Time To Read

Fantasy

The Ruins of Gorlan Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan Morgarath, the exiled baron, has been waiting fifteen years, carefully planning his revenge against the Kingdom of Araluen. He prepares to unleash his power and attempt once more to take control of the kingdom. In Araluen, Choosing Day has arrived and 15-year-old Will and his fellow wardmates, will all become apprenticed to a craftmaster or have to work in the local farms. After being turned away from the Battelschool for being too small Will is taken on instead as an apprentice by the mysterious Ranger Halt and his life suddenly becomes a lot more interesting… Fantasy stories aren’t always about magic and elves – far from it! This series is, above all else, about friendships, relationships and growing up.

The Novice Series: The Summoner by Taran Matharu

Fletcher was nothing more than a humble blacksmith's apprentice, when a chance encounter leads to the discovery that he has the ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, he must travel with his demon to the Vocans Academy, where the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. Magic, battles, mystery and adventure, this series may be a good choice for anyone looking to ease their way into the fantasy genre.

The Magician’s Guild Series: The Black Magician by Trudi Canavan

Sonea is caught up in a confrontation between the hated Guild magicians and the angry youth of the slums. To her dismay, she discovers that she possesses the same powers as the reviled magicians. To avoid capture, she must seek protection from the city's feared underworld, The Thieves. In return, she must use her powers for them, but her magic never seems to do quite what she intends it to. Ms Eldred says: “I really enjoyed this series, there’s a lot to take in and the story develops further in a second series. I would say this story is probably more suited to someone who already enjoys fantasy novels.”