Product Description

In the city of Imardin, where magic and power walk hand-in-hand, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magicians' 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 Akkarin's underground chamber - or his warning that the realm's ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Akkarin reveals more of his knowledge, Sonea does not know who to believe, or what she most fears. Could the truth really be as terrifying as the High Lord claims? Does an ancient power threaten them all? Or does the guild face a threat from a much closer source?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #60611 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 656 pages

Review
'A wonderfully and meticulously detailed world, and an edge-of- the-seat plot, this book is a must for all lovers of good fantasy' JENNIFER FALLON

About the Author
Trudi Canavan lives in the Melbourne suburb of Ferntree Gully. As well as writing fantasy, she works as a freelance designer and illustrator, and is Art Director for an Australian SFF magazine.

Customer Reviews

A very engrossing story.
It's been a year since the Challenge, and Sonea is finally treated with some respect by the other novices.

This third and final volume first concentrates on the mysterious murders that have been recently committed in the city of Imardin. One thing is certain, Black Magic has been used to kill these people. Aware of the High Lord's secret knowledge of this forbidden power, Administrator Lorlen and Lord Rothen's are more and more lead to think that the murderer might be Akkarin.

However, Sonea knows these dead are actually Sachakan slaves sent by their master to kill the High Lord, so the latter was merely defending himself. But she still finds it hard to feel at ease around her Guardian, and Akkarin needs her trust. He has no choice but to share his secret story with her, telling her of Kariko's desire to avenge his brother Dakova's death, and of his impending invasion with other Ichani, outcast Sachakan black magicians, each a hundred times stronger than several Guild Magicians. As utter destruction threatens the city of Imardin, Kyralia and the rest of the Allied Lands face reduction of its entire people to slavery.

In the meantime, Cery has earned respect among the Thieves, and befriended a Sachakan woman who says she can help him predict the next murders. As for Ambassador Dannyl, he's back in Elyne to investigate on a band of rebel magicians.

I absolutely loved witnessing the evolution of Akkarin's character, as well as that of his relationship with Sonea. Their trek in the mountains created images that reminded me of the Kalbarri and Karijini gorges in Australia, the ambush in Calia was in the vein of a great Clint Eastwood Western, and the final chase in the twisted streets of Imardin was like a giant game of hide-and-seek. My only regret is I wish there were more loose ends tied up after the grand finale, which concludes a little too abruptly in my opinion. Otherwise it's a fantastic series, a very engrossing story.

Fine finale to this trilogy
Trudi Canavan's concluding book in the 'Black Magician' trilogy is as good, if not better, than its predecessors. Again, the main story centres on the young novice Sonea who is now well through her apprenticeship at the Magicians Guild. Although she has had a rough time with her fellow novices and the teachers, who initially looked down on her because of her upbringing in the slums, Sonea is making progress and is even developing some friendships. All this changes when she discovers the true reason that her guardian, the High Lord Akkarin, is practicing black magic. Sonea has to decide whether to help Akkarin and risk losing everything she has worked for and possibly even risk her life. Meanwhile a threat has arisen from the outcasts of a land where black magic is openly practiced. These outcasts have realised that the magicians of the Guild are weaker than they had thought and have one aim...to oust the magicians and take over Imardin.
Like the previous books in this trilogy, 'The High Lord' is a very readable story that is fast paced enough to keep interest going. Canavan hasn't produced the most original of ideas but nonetheless her style of writing, and the characterisation she has produced, makes this a very enjoyable read. She has also been brave enough not to fall into the trap of a neat, happy ending but has dared to be different.

What will I read now!!!
Firstly I would like to say that I am devastated that I have finished reading the books. What will I read now? The Black Magician Trilogy is sooo BRILLIANT that I doubt I will ever be able to find anything to match its standards!

We return to Imardin in the third book, with the High Lord as Sonea's guardian, the novice's treating Sonea with a little respect and Rothen and Lorlen dreading what will happen to the guild and Sonea now that Akkarin knows that they know his secret. What will happen to Sonea now? Living with the dangerous and mysterious High Lord...not what you think would happen!!! With Magic, Mystery, Love and Danger how can you feel anything but LOVE for this book!

This book had me laughing, crying and giggling. In this book I related to Sonea in alot of ways. As a older teenage girl I found that Sonea and I thought about certain things in the same way, which was brilliant because she is a magician and obviously I am not. This is just another example of brilliant characterisation!! I loved the little twist at the end and without spoiling things I will say that I didn't just cry because the book had ended!! I am extremely sorry to finish this trilogy and I hope beyond hope that Trudi Canavan continues to write such enthralling and exciting tales such as the Black Magician Trilogy. All lovers of magic and fantasy tales will love this.