The Magician's Guild

The Black Magician Trilogy: Book One

By: Trudi Canavan

Narrated by: Richard Aspel

Length: 15 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Sonea is caught up in a confrontation between the hated Guild magicians and the angry youth of the slums. To her dismay, she discovers that she possesses the same powers as the reviled magicians. To avoid capture, she must seek protection from the city's feared underworld, The Thieves. In return, she must use her powers for them, but her magic never seems to do quite what she intends it to.

©2004 Trudi Canavan (P)2004 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.

Critic reviews

"The first part of the Black Magician Trilogy, this captivating tale has already been hailed by critics as a 'must for lovers of good fantasy'." ( Marie Claire)

great story of growth

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recomend this to friends because of the way Canavan shows misunderstanding, struggles, challenges, friendship, blackmail and much much more.

Any additional comments?

I would recomend this book to anyone who wants to see personal growth, understanding, and trusting both the criminal underworld and later magicians

Great young adult story

fun read as well as a good intro book for a newer fantasy reader. If I recall the later books pick up a bit more story wise but still entertaining.

Awesome Read

A great book to dive into and get lost in!

I really enjoyed this first book and can’t wait to binge the next one 🤓

Already dreading that there are only two more to read, lol.

Will explore my the same author after finishing this trilogy.

An easy and enjoyable read

Overall I very much enjoyed this story. It was well written and performed.

My only major critique is that the story doesn’t seem to establish any high stakes or major motivation for action until 3/4 of the way through. As for the “high stakes” portion of the book, the action level falls a bit below expectations for this genre.

Despite these notes though, I very much enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to seeing where the story goes in book two. I would recommend this story if you are looking for something that is easy to digest but till packed full of the keystones of a good fantasy book.

Started slow but I’m glad I stuck with it

I listen to audiobooks while running so it’s very important to me that the book is able to hold my interest at all times. This means either the plot is quick moving and/or the writing is captivating enough to maintain a high level of interest.

As with most high fantasy books, world building and character introductions dominated the start of the book and after the first big “event” the plot slowed for a bit too long. However, I’m glad I stuck with it because I really enjoyed the story for the second half and am excited to continue the series. There was just enough of a conclusion to feel satisfied while leaving plenty of intrigue for future novels, something I very rarely say.

great book!

love this book series! one of my favorites, listen to it again and again!

Pro tip: Speeding the narration up to 1.50 times

Don't forget about the slow/speed toggles you have in the Audible App. It helps make slow narrators like this bearable. 1.50 is the sweet spot for me. You find yours.
As far as the book goes, it has a pretty slow start but picks up near the end. I think this Author may have barely got me intrigued for book two.

Narrator lost me

The frequent long pauses drove me crazy and I ended up not finishing. Got the books at the library and just read them and they are pretty good if slow to start.

Slow like molasses

The story is ok. the narration was mediocre. but the really bad part was that the book was so slow. If books are food for the mind, this one was pure junk food. Think gas station sushi.

maybe good for children that just started reading

i don't like the fake British accent. it's over the top and not contributing to story.

the story is very linear and it's so obvious who the bad guy is and how it will end.