I've really been enjoying Trudi Canavan lately. She's an Australian author - Fantasy genre, of course. I read her Black Magician trilogy first, and had severe difficulties putting it down, and then severe issues with letting it go afterwards. It's rare that I read something that is so good that I don't want it to be over, even when I can't stop myself from reading to find out what happens.
So when I discovered that Canavan had a second completed trilogy, I felt a mixture of anticipation and dread. Odd, I know. But I was so worried that my expectations were too high, and that her second story wouldn't be as good as the first. The desire to read something good finally won, and I just finished the Age of the Five trilogy.
It was, again, excellent. I couldn't stop reading - but had to force myself to. The wonderful and surprising thing is, the second trilogy is so completely different from the first, that comparisons between the two weren't necessary. I could enjoy each one as a separate entity. So my expectations weren't disappointed. In fact, I'd say Canavan is definitely a new favorite of mine. If you're in the mood for a good fantasy with lots of magic, pick up one of these. I don't think you'll regret it.
I'm awed by the imaginations that can conceive of entire worlds and complex social systems that don't have any real reference to our own reality. To be a successful Fantasy writer... it's beyond the imagining of my logical self. But I can surely enjoy and appreciate those who are able to spin such tales, transporting me out of the blandness of reality.
