QUESTE Septimus Heap, Book 4

Book Four, like the others in the Septimus Heap series, is filled with action, drama, and quirky characters, and narrator Gerard Doyle excels in managing all of these elements. Doyle takes listeners along on Septimus's Magykal journey. This time, there's trouble at the Castle, with Merrin Meredith out to get Septimus, who is himself trying to rescue Nicko, who's trapped in another time. Doyle pulls out all the stops as he spins this tale with insightful characterizations (he gives depth even to that sorry piece of work, Merrin) and shrewd timing (he expertly plays up Sage's cliff-hanger chapter ends). Sage's lighter, more humorous moments and little insights on human nature are also amply available to listeners in this pleasing production. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]