Rereading Septimus Heap as an Adult⢠Part 2: Magyk, Chapters 14-28:
When DomDaniel was ExtraOrdinary Wizard, it was mentioned that he focused on his own goals and didn't care much for the population of the castle. I would love a short story from the perspective of an Ordinary Wizard during that time. It would be an interesting perspective, given that what we know so far is from Alther's retelling. I'd also love to hear more on the reception of Alther's ascension to EOW, since it seemed to most that he pushed DomDaniel off the Wizard Tower.
Do we ever find out why Alther agreed to be DonDaniel's Apprentice? It's clear that Alther doesn't care for his practices, politics, or personality (understandably so). What was his motivation?
Speaking of DonDaniel's goals, he was determined to gain as much power as possible as well as achieve eternal youth. However, since it took a while to sort that out, he ended up achieving "eternal middle age." This is another detail I find much more funny now than I did the first time. Angie Sage's writing is once again amusing in a way that appeals to readers of all ages. The fact that younger readers can understand the jokes that aren't fully appreciated until adulthood is the mark of a talented author.
I love the fact that Alther is determined to make DonDaniel's stay in Marcia's rooms as difficult as possible. Man becomes a poltergeist (affectionate) as a post mortem "fuck you" to the most difficult bastard he met while living. Ghost goals.
(This is the same man who called out Marcia for making the Hunter swan dive into the freezing river lol.)
Aunt Zelda and her Cottage
Aunt Zelda has a hen house that is a boat. She has Bert, a cat that is a duck. Absolute icon. 10/10 would visit even if I had to eat cabbage sandwiches the whole time.
We love magic rings in the house šš»šš»šš»
At his failed wedding to Lucy Gringe, Simon was kidnapped and subsequently tortured until he gave up Jenna's location. The Supreme Custodian thinks Simon would make a more useful ExtraOrdinary Apprentice than Merrin. Knowing how the story goes, I'm curious why Simon is so keen to be DonDaniel's Apprentice, since he didn't seem to have an inclination towards Darke Magyk before.
Apparently Simon resents his family for their perceived lack of ambition. We know he wants to be the EOW's Apprentice. It would be fascinating to see Marcia's visit to the Heaps' room from his perspective. I think his reaction to the EOW being in his house would be a) incredibly interesting, and b) provide more insight into his motivations.
Stanley the Message Rat, my beloved. Always Certified Confidential in my eyes.
When his wife Dawnie tells him not to involve himself with wizards, she brings up her friend's husband, who was trapped in a pot in the Wizard Tower. In an earlier chapter, Marcia mentions Endor finding a rat in her pot, from, she assumes, the rubbish chute. The way everything is inexplicably connected makes it much more amusing as well as more relatable. Crazy coincidences happen, and while not as frequent and fun as they are in Sage's writing, they are believable enough given the fantasy setting and the fact that most people have experienced something similar.
I would love more information on Charms written on toast š That is all.
How much/how long after exposure to Magyk does it take for wizards to develop green eyes? Marcia revived Boy 412 at the Wizard Tower, had him practice a spell at Aunt Zelda's cottage, and gifted him a Charm when she asked him to be her Apprentice. Not to mention Boy 412 found the dragon ring. I noticed there is no mention of his gray eyes turning green, so I'm wondering what the exposure level/time frame is for something like this.
She knew about Sep. She spoke to Sarah about her THREE children at Aunt Zelda's, even though Sarah only knew about Jenna and Nicko.
(Also how have you guys been pronouncing "Mould" in your heads? Pretty sure I got it wrong as a kid, and now I'm not sure what to do š
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I'm in love with the idea that ghosts coexist with the living. I truly adore the idea that ghosts are able to get a glimpse of the thoughts of the living if they pass through them. This is not a concept I have seen before/since, but it is an absolutely fantastic take on the afterlife.
He's baffled that Simon doesn't know exactly where his Aunt Zelda lives. Meanwhile the Supreme Custodian's aunts wish that he didn't know where they live š
Knowing the Hunter's name is Gerald and calling him that as much as possible is genuinely hilarious and admirable.
Yeah, I forgot these fuckers existed. They sound even worse than the first time around, haha.
Sorry for the long read. I had significantly more opinions this time š
I'd love to hear your thoughts too! Send me a Message Rat š