Starchaser by Angie Sage

The magykal world of TodHunter Moon series, bk. 3. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408882009
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Angie Sage concludes her fantasy adventure series in Starchaser, with a huge cast of characters, multiple story threads and chapters focussed on different places, mysterious happenings and people in the Ancient Ways. She has created an intense 'magykal' world, with its unique language, detailed settings, spells and potions and a strong young female protagonist. The fight of good over evil continues with malevolent villains pitted against the family and friends of Alice TodHunter Moon.
When Septimus Heap's brother Simon's lapis lazuli eye begins to crumble, this is a sign that change is coming to the kingdom. Magician Septimus Heap, Tod, Ferdie, and Oskar had previously returned to The Castle with the Orm, a dragon-like creature that creates the lapis that powers the Magyk. However, Oraton-Marr the sorcerer steals the Orm egg keystone to the Heart of Ways and hatches it, with devastating consequences. Tod and her friends are sent on a dangerous quest to find another ormlet egg, pitting their skills against the evil Red Queen who also wants to take over their castle. The witch Marissa and even Aunt Mitza are wicked adversaries with malicious intentions to stop Tod's mission.
Sage's narrative is filled with delicious descriptions of food and feasts, village life, treacherous blizzards, wild parties and last-minute escapes. There is a sense of crowdedness at times, with the large cast of characters all needing to be heard. The protagonist Tod shows strength of character - she is determined, resilient, courageous, true, and loyal to her family. Starchaser is definitely an engaging read, The magykal world of TodHunter Moon series ends here, leaving fans wanting more.
Rhyllis Bignell