Priestess of the White by Trudi Canavan: Book Review

In a land on the brink of peace—watched jealously by a ruthless cult from across the sea and beset by hidden enemies—five extraordinary humans must serve as sword and shield of the Gods.

Auraya is one.

My Review

My Rating: 5/5

SPOILER FREE

Priestess of the White by Trudi Canavan is where my love of reading big fantasy books began when I was 11 or 12 years old.

I was on holiday on the Isle of Mull and the only thing close to us that was at all interesting (to a kid of that age) was a book shop in Tobermory. I picked this wonderful fantasy novel up there and I’ve re-read it more than any other book I own.

I quickly finished the trilogy within a week.

Read Why You Should Read ‘The Age of Five Trilogy’ to learn more about this fantastic fantasy series by Trudi Canavan.

Despite having read Priestess of the White so young, I’d suggest reading it yourself before giving it to a child as it is an adult fantasy book with scenes that you might not be comfortable with your child reading!

Auraya is a brilliant character

She’s deeply religious and struggles to fit in with others of the Gods’ chosen five. Auraya quickly dives into the political issues of the world in securing alliances and preparing for possible war.

We see her grow so much in this book, from a child in the prologue to a fierce, passionate adult.

There are several other POV characters in this book who all add a little more to the world that Trudi Canavan has created. There are many secrets and hidden mysteries yet to be uncovered and it’s exciting to follow as the characters work them out or reveal them to us when they are ready.

This is a great first book of the trilogy

Many negative reviews talk about Trudi Canavan’s writing style. I found it accessible and to the point. There is nothing flowery to it, like with T he Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, but it’s solid and I soon found myself lost in the story and the world.

This “solid” storytelling is much like Brandon Sanderson‘s writing style in his Cosmere series.

Trudi Canavan’s epic fantasy books don’t get enough praise or attention. I hope more people will pick up these books in the future so they get the attention they deserve.