The second book of The Black Magician trilogy starts off at a rapid pace like its prequel. We get more involved in
some of the support characters and learn more about them. The plot is just as strong as the first book with more twists
and some of our questions being answered. Trudi keeps the reader absolutely confused about the reality surrounding the
strange activities of the High Lord and this ambiguity is handled very well.
I have enjoyed this fantasy thoroughly thus far and would recommend it to all fantasy readers. It is different in terms of
the plot, the "world" and the balance of magic and reality.

Second in the Black Magician fantasy trilogy, in which Sonea, the young slum girl who was found to have magical talent, begins her formal training at the Magician Guild's University. Under the sponsorship of Rothen, the magician who helped her get her magic under control, Sonea enters the summer class with eight other students, all of whom shun her because she is not 'high born.' One boy in particular, Regin, who is a bully and leader of the group, seems to have it in for Sonea and makes her life a living hell, such that she is determined to test out of that class and advance to the next one. But when Regin follows her to the more advanced class a few days later, Sonea thinks her world has fallen apart--until the High Lord, Akkarin, decides that he will take over her guardianship from Rothen. Since Sonea witnessed the High Lord practicing black magic (at the end of the last book) this terrifies her to no end, but she feels powerless to do anything as he is basically holding those she cares about hostage. The middle book of trilogies are usually the weakest and I think that's probably the case here, too. It was a good read, just that nothing is really resolved, though it set up the final installment very well.

Another excellent book by Canavan. I really enjoyed this.

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This is a great series. This book has it all. Wonderful read, can't wait to read book 3!

Good second book, takes up where the first left off, though it does jump around a bit. Sonea finally gets the courage to challenge Regin to single combat.

Great trilogy. Can't wait for more from this author.

Great read and gripping until the surprising end.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the last book of this trilogy The High Lord. I recommend the all three books.

Continuing the story of Sonea's life in the guild, she grows in her magical power and suffers many trials as an outsider. This book to me was predicatable in it's outcome, yet I enjoyed it because of the realism in Canavan's style of writing. She is able to take many activities and ideas that we take for granted and make them new again.

If you like epic fantasy and especially coming of age stories, the Black Magician Trilogy is for you. Comparable to Raymond Feist's Magician series, but a female protagonist and a darker (but not too dark) tone.

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