Those who possess magical abilities is part of the ruling class in Irmadin. Without regard the guild's members defy the poor and common. But nobody dares to struggle. Only Sonea, the beggargirl, leans up against them... and reveals an outstanding magical ability. Sonea becomes a novice at the magicians' guild and gets into the center of a terrible complot...
Every year the guild's magicians wander through Imardin to banish beggars and urchins and thus "clean" the city. Angry about the mages Sonea throws a stone - and hurts a member of the guild. Now the guild's long suppresed fears came true: There's someone with magical abilites - outside their own rows. She has to be found. At all costs. Sonea runs for her life... ( )

An age old story line where girl suddenly discovers she has magic powers. The main character Sonea draws attention to herself by inadvertently using her blossoming power during a purge carried out every year by the Magician’s Guild. The people of the slums actively dislike and mistrust the Magician’s Guild and many live in fear of them, after the Purge the story then relates how Sonea is kept hidden from the Magicians who are searching for her, the problems and fear that she faces as her burdgeoning powers start to become uncontrollable and highly dangerous. This is a book that I think many fantasy fans will enjoy, not too complicated, a very enjoyable read which you will be drawn into right from the start, the story line is intriguing, the characters very well written and likeable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am now starting the second book in the Trilogy ( )

This book was a quick fun read and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. ( )

Set in a wonderfully created world, with beautifully crafted characters, the story, although a little simplistic to begin with is interesting and flows well. Canavan really draws you into the trilogy with the first if the books and you cant help but want to read more. The book runs far deeper thn just wizards and magic, Sonea (lead character) develops beautifully throughout the book and you discover so much about her as she discovers herself. A must read. ( )

Set in the fictitious town of Imardin, the capital city of Kyralia, "The Magician's Guild" by Trudi Canavan starts with a bang. It begins focussing in our main character Sonea, where she and her family are being driven away from their place in the slums. Each year the city streets are purged of the the poor or lower class citizens (also referred to as dwells) by the magician's guild. Though most have no choice but to leave and find new homes, many refuse to go without a fight, hoping that they can force the magician's to let them be -- or at the very least make their point become clear-- that the dwells and slums are a part of Imardin, no matter how much they hate it.

During these purges, often times young gang members and Dwells gather around to throw rocks at the magicians in a form of protest. Though it usually does little good -- the magicians are protected by a magical shield, things soon change as our main character, young Sonea steps up to the plate. Forcing her anger and rage into the stone which she clutches so desperately; young Sonea broods with hate as she angrily hurls the rock towards a group of Magician's that gather nearby. That's when a real shock occurs; one that takes everyone by surprise, including Sonea herself. With the force of her throw and the will of her mind, the rock plunges straight ahead, breaking through the magical barrier; the invisible shield that was set in place -- the shield that no one could penetrate through without the use of magic -- a magic Sonea never knew she had. And in that moment, the rock hits Lord Fergun with great force, knocking him unconscious.

And this is where the story really begins.

"The Magicians' Guild" is a creative story that takes a few twists and turns. Not only is this novel about the wonder of Magic, it is also about self discovery, self control, love, friendship, and betrayal. The main character Sonea is easily likable, and even relatable to. Though the majority of the story is indeed compelling, I felt a few areas were a bit slow. I also felt that some of the other characters could have been expanded upon more -- given a bit more depth. Despite these small issues, I found this unique story to be an easy and pleasant read. One that kept me curious and engaged, even after I finished the last page. I've already picked up the second in the trilogy, and plan to start it right away.

All in all, if you like fantasy that is a bit *light*, with little violence and no sex, you'll enjoy this magical tale. "The Magicians' Guild" is a friendly read for people of all ages. It's a creative and original piece, written by a writer who clearly has a feel for the fantasy genre. I recommend this book to all who enjoy a good fantasy tale. ( )