By Angie Sage
Rating: 4 stars
This is book 6 in the Septimus Heap series. Septimus is back, and this time, he is due for his Darke magic training. But before he can even begin, the Darke comes to meet him! Merrin Meredith, with the help of an evil ring, has created a Darke Domaine and is bent on destroying everyone in the Castle. Septimus, along with Marcia, Marcellus, Jenna, Beetle and even estranged brother Simon all battle together to defeat the Darke. Like other books in the series, there are lots of different plotlines and lots and lots of characters and everyone has to work together to win the day. As ever, the wandering plot is fun to read and fans will be satisfied with the latest installment. Although some may be wondering how the series will end...if it ever does!
By John Flanagan
Rating: 4 stars
Flanagan wraps up his 10 book Ranger's Apprentice series with a nod to the ancient culture of Japan. Will, Alyss, Halt and Evanlyn head out to the country of Nihon-Ja when they get word that their friend Horace who has been staying there on a diplomatic mission has gone missing. The Emperor's main adversary has gone rogue and the emperor flees for his life with a small army and Horace along for the ride to an old fortress in the mountains. Of course, our ranger friends arrive and begin whipping the ragtag group into shape for the battle of their lives once spring arrives. It has all the camaraderie and humor and plotline of previous entries in the series, and fans will be happy to see their favorite characters back in action. Since it was the series finale, some might wish for a little more emotional content, but overall we'll all be sad to say farewell to this series.
