Clara’s Verdict
Angie Sage’s Septimus Heap series occupies a particular place in children’s fantasy – it’s not as dark as some of its contemporaries, but it is considerably more inventive. Flyte, the second volume, deepens both the world and the stakes in exactly the way a good sequel should, and Gerard Doyle’s narration has settled into such confident ease with the material that the whole thing feels thoroughly inhabited.
As children’s fantasy goes, this sits comfortably alongside the genre’s better entries. The humour is genuine, the magic is internally coherent, and the villains have recognisable human motivations.
About the Audiobook
Flyte is the second book in the Septimus Heap series. It is book 2 in the Septimus Heap series. A year has passed since Septimus discovered his true identity, and he is now Apprentice to ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, learning the arts of Charms, Conjurations, and Magyk. But sinister forces are at work – a Darke Shadow pursues Marcia, and Septimus’s older brother Simon is consumed by a revenge no one fully understands.
Sage’s great skill is in building a medieval fantasy world that feels lived-in rather than constructed. The Castle is a genuine place – bureaucratic, eccentric, hierarchical – and the characters navigate it with the kind of mundane irritation that gives high fantasy its comic texture. The plot moves at a confident pace and the emotional stakes feel earned.
The Narration
Gerard Doyle has been with this series from the beginning, and his performance in Flyte reflects genuine familiarity with Sage’s world. His rendering of Septimus – curious, earnest, occasionally exasperated – is particularly strong, and he handles the ensemble cast with the sort of light touch that keeps longer audiobooks from becoming a test of memory.
At 11 hours and 22 minutes, this is a substantial listen that rewards sustained attention. Doyle’s pacing is excellent: he understands where the story needs to breathe and where it needs to move.
What Readers Say
It holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 1 listener reviews on Audible.
L. R. Pritchett (5.0/5) writes: “Angie Sage is a genius. These books are absolutely amazing stuff. children’s fantasy at its best. She has done it again. The imagery is vivid and colourfull. You can really see the magical medievil world, with all it’s quirkyness, clearly in your mind. The characters are so life…”
nita (5.0/5) writes: “Love this series of books, I am now on book 4I maybe a good deal older than what age these books are aimed at, but I love fantasy books of any kind and it is my escapism from the real ever depressing world”
NDC (4.0/5) writes: “Even though I’m probably a little long in the tooth for it, I’m enjoying Angie Sage’s series. As YA fiction goes it’s quite addictive, and I’ve no doubt I’ll get book 3, too. Septimus Heap and his family rock!”
Tom M (5.0/5) writes: “I bought this to read to my son and we both really enjoy it! Gripping story with humour and well developed characters. We had been looking for a good book to read after the Young Samurai series and the Rangers Apprentice series, which were both excellent – we then tried one of…”
Several reviewers note that the series transcends its age category – adults who picked it up for their children found themselves reading ahead. That cross-generational pull is among the series’ most consistent qualities.
Who Should Listen?
For children aged 9 to 13 and the adults who read alongside them. Ideal for families who have exhausted Harry Potter and want something with a different flavour – more whimsical, more concerned with apprenticeship and craft, less focused on chosen-one mythology. Newcomers should start with book one, Magyk, to appreciate the full arc.
Listen to Septimus Heap, Book Two: Flyte on Audible UK and return to the Castle.
