I had never encountered this before, as most of the prequel books I had ever read were for series I had already been well entrenched in. When I reviewed Trudi Canavan’s ‘The Magician’s Apprentice’ a few weeks back, I mentioned that in reading it, I had acquired a deep longing to read the series to which it prequels. It may also appeal to more experienced readers who are looking for a light read. I would strongly recommend this book as a light introduction to fantasy writing, and the sub-genre of magicians.

I found it initially a bit disruptive, but grew to enjoy it as I progressed.Ī rewarding feature of this book is that certain information is deduced by the reader, not masses, but enough to be satisfying. There was a tendency to flit between storylines mid-chapter and this may disrupt the flow for some readers, while others may find it adds to the intensity. I did, however, feel a slightly stronger connection to the characters, and particularly their emotions, than the environment. It was easy to be transported into the world described, and quite often I felt present on the journey with the likeable lead character. I found it to be simply written, yet original, unpredictable, fast-paced and throbbing with intensity. The Magician’s Guild is a fantastic first book to begin The Black Magician Trilogy.

The Magicians' Guild by Trudi Canavan