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On a stormy night in the Kingdom of Pergamontio, an insistent knocking brings Fabrizio, the servant boy, to the door. Outside stands a soldier summoning Fabrizio's master, Mangus the Magician, to the king's castle. Because Mangus has been under house arrest for confessing to be a magician, he cannot imagine why the king is calling for him. But magic is exactly what the king needs. He wants Mangus to free his daughter from the torment of a terrifying ghost. Mangus's life will depend on his success.
| Marauder's grade | ... | A (acceptable) |
| Hoot Hoot's grade | ... | ZZZzzz |
Visit Scholastic Book's Midnight Magic page HERE.
Although the initial feel is somewhat reminiscent of Septimus Heap, do not be mislead. Midnight Magic's approach to magic and fantasy is vastly different. Imagine a land in which magic is to be feared and to practice it could mean your death - Welcome to Pergamontio, Italy, 1491. After being arrested, tried, and almost executed as a magician, Magnus is summoned to the castello for a consultation with the king and, as ironic as it seems, what the king wants is Magnus' magic abilities.
Magnus must save the princess from a terrifying ghost and do it quickly or he may not live to see another day. But Magnus does not believe in ghosts and knows that his, as well as all other magic, is really nothing more than slight of hand and parlor tricks. Can his faithful servant Fabrizio make him a believer?
At times, the author becomes lost in an over abundance of cliched "wise sayings", which undesirably slows the pace. Magus is not the only one worn out with these wise sayings, however, Fabrizio uncovers a good old fashioned mystery that makes continuing to read this story worthwhile.
Is Prince Lorenzo really dead? Is Princess Teresina's life in danger as well? Is Count Scarazoni's plot to take the crown for himself?
This Newberry Medal winner written by Avi is more historical than fantasy, with magic not being real, only illusions. It has it's moments, both good and not so good, but, despite occasionally being bogged down with unimpressive banter, in the end, it is overall a pleasure worth reading.
Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us at our Midnight Magic forum thread HERE.
