The first book in the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, featuring the funny and fantastic adventures of a wizard apprentice and his quest to become an ExtraOrdinary Wizard. New York Times Bestselling Series “A deliciously spellbinding series opener.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Fun, mystery, and rollicking characters.” — VOYA (starred review) “Fluent, charismatic storytelling.” —ALA Booklist Septimus Heap, the seventh son of the seventh son, disappears the night he is born, pronounced dead by the midwife. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across an abandoned child in the snow—a newborn girl with violet eyes. Who is this mysterious baby girl, and what really happened to the Heaps' beloved son Septimus? The first book in this enthralling series by Angie Sage leads readers on a fantastic journey filled with quirky characters and Magykal charms, potions, and spells. Magyk is the original story of lost and rediscovered identities, rich with humor and heart. Extras in the paperback edition include: Meet Angie Sage ~ Letters via the River Post and Packet Company ~  Aunt Zelda’s Secret Recipe for Cabbage and Eel Bake ~ The Magykal Number Seven ~  Magycal Creature Spells ~ And More! “Septimus Heap: Magyk is a book full of wonders, charms, and surprises. Beautifully written and richly imagined, it invites us into a world we never want to leave. Marvelous.” - Clive Barker “This first book in the Septimus Heap series is a cheerful, clever offering.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books A deliciously spellbinding series opener. - Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Maybe one can judge a book by its cover. Certainly the striking cover of Sage’s first Septimus Heap book will lure readers into this delightful new series.” - VOYA (starred review) “A fine choice for fantasy readers looking to delve into a new world with lots of magic, plenty of action, and a few neat surprises.” - School Library Journal “Youngsters will lose themselves happily in Sage’s fluent, charismatic storytelling” - Booklist “A fresh take on the world of magic.” - Child Magazine The Magyk Begins Here Septimus Heap, the seventh son of the seventh son, disappears the night he is born, pronounced dead by the midwife. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across an abandoned child in the snow—a newborn girl with violet eyes. The Heaps take her into their home, name her Jenna, and raise her as their own. But who is this mysterious baby girl, and what really happened to their beloved son Septimus? ANGIE SAGE was born in London and grew up in the Thames Valley, London, and Kent. She loves the sea, spooky old houses, and time traveling (the easy way, by reading history books). Angie has created many books for children, including the New York Times bestselling series Septimus Heap and Araminta Spookie. She lives in England. Visit her online at www.angiesage.com and on Twitter @AngieSageAuthor. Mark Zug has illustrated many collectible card games, including Magic: The Gathering and Dune , as well as books and magazines. He lives in Pennsylvania. Septimus Heap, Book One: Magyk By Angie Sage HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. Copyright © 2005 Angie Sage All right reserved. ISBN: 0060577339 Chapter One Something in the Snow Silas Heap pulled his cloak tightly around him against the snow. It had been a long walk through the Forest, and he was chilled to the bone. But in his pockets he had the herbs that Galen, the Physik Woman, had given him for his new baby boy, Septimus, who had been born earlier that day. Silas drew closer to the Castle, and he could see the lights flickering through the trees as candles were placed in the windows of the tall narrow houses clustered along the outside walls. It was the longest night of the year, and the candles would be kept burning until dawn, to help keep the dark at bay. Silas always loved this walk to the Castle. He had no fear of the Forest by day and enjoyed the peaceful walk along the narrow track that threaded its way through the dense trees for mile after mile. He was near the edge of the Forest now, the tall trees had begun to thin out, and as the track began to dip down to the valley floor, Silas could see the whole Castle spread before him. The old walls hugged the wide, winding river and zigzagged around the higgledy-piggledy clumps of houses. All the houses were painted bright colors, and those that faced west looked as if they were on fire as their windows caught the last of the winter sun's rays. The Castle had started life as a small village. Being so near to the Forest the villagers had put up some tall stone walls for protection against the wolverines, witches and warlocks who thought nothing of stealing their sheep, chickens and occasionally their children. As more houses were built, the walls were extended and a deep moat was dug so that all could feel safe. Soon the Castle was attrac