Darke
#6 of 7 in Septimus Heap Series
What’s inside...
In the sixth installment of the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series, Septimus must battle the remnants of Darke Domaine, which still wreak havoc in the Castle. He faces a perilous quest to find Nicko and Snorri, who have been trapped back in time. With Alther Mella Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfing the Castle, and a Darke dragon on the loose, Septimus, along with Jenna, Alther Mella, Marcellus Pye, and his estranged brother, Simon Heap, must use all their skills to save the Castle and Wizard Tower. Septimus and Marcia Overstrand battle the spreading Darkenesse to protect their Magykal world. The book, written with Angie Sage's characteristic flair, is a compelling fantasy adventure filled with surprises, thrills, and laugh-out-loud moments, where readers realize the wisdom of Magyk—that all things are part of a living whole.
Character compass
Septimus Heap
Beetle
Princess Jenna
Marcia Overstrand
Merrin Meredith
Jenna Heap
Discussion points
How does Septimus's journey in 'Darke' teach us about facing our fears?
What changes do you notice in Septimus and his relationships throughout the book?
Why do you think trust and teamwork are important themes in 'Darke'?
How do the characters in the book show courage in difficult situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to the challenges faced by characters in the book.
Discuss the importance of overcoming fears and how the characters achieve this, asking your child how they might use similar strategies in their own life.
Highlight teamwork examples from the book and discuss with your child times when they had to work with others to achieve a goal.
Ask your child what they would do if they were in the place of Septimus and faced similar dark challenges, fostering critical thinking and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Darke', the protagonist, Septimus Heap, takes on the challenge of dealing with Dark magic that threatens his world. He must use his skills and knowledge responsibly to navigate and resolve dangerous situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and understanding the impact they have on others, reinforcing accountability in tasks such as homework, chores, and interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Septimus and his allies face numerous setbacks and challenges. Despite these obstacles, they persist and strive towards their goal, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying and not give up in the face of difficulties, whether in solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill in sports or arts.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'Darke' often collaborate to overcome threats. Their success is largely due to their ability to work together, sharing knowledge and resources.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of cooperating with others, whether in group projects at school or while playing team sports, highlighting that collective effort often leads to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Septimus confronts various fears in 'Darke', such as dealing with dark forces. His bravery in these situations inspires others around him.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and understand that bravery is not the absence of fear but the ability to move forward in spite of it. This could apply to trying new activities or standing up for themselves or others.
Example Lesson: Importance of learning and growth
Explanation: Septimus is an apprentice to the ExtraOrdinary Wizard and his journey is filled with continuous learning about magic and himself, highlighting the ongoing nature of education and self-discovery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain curious and embrace learning as a lifelong process, enhancing their educational journey and personal development.