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