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The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2)
The Novice - Black Magician, Bk 2
Author: Trudi Canavan
"Even if a magician's powers surface of their own accord, he will soon be dead if he does not gain the knowledge of how to control them." — Alone among all the novices in the Magicians' Guild, only Sonea comes from lowly beginnings. Yet she has won powerful allies -- including Lord Dannyl, newly promoted to Guild Ambassad...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781841493145
ISBN-10: 1841493147
Publication Date: 7/1/2004
Pages: 592
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 6

4.3 stars, based on 6 ratings
Publisher: Orbit
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

NonExistence avatar reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 239 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
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.
Spuddie avatar reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 412 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
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.
reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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.
reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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.
reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 49 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another excellent book by Canavan. I really enjoyed this.
Read All 15 Book Reviews of "The Novice Black Magician Bk 2"

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escapeartistk avatar reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 207 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book, though less than the first. The 'Dannyl' sections often moved slowly, with unnecessary descriptions of setting that weren't particularly vivid or original and that didn't further the plot. However, Canavan does a fine job addressing issues of bullying and homophobia. I still maintain, as with the first novel in the series, that the story is more suited to young adult readers, though Canavan has made me care enough about her characters that I intend to find out what happens to them by reading the third book as well.
reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 57 more book reviews
This is such an excellent series. I've just received the last book and I'm so motivated to find out what happens and yet cringing at the idea of saying goodbye to characters I've learned to care about. That is one of the best signs of a really good book. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author.
ProstheticLips avatar reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 25 more book reviews
In part 2 of the series, Sonja continues her training. I enjoyed the first book, and the second one was even better. Ms. Canavan starts explaining more about how her magic system works, and some of the characters get a little less 2-dimensional. A little is explained, but a lot is left unresolved, setting the stage for the third and final book, and I was looking forward to reading it. The ending is a little predictable, but satisfying, with enough unexpected to still be satisfying.

I definitely recommended it to my wide, who doesn't read as much fantasy as I do, but I try to send her to the ones I think she will enjoy ... and this is one of those.
reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 7 more book reviews
This is a great series. This book has it all. Wonderful read, can't wait to read book 3!
reviewed The Novice (Black Magician, Bk 2) on + 38 more book reviews
Great trilogy. Can't wait for more from this author.


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