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| Angua |
 Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:32 am Post subject: Black Magician Trilogy Review |
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Frenzy Unit
Joined: 09 Jul 2007
Posts: 5974
Location: Right behind you...
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Title- The Black Magician Trilogy (Magician's Guild/Novice/High Lord)
Author- Trudi Canavan
Rating ****1/2
Genre - Fantasy/magic
Pages - 1684 over 3 books (465/577/642)
Reading Level - Y.Adult - Adult
Synopsis - Set in a world similar to medieval Europe where Magic is highly revered but strongly regimented, this series tells the story of Sonea, a teenager who discovers she has magical abilities. The backdrop is the increasing distrust between the arrogant and aloof Magician's Guild and the normal people whom they dominate. This is further complicated with neighbouring countries on the verge of magical war and vicious plotting amongst the factions within the guild itself.
Reviewers Opinion - Ok, put like that it actually sounds very cheesy indeed, but it isn't really, honest! These were recommended by my boyfriend who shares my love of fantasy authors and at first I was quite sceptical. They are intended to be easily accessible to teenagers and initially I found some of the use of language (but not the writing style) to be slightly childish. However, the language does evolve as the main protagonist matures so it reflects well her development and after a few chapters I was so lost in it that I didn't notice anyway. The characters are carefully fleshed out, the books are engagingly written and flow very smoothly so they are hard to put down. The stories of both individuals and the wider scenario are cleverly interwoven and well told. The action is reasonably fast-paced but with plenty of time for reflection and evocative descriptions without being overly wordy. The world is similar enough to general knowledge medieval history to be accesibly familiar but with enough differences to be intriguing.
I'm not sure they count as modern classics, but they are certainly well worth reading and would seem to fit with several members literary tastes quite well. There is a light smattering of both humour and romance, with plenty of intrigue. Apparently these were honed for 7 years before the author even sent them to a publisher and it shows as the books are well-polished and clearly have been lovingly created by an attentive author
Pros - Well developed characters, evocative descriptions, engagingly written, no gaps/pauses in the plot progression.
Cons - Initially seem too "young" for adult readers, but stick with it and you'll get over your scepticism (as I did).
Similar Books - Similar in nominal concept, but not actual execution, to the Harry Potter books I guess (though you may disagree! Don't base your descision on that comment alone!)
Other Books by Author - The Priestess of the White Trilogy (third book not published yet)
Reviewed by - Angua |
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| Panther |
| Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:58 am Post subject: |
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Moderator Master Weaver
Joined: 18 May 2007
Posts: 1504
Location: Land of Marainden
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Eek, another trilogy to add to the list. I'll have to see if I can find time for this one...you make it sound good.
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| Angua |
| Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 7:43 am Post subject: |
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Frenzy Unit
Joined: 09 Jul 2007
Posts: 5974
Location: Right behind you...
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Well, I'm not suggesting you should drop everything and read them all now! Just add 'em to your pile for when you have a few spare weeks with nothing to do!
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| TiredOrangeCat |
| Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2007 10:05 am Post subject: |
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T.O.C The Story Teller (Admin)
Joined: 01 Mar 2007
Posts: 8134
Location: rolling in pie
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Yay, Ive actually heard of this series and was meaning to pick it up. Now I have an excuse to. Thanks Angua.
=^.^=
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| Beshob |
| Posted: Thu Jul 19, 2007 8:54 am Post subject: |
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Rebel
Joined: 10 Jun 2007
Posts: 323
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ive read the first two, yet to find time to get the third.
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| the_grim_geek |
| Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 8:48 am Post subject: |
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Stuffed
Joined: 24 May 2007
Posts: 1790
Location: Discworld
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My friend Jhonny said it was amazing. He couldn't put the books down. I wouldn't mind reading it myself at some point.
I have so many books, i am asphixeating. I think i will read Vouage of the ShadowMoon next. Well that or Anita Blake. Off to do some homework.
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