The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan

The Magicians' Guild (Black Magician Trilogy, #1)

by Trudi Canavan

Each year the magicians of Imardin gather together to purge the city streets of vagrants, urchins and miscreants. Masters of the disciplines of magic, they know that no one can oppose them. But their protective shield is not as impenetrable as they believe. Sonea, angry, frustrated and outraged by the treatment of her family and friends, hurls a stone at the shield, putting all her rage behind it. To the amazement of all who bear witness, the stone passes unhindered through the barrier and renders a magician unconscious. The guild's worst fear has been realised ...There is an untrained magician loose on the streets. She must be found before her uncontrolled powers unleash forces that will destroy both her, and the city that is her home.

Reviewed by clairelm on

5 of 5 stars

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This was a re-read for me. I first read The Magician's Guild several years ago and had enjoyed it so much, I wanted to read it again. A few weeks ago, I finally found a copy of the trilogy and got started!

The Magician's Guild follows the path of Sonea, a 'dwell' who lives in the city slums. During the annual Purge, she gets roped in to throwing stones at the Magicians who enforce the exodus. That's when things get interesting. She discovers she's got magical powers, the same powers only seen in those same Magicians. From that point on, she's in a race against the Guild, desperately trying to hide from them, while they desperately search for her. Because what she doesn't know is that without their help, her magic might kill her.

I loved the characters, particularly Sonea, Rothen and Dannyl. The gradual increase in Sonea's trust and affection for Rothen is lovely to read, particularly when she has to wrest with the dilemma she is forced into towards the end of the book. The supporting characters were well written as well, and the range of attitudes between the characters was very realistic.

Although this is a relatively un-violent book, there is plenty to keep it fresh and interesting and made it frustrating when I had to put it down. The lack of serious romantic distraction is refreshing as well, there is no love triangle to cause unnecessary angst and confusion.

Definitely a great read, even a second time around. I'm already on to the next one!

★★★★★ 5 stars

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 20 January, 2015: Finished reading
  • 20 January, 2015: Reviewed