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The Novice by Trudi Canavan
Jan. 20th, 2006 08:52 pmThe Blurb On The Back:
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 Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Very, very disappointing. Having established an interesting premise, Canavan takes it nowhere. The characterisation is very poor, at times the writing could do with a good editor in terms of removing elements that add nothing to the plot and it’s difficult to suppress frustration with a heroine who is incapable of making things happen for herself. The only reason to continue with the series is to see where the overriding story is going, but on the basis of the first two books, I would question whether it is wise to invest the time and energy in doing so.
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 Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Very, very disappointing. Having established an interesting premise, Canavan takes it nowhere. The characterisation is very poor, at times the writing could do with a good editor in terms of removing elements that add nothing to the plot and it’s difficult to suppress frustration with a heroine who is incapable of making things happen for herself. The only reason to continue with the series is to see where the overriding story is going, but on the basis of the first two books, I would question whether it is wise to invest the time and energy in doing so.
