The Magician's Guild by Trudi Canavan

[snugglekitty]

This book was a gift from trouble4hire. The described plot, as found on the back cover, reminded me strongly of Sisters of the Raven by Barbara Hambly. The magicians' guild has become corrupt. Only male children of the upper classes are trained in magic. But a girl from the slums unexpectedly throws a rock right through the magicians' supposedly impenetrable shields, and is then caught up in a web of intrigue.

It's true that this book relies on many standard fantasy tropes - the exclusive Magician's Guild, the dangerous Thieves' Guild, the orphaned girl with strong magical gifts. However, they did not play out quite the way I expected them to. The book still has some surprises in store! The characters are believable, and the descriptions of learning to do magic were also very interesting. I hope to see more of both in the next book, The Novice. Four stars. I'm kind of amazed I've never encountered this author before. Where have you been all my life, Trudi Canavan?

Comments

[caffyolay.livejournal.com]

I have tried hard to spread the word about Trudi Canavan but it seems I didn't get to everyone. LOL! Her books are excellent. Not that original as you say, but page turners nevertheless. Book two is Harry Potterish as Sonia struggles to survive in the school for Magicians. Another page turner though and an unexpected ending. There are three in this series and I hear she's writing more. And there's another series which I haven't read, The Priestess of the White I think it's called, which I gather is very good too.

[lady-anemone.livejournal.com]

Hah! Yup, you missed me, but I found her, with the help of a used bookstore. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

Welcome to my journal! I hope you'll enjoy being here. :)