The High Lord: The Black Magician Trilogy Book 3 [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

Auch im letzten Band Ihrer Triologie bleibt sich Trudy Canavan treu. Stark entwickelte Charaktere - endlich lernt man auch Akkarin und seine Beweggründe kennen -, eine packende und fesselnde Story deren Ende keine Fragen und Wünsche offen läßt und einige überraschenden Wendungen innerhalb der Geschichte . So muss eine gutes Fantasybuch geschrieben sein.
Bin gespannt was Sie als nächstes schreibt. ich werde es mir auf jedenfall kaufen.

When finally the High Lord is convicted of Black Magic and Sonea's involvement is proven, they are exiled into the wastelands of Sachaka. There they bide their time, for the day will come when the Guild's arrogance and ignorance will be it's downfall and the two of them are its only salvation.

THE HIGH LORD is both the best and the worst part of THE BLACK MAGICIAN TRILOGY. It's the best, because for the first time Canavan leaves the field of young adult fantasy (childhood crushes, school problems, rebellion against authority) and moves on to darker and much more adult issues. Sonea is still the main character, but she has matured and so have her challenges. Torn between what she thinks is good and just and what's necessary but probably evil, she chooses her own path resolutely. Canavan also puts much effort into developing Akkarin. We learn much about his past and come to understand and even like the (not quite so) cold guy.
It's the worst part, because Canavan picks up several strands that seemingly lead into nothing (Rothen's attempt as a spy; Cery's affair with an inactive Sachakan sorceress). Probably they're already a set-up for the sequels (that have been promised after the release of her current series THE AGE OF THE FIVE), but if that's the case they waste too much time. Then there are some momentous decisions which are devoid of any logic or foresight (If you had to choose between saving those you love or some buildings, what would you do?). Supposedly some will dislike the ending of THE HIGHLORD, too. It's definitely not your typical happy-end - but I approve completely. Especially Akkarin has gone too far for living happily ever after.

All in all THE HIGH LORD is a worthy conclusion with plenty of action and promises much to come. Have a nice read!

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.