Sonea knows the other novices in the Magicians' Guild all come from powerful families, but she also knows she can turn to Rothen and Dannyl for help when she needs it. That is, until someone starts spreading malicious rumours about her - and Akkarin, the High Lord, steps in. Prompted by the Guild Ambassador, Lord Dannyl leaves for the Elyne court. His first order from Administrator Lorlen is to resume, in secret, High Lord Akkarin's long-abandoned research into ancient magical knowledge. Not knowing the true reason for his journey, Dannyl is soon facing unexpected dangers. Meanwhile, Sonea has almost forgotten the High Lord's dark secret, but keeping the truth hidden may be a grave mistake.

2008-08-24 A consistently readable Trilogy

This trilogy is very good reading. It's not the most sophisticated writing you could find, not least because the author spells out the range of character's possible thoughts to situations in a rather obvious way. But this makes it an easy read, where you're never wondering whether you've missed something. The second book is the weakest, rather over-egging the unpopularity of the heroine, but it's worth it for the grand crescendo of the third - the best of the books, but which you can't read without its two predecessors. A great holiday read.