i will say that the main plot for this book was a bit slow for me and made me lean more towards a 3/5 rather than a 4/5 for the review rating. the two faced wizards mentioned at the beginning are definitely evil and make for good villains, but it’s also hard to care about their actions as much when it feels like they were created and brought into the story for the sake of having a villain, and didn’t feel super creative. 

that being said, this was still a fantastic book to finish off the series while also giving closure to each of the characters. i like that jenna clearly grows and matures enough to be a trustworthy queen throughout this book, despite the fact that she is still basically a child. all of the characters seem to have growth like this, even the ones only briefly mentioned. 

it was also enjoyable reading the after ending section that is in every book of the magyk series, since it gives brief info about what the characters go on to do next. i will say i wish i got something more about stanley the message rat, but that’s ok since it seems like his message rat business is working out for him. 

i am sad that septimus’ adventures are coming to a close, but i am excited to read about todmoon hunter (sp?) since the after ending section included a brief connector for how it ties into the magyk universe.