Weakest first novel from Canavan
3 stars
I've read all of Canavan's other magic series, and this one feels like the weakest first novel. I think the reason for this is that there are two completely unrelated (at this point - I assume they tie in later) characters, and this means instead of 600 pages of introduction they get 300 each. Tyen's plot moves along at a reasonable pace, and there is plenty of action, but Rielle's is very slow. Rielle is also a much weaker character - instantly falling in love with some bloke she's just met, falling for basic con tricks, and continuing to believe in the religious system despite all the corruption she's seen and experienced. I finished wanting to know more about Tyen, but not really caring about Rielle. Despite this, I'll still continue to the next book.