Margaret Mahy — Magician Of Hoad

HarperCollins New Zealand 2008 Hardback, 447pp. A hero, an ageing magician, a farm boy, a noble daughter and a mad prince meet on the edge of a city of tents. So begins an intricate tale of a boy with a troublesome eye, who is capable of extraordinary things. Forced from home, twelve-year-old Heriot's unwilling steps lead to Diamond, first city of the Hoadara, who conquered his people generations before. By tradition, King and Hero share power in an uneasy alliance. and the resolution of their struggle will ultimately bring pain, terror, love and loss to the five who met that dusty day. DJ. (ISBN: 9781869506872). Good.