Pellinor Series (Treesong Trilogy)

by Brandy

Written by Australian poet Alison Croggon, The Gift (Editor's Note: The Gift was re-titled The Naming for the US Edition) is the first book of a planned trilogy that ended up as a quadrilogy.

It tells the story of Maerad, an ignorant slave born to die serving the Thane of Gilman's Cot. One day she meets the mysterious bard Cadvan, who opens her eyes to the awaiting world outside and uncovers the Gift of the bards that lingers deep inside her.

Cadvan sees Maerad as the foretold one who would rise against the Nameless One himself and destroy the evil forces threatening the beauty of the Kingdom of Annar.

The story is a familiar one to readers of fantasy, but the skilled writing and fully-rounded characters help to lift the story above cliche.

A great read that is not too much in-depth fantasy.

Covers many aspects of life - trust, loving an older person, friendship, morality, etc.