Trudi Canavan - The Black Magician
Overview:
Genre: Fantasy
Stars: 3 out of 5
Contains: mild sex and violence
Author's Website: Trudi Canavan
My thoughts: These books were recommended to me by Sarah, and as I'm always willing to give an Australian author a go (particularly when they come with a recommendation from Sarah or KatE!), I bought them in one shot. The books were quite enjoyable, I read them over the course of three cold and wintery days and they kept me entertained quite well. They're fairly easy to read, and I liked the fact that it didn't follow your typical fantasy ending.
The Books:
"The Magicians' Guild" - Published 2001
Each year the magicians of Imardin gather to purge the city streets of vagrants, urchins and miscreants. Masters of the disciplines of magic, they know that no one can oppose them. But their protective shield is not as impenetrable as they believe.
For as the mob are herded from the city, a young street-girl, furious at the authorities' treatment of her family and friends, hurls a stone at the shield, putting all her rage behind it. To the amazement of all tho bear witness, the stone passes unhindered through the barrier and renders a magician unconscious.
It is an inconceivable act, and the guild's worst fear has been realised - an untrained magician is loose on the streets. She must be found, and quickly, before her uncontrolled powers unleash forces that will destroy both her, and the city that is her home.
"The Novice" - Published 2002
Imardin is a city of dark intrigues and deadly politics, where those who wield magic wield power. Into this established order has blundered a young street-girl with extraordinary magical gifts. Adopted by the Magicians' Guild, her life is changed forever - but for better or for worse?
Sonea knew that she'd face a tough time training within the Magicians' Guild but she little realised the level of animosity she would face from her fellow novices. The sons and daughters of the most powerful families in the realm, her classmates seem determined to see her fail - at whatever cost. But in accepting the protection of the guild's high lord, Sonea may have embraced a far bleaker fate. For High Lord Akkarin harbours a secret that is far darker than his magician's robes.
"The High Lord" - Published 2003
In the city of Imardin, where those who wield magic wield power, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magician's Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire world...
Sonea has learned much at the magicians' guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the High Lord's underground room - or his warning that the realm's ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster's word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting in some unspeakably dark scheme?
Trudi Canavan - Age of the Five
Overview:
Genre: Fantasy
Stars: 4 out of 5
Author's Website: Trudi Canavan
My thoughts: I quite enjoyed these books. Although the ending was a little predictable, they were still an enjoyable read!
The Books:
"Priestess of the White" - Published 2005
Auraya has just been named a Priestess of the White, to serve as sword and shield of the gods - one of only five so honoured. She finds her unique talents tested to the limit when she travels far from home as an ambassador enlisting others to follow the White.
But Auraya's relationship with a member of an outcast sect of sorcerer-healers risks bringing her into conflict with others of the White... and possibly destroying her future.
Overshadowing all this is a powerful and mysterious black-clad sorcerer who seems to have a single purpose: annihilation of the White. And he is not alone.
" Last of the Wilds" - Published 2006
The Circlians have secured victory over the Pentadrian army, but Auraya's sleep remains filled with nightmares of war. And the one person she once loved and trusted, Leiard, has disappeared.
When a sickness sweeps through the tribes of the Siyee, the White send Auraya to help them. It is there that she begins to learn the truth about Leiard...
And far to the south, the Pentadrians lick their wounds and set about finding a new leader. Their faith unshaken, they are still resolved to convert the heathens of the north.
In the aftermath of war, the Priestess is forced to make a terrible choice - one whose consequences will change the world forever.
"Voice of the Gods" - Published 2006
As protector of the Siyee, Auraya goes to investigate when a landwalker stranger is seen in Siyee lands and meets a mysterious woman claiming to be a friend of Mirar's, the founder of the Dreamwalkers. Auraya's growing respect for this woman puts her on a path of direct conflict with the gods.
The Pentadrians, frustrated by their defeat at the hands of the Circlians, plot and scheme to bring down their enemies by means other than direct conflict. The White send the Siyee into Southern Ithania to assist in fighting the Pentadrians and the gods allow Auraya to accompany them... under certain conditions.
In the south, Mirar enjoys acceptance and respect as he reclaims his place among his people. But that freedom will come at a cost.
Trudi Canavan - The Traitor Spy Trilogy
Overview:
Genre: Fantasy
Stars: Unread
Author's Website: Trudi Canavan
My thoughts: These books will be the sequels to the Black Magician Trilogy.
The Books:
"The Ambassadors' Mission" - Not yet published
Sonea is horrified when her son, a year past graduation, volunteers to join a group of Guild Ambassadors traveling to Sachaka. When word comes that he has gone missing she is desperate to search for him, but she cannot leave without breaking the law that prevents black magicians from leaving Imardin.
When Cery comes to her for help after most of his family has been murdered, she learns that the Thieves have been waging a deadly underworld war for several years. Suspicious deaths have the Guild worrying that rogue magicians may be involved.
Gillia, a novice from the servant class, is mostly ignored in the wars between low and high class novices. She and her best friend are more interested in hidden knowledge. When her friend finds books on black magic they both can't resist experimenting.
And Lorkin, Sonea and Akkarin's son, learns that the black magicians of Sachaka are not the only dangerous and secretive power within that ancient and wasted land.
"The Rogue" - Forthcoming
No Information
"The Traitor Queen" - Forthcoming
No Information
Trudi Canavan - The Magician's Apprentice
Overview:
Genre: Fantasy
Stars: Unread
Author's Website: Trudi Canavan
Published: Published 2009
My thoughts: Set hundreds of years before The Magician's Guild, this book is a prequel to the Black Magician Trilogy.
The Book:
In the remote village of Mandryn, Tessia serves as assistant to her father, the village Healer - much to the frustration of her mother, who would rather she found a husband. Despite knowing that women arenŐt readily accepted by the Guild of Healers, Tessia is determined to follow in her fatherŐs footsteps. But her life is about to take a very unexpected turn.
When treating a patient at the residence of the local magician, Lord Dakon, Tessia is forced to fight off the advances of a visiting Sachakan mage - and instinctively uses magic. She now finds herself facing an entirely different future as Lord DakonŐs apprentice.
Although there are long hours of study and self-discipline, Tessia's new life also offers more opportunities than she had ever hoped for, and an exciting new world opens up to her. There are fine clothes and servants - and, she is delighted to learn - regular trips to the great city of Imardin.
But along with the excitement and privilege, Tessia is about to discover that her magical gifts bring with them a great deal of responsibility. Events are brewing that will lead nations into war, rival magicians into conflict, and spark an act of sorcery so brutal that its effects will be felt for centuries.