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jakinabook's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
wordsofclover's review against another edition
3.0
And so we are back with Sonea as she attempts to capture the rogue magician and Thief Skellin with the help of old time friend Cery and interestingly, her old flame Dorrien. Lorkin continues to live in the Traitors Cave, and discovering mysteries of magic stones and Dannyl must discover his true feelings for the Sahakan Aschati under the eyes of former love Tayend...it makes for an interesting book.
I won't say that these books are the best books I have read but with all of Trudi Canavan's tales, especially those in Imardin and centered around the Magicians Guild, I find the separate stories to be full of mystery and intrigue. I always feel connected to all of your characters from Sonea to Regin. I really liked the battles Soneas faced with her own emotions in this book, about her feelings for Dorrien, who if things had turned out differently when she was a novice, would probably be her husband today. I really rooted for these two back in The Black Magician Trilogy until Sonea fell in love with Akkarin (which I hadn't seen coming but absolutely loved none the less). I feel sorry for Dorrien who clearly cares a lot for Sonea.
As for Sonea's new mission, I will wager a guess that her assistant is going to be Regin and that he is the one we will see some chemistry with. An interesting take but one I am very eager to see happen!!
For the things I found most disappointing in the series is Dannyl's part of the story who in the past had a very lovely one, as he discovered who he really was and his blossoming love with Tayend. Tayend and Dannyls relationship was a relationship I found very moving and lovely and to see it crumble so terribly feels like a blow to a reader who was invested in it. I feel like something terrible will happen of Dannyl becomes involved with the Sachakan, and Tayend will have to save him (and hopefully this will bring them back together?).
I have read reviews of this book with people claiming to hate Lorkin's parts in the Mountains, reviews I have to disagree with. I found it really interesting to find out more about the Traitor's lives in the caves, an interest that was born a long time ago when the sanctuary was first discovered in The Magician's Apprentice! I find Lorkin to be a decent character with a lot of good traits, clearly inherited from his mother.I am also anticipating a very good conversation between the Traitor Queen and Sonea about Akkarin. He still remains a mystery to us all!!
I won't say that these books are the best books I have read but with all of Trudi Canavan's tales, especially those in Imardin and centered around the Magicians Guild, I find the separate stories to be full of mystery and intrigue. I always feel connected to all of your characters from Sonea to Regin. I really liked the battles Soneas faced with her own emotions in this book, about her feelings for Dorrien, who if things had turned out differently when she was a novice, would probably be her husband today. I really rooted for these two back in The Black Magician Trilogy until Sonea fell in love with Akkarin (which I hadn't seen coming but absolutely loved none the less). I feel sorry for Dorrien who clearly cares a lot for Sonea.
As for Sonea's new mission, I will wager a guess that her assistant is going to be Regin and that he is the one we will see some chemistry with. An interesting take but one I am very eager to see happen!!
For the things I found most disappointing in the series is Dannyl's part of the story who in the past had a very lovely one, as he discovered who he really was and his blossoming love with Tayend. Tayend and Dannyls relationship was a relationship I found very moving and lovely and to see it crumble so terribly feels like a blow to a reader who was invested in it. I feel like something terrible will happen of Dannyl becomes involved with the Sachakan, and Tayend will have to save him (and hopefully this will bring them back together?).
I have read reviews of this book with people claiming to hate Lorkin's parts in the Mountains, reviews I have to disagree with. I found it really interesting to find out more about the Traitor's lives in the caves, an interest that was born a long time ago when the sanctuary was first discovered in The Magician's Apprentice! I find Lorkin to be a decent character with a lot of good traits, clearly inherited from his mother.I am also anticipating a very good conversation between the Traitor Queen and Sonea about Akkarin. He still remains a mystery to us all!!
ghostmuppet's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed the first trilogy, and had some expectations for the second trilogy (since the story is about 20 years in the future). The first book was OK, but I thought the whole 'gay' perspective was getting a little too much attention. This book has taken it to another level. It now comes across that the vast majority of the population seems to be gay. The first trilogy treated this subject well - it was there and could cause some issues - but it was not thrown in our face every chapter.
This trilogy (and this book) is throwing it in my face TOO much. Besides, a lot of it is totally pointless. I am finding it very difficult to relate to many of the characters. I also care very little about them (and the ones i do - are not really there). They seem to be petty and more interested in sex than anything else.
I have the last book - so lets see if it picks up a little (but i have less hope for it now).
This trilogy (and this book) is throwing it in my face TOO much. Besides, a lot of it is totally pointless. I am finding it very difficult to relate to many of the characters. I also care very little about them (and the ones i do - are not really there). They seem to be petty and more interested in sex than anything else.
I have the last book - so lets see if it picks up a little (but i have less hope for it now).
emmalg's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second book in the Traitor Spy trilogy which continues the story of Black Magician Sonea from The Black Magician trilogy and the younger generation of Guild Magicians.
I enjoyed this book more than The Ambassador's mission as the focus has now changed from introducing the situations and characters to building on their experiences. I love how well edited the books are; each storyline is integrated to maintain the pace throughout the book, as the story one set of characters is involved in slows or draws to a conclusion, there is always something really gripping happening elsewhere.
I did find that the story line surrounding Lorkin was at times a little unlikely given the secrecy of the Traitors, nevertheless well written.
I'm really looking forward to reading the concluding part, though I also don't want to read it as then I'll have finished!
My main criticism is that there was no synopsis of the previous trilogy provided and when there are 10 years between the publication dates it can make it very hard to remember exactly what took place. Names are familiar, circumstances vaguely familiar but the specifics have long gone and there are several references to things which occurred before.
I found the maps in the eBook edition were not very high resolution for clear viewing on my eReader.
I think that Trudi Canavan is definitely one of my favourite fantasy authors, though the list is quite long!
I enjoyed this book more than The Ambassador's mission as the focus has now changed from introducing the situations and characters to building on their experiences. I love how well edited the books are; each storyline is integrated to maintain the pace throughout the book, as the story one set of characters is involved in slows or draws to a conclusion, there is always something really gripping happening elsewhere.
I did find that the story line surrounding Lorkin was at times a little unlikely given the secrecy of the Traitors, nevertheless well written.
I'm really looking forward to reading the concluding part, though I also don't want to read it as then I'll have finished!
My main criticism is that there was no synopsis of the previous trilogy provided and when there are 10 years between the publication dates it can make it very hard to remember exactly what took place. Names are familiar, circumstances vaguely familiar but the specifics have long gone and there are several references to things which occurred before.
I found the maps in the eBook edition were not very high resolution for clear viewing on my eReader.
I think that Trudi Canavan is definitely one of my favourite fantasy authors, though the list is quite long!
kerveros's review against another edition
4.0
I think I prefer this book the The Ambassadors Mission. I do agree that it very much sets events up for the third book, but it doesn't really feel like a lot of filler.
I didn't particularly like the introduction of two new younger characters - it didn't spoil the book but parts did seem rather cliche(and TBH it was obvious that Naki was 'evil' from her first introduction) - I think a more important part might be played in the last book though. I also felt that dropping one of the main villains from the first book Skellin into a very shadowy person, a lurking threat wasn't the best decision. Yes it leaves the book finishing on a cliffhanger but he didn't seem dangerous enough we are told numerous times that Cery is hiding for his life but the threat from Skellin never really seemed that ... threatening or urgent .
Canavan does very well in showing the difference in culteres - especially the Traitors and the non-traitor Sachakans. Considering they have a common heritage they are worlds apart, and Canavan makes sure that they are both flawed which makes it much more realistic as there is no such thing as a perfect society.
All in all this book did make me want to keep reading, and I do want to find out what political ramifications are going to occur in the final installmentpossibly more so than finding Skellen and seeing if Black Magician Kallen is addicted to rot , but I still don't think this series is quite as ingenious as The Black Magician Trilogy.
I didn't particularly like the introduction of two new younger characters - it didn't spoil the book but parts did seem rather cliche
Canavan does very well in showing the difference in culteres - especially the Traitors and the non-traitor Sachakans. Considering they have a common heritage they are worlds apart, and Canavan makes sure that they are both flawed which makes it much more realistic as there is no such thing as a perfect society.
All in all this book did make me want to keep reading, and I do want to find out what political ramifications are going to occur in the final installment
lalu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
beee52's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
lealila's review against another edition
4.0
Another solid book by Canavan. The addition of Lilia was unexpected at first, though I like it now and kinda usual of Canavan to add characters to her stories as it goes along. A lot happened in The Rogue and I'm pleased by Lorkin's story. I think he's one of my favorite characters. I like his romance with Tyvara and I enjoyed learning more about the Traitors. I hope they don't become a backstory in the next book. I can't believe I'm almost done with this universe. But I am excited to reach its conclusion and see how everything pans out.
ziskawho's review against another edition
2.0
Es wurde zum Ende hin noch besser und ich bin gespannt, was im dritten Teil noch passiert, aber so wirklich überzeugt bin ich nicht.
orlathewitch's review against another edition
4.0
Trudi Canavan has a great way of making you care about her characters. This series, set twenty years after the last still inspires the same feelings of anxiety as each character puts themselves in danger, after Akkarin we know that no one is safe.
The Rogue introduces a new character Lilia, who we feel might become more significant in the next book as well as reintroducing the awkwardness between Dorrien and Sonea which was inevitable. All in all I'm looking forward to the next you.
The Rogue introduces a new character Lilia, who we feel might become more significant in the next book as well as reintroducing the awkwardness between Dorrien and Sonea which was inevitable. All in all I'm looking forward to the next you.
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