“Lucy Gringe found the last space on the dawn Port barge.”

From Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap: Darke.

As an Apprentice to the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, young Septimus Heap is used to a wide variety of challenges and magical adventures, but things take an unexpected turn right before he begins his Darke Week of training. When Marcia Overstrand, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard accidentally banishes the helpful ghost of her mentor, Alther Mella, she instantly begins searching for a way to undo her mistake. When Septimus learns the Alther has been banished, he decides to venture into the Darke Halls in search of the friendly ghost during his Darke Week. When Septimus sets off, his self-proclaimed archenemy and frequent apprentice to evil, Merrin Meredith, uses a powerful ring and a Darke Domaine to attack the Castle. When Marcia learns that a Darke Domaine is being used to infiltrate the Castle, she begins working furiously to repel the darkness. Meanwhile, while Septimus seeks to rescue Alther, he reaches out to the ancient Alchemist Marcellus for help, but Merrin’s continued attack on the Castle quickly forces Marcia, Septimus, and all their allies to rally for a final stand against the Darke Domaine.

The sixth book in the magical fantasy adventure that is the Septimus Heap series is full of wild characters and unexpected happenings. Sage easily creates a story that will compel magic-loving young readers to dive deeper into the story. When coupled with the book’s illustrations, the story of Darke will keep readers captivated until the very end.