Product Description

Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child when her family is destroyed in war. She is unaware that she possesses a powerful gift, a gift that marks her as a member of the School of Pellinor. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true heritage and extraordinary destiny unfolds. Now she and her teacher, Cadvan, must survive a punishing and uncertain journey through a time and place where the dark forces they battle with stem from the deepest recesses of other-worldly terror.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2881 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 496 pages

Synopsis
Maerad is a slave in a desperate and unforgiving settlement, taken there as a child when her family is destroyed in war. She is unaware that she possesses a powerful gift, a gift that marks her as a member of the School of Pellinor. It is only when she is discovered by Cadvan, one of the great Bards of Lirigon, that her true heritage and extraordinary destiny unfolds. Now she and her teacher, Cadvan, must survive a punishing and uncertain journey through a time and place where the dark forces they battle with stem from the deepest recesses of other-worldly terror.

About the Author
Alison Croggon is an award-winning poet whose work has been published extensively in anthologies and magazines internationally. She has written widely for theatre, and her plays and opera libretti have been produced all around her native Australia. She is also an editor and a critic. The Gift is her first fantasy novel. Alison lives in Melbourne with her husband Daniel Keene, the playwright, and their three children.

Customer Reviews

favourite book
these books are definitely my favourite books! and i've read an awful lot of books. they are so brilliantly original and although some people see parallels with lord of the rings, Narnia and Harry Potter, i think that there is no truth in this whatsoever and those people completely misunderstand the meaning behind names and the plot. i've recommended them to all my friends and not once has anyone failed to talk to me after reading them with astonished expressions. i've just finished the singing and it doesn't dissapoint. i can't wait for the next series of books alison croggon writes! this book will have you thinking and dreaming about the characters long after you've reached the end!

Excellent book
This is the first book & it is excellent. The author paints wide landscapes and a land full of colour & history. The heroine is discovered & struggles to find her destiny. I can't wait to read the other books in the series. Thanks for such a good story.

really good :)
overall this book is a really good read i have read the 2nd book aswell and im about to read the 3rd

one problem allthough is the awkward Pronunciation but u can just bluff youre way though till u get the 2nd book which gives you a guide (very helpful if not a bit late)

I am 15years old but I think this book would suit adults and teeagers.

Maerad is rescued from slavery by cadvan who teaches her to use her “gift”

I loved it buy it!