The Magicians’ Guild
The Black Magician Trilogy, Book 1
by Trudi Canavan
Young Sonea lives in the slums of Imardin, and every year the poorest people have to suffer the Purge, when the
magicians come forth and endeavour to rid the streets of such unwanted folk. But as she stands with a group of
stone-throwing youths, her stone penetrates the magician’s magical shield. Surely she cannot have power, for
that is solely the privilege of the wealthiest and most influential citizens? If she does have power, then she
will have to be caught and either made to join the Guild, or have her powers bound within her.
The hardback editions of this trilogy sold in huge numbers, so this is already established as an impressive
tale. Sonea makes for a feisty and fairly sensible protagonist, and the city of Imardin has been sketched in
broadly (and then more finely) to make for an intriguing setting. It is one of those books that doesn’t take
very long to read, as pages turn like lightening due to wanting to know what happens next. First there is
Sonea’s thrilling game of cat and mouse as she tries to elude the magicians, and then we are wondering whether
she could bear to turn against her own people and side with the corrupt Guild. This is a story about loyalty and
about people’s ability to incite change for the better. Atom is a juvenile imprint, but this is the sort of novel
that just as many adults would enjoy, adding another notable name with Trudi Canavan to the already impressive
list of authors who write "crossover" novels for adults and older children. |
The Book |
Atom (Little, Brown) |
7 June 2007 |
Paperback |
9781905654109 |
Teenage/Adult Fantasy |
More at Amazon.com
US||
UK |
Excerpt |
NOTE: US edition is different |
The Reviewer |
Rachel A Hyde |
Reviewed 2007 |
NOTE: |
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