The High Lord (The Black Magician Trilogy, Book 3) (Black Magician Trilogy, 3)

by Trudi Canavan

Book Overview

"You want to know the truth."Sonea has learned much since she was but a penniless urchin possessing an awesome untapped ability. She has earned the grudging respect of her fellow novices and a place... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060575301
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Harper Voyager
• Length: 531 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 1.1" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

A very engrossing story.

It's been a year since the Challenge, and Sonea is finally treated with some respect by the other novices. This third and final volume first concentrates on the mysterious murders that have been recently committed in the city of Imardin. One thing is certain, Black Magic has been used to kill these people. Aware of the High Lord's secret knowledge of this forbidden power, Administrator Lorlen and Lord Rothen's are more and more lead to think that the murderer might be Akkarin. However, Sonea knows these dead are actually Sachakan slaves sent by their master to kill the High Lord, so the latter was merely defending himself. But she still finds it hard to feel at ease around her Guardian, and Akkarin needs her trust. He has no choice but to share his secret story with her, telling her of Kariko's desire to avenge his brother Dakova's death, and of his impending invasion with other Ichani, outcast Sachakan black magicians, each a hundred times stronger than several Guild Magicians. As utter destruction threatens the city of Imardin, Kyralia and the rest of the Allied Lands face reduction of its entire people to slavery. In the meantime, Cery has earned respect among the Thieves, and befriended a Sachakan woman who says she can help him predict the next murders. As for Ambassador Dannyl, he's back in Elyne to investigate on a band of rebel magicians. I absolutely loved witnessing the evolution of Akkarin's character, as well as that of his relationship with Sonea. Their trek in the mountains created images that reminded me of the Kalbarri and Karijini gorges in Australia, the ambush in Calia was in the vein of a great Clint Eastwood Western, and the final chase in the twisted streets of Imardin was like a giant game of hide-and-seek. My only regret is I wish there were more loose ends tied up after the grand finale, which concludes a little too abruptly in my opinion. Otherwise it's a fantastic series, a very engrossing story.

Lovely writing style

Personally, I have found Trudi's writing incredibly engaging, which is quite interesting. Her style flows beautifully, making it almost impossible for readers to tear their eyes away from the page - I have rarely come across this trait of writing, which cuts down on utilising overly frivolous vocabulary, while still effectively keeping readers engaged. Although I had expected that there were bound to be some 'cliches', which is hard to avoid especially with magic, Trudi has done really well in coming up with her own creative ideas. Overall, The Black Magician Trilogy is a must read for fantasy lovers. Being an avid reader, I never read books twice, since it lessens my chance of exploring other books/genres/writing styles. However, I have already broken this rule for this trilogy. Other readings that I am 'emotionally bound' to (that you might be interested in) include Juliet Mariller's Sevenwaters Trilogy and Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.

Wow. what a trip into a fantasy world!

I was hooked on the story almost from the first sentence and I thouroughly enjoyed this book.(Actually, this applies to all three books in the Trilogy.) Trudi kept the action moving and kept adding surprise twists to the plot throughout..including the Epilogue! All of the varied major characters were well introduced and their individual stories wove well into a complex and complicated plot. I found myself quickly involved emotionally with almost all of them, both the heroes and the villans. I loved it! It's a good thing I purchased the entire trilogy at the same time as waiting for the second and third books to arrive via second order would have felt like forever! An excellent author and I look forward to seeing more of her work soon.

Is it really over?

What an end to a great series! Sonea has really grown up in this book, acting more like an adult than a child. Out of all of the three books, this one has the most action. I got the feeling of an emotional rolercoaster when reading this book, but in a good way. I was totally involved, devouring one page after another. Sonea has to face her greatest fears, and she soon learns things aren't exactly what they seem. One thing this book has that the others don't- good old fahioned romance (always a favorite of mine). Now Sonea must face the problem outside of the Guild, and all the pain, death, and suffering that goes along with it. All of the other main characters have their own troubles to go through as well, from their own point of view. Everything culminates at the very end, and although all the issues are addressed and nothing is left hanging, I found myself yearning for more. So if I had a problem with this book, it is that I grew way too attached to the characters (plus a fair bit of crying at the end- damn you Trudi!). So if you're thinking about reading this series and want to make sure the quailty is sustained throughout the series, I assure you it is. I'd recommend this book to those who have already read the first two, but I'm sure most of you don't need the recommendation. Definetly a fabulous and engrossing read. Pick it up!

Grand Action Packed Conclusion!

Trudi does it for me with this final book in the trilogy. There is tons of action, further character development (when you thought you knew everything) and so much going on you thought you couldn't keep track of it, but because it flows so well you do. Sonea is fully "there" as a character in this book. We get to know Akkarin, The High Lord, much better - where we just glimpsed him before. Akkarin actually turned out to be my favorite character. He is very complex, not unlike most humans. Cery, has a much larger role. I missed him in book 2. The story of Dannyl and Tayend, which was a little tedious in book 2 for me, is very enjoyable in The High Lord. All the way around I feel like Trudi did a fantastic job of keeping you guessing. If you want an author that will always surprise you Trudi Canavan is the one for you.....and me.