The Gift (The Naming in USA release) is the first of four books written by Alison Croggon. It is an epic fantasy centering on a young girl named Maerad who has just come to the realization of her powers, just in time with the stirring of an evil out to cause destruction (aren't you glad the good is always just in time with evil). The book is engaging, while at the same time relaxing enough to be read before bedtime. I like the pacing which alternates between tense moments of life and death for Maerad and her mentor and friends as they are pursued by the forces of evil that is currently in power, albeit in disguise, in the highest seats of government. The characters has enough depth for a starter volume, but being a roleplayer that I am, I tend to expect more. The plot is simple enough, yet novel enough for me to hang on and read through the end. The ending provides an anticipation and a longing to continue reading to the next volume.
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