Thief’s Magic (Trudi Canavan, Hachette)

This is the first in a new series set in a new world. While it is very much in the style of her previous books, Trudi Canavan has taken advantage of the new setting to create a very different fantasy world. For a start, she envisions a culture that has developed technology based on magic as a power source. It’s a refreshing change from the somewhat stagnant feel of the medieval style of a lot of fantasy. The way magic works is also fascinating: a finite localised energy that is consumed by sorcerers to power their spells, leaving a black smoke-like residue in the magically depleted dead zone as the immediate environmental consequence. In this world (or possibly worlds, as the idea of moving between them is raised fairly early in the book), two young people struggle with very different magic-related problems. In Leratia, student sorcerer Tyen becomes a fugitive when he discovers an ancient book that is conscious, self-aware and has secrets that many would kill to have. In Fyre, Rielle learns forbidden magic to protect the young painter she is in love with. Both characters have also had a great potential for magic awakened in them. Is it a coincidence? Or are there forces with plans for Tyen and Rielle? This is recommended for fans of Robin Hobb, Glenda Larke, Jennifer Fallon and anyone who enjoys adventure fantasy.

Stefen Brazulaitis is the owner of Stefen’s Books in Perth