The High Lord
by Trudi Canavan

Release Date: 4th Nov 2004
Publisher: Little Brown
ISBN: 978 1 8414 9315 2
RRP: £7.99

Amazing finale in this epic magical saga...

As the final of The Black Magician Trilogy, The High Lord inevitably picks up the pace. The threat to Imardin is real, but Akkarin has kept it hidden for so long from the Guild that the chances of successfully persuading them of the truth is practically non-existent. With the discovery of Akkarin’s subversive pastime in the Black arts, he is arrested. It is Sonea’s resolve to ensure her complicity is known and her punishment shared with Akkarin that sets the tone of their nascent relationship. With their subsequent expulsion from Imardin goes the Guild’s only chance of survival, but this is a necessary expulsion, without which we could not watch as Akkarin and Sonea’s burgeoning feelings for each other bubble to the surface. This equally acts as catalyst to the rising sense of urgency.

I'm not convinced that Sonea and Akkarin's newly discovered attraction for each other works; it seems a little too obvious a turn of events. One has to consider, of course, that Sonea is suffering from Stockholm syndrome.

Cery is back in the front line (we missed him), which makes you realise just how much stronger the plot is when the Thieves are involved. It balances the story out, giving it a feeling of realism that it would otherwise lack. Rather than simply a battle of wits, power and skill between magical beings, the end recognises the need to illustrate that ordinary folk are often caught up with larger events. The staunchness of the Thieves is inspiring; knowing they are hugely disadvantaged, they nonetheless endeavour to fight against the invaders. More stirring than the simple disbelief of an arrogant Guild too long lording about as the alpha dog, it is the insistence of the Thieves to act despite the odds that makes you grit your teeth in determination to see them prevail.

The High Lord is the inevitable teary-eyed farewell, crammed with emotional scenes of rediscovered friendships, pangs of loss and unavoidable deaths. It smacks just a little of Hollywood-style epic endings; with the good guys overcoming overwhelming force and adversity, a sprinkle of surprising twists and the dramatic loss of key characters. But then, would this have been as satisfying any other way? Does it really matter that the ending was somewhat predictable? In my opinion, not when it leaves you with the gratifying sense of completion. The High Lord gives you closure on a psychologically engaging saga. I defy anyone not to find themselves grinning like a fool at the end.

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