The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

Title: Septimus Heap: Darke

Series: Septimus Heap #3

Author: Angie Sage

Genre: Middle Reader, Action, Fantasy, Magic

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review:

Alther Mella has been Banished from the Castle. To bring him back Septimus must travel into the Darke. He will need all of his friends help to save Alther. At the same time a Darke Domaine is creeping over the Castle and threatening their very way of life. Will Septimus and his friends be able to save Alther and the Castle before all is too late?

There will be some minor spoilers in this review.

In the beginning of this book, Septimus is behaving broodier, and you think it would last longer through the book. It is explained that he is acting this way because of his upcoming Darke week, and it only lasts for a short period of time before he is back to regular Septimus. I would have liked it if we got a deeper look at the struggle Septimus was having with this and how that was affecting other areas.

Simon was a big character is the first few books then was reduced to a side character hardly there in the more recent installments. He makes a comeback in Darke. He writes letters to his parents, Septimus, and Jenna apologizing and asking for forgiveness. We know what the letters saw for Septimus and Sarah’s, but I wish we got Jenna’s. It is also explained a little bit more why Simon was caught up in the Darke in the first place. By the end of the book, we see Simon fully join the other Heaps and be welcomed on the side of the heroes.

The Port Witch Coven appeared in the Castle and caused more mischief than what was already happening. Jenna became a witch thanks to one of their newer members and I am curious to see how that plays out in the final installment. There have been times throughout this entire series when I feel like issues have been solved too quickly and conveniently. This was one of those times.

At the beginning of this year, I read Eragon from the glowing recommendations from many of my librarians. I didn’t like the books very much, but I did enjoy the way dragons and their riders were one and could hear each other’s thoughts. With this being said, Septimus and Spit Fyre reached this place for a while, and I loved it. It was so cool and reminded me of Eragon and most things I have read/watched with dragons.

They also returned to the Ramblings this book. Septimus finally got to see his home, and that scene was very heartwarming. Family has always been a big part of the Septimus Heap world, but this book especially highlighted it. I do wish there was more of Nicko, though.

I loved the ending for Merrin and Beetle, too!

Darke saw Septimus and his friends battle against the Darke to save their home. It had redemption arcs and new adventures, as these beloved characters grow up. I wish there was some more of certain characters, but it was still very good. I recommend this to anybody looking to go on an adventure!

Quotes:

“But things that are right in the cold light of reason may feel very wrong when faced with reality.”

Goodreads Page for: Darke by Angie Sage