Monday 7 May 2012

Review- The Dragon of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen


Title: The Dragon of Trelian
Series: Trelian
Author: Michelle Knudsen
Published: April 14th 2009
Book 1
Wow! This is a gripping, wonderful, suspenseful and amazing novel that was expressed superbly in writing! The story revolves and begins when two teenagers, Princess Meglynne (Meg) and Calen, meet at a procession. They take to each other immediately in terms of friendship and Meg decides that she can trust him with her secret even though she just met him. A secret which she has told no one, not even her parents or sisters. One of Meg's sisters, Princess Maerlie, is going to marry the enemy, Prince Ryant of Kragnir. It is an arranged marriage to end a hundred year war, which both the bride and groom are willing to marry because of their affection for each other. 

Calen is a mages apprentice. He studies magic through the logical sense and gets bored of just the books. He wanted to actually use the magic within! Serek who is Calen's teacher, sees Calen's "spark" light up as soon as the apprentice was told Meg's secret. After the spark lit up within him, Serek felt as though Calen was ready to learn how to use magic. Calen found that the logic of magic helped him in the physical casting as well.


What I especially loved about this novel are the constant surprises lurking around the corner. This novel keeps you addicted and makes you relentless to what will happen in the next couple of chapters. I must admit that I was tempted to flick towards the end of the book just to see the outcome. However, I held my ground and waded through it only to find out that it was even more of a compelling read. I also loved how unique the type of magic Knudsen describes is. Not only does it show distinctiveness, but also because it is not just an endless waving of hands, glowing eyes and whatever else that is so cliché, but the characters show weakness and a drainage of energy when they have been casting for too long. 


As the story goes on, Calen and Meg's friendship grows stronger and they help each other out through Calen's magic and Meg's secret. One day, they stumble upon the trusted adviser of the visiting King and Queen of Kragnir, Sen Eva and her son, plotting a murderous act against Princess Maerlie, to break the peace act and plunge the two kingdoms back into war. However, Sen Eva discovers that Calen and Meg overheard her plans and tries to kill them. 


Another twist adding to the never-ending pile, is that Sen Eva is also an unaccounted for mage. Calen shields one of her oncoming attacks but once the spells collided, he and Meg were sent to another part of the world-- far from Trelian. Will they get back in time to warn and save Maerlie? Will they stop the war that might fall upon Trelian? 


Overall, I believe that this novel was excellent and has no obvious or hidden faults. I would recommend this novel to all who like magic and adventure!


Rated: 5/5

14 comments:

  1. Brilliant review, Your description on characterisation is accurately described and I quite like the detail you put into your reviews!
    Great Blog Daniel!
    Happy Reading

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    1. Hey Alex,
      Thank you for that comment! I'm glad that you took time to read it. You should definitely get to reading this novel as it is simply amazing!
      Take Care

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  2. Good review. You managed to convey the gist of the book and your take on it very well... :)

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    1. Thanks so much...
      This book is really excellent and has many techniques.
      You should definitely read it!!! ;)
      Thanks again

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  3. Hi, *new follower* from book blogs social media group. Added your pg. to the main frame pg.

    Thanks

    My blog

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    1. Great Blog! Followed you... and thanks for putting me on the main frame ;)

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  4. Of magic and suspense? I'm going to take your review for word!

    I'm now a proud new follower of your blog, do drop by mine @ bookaworld.wordpress.com too!

    -Alicia
    bookaworld.wordpress.com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much...
      It is full to the brim with magic and suspense!!!
      Definitely add it to your to reads list!!!
      I'm following you too ;) thanks again

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  5. Great review!! I found your blog over on Book blogs and followed, I would love it if you would check my blog out to! http://readingunderthewillowtree.blogspot.co.uk/
    Thanks, Kate.

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    1. Thanks So Much!!!!
      I am your newest follower!!!
      It is an awesome book...

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  6. Great review!!! Your blog layout is really amazing, and as for this review... Let's just say that the novel is first on my to reads list... Keep up the great work!!!

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    1. Thanks so much Aaron, this novel is really good... It should be right up there in first place if not then it should be in top 5 of your To Reads List...

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  7. The inside and synopsis of this novel is very interesting. Glad you liked it so much :)

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    1. Thanks Aaron,
      I absolutely loved this novel!!! It has so many good features coming out of it. You should definitely read it if you haven't already...
      ~Daniel~

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