death urgency at all until the drama of the "Gathering" kicks the plot into high gear - well after the middle of the book. Then the plot moves at headlong fashion until the very end of the book where it ends surprisingly abruptly - the crisis ends on literally the last page. There's a tiny bit of wrap up in the form of the usual character vignettes - but we are deprived of any narrative about our characters recover from their ordeal. We don't even get to know how they get home. I imagine Ms. Sage is saving that little complication for the start of book 5 - but I miss the healing run out at the end which I enjoyed with the previous 3 titles.

Look - if you've read the first 3 and love the Septimus series you are going to read this - if for no other reason than you'll need it before reading the 5th book when it comes out. However, I imagine a lot of kids will bail out before things get cooking after page 300. I wish Ms. Sage had kept with the previous pattern of action up front. I'll update this when my 2nd grader reads it. It will be interesting to get his perspective on this issue.

I have more issues with Queste than just the pacing. Tertius Fume is a colorful character - and a cool new addition to the roster of Septimus world folk. As a villain and prime plot mover, however, he is problematic. His motivation is a mystery - and is never revealed in this book. His mode of agency is bit questionable as well. I don't want to have spoilers in this review, but the titular plot element here requires a degree of magical authority on Fume's part that is not established in the narrative anywhere. I'll grant that the previous villains were fairly undeveloped characters too - but at least their motives and goals were clear (DomDaniel wanted the Castle and the Tower; Simon wanted to be Extraordinary Wizard; Queen Etheldredda wanted immortality and eternal rule). What does Fume want? Where is the evil plan?

I also have to complain about a couple of thug-like bouncers who show up at the climactic scenes and have a keystone-cop-like aspect. I feel they are out of place and detract from what should be a magical mysterious scenario.

I know I've said some harsh things - but I'll be the first to admit that I raced through this and couldn't put it down for the last 100 pages. I love the Septimus Heap series and I enjoyed the languorous first half - even while missing the action - just to be in it. The last half was (mostly) Sage in fine form. I'm looking forward to book 5.

This is the fourth book in the Septimus Heap series, and also the biggest at 596 pages. The first three books, in order are:

Magyk
Flyte
Physik

In order to fully appreciate book four, I would recommend reading the three preceding books first, to make sure that you don't miss a thing.

The main character is Septimus Heap, the seventh son of a seventh son, apprenticed to the Extra-Ordinary Wizard, and always finding himself in the middle of perilous adventures. Septimus and his friends are usually found battling against DARKE magyk, and this book is no exception.

One of his enemies has returned, bringing the nasty old remains of the evil DomDaniel, and with it the DARKE magyk plus all the creepy things that come with the package.

But that's not all.

This fast-paced book also has Septimus, his adopted sister Princess Jenna and his friend Beetle trying to save his brother Nicko and his friend Snorri, who are trapped five hundred years in the past. While all this is going on, Septimus is tricked into embarking on a QUESTE, from which no apprentice has ever returned. With the help of the alchemist Marcellus Pye and restoration expert Ephaniah Grebe, the QUESTE leads them to the House of Foryx where all time meets.

Angie Sage has created a wonderful fantasy series for readers from around ten years old, and I'm looking forward to 2010, when the movie based on Magyk is due to be released.

Note: This book also includes one of those cute little CD-ROMs, and when you play it through your computer, you get a choice of eight "questing stones" leading to information and activities, as follows:


1. About Queste
2. About the Author
3. Ice Tunnel Sledding (a game)
4. Trading Cards for supporting characters Lucy Gringe, Ullr, Ephaniah Grebe, Tertius Fume and Boris Catchpole, with a link to the interactive website where you can find all the characters.
5. Spells for "Pure water" and "Darkening"
6. Tips for traveling to the House of Foryx
7. Top selling sweets at Ma Custard's All-Day-All-Night Sweet Shop
8. QUESTE screensaver for PC and MAC

Worth the money and then some



Amanda Richards, May 19, 2008

Amazing sequel to a great series. Needs to be made into the next hit movie series.

Angie Sages doesn't skip a beat in the saga of young Septimus and his side kicks in crime. Queste leaves off where Physik left us and it is just as much of a thrilling read. Septimus, Beetle, and Jenna embark on a journey to find Nikko and Snori who are both lost in time. With the help of some odd companions, and a few twists and turns Septimus, Beetle, and Jenna find them self on a journey that they could have never imagined.

What I like best about the Septimus Heap series, is that the story is wonderfully original and masterfully told in a way that immerses you in the written environment. You almost feel as a silent member of the cast as you watch things unfold before your eyes. This series isn't exclusive to the younger audience, it is entertaining for all ages.

Great read.

I got this for my third-grade fantasy loving son, who loved the first two and wished the third one had more action but read it through anyway. He started Queste about two weeks ago and decided not to finish. He kept waiting for it to get better but at half way throught the book, when the new Percy Jackson, Battle of the Labrinth came out he switched. He read that in one day! Too bad that Sage could not keep this sequel fresh for her fans. I am on Amazon right now looking for some other books he may like and wanted to share this nine year old boy's opinion.
Books he loved: All the The Last Apprentice books, Ranger's Apprentice, Garth Nix's, Seven Towers and Keys to the Kingdom. Of course Harry Potter and The Hobbit some of Lord of the Rings (he did skip parts). In first and second grade he loved Secrets of Droon and Avatar: The Earth Chronicles books. I hope this helps some of you with fantasy-loving hard-to-please boys.

I really enjoyed the imaginative world and playful character development Ange Sage paints in Quest. I can't wait for book 5.

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!!)

These books are so good. Once you start reading them they are really hard to put down!! They are just SO GOOD!

This is another great installment in the Septimus series. I couldn't put it down until I had read it all. It is exciting and filled with adventure from beginning to end! This is a book for all ages.

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.

This series is getting better and better with every book. All 4 so far available on Kindle.

This time Septimus doesn't go looking for trouble, it comes looking for him in the form of Merrin Meredith, one time apprentice under the evil DomDaniel and Tertius Fume, the first and worst Chief Hermetic Scribe. Poor Sept finds himself on a quest he doesn't want brought about by enemies he doesn't know he has. Great story. Can't wait for the next installment in the adventures of Septimus Heap.

I started reading this series just after Magyk came out in paperback. As an adult reader of fantasy novels, I started broaden my horizons with well-written young adult fantasy. Magyk fell squarely in that category.

Angie Sage is a talented, and apparently very hard-working, author. This series has well written characters that she is interested in building on as she builds the series. Characters that were introduced in the first and second books keep coming back - the way you would expect to run across people more frequently in a relative small environment.

I have enjoyed this whole series. I have really appreciated that fact that some of the questions she left us with and the ends of the books - questions that truly reflect on the character of her characters are addressed in the subsequent novels. The 'kids' are growing and this growth is in their decisions and actions in the novels - as well as in the wonderful chapter illustrations (and collector's cards) by illustrator Mark Zug.

This is an exciting addition to the series. There is quite a bit of action in this novel - almost enough to warrant a second read to make sure you didn't miss any of the subtleties. Well worth picking up.

By the way, the hardback version of this book includes a mini CD with games, printable collector's cards and a link to the fun (and safe) Septimus Heap website.

This book is yet another wonder of Angie Sage's. It focused mostly on Septimus although it did let us get to know Sarah Heap and Beetle a bit more. This was perhaps her most serious book yet. Many very real dangers plagued Septimus, Jenna, and Beetle. They had to face things they had never faced before and there was a surprise unexpected character introduced at the end. And one particular character realised how much they were in the wrong. This book had the end of some foes, but the beginning of new and more dangerous ones. I highly recommend this book to all and I know I can't wait for the next one!

Books looks great, haven't finished reading it yet. I just wanted to post a note in case anyone else is getting frustrated trying to play the "Magykal CD" included with the book. It's not a music CD; it's a CD-ROM. Took my kids and me a while to figure out. I wish the publisher had said that on the disk or on the sticker on the front page.

Queste is a great book.... a wonderful book that follows Physik (Book 3) I am just so excited that I am waiting to get my copy of the book.... I surely recommend this title and the others in the series for everyone who likes fantasy.....

I strongly reccomend this book for all fantasy lovers. Another wonderful masterpiece by Angie Sage.