THE MAGE OF TRELIAN
Candlewick Press, April 2016
ISBN 978-0-7636-7436-6 (Hardcover)
ISBN 978-0-7636-9456-2 (Paperback)
Also available as an ebook.
Apprentice mage Calen shocked everyone when he disappeared—apparently willingly—with Krelig, the incredibly powerful and evil mage intent on destroying the Magistatum and forcing the world to submit to his rule. Krelig believes Calen’s untapped magical power will be the key to his victory, and is training him to unlock his full potential. Calen is desperate to escape, but knows he must first learn as much as he can if there is to be any hope of defeating Krelig.
Meanwhile, Trelian is at war, and Princess Meg has been training with her dragon to fight the enemy forces. She refuses to accept that her best friend, Calen, could really be a traitor, but she might be the only one. As the mages prepare for their own deadly battle, Calen must find a way to get back to Trelian to stop Krelig before it’s too late—if those he left behind will forgive and trust him enough to let him come home at all.
Dragon fire, dark magic, and the bonds of friendship clash in a thrilling finale to the middle-grade fantasy trilogy by best-selling author Michelle Knudsen.
REVIEWS
"An exemplary middle-grade fantasy trilogy concludes with a blast." —Kirkus
"Begun in 2009 with The Dragon of Trelian, this excellent fantasy trilogy finally receives a worthy ending." —Booklist
"[A] Harry Potter meets Game of Thrones mash-up . . . Recommended." —School Library Connections
Praise for The Princess of Trelian (Book 2):
"Wonderful characters . . . fluid writing. . . . Fans will eagerly await the climactic confrontation between forces in the next book." —The Horn Book
"Engaging take on traditional fantasy." —Booklist
"It is a pleasure to revisit two such appealing protagonists." —Kirkus
Praise for The Dragon of Trelian (Book 1):
"A magical adventure and a true delight." —Rebecca Stead, New York Times best-selling author of the Newbery Medal–winning When You Reach Me
"A princess, a mage-in-training, and a dragon—an intoxicating combination in Knudsen's capable hands." —Cinda Williams Chima, New York Times best-selling of the Heir Chronicles and the Seven Realms series
"An enchanting tale—readers will beg for more." —Cynthia Leitich Smith, New York Times best-selling author of the Tantalize series
"This strong debut novel should find a welcoming audience among Gail Carson Levine and Shannon Hale fans." —The Horn Book
"Calen and Meg's easygoing, entirely believable friendship is the core of this adventurous first novel. Meg is gutsy and impulsive, while Calen is thoughtful and steadfast; and they make an appealing duo. . . . [A] solid addition to the fantasy genre." —Booklist
"Charmingly honest portrayals of family life, the dizzying heartbreak of first romance, the insecurities of loneliness and the rewards of scholarship. . . . [T]he narrative moves at a brisk clip to a satisfying conclusion, with a broad hint of sequels. A promising start." —Kirkus
"This is an exciting fantasy that draws in readers from the start. Knudsen does a fantastic job of creating sympathetic and realistic characters that really drive the story. The tale is adventurous and exciting with many twists and turns along the way. The ending is satisfying yet leaves room for sequels, which readers will be clamoring for. A page-turner." —School Library Journal
"[A] tasty treat. Sometimes a kid just wants a good dragon book. And with its equal opportunity boy and girl perspective, The Dragon of Trelian is the kind of book that's going to appeal to all kids, at all ages, at all times. If they're fantasy lovers, of course. . . . [M]ay serve as the gateway book from rote fantasy to the good stuff. A surprising little gem and a book worthy of your consideration. Be ready for this to surprise you." —Elizabeth Bird/A Fuse #8 Production