Another satisfying installment in the Septimus Heap series.

Septimus and Spit Fyre set off on a quick trip to pick up Jenna, Beetle, Nicko and Snorri, but of course bad things happen. Three groups of characters (Septimus, Jenna and Beetle flying on Spit Fyre; Nicko and Snorri sailing on Milo's ship; and Wolf Boy and Lucy Gringe stowing away on a pirate's boat) all find themselves on a mysterious island. Interesting new characters are introduced, including a jinnie and a 500-year-old girl, and subplots with Aunt Zelda, Wolf Boy, Simon, Tertius Fume and Merrin are elaborated.