The Black Magician Trilogy Book 1: Magicians' Guild ( Trudi Canavan)

I will be documenting my views as I read this book:

Societal differences in classes - stark contract in rich and poor. 

Magician - started from noble origin - now only apprentices taken from Noble houses

the poor folks are purged out of the main city by the king with the help of magicians.

Protagonist female - gender equality debates involved, and Poor - underdog concept that audience can relate

Trained vs rogue magician byplay involved

Story told from the perspective of a weak underdog who then becomes important

A bit cliched story and world created, maybe could be due to influences from time when this novel when it was released. This feels more like young adult fiction for targetting teens.. Harry Potter market targetted

 Writing and pace a bit low in gripping attention. I am not moved to read it like other books. Maybe it picks up later.

Story picking up well after a few chapters.

Different races having characteristic of religious, tribal and communities

Had a nice mid book finale, dividing the entire story into two parts. Brandon Sanderson has many small battles building up to one final big fight.

The way the main protagonist's fears are broken down by using truth as a weapon is a bit naive but makes a good story. Some aspects of psychology of a terrified youth are correct, Trudi has tried to find the balance she has made a commendable effort. Some slips made but we'll written as a whole.

Good build up happening, being emergence of a clear antagonist.

The hubris of youth is always a very good tol to develop plot twists. The young always overestimate their abilities blissfully aware of realism and hurdles. The old on the other hand always underestimate the younger ones' ability, due to their condescending or protective attitude. It's always great when stories like here use the clash if the above ideologies.

The antagonist is purely dark, the characters mostly are exhibiting clear shades. If they are good they are very good. If they are bad then they are really bad. Except for some magicians and members of Thieves. I am curious how the other characters develop as we move ahead with the story.

Decent build up to first book finale. Few surprises and a major plot twist involved especially in creating some darker shades in an important character thought to be positive. I think this twist will drive the second book.