(Mine has the Australian cover)

The blurb:

Sonea knows the other novices in the Magicians' Guild all come from powerful families, but she also knows she can turn to Rothen and Dannyl for help when she needs it. That is, until someone starts spreading malicious rumours about her - and Akkarin, the High Lord, steps in. Prompted by the Guild Ambassador, Lord Dannyl leaves for the Elyne court. His first order from Administrator Lorlen is to resume, in secret, High Lord Akkarin's long-abandoned research into ancient magical knowledge. Not knowing the true reason for his journey, Dannyl is soon facing unexpected dangers. Meanwhile, Sonea has almost forgotten the High Lord's dark secret, but keeping the truth hidden may be a grave mistake.

Having not really enjoyed book 1, I started this book with a little trepidation. However, it turned out that I rather enjoyed this book! This book has a slight Harry Potter feel to it, as Sonea learns how magic works. Most promisingly the confrontation I'd expected at the end of the book did not happen, as events twisted themselves halfway through. A twist is always good :-)

Welcome to The Black Magician Australian Book Ring

This ring started May 2009.

If you wish to join the ring, please PM me and I will add you.

Member/Location

• Calissa (ACT)
  
• Melanie2474 (ACT)
  

How it works

- If you wish to be added to the list, please PM me with your location and postage preferences.
- I will send out the books together in a 3 kg postpak (to save on postage). You are welcome to pass the books on as you finish them or all together - whichever suits.
- You will be sending the books to the person who appears after you in the list, so you need to PM them to get their address.
- It's not a race, but please read and send the books on as speedily as you can.
- Please journal the book once you have received it (so we all know where it currently is) and again when you have read it (so we know what you thought of it).
- If you're the last person on the list, then please PM me and I'll decide whether to ask for new members or get it sent back to me.

Arrived safely today.

Thankfully, this was a much better book than the last one. The characters are much stronger and actually grow a little, particularly Dannyl. The plot is still a bit predictable in places and parts of it reminded me a bit of Harry Potter. In fact Regin reminded me strongly of Draco Malfoy from time to time. Nevertheless, the depiction of Sonea's victimisation was well done and quite strong. The universtiy also came across very vividly.

All in all, a much more polished effort than the last book.

I had some difficulty getting in contact with Melanie2474, but I finally sent the trilogy off to her today.

Trilogy arrived safely - better get a wriggle on finishing the book I'm reading so I can get started on these, although it seems no one is on the list after me so I guess I have some time :)

Better character development in this, though very reminiscent of the Harry Potter books in terms of Sonea's magical training and her difficulties with the other students. Dannyl's involvement was more interesting and we learn a lot about his history with Fergun, which I found intriguing.

On its way back to KLL. Thanks for the loan :)

Back from it's brief BC Ring. Thanks to Calissa and Melanie2474 for participating. I'll have to think what to do with these books next!!

Took to the Perth BC Meetup today.