The Novice cover art

The Novice

The Black Magician Trilogy, Book 2

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About this listen

Following The Magicians' Guild comes the second book in the phenomenally popular Black Magician Trilogy, from international Number One best-selling author Trudi Canavan.

Over 3 million Trudi Canavan copies sold worldwide.

Imardin is a city of dark intrigues and deadly politics, where those who wield magic wield power. Into this established order has blundered a young street-girl with extraordinary magical gifts. Adopted by the Magicians' Guild, her life is changed forever - but for better or for worse?

Sonea knew that she'd face a tough time training within the Magicians' Guild but she little realised the level of animosity she would face from her fellow novices. The sons and daughters of the most powerful families in the realm, her classmates seem determined to see her fail - at whatever cost. But in accepting the protection of the guild's high lord, Sonea may have embraced an even bleaker fate. For High Lord Akkarin harbours a secret that is far darker than his magician's robes.

The Black Magician Trilogy:

The Magicians' Guild

The Novice

The High Lord

©2004 Trudi Canavan; (P)2007 Hachette Audio Coming of Age Epic Fantasy Genre Fiction Emotionally Gripping

Critic reviews

"Engaging...with some distinctive touches and delightful characters that lift it well above average." (Locus)

"The world-building is tremendous. The magical system is sophisticated and fascinating." (Striking Keys)

"A suspenseful masterpiece...will have fans desperate for the sequel." (RT Book Reviews)

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absolutely loved the books also liked the narrator of this version issue I had was it abridged but you miss out alot of information which you read in the book and I can't get over the narrator of the unabridged version

loved the books wanted unabridged

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I give only 3 stars for this book, part 2 of a trilogy which I'll probably not bother to download the final part of.

What disappointed me?

This book had a different narrator from the first book so several of the names were pronounced differently. I found this very irritating and was constantly checking in my head the old and the new pronounciation to ensure I was following the correct character. Probably an odd quirk of mine! I did get used to this fairly quickly but it did detract from my enjoyment.

I also felt that this abridged version lost some of the 'padding' and detail that made the first book come alive.

Although I enjoyed the story I would probably be inclined to buy the writen book rather than bother with the audio version if I decide to get the final part of the story as part 3 is also an abridged version.

Disappointing....

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I own the books, there are important sections and characters missing. look for a different version

fantastic story

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This is a truly wonderful book. Very well read, A great buy!

A Perfect Fantasy

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a great book and very well read. love these books have read them before but will listen to them over and over again.

great series

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