Rating: 
Summary: A fantastic new fantasy read!!
Review: This book is a must read for anyone looking for a new fantasy author. She writes an entertaining story that entwines you within its plot. The characters are well developed and the story keeps you guessing until the end, and the leaves you begging for more. I loved this book, and I would recommend this book to both adults and young adults trying to find a new title, only because it is an easy read without the pointless descriptions that plague some books.
Rating: 
Summary: dull and derivative
Review: This novel is not particularly well written, and unfortunately, the plot flows along rather obvious paths. The characters are not developed in a meaningful way, and even the protaganist comes off as one dimensional. All in all, skip this one.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent fantasy tale!
Review: This was such a compelling read! Trudi Canvan's storyline and writing style create an enthralling read. I couldn't put it down. The characters are well-formulated, and the world she creates is so easy to fall into and make it real.
Rating:
Summary: More than decent
Review: Though I wasn't quite as happy with this book as I was with Elizabeth Haydon's Rhaposody, Prophesy, and Destiny series, the book still receives five stars. There is strong setting and characterization, even if the plot moves a little slower than I like (though I think that's almost unavoidable in the first book of a series), but there isn't a want of action. It's completely worthy of being bought. The book is well put together in terms of the culture and society of the setting, and the characters that it might produce. Character motivations are good, though they aren't particularly complicated or deep. The author should be applauded for effective use of imagery. The book came off as a little simplistic, with the small number of characters, indications of black and white views of good and evil, and single setting. However, I have a feeling some of that will change in the next couple of books, and it didn't prevent me from enjoying the book, anyway.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous Author from Down Under
Review: We discovered Trudi Canavan's first trilogy while on a vacation in Australia and we LOVE her. Even had her books shipped from Australia before they were published here (before there were even plans to publish here, I think). Her model of magic and society is very interesting and her storytelling skills fantastic. The author also has an interesting personal website with sketches and paintings she did as background work. A truly compelling read-you will be unable to wait till the other two are published here in the U.S.!Canavan does an excellent job of developing very real characters-something not always found in fantasy novels. She also has an interesting way of painting a totally complete world while still allowing the reader to fill it in as they see fit. My husband and I had an interesting discussion about what 'time period' this book might be set in (or what it correllates to in real history)-she certainly doesn't beat you over the head with allusions to a Tolkien like world (not that Tolkien is bad, but a change of pace is nice in fantasy!). Truly a fabulous author (and a fabulous first effort!) and a great read!
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