A review by kerveros
The Rogue by Trudi Canavan

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 installment

possibly 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.