In this first book of the Pellinor saga, Alison Croggon introduces Maerad, a slave girl held captive in a cold and desolate place in the mountains. She is offered escape by the secretly passing Bard Cadvan, who is surpised that she seems to be also of Bard origin. During the dangerous flight from her prison, Cadvan finds out that Maerad belongs to a Bard school that was believed to be destroyed, and that she has as yet undetected powers that even Maerad herself was not aware.
When they reach the safety of Innail, a lovely Bard school, they finally can rest and confer with friends. But the respite is short, and soon they are moving secretly through the land again, to their final destination, Norloch.
Alison Croggon has created an interesting world where light and dark fight for power. The main characters are well developed, and have depth. Especially Maerad develops over time from an ignorant slave to a young Bard who still is very doubtful of herself and her newly found powers. I also like that while there is some magic, it is not omni-present. I look forward to the second book, the Riddle.
