Just plain dull - Rated 
I will confess right now that I have not yet finished reading this book (I am on page 370), but I am desperately waiting for something interesting to happen.
The story follows a young girl named Sonea who one day discovers that she has magical powers. Such a gift is usually only found in the high classes, so for a girl like Sonea, a dwell (a lower class, someone who may live on the streets), this is highly unusual. So begins a chase by the magicians to hunt down the girl so that they can teach her how to control her powers before she ultimately destroys the entire city.
Whilst the premise sounds good, the execution is where the book falls down. The first half of the book is occupied by the chase, though this mostly involves the main character hiding in rooms and trying (and failing) to learn how to use her magic. The second half of the novel sees Sonea having finally been captured by the Guild and finally being given lessons in the control of her magic. Sadly, again, nothing of any significance occurs, and most of the time is spent talking about the history of the Guild, the different orders, and the buildings.
Another rather grating part of the book is the constant over use of certain phrases, such as "pursed their lips". The phrase is used far too often and will soon begin to irritate the reader. Another word that I found over used was "considered". In one page it was used three or four times as one of the characters "considered" things before them.
The characters themselves are also somewhat wooden and I am having difficulty feeling any kind of warmth for them. I think the main reason for this is due to Trudi introducing so many characters too early on in the novel. The book changes view points often, moving between Sonea, the Magicians, and a boy named Cery. This I have no problem with, since it permits the reader to gain a bigger insight into the world the book is set in. Unfortunately, a bit later in the novel I became lost when I was not sure which Magician was which, having had around a dozen different names flung at me when they were first introduced. And even at this late stage in the book, I am still somewhat bemused by some of the characters and what their agenda in the story might be.
As another reviewer pointed out, this story reads as though it was originally intended to be one book, but has then been needlessly dragged out into a trilogy. I already know as I struggle my way through the last hundred pages, wishing for something of significance to occur, that I will likely not read the follow ups.
Dull and somewhat trite.
OK but very basic and a bit boring - Rated
I was attracted to this set of books by the simple cover design and a lot of the positive reviews. I think the three books could have been condensed into one book which may have made for a more interesting read. These are not adult books but neither would they keep the attention of a young adult. There is something about fantasy fiction that says you have to produce a trilogy but in this case it doesn't work.
The story lines and the characters are pretty basic. I found I didn't really care what happened and the plot!! came well in advance of the story line. The early Harry Potter books are more intersting but even JK Rowling got lost in producing bigger and bigger books which didn't enhance the story line. Maybe it's a disease of fantacy writers or a lack of confidence in the editors to tackle writers egos.
A good read! - Rated 
I gnerally enjoyed this book. Although its not the most orginal story , i thought it was well played out and worth reading.
The main Character was likeable, and intriguing, yet not one sided and boring, as heroines can sometimes be. I enjoyed the way Trudi lets you explore the other characters, and doesnt imediatly throw villans and quests at you.
I look forward to the next istalment !
brill - Rated 
This book is great in every way. Trudi has created a great plot and set in a very realistic land. I read this book on holiday and found it hard to wait the two weeks till return home until I was able to order the sequels. which also were great.
WOW! - Rated
this book is amazing. it keeps you gripped the whole time you are reading. there are so many twists and i felt part of the book. i was in the story following soneas every move. so so good. i bought it to go on my holidays to france and got it done in about 2 days, maybe not even. i was away for 2 weeks so i read it a second time. Just as good as the first go. there is so much character development. Trudi Canavan...i congradulate you on a superior novel and cannot wait for the next ones to come!!
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