This wasn't necessarily bad, but it wasn't good either. It was an interesting exploration of a fantasy world. I enjoyed the Black Magician's trilogy but it wasn't my favorite. This prequel explains a lot of the history of important institutions in those books and in the new trilogy Canavan is writing. That being said there was nothing about it that really makes it an independent story. The characters arc was not attached to the plot as far as I could tell. The culminating events has nothing to do with them except that they were present. Plus the ending was pretty nasty and made me dislike a lot of the characters I'd been rooting for. Overall I'm really sad that I bought a hardcover copy of this book even if it was from the bargain bin.
Before my review, I would like to give a little background to the knowledge I have of the Black Magician trilogy of which this book is the prequel of. That trilogy was one of the first fantasy series I've read, so of course, it holds a fond memory in my heart. It also means I read it a very long time ago, so while fond, it's a more than a little vague of a memory. Then I got a hold of the prequel. I debated re-reading the series, but decided against it; might have needed to if I were to read the sequel, but I digress. So, I jumped into this book with a vague recollection of the setting (I had Wiki-ed the series to refresh my memory).
Trudi Canavan had written this book in a way that anyone can pick up this book and read it, without the pressures of needing to read the main series, which is good, since it is a prequel and all. But those of you who have read the series will be pulled into the story by how things will change to the way they are in the Black Magician trilogy.
The book follows Tessia (as can be expected from the blurb) and two other characters. One of those characters are constantly followed by the narration of the book while the other gets a regular following a little over half way into the book. I'd have rather followed only the first two, because it seems to me that the third character doesn't really have any real significance to the story. (For those who have already read this book and recalls the series, please PM me if you know how they affected the series)
I would say the story is good, but not great. (I know, I waited a long time into this review to state that) I think the story concentrated too much on the actions of the characters instead of the development of the characters themselves. And I think the last line of the blurb on the back of the hardcover of this book, "One young apprentice stands in the path of the coming storm," is a little inaccurate of the actual role that the apprentice takes, assuming I have the right apprentice in mind.
I am glad I read this book though, although I think it will be more enjoyable for people who have read the series first than those who just happen to pick up this book.
Trudi Canavan had written this book in a way that anyone can pick up this book and read it, without the pressures of needing to read the main series, which is good, since it is a prequel and all. But those of you who have read the series will be pulled into the story by how things will change to the way they are in the Black Magician trilogy.
The book follows Tessia (as can be expected from the blurb) and two other characters. One of those characters are constantly followed by the narration of the book while the other gets a regular following a little over half way into the book. I'd have rather followed only the first two, because it seems to me that the third character doesn't really have any real significance to the story. (For those who have already read this book and recalls the series, please PM me if you know how they affected the series)
I would say the story is good, but not great. (I know, I waited a long time into this review to state that) I think the story concentrated too much on the actions of the characters instead of the development of the characters themselves. And I think the last line of the blurb on the back of the hardcover of this book, "One young apprentice stands in the path of the coming storm," is a little inaccurate of the actual role that the apprentice takes, assuming I have the right apprentice in mind.
I am glad I read this book though, although I think it will be more enjoyable for people who have read the series first than those who just happen to pick up this book.
