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Trelian #3
The Mage of Trelian
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.
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.
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.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2016
19 people are currently reading
640 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Knudsen
68 books391 followersI'm the New York Times best-selling author of more than 50 books for young readers for all ages, including the award-winning picture book Library Lion, which was selected by Time magazine as one of the 100 Best Children's Books of All Time. My other books include the picture book Marilyn's Monster (NPR's Best Books of 2015) and the novels The Dragon of Trelian (VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers) and Evil Librarian (YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults; Sid Fleischman Humor Award Winner). My newest book is LUIGI, THE SPIDER WHO WANTED TO BE A KITTEN (a new picture book with the wonderful Kevin Hawkes, published 3/5/2024). Next up will be INTO THE WILD MAGIC, a new middle grade fantasy novel coming August 2025.
I also work as a freelance editor and teach in Lesley University's MFA program in writing for young people.
I also work as a freelance editor and teach in Lesley University's MFA program in writing for young people.
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April 24, 2016aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
I've been reading this series since the first book came out, and I was so happy to get the third and final book. I can say without a doubt that this is one of my very favorite fantasy series, trilogy or otherwise, EVER. I love Meg. I love Calen. I love Serek. I love all of Meg's M-named siblings. I love Jakl and all the other magical creatures. I love the magic!
Anyway, even though I'm sad I don't get to read about Meg and Calen's adventures anymore, I'm happy that I got to follow them through a small and important part of their lives.
GOODBYE MY FRIENDS.
I've been reading this series since the first book came out, and I was so happy to get the third and final book. I can say without a doubt that this is one of my very favorite fantasy series, trilogy or otherwise, EVER. I love Meg. I love Calen. I love Serek. I love all of Meg's M-named siblings. I love Jakl and all the other magical creatures. I love the magic!
Anyway, even though I'm sad I don't get to read about Meg and Calen's adventures anymore, I'm happy that I got to follow them through a small and important part of their lives.
GOODBYE MY FRIENDS.
May 22, 2016
This is the third book in the Trelian series, a well constructed middle grade fantasy. It reads like a mash up of John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice and the Dragons of Pern with a bit of The Wizard of Earthsea and Lloyd Alexander's Prydain's series thrown into the mix. In other words, this is an absorbing story with engaging characters and compelling world building. A must read for fans of middle grade fantasy.
June 22, 2018
That was an immensely satisfying ending to this trilogy(assuming this is a trilogy, but maybe there will be more? I'm sufficiently attached to the characters now, that if there was a 4th, I'd keep reading this series) Serek and Anders are great... I don't think I picked up so much humor from Anders in the 2nd book, but he was downright hilarious in this one and Serek's serious grimness, clever plans, sarcastic humor, powerful abilities and strong leadership remind me a lot of my favorite Ranger, Halt. Both Meg and Calen went through some drastic trials that change them deeply, but I love seeing how they grow as characters and how they support each other through it all. They both understand more about themselves and their roles in the world by the end. (Plus I can forgive those complaints I had in the second book as they do mature and grow from these experiences and I can chalk it up to showing the contrast in the growth of their characters).
The whole book was full of action and suspense from the beginning. For me, the only parts that lagged were the conversations with Pela. I don't know why she was important at all, but perhaps there's another book coming and she might play a bigger role in it. My other complaint about the second book was also addressed and better explained in this book.
I think there doesn't NEED to be a next book, this one ends quite nicely with a bit of open-endedness for a potential next book. Sometimes things are best left where they are, although I am a little curious what happens to them next.
The whole book was full of action and suspense from the beginning. For me, the only parts that lagged were the conversations with Pela. I don't know why she was important at all, but perhaps there's another book coming and she might play a bigger role in it. My other complaint about the second book was also addressed and better explained in this book.
I think there doesn't NEED to be a next book, this one ends quite nicely with a bit of open-endedness for a potential next book. Sometimes things are best left where they are, although I am a little curious what happens to them next.
April 24, 2016
Great. This is the first of the series that I have read. I will definitely be reading the earlier books.
July 13, 2022
This book was a perfect ending to an amazing trilogy! As with the first two books, it was incredibly well-written, with endearing and well-developed characters, skillfully crafted story, riveting plot, rich worldbuilding and so much more. I love Meg, Calen, and the other characters so much, and I have highly enjoyed reading their wonderful story. I only wish there was more of it, but of course I still feel it ended in just the right way and time. I do not hesitate to recommend this series to anyone who might enjoy an exciting and well-written fantasy novel complete with amazing yet believable magic and dragons.
Updated Review:
I liked this series at the time I read them, and they're pretty good books, but they aren't as well-written as I thought at the time, even though I enjoyed them then. There were also some things that annoyed me about the books, such as the main character's shallow crush on a guy who wasn't exactly admirable,
Also, since that time, I've entirely stopped reading books with dark magic and spiritual forces such as this series. Even at the time I read them, they were at the borders of my comfort zone and made me wary. As a result, I do not recommend them to friends, and I won't read them again myself.
I still think the covers of the latest edition are gorgeous, however! :)
Updated Review:
I liked this series at the time I read them, and they're pretty good books, but they aren't as well-written as I thought at the time, even though I enjoyed them then. There were also some things that annoyed me about the books, such as the main character's shallow crush on a guy who wasn't exactly admirable,
Also, since that time, I've entirely stopped reading books with dark magic and spiritual forces such as this series. Even at the time I read them, they were at the borders of my comfort zone and made me wary. As a result, I do not recommend them to friends, and I won't read them again myself.
I still think the covers of the latest edition are gorgeous, however! :)
February 17, 2018
3.5 stars
Serek and Anders frankly were amazing!
Poor Calen! He went through hideous torture, mental and physical.
I liked the bits with Meg where she has to accept and try to help Calen see that even though they cannot go back and things will never be exactly as they were before, that they can be even better. Calen won't be the same person and that hurts. They are still friends though. That remains unchanged. And they are going to survive this.
Too much time spent going round and round repeating the same things in the first half. Get THERE! Time better spent on characters than going over the same scenarios over and over.
The romance was... not poorly done, but a but shoved in there.
And while I appreciate very much that Calen and Meg are just amazing friends, I have to agree with my sister that it felt like the story was truly setting them up as a couple and thus was somewhat disappointing to have that just fizzle away.
Still, years later and I finally got to finish this series!
Serek and Anders frankly were amazing!
Poor Calen! He went through hideous torture, mental and physical.
I liked the bits with Meg where she has to accept and try to help Calen see that even though they cannot go back and things will never be exactly as they were before, that they can be even better. Calen won't be the same person and that hurts. They are still friends though. That remains unchanged. And they are going to survive this.
Too much time spent going round and round repeating the same things in the first half. Get THERE! Time better spent on characters than going over the same scenarios over and over.
The romance was... not poorly done, but a but shoved in there.
And while I appreciate very much that Calen and Meg are just amazing friends, I have to agree with my sister that it felt like the story was truly setting them up as a couple and thus was somewhat disappointing to have that just fizzle away.
Still, years later and I finally got to finish this series!
November 18, 2020
A decent ending to the series for the most part. It never did get above three stars for me, because I would have needed more development of the cast. They're interesting but pretty one note, aside from Calen and Meg. There are hints at romances that don't really go anywhere, which is another sign of minimal development imo. Also, I can't really get past the fact that
June 28, 2021
The best of the series! I really enjoyed this series!
November 26, 2017
The trilogy is finally over. I started it way back in grade 6 and now I am at university. The first book, 'The Dragon of Trelian' contributed to the development of what will be a lifelong friendship. Together, this friend and I waited impatiently for 'The Princess of Trelian' to finally be released so we could read that. After the disappointing cliffhanger we had to wait AGES for this book to 1. be released and 2. be available at our local libraries. FINALLY, after seven years, 1 incredible friendship and four months of putting this book on hold, I have finished it. I really enjoyed it. Obviously, the writing style I am used to now is a bit more mature (bearing in mind that I read the first book when I was 10 or 11), but it was so worth it because I got to see how the story ended and where the characters ended up. This book was exciting and dramatic, and the development of the characters was clear from book 1. The only reason it doesn't get five stars is because I think the climax may have been slightly rushed, and I wanted a different ending for the characters. But hey, I am older now and I want different things for characters than what the actual intended audience may want. For the intended audience I think the ending is appropriate. Thank you so much Knudsen for writing this trilogy and making me want to wait 7 years to finish it even as an adult. Thank you library gods for making both me and my friend pick up "The Dragon of Trelian", read it and then mention it to each other out of the blue in Yr 8 woodwork class when we barely knew each other. I'm rambling now, but I feel like a chapter of my life just ended (in a good way). I'm now going to pass this book on to my friend so she can have this same experience.
May 7, 2024
I borrowed the first two books in this series from the library years ago and was never able to check out this last one. I finally bought all three of them and was finally able to finish the series. And gosh, what an ending. I think this book was the best by far, and it hit me so much harder than almost any book I've ever read. The characters are so incredibly well written and I believed in them so strongly. Especially after holding onto them for years like I have, to finally have their story concluded in such a spectacular way... I don't even have words for how much love I have for this series. And the message that change is inevitable, but it's good and important... I really needed that right now. Honestly this book checked all my boxes: great story, amazing characters, high stakes, everything. I loved every word of it and I have a feeling I'll be coming back to it someday and I'll love it just as much. This deserves way more than five stars.
September 30, 2021
Exciting, fun, and entertaining.
Sure it's not that advanced or unique, but you've got to admit it's cute.
It's like a simpler version of Eragon, less intense. Though it does get pretty dark at times.
Overall, I really liked it, and I was constantly looking forward to finding out more about Calen's powers.
Sure it's not that advanced or unique, but you've got to admit it's cute.
It's like a simpler version of Eragon, less intense. Though it does get pretty dark at times.
Overall, I really liked it, and I was constantly looking forward to finding out more about Calen's powers.
January 2, 2017
Reader thoughts: The characters grew and changed. Calen struggled with wondering if he was still himself and how to convince others he was still himself. He ends up talking with Meg. Here's the paraphrased conversation.
Calen: "I've changed."
Meg: "You're still you."
Calen: "Are you sure?"
Meg: "People can change and still be themselves."
It was exactly what he needed to hear. It let him begin to heal.
I loved seeing how Meg grew into her role as dragon-riding princess-heir. She has done so little (comparatively) in the rest of the books. Now, she and Jakl actually get to be at the center of the action, not bumbling around getting in people's way. Plus, the Trelians now get to acknowledge Jakl as the amazing and glorious creature he is rather than running and screaming in fear of him.
I liked the development of the "early colors" that Calen saw. Now he sees magic even before the spell is cast. Oh, and he can now see wards and barriers made of magic. This progression made sense and helped him fight.
I like that Krelig caught Blackie. Blackie was sneaking in and out so many times that it was surprising that Krelig hadn't caught him yet. I would've thought Krelig rather incompetent if he hadn't.
Krelig's training methods are appropriately cruel. Someone doesn't learn fast enough? Set them on fire or melt their face off! Oh, and then heal them and have them try again. Faster! Yep, Krelig had just the right mix of insanity mixed in with evil overlordness.
I wanted the solution (for how they took down Krelig) to be more clever, though.
Pela! I like her and wish we saw more of her.
Some characters (like the King and Queen) felt a bit flat. I could not tell them apart, and they had no personality. Why would Devan (Meg's armor bearer who has one line) get more personality than Meg's parents?
Writer thoughts: I was curious how MK was going to get everyone to trust Calen after that shocking ending to book 2. I mean, Calen had joined the bad guys. How was he going to come back to the good guys? They already distrusted him from before!
MK has Calen come back broken and crying. The moment he's rescued, the good guys already know he's been through a lot, and that his experiences with Krelig were not pleasant. They can tell he didn't want to be there. Yes, he's powerful, but there's no doubt Calen and Krelig were on the same side.
It's not like MK could have had Calen come back injured physically. He could have healed that with magic. No, it was his mind that was injured.
Calen: "I've changed."
Meg: "You're still you."
Calen: "Are you sure?"
Meg: "People can change and still be themselves."
It was exactly what he needed to hear. It let him begin to heal.
I loved seeing how Meg grew into her role as dragon-riding princess-heir. She has done so little (comparatively) in the rest of the books. Now, she and Jakl actually get to be at the center of the action, not bumbling around getting in people's way. Plus, the Trelians now get to acknowledge Jakl as the amazing and glorious creature he is rather than running and screaming in fear of him.
I liked the development of the "early colors" that Calen saw. Now he sees magic even before the spell is cast. Oh, and he can now see wards and barriers made of magic. This progression made sense and helped him fight.
I like that Krelig caught Blackie. Blackie was sneaking in and out so many times that it was surprising that Krelig hadn't caught him yet. I would've thought Krelig rather incompetent if he hadn't.
Krelig's training methods are appropriately cruel. Someone doesn't learn fast enough? Set them on fire or melt their face off! Oh, and then heal them and have them try again. Faster! Yep, Krelig had just the right mix of insanity mixed in with evil overlordness.
I wanted the solution (for how they took down Krelig) to be more clever, though.
Pela! I like her and wish we saw more of her.
Some characters (like the King and Queen) felt a bit flat. I could not tell them apart, and they had no personality. Why would Devan (Meg's armor bearer who has one line) get more personality than Meg's parents?
Writer thoughts: I was curious how MK was going to get everyone to trust Calen after that shocking ending to book 2. I mean, Calen had joined the bad guys. How was he going to come back to the good guys? They already distrusted him from before!
MK has Calen come back broken and crying. The moment he's rescued, the good guys already know he's been through a lot, and that his experiences with Krelig were not pleasant. They can tell he didn't want to be there. Yes, he's powerful, but there's no doubt Calen and Krelig were on the same side.
It's not like MK could have had Calen come back injured physically. He could have healed that with magic. No, it was his mind that was injured.
March 17, 2022
After two books of setup and promise, Knudsen delivers with this compelling and action-packed finale. The first two installments of the series were fairly basic, if well-executed, YA fantasy. Here, the story moves above and beyond, as we accompany characters we know and like on adventures that actually challenge them.
Meg has finally sorted out her connection with the dragon, and can now focus on joining the war effort against Krelig. In the process, she sorts out her role in the kingdom – where she has always struggled to fit in as the princess heir – and her relationships with her parents and with Willem.
Infinitely more compelling is Calen’s struggle to escape Krelig’s forced apprenticeship. We witness how torn Calen is – he genuinely enjoys exploring his power and expanding his magical knowledge, even while he knows he must get away from Krelig and defeat the evil mage. His quandary in this is the most interesting question that’s been raised in this trilogy, and it kept me eagerly turning the pages.
Knudsen does not disappoint with the big action setpieces; she has a gift for writing battle sequences with dragons and wizards so it’s clear what’s going on.
Best of all, there is no romance between our leads! Oh, glory hallelujah! I was nervous that this was where the series was going when it seemed that Calen was jealous of Willem. But I am so thrilled we got a story about the close friendship between a boy and a girl, with no romantic drama intruding upon it. Bravo!
Meg has finally sorted out her connection with the dragon, and can now focus on joining the war effort against Krelig. In the process, she sorts out her role in the kingdom – where she has always struggled to fit in as the princess heir – and her relationships with her parents and with Willem.
Infinitely more compelling is Calen’s struggle to escape Krelig’s forced apprenticeship. We witness how torn Calen is – he genuinely enjoys exploring his power and expanding his magical knowledge, even while he knows he must get away from Krelig and defeat the evil mage. His quandary in this is the most interesting question that’s been raised in this trilogy, and it kept me eagerly turning the pages.
Knudsen does not disappoint with the big action setpieces; she has a gift for writing battle sequences with dragons and wizards so it’s clear what’s going on.
Best of all, there is no romance between our leads! Oh, glory hallelujah! I was nervous that this was where the series was going when it seemed that Calen was jealous of Willem. But I am so thrilled we got a story about the close friendship between a boy and a girl, with no romantic drama intruding upon it. Bravo!
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January 12, 2017This series was one of the many that made me love the library. The first time I read the Dragon of Trelian it definitely made one of my favorites. Give or take two years back I picked up the Princess of Trelian, which I believed I gobbled up in one day and was immensely sad that it left me on such a beautiful cliffhanger.
The Mage of Trelian starts out a few months (or so) after book 2's ending, and it was a nice conclusion to the series. The gaps between the time I read the last book made it a bit more difficult to remember bits and pieces, but gradually little snippets helped me make connections. Although I am sad that my ship sunk into friendship zone (I've always had it out for Calen and Meg), I thought the ending was appropriate and carefully thought out, and I adored Krelig.
A bit more on characters...
I believe I've always liked Calen a bit more than I did Meg (probably due to maturity, and overall level headedness), so it's no surprise I loved the times he had the spotlight. I felt like he could be more relatable than Meg, you felt his pain and struggles were real.
Meg, who definitely suffers from stubbornness, temper, disregard to follow logic, and rudeness to her elders was a bit hard to relate to. Her weakness in this book, however, made her grow on me.
Krelig, was again, my favorite villain. He's crazy, brutal, not beneath mood swings, clever, and knows how to throw one sick rebellion.
The Mage of Trelian starts out a few months (or so) after book 2's ending, and it was a nice conclusion to the series. The gaps between the time I read the last book made it a bit more difficult to remember bits and pieces, but gradually little snippets helped me make connections. Although I am sad that my ship sunk into friendship zone (I've always had it out for Calen and Meg), I thought the ending was appropriate and carefully thought out, and I adored Krelig.
A bit more on characters...
I believe I've always liked Calen a bit more than I did Meg (probably due to maturity, and overall level headedness), so it's no surprise I loved the times he had the spotlight. I felt like he could be more relatable than Meg, you felt his pain and struggles were real.
Meg, who definitely suffers from stubbornness, temper, disregard to follow logic, and rudeness to her elders was a bit hard to relate to. Her weakness in this book, however, made her grow on me.
Krelig, was again, my favorite villain. He's crazy, brutal, not beneath mood swings, clever, and knows how to throw one sick rebellion.
August 3, 2016
My name is Mage Krelig, and all of these other weak mages infuriate me. Now that I have Calen in my possession, I will destroy everyone who opposes me. I know the boy hates me, but I've finally taught him to tap into his tremendous hidden powers. Of course, this only came about after Calen unleashed his anger toward me. I've convinced the kingdom of Lourin to wage war on Trelian, and the Magistratum of mages has fallen apart. I'm building an army of mages who fear me, as well they should. I am the most powerful mage in history, and I will rid the world of all the rules established by the Magistratum. Mages will once again reign the world, and I will lead them all.
This book concludes the trilogy, and you need to read the others first. It has the most action of all three due to the war and Krelig's growing forces. The author very effectively described Krelig's evilness, as Calen and the other mages were ruthlessly punished or killed during training. The conflict was a classic good versus evil, but the two main characters dealt with internal issues as well. Calen loved his growing power, but he was being taught by a crazy, magical tyrant. Would he be able to withstand Krelig's persuasion to join him in battle? Princess Meg mused about her role as princess heir and how it conflicted with her role in the army. I highly recommend the series if you're into dragons, magic, and adventure.
This book concludes the trilogy, and you need to read the others first. It has the most action of all three due to the war and Krelig's growing forces. The author very effectively described Krelig's evilness, as Calen and the other mages were ruthlessly punished or killed during training. The conflict was a classic good versus evil, but the two main characters dealt with internal issues as well. Calen loved his growing power, but he was being taught by a crazy, magical tyrant. Would he be able to withstand Krelig's persuasion to join him in battle? Princess Meg mused about her role as princess heir and how it conflicted with her role in the army. I highly recommend the series if you're into dragons, magic, and adventure.
June 20, 2023
Picked this up on a whim a while back without ever having read the other books; definitely enjoyed it. I do seem to remember trying at least one of the earlier books in the series afterwards and not liking it as much? Perhaps I should try again. Either way, a neat read once again. I particularly enjoyed Calen's struggles and triumphs in this.
June 1, 2016
Why did Helena have to die?! That totally surprised me! I kept expecting her to turn up at some point! I was waiting for a chapter where Calen brings her back to life or something with his special powers! I mean come on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2022
Such a great last book in the series! I loved how it all came together, through some dreadful and suspenseful moments. I was sure worried a time or two! I loved how the characters grew so much and came into their own.
October 11, 2015
I had actually given up on this series ever being completed, but I'm so glad the final volume is being published and I can now recommend it again to middle-grade fantasy readers.
May 24, 2021
Oh my goodness!!! I LOVE this series!! And I loved this book!!! READ THEM, READ THEM, READ THEM!!!!
August 4, 2016
Great ending for a great series!
March 18, 2017
I want a fourth one :(
I don't care what it's about. I'm okay with a fourth book that is just Anders trying to train Calen while Meg flies around on her dragon being reckless.
I don't care what it's about. I'm okay with a fourth book that is just Anders trying to train Calen while Meg flies around on her dragon being reckless.
May 1, 2016
Loved it! Strong character development, great plot, and a very enjoyable read.
March 21, 2021
What a great way of ending this incredible trilogy. Just . . . wow. I tend to love when trilogies have the first part as the starting point where we're introduced to the characters, world, and conflict, and the second part is fairly similar to the first part but bigger - bigger world, continues the characters' stories, and just has a larger scale overall. And then finally, the third part is the really big one. The stakes are sky-high, the tone is a bit darker, and our characters have to overcome their final challenge. Trelian followed this formula so well and it came out just about perfect. Like I mentioned in my reviews of the previous two books, I'm writing these reviews during my first reread of the trilogy, and this is one of my favorite series ever so this review will be long. I'll use spoiler warnings when needed because I'm having a hard time really sharing my thoughts about this book without going into spoiler territory.
There's a bit of a timeskip between The Princess of Trelian and The Mage of Trelian of about a few months, and Meg, Calen, and Trelian as a whole have endured serious changes during this time. Trelian is officially at war with Lourin and Mage Krelig is preparing to take over the world and revert back to the times where mages weren't governed by the Magistratum. Calen was forced to betray Trelian by going with Mage Krelig and learn magic under him, with none of the rules of the Magistratum dictating what magic is safe or dangerous to learn. Krelig is absolutely ruthless, horribly and traumatically punishing Calen for minor mistakes. And after how Calen left, he isn't even sure whether Meg, Serek, and Anders would ever want him to return home. He feels more alone than ever before in that abandoned castle and has no idea how he can ever make things right again. Meanwhile, Meg and Jakl have been allowed to train with the Trelian army in the war against Lourin. As strange as it is to see a princess in battle training, it just feels right for Meg and Jakl to be there. It's where they belong. It was really heartwarming to see how people's attitudes towards Jakl started shifting after he and Meg defended the castle from invaders in the previous book. In the past Meg feared that Trelian would never accept a princess with some bizarre connection to a dragon, so it made me really happy to see that Trelian had become proud of its Dragon Princess. Wilem was also good in this book. I was still weary about him in the second book (especially after trying to hold Meg's hand, who does he think he is), but here I feel like he really redeems himself. He's putting his life on the line fighting alongside the army of Trelian, and you can tell he's learned a lot and become a better person. He gives some solid life advice in one scene:
In terms of his magical abilities, Calen is way more powerful in this book. It's rewarding to see how much he's grown since we first met him as an inexperienced apprentice, but within the context, it's also bittersweet. He was forced to grow his abilities by a sadistic mage under threat of horrible violent punishment, and who also wanted to use Calen's abilities to help destroy the peaceful world that he loved so much. Calen is thankful to have learned all that he did with Krelig, but that doesn't change the fact that none of this should ever have happened. Meg has also grown a great deal. She's learned how to be a responsible princess-heir after the hard lesson of the previous book, and thinks about how her actions could impact others rather than just acting on all of her impulses. Meg feels more confident in herself and in her role in Trelian now that she and Jakl can use their strengths to safeguard the kingdom, and she's fueled by her determination to do everything in her power to bring Calen back home.
When thinking back to this series before I reread it, most of the scenes I remembered most clearly came from this book. There are seriously just so many wonderful scenes in The Mage of Trelian.
I don't think I can adequately express my love for this trilogy in words. The characters, the world, the relationships, it's all just so special to me. I'm very thankful to have discovered this gem.
There's a bit of a timeskip between The Princess of Trelian and The Mage of Trelian of about a few months, and Meg, Calen, and Trelian as a whole have endured serious changes during this time. Trelian is officially at war with Lourin and Mage Krelig is preparing to take over the world and revert back to the times where mages weren't governed by the Magistratum. Calen was forced to betray Trelian by going with Mage Krelig and learn magic under him, with none of the rules of the Magistratum dictating what magic is safe or dangerous to learn. Krelig is absolutely ruthless, horribly and traumatically punishing Calen for minor mistakes. And after how Calen left, he isn't even sure whether Meg, Serek, and Anders would ever want him to return home. He feels more alone than ever before in that abandoned castle and has no idea how he can ever make things right again. Meanwhile, Meg and Jakl have been allowed to train with the Trelian army in the war against Lourin. As strange as it is to see a princess in battle training, it just feels right for Meg and Jakl to be there. It's where they belong. It was really heartwarming to see how people's attitudes towards Jakl started shifting after he and Meg defended the castle from invaders in the previous book. In the past Meg feared that Trelian would never accept a princess with some bizarre connection to a dragon, so it made me really happy to see that Trelian had become proud of its Dragon Princess. Wilem was also good in this book. I was still weary about him in the second book (especially after trying to hold Meg's hand, who does he think he is), but here I feel like he really redeems himself. He's putting his life on the line fighting alongside the army of Trelian, and you can tell he's learned a lot and become a better person. He gives some solid life advice in one scene:
"No . . . You can't go back. But you can go forward. Sometimes forward is better. I think . . . I think most of the time it is."
"You can't give your all to something else if you don't take care of yourself."I really hope Wilem stays in Trelian. I wouldn't want them in a relationship after the events of the first book, but with time, he and Meg could become really good friends.
In terms of his magical abilities, Calen is way more powerful in this book. It's rewarding to see how much he's grown since we first met him as an inexperienced apprentice, but within the context, it's also bittersweet. He was forced to grow his abilities by a sadistic mage under threat of horrible violent punishment, and who also wanted to use Calen's abilities to help destroy the peaceful world that he loved so much. Calen is thankful to have learned all that he did with Krelig, but that doesn't change the fact that none of this should ever have happened. Meg has also grown a great deal. She's learned how to be a responsible princess-heir after the hard lesson of the previous book, and thinks about how her actions could impact others rather than just acting on all of her impulses. Meg feels more confident in herself and in her role in Trelian now that she and Jakl can use their strengths to safeguard the kingdom, and she's fueled by her determination to do everything in her power to bring Calen back home.
When thinking back to this series before I reread it, most of the scenes I remembered most clearly came from this book. There are seriously just so many wonderful scenes in The Mage of Trelian.
I don't think I can adequately express my love for this trilogy in words. The characters, the world, the relationships, it's all just so special to me. I'm very thankful to have discovered this gem.
February 13, 2024
This final book in the Trelian Trilogy was absorbing, engaging, action-filled, and fun to read! It had a satisfying ending, though I wish the author would have explained Calen's new mage markings, like she did in Book 2 - that would have been a better way to end it! Still, the main characters had excellent growth from their experiences, and Serek and Anders (the two Adult mages around these two 14 (?) year-olds) were humorous and delightful leaders, Serek being a bit gruff (like Halt in the Rangers books), and Anders being... unique.
I don't think this trilogy is appropriate for people under 10-years-old for readership. There is murder, torture (mentally and physically), and in the first book, a crush on someone who is not at all crush-worthy. For anyone older than that though, there is a strong boy-and-girl friendship in Meg and Calen, where they encourage and support each other, even while learning new things themselves. That remains unchanged throughout the series. And that friendship is what's needed to survive the wars and the evils that are part of the story. Some people lament there is not a romance between those two - I like that they are friends, and who knows? Maybe they will develop those feelings in the future? There are other unanswered questions like: Will other dragons be discovered? What does the Magisterium look like a few years on? I think a lot of readers are a little bit curious about what happens to everyone next.... The author left room for possibilities, should she ever want to return to this world, but for the ages intended for readership (middle grade to early YA), I think the friendship is what's celebrated and that's just fine!
I enjoyed this trilogy and still vote for maps and a list of characters to be added in! Publishers, please note: all fantasy books should come with a map! Despite this, I think these books were fun reads and it was a joy to come across another YA author I didn't know about. If you like fantasy, these books are delightful, even with the skim-read plotting of the first.
I don't think this trilogy is appropriate for people under 10-years-old for readership. There is murder, torture (mentally and physically), and in the first book, a crush on someone who is not at all crush-worthy. For anyone older than that though, there is a strong boy-and-girl friendship in Meg and Calen, where they encourage and support each other, even while learning new things themselves. That remains unchanged throughout the series. And that friendship is what's needed to survive the wars and the evils that are part of the story. Some people lament there is not a romance between those two - I like that they are friends, and who knows? Maybe they will develop those feelings in the future? There are other unanswered questions like: Will other dragons be discovered? What does the Magisterium look like a few years on? I think a lot of readers are a little bit curious about what happens to everyone next.... The author left room for possibilities, should she ever want to return to this world, but for the ages intended for readership (middle grade to early YA), I think the friendship is what's celebrated and that's just fine!
I enjoyed this trilogy and still vote for maps and a list of characters to be added in! Publishers, please note: all fantasy books should come with a map! Despite this, I think these books were fun reads and it was a joy to come across another YA author I didn't know about. If you like fantasy, these books are delightful, even with the skim-read plotting of the first.
March 4, 2023
I just finished the fantasy trilogy, The Dragon of Trelian, The Princess of Trelian, and The Mage of Trelian. I recommend them for kids of at least 10 or 12 and grownups who like YA fiction. The boy and girl heroes are both about 14. The libraries called all three J (for juvenile) books (and they are quite clean - just a bit of pretty innocent kissing), but I would be cautious about giving them to young children because of violence and torture and murder by bad guys, and some violence by good guys, too. (I don't mean to imply that everybody is clearly good or bad, though at least one person is truly evil. "Good" people make poor choices, just as in real life.)
The dragon is a lot of fun. The middle book, especially, has a lot about a daughter coping with her parents' restrictions and misunderstanding her. There's also good stuff about feeling betrayed (with good reason) and forgiveness. The books are generally fast-moving and exciting; parts are quite funny. I was pleasantly surprised that none of the young people were paired off at the end, though the two heroes are definitely best friends (unless you count the dragon as a friend).
Parental guidance: The people of Trelian worship several gods (though little is said about them) and the mages do divination with cards, etc.
The dragon is a lot of fun. The middle book, especially, has a lot about a daughter coping with her parents' restrictions and misunderstanding her. There's also good stuff about feeling betrayed (with good reason) and forgiveness. The books are generally fast-moving and exciting; parts are quite funny. I was pleasantly surprised that none of the young people were paired off at the end, though the two heroes are definitely best friends (unless you count the dragon as a friend).
Parental guidance: The people of Trelian worship several gods (though little is said about them) and the mages do divination with cards, etc.
July 17, 2017
It was such a great ending to the series or trilogy more likely and the final chapter was somewhat bittersweet ( if this book was a candy in a candy shop it would be called the BITTERSWEET FINALE FLAVOR ) I am so glad these books aren't sugarcoated or it would be SOUR SUGARCOATING FLAVOR ........ the reason why I brought that up was because in the book it had plenty action and I thought it was realistic in a way unlike some books I've read . ( a few not huge amount ) but there is one character I have still continued to be annoyed with throughout the books and it is Wilem , he just annoys me and not because he was a bad guy in the first one ( far from that accauly ) whenever he has a problem or flaws for that matter which just annoys me , everything goes well for him and if I'm correct Meg even described him to be perfect and don't get me started on the way he was treated as a " Prisoner " in the second book ............. so that was the only bad thing I can think to say about the series . Other than Mr . Perfect part of the book I loved it I felt it had an almost Harry Potter vibe to it .
January 21, 2019
So grateful to finally read the last book! That was a horrible cliffhanger to be left on in Princess of Trelian, and this one delivered. A great blend of intensity, emotions, and humor.
Favorite parts:
-Calen and Meg's friendship. There aren't enough "just friends" books in the world and this one was so satisfying.
-Anders and his bird
-the intensity and rising plot
Knudsen's writing strength seems to lie in plot. While her characters experience emotional moments, I sometimes felt vaguely disconnected. That being said, there are exceptions, like . Serek is such a dear (and complicated) mentor figure. Anders is so quirky in the best way. And I've loved getting to see both Calen and Meg grow and come into their own as responsible young adults.
It took me some time to get back into the story, it having been a few years since I read Princess of Trelian, but once I was, I was sucked in. Knudsen's plot builds quickly, stakes rising and surprising until it culminates in a finale and ending well worth the read.
Favorite parts:
-Calen and Meg's friendship. There aren't enough "just friends" books in the world and this one was so satisfying.
-Anders and his bird
-the intensity and rising plot
Knudsen's writing strength seems to lie in plot. While her characters experience emotional moments, I sometimes felt vaguely disconnected. That being said, there are exceptions, like . Serek is such a dear (and complicated) mentor figure. Anders is so quirky in the best way. And I've loved getting to see both Calen and Meg grow and come into their own as responsible young adults.
It took me some time to get back into the story, it having been a few years since I read Princess of Trelian, but once I was, I was sucked in. Knudsen's plot builds quickly, stakes rising and surprising until it culminates in a finale and ending well worth the read.
June 30, 2022
4 and a half STARS
I like this book because it makes you feel like you're actually there with the characters. I also like this book because the plot is well written and the settings are very clear. But what I dislike is all
of the emotions that the characters have, it just is a little much.I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure,romance, or humor.I rated this book four and a half stars because the emotions were a bit overdone. My only request is that you write another book.
I like this book because it makes you feel like you're actually there with the characters. I also like this book because the plot is well written and the settings are very clear. But what I dislike is all
of the emotions that the characters have, it just is a little much.I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure,romance, or humor.I rated this book four and a half stars because the emotions were a bit overdone. My only request is that you write another book.
August 18, 2021
I did enjoy this final entry in the trilogy. There was a lot of action, and the characters continued to grow and change as situations demanded it.
The reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is that the author didn't finish the Epilogue. While almost all the lose ends of this trilogy were tied up, she did not let us know if Meg and Wilem were eventually going to get back together, and if Calen and Pela were eventually going to be a couple; although hints were given that this might happen.
The reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars is that the author didn't finish the Epilogue. While almost all the lose ends of this trilogy were tied up, she did not let us know if Meg and Wilem were eventually going to get back together, and if Calen and Pela were eventually going to be a couple; although hints were given that this might happen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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