Pages

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Book 7: The High Lord

I've reached the final installment of the Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan, The High Lord.

'Why are you showing me these books?' Akkarin's eyes bored into her own, and she looked away. 'You want to know the truth,' he said. He was right. Part of her wanted to ignore the books. But she did want to know.

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 him in some unspeakably dark scheme?

Seeing as the the second book was better than the first I'm hoping this one is better than both and turns out to be an enjoyable read.

All synopsis have been courtesy of TrudiCanavan.com

The Novice Review

So its official, The Novice was better than The Magician's Guild. It wasn't great and I didn't exactly love it, but it was better.
Unfortunately in this book I still don't relate to Sonea, I just can't. She endures some horrendous bullying which certainly earns my sympathy but that doesn't equate to like or respect. She never even fully protects herself unless someone else points out how it can be achieved. She never tells anyone and when someone finds out on their own she begs them not to do anything and to keep it a secret. The adults keep assuming it's out of pride but honestly no one ever gives a believable reason why she won't let anyone do anything about her tormentors. Especially since the few times they are caught she seems satisfied.

This kind of brings me to my next qualm with the book. The adults in this book are totally ineffectual. They spend more time being gossips than anything else. Whenever someone does something that is absolutely terribly wrong they brush it off with a slap on the wrist. In my opinion the main villain from the first book is never even properly punished even though they're all supposedly outraged by his actions and it's well within their power to make him pay for his crimes.

My third and final complaint is that smaller plot points were dragged out throughout the whole book, while larger turn of event type scenes are thrust upon you almost clumsily and with no build up. So there it is, overall the book was definitely better but still not a stellar book.

Will the third be better than both?

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Book 6: The Novice


Courtesy of Bookworld
 Continuing with the Black Magician Trilogy we have The Novice.

'The Most important attribute of a magician is knowledge. Without it his strength is useless.' The magician's eyes flickered to Sonea, 'Even if his powers surface of their own accord, he will soon be dead if he does not gain the knowledge of how to control them.

Sonea knows the other novices in the Magicians' Guild all come from powerful families, but she also knows she can turn to Rothen and Dannyl for help when she needs it. That is, until someone starts spreading malicious rumors about her - and Akkarin, the High Lord, steps in.

Promoted to Guild Ambassador, Lord Dannyl leaves for the Elyne court. His first order from Administrator Lorlen is to resume, in secret, High Lord Akkarin's long-abandoned research into ancient magical knowledge. Not knowing the true reason for his journey, Dannyl is soon facing unexpected dangers.

Meanwhile, Sonea has almost forgotten the High Lord's dark secret, but keeping the truth hidden may be a grave mistake.

From the synopsis alone I'm feeling trepidation but I said I was going to finish the trilogy and I am. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one will be a better read.

Have any of you read any good books lately?

Monday, September 10, 2012

Magician's Guild Review

Today I finished the Magician's Guild. I only have 3 words to describe this book Too Much Talking! Normally I don't mind banter between characters, but this was just unending and uninteresting banter. In case you're interested in reading this book yourself I don't want to give a whole lot away but the most exciting thing about this book is the description on the back cover.

For the first half of the book Sonea, the main character, is in hiding. Actually most of what you read for the first half of the book revolves around her moving from one hideout to the next as her friend valiantly attempts to keep her hidden (because even though she has magical powers she needs a man to take care of her) and the hunt being carried out by the misunderstood guild.

I need to be able to relate the main character in order to really enjoy a book and there isn't a single thing I like about Sonea. She's weak, annoying, and only seems to have a backbone when it isn't going to do her any good. To make matters worse none of the magic they do in the book is particularly interesting.

My husband assures me that the books get better, so we'll see. For his sake and due to the fact that I'm a bit of a book whore and will read just about anything, good or nauseatingly bad, I'm going to try to finish the trilogy, wish me luck.

Search This Blog