This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic 
 2013 has proved to be an excellent year so far in regards to the books I've been reading. Maybe I'm being pickier about what I choose to read, maybe the books are just better. But I've liked almost everything I've picked up. The Cadet of Tildor, however is an exception. Because I didn't just like it. I LOVED it. 
 It's not secret I'm a fantasy fan. It's easily my favourite genre. Many of my favourite authors are fantasy authors. I want to be one myself. So when a book like this comes along I have to pick it up. But I hope others who aren't as quick to pick up fantasy titles will also give this book a chance - there is just so much to love about it. 
 Starting with Renee and the transformation of her character. At the beginning of the story we are introduced to an immature, but as least admirable, Renee. She starts out naive and head strong, with a very black and white view of the world. But as the novel unfolds, a series of events and predicaments challenge her point of view and cause her to evolve and grow as a character. And it wasn't an overnight change either. It took place through the entire story, built in to every scene and interaction. This is an example of character development at its finest. 
 The world where all this character development takes place was one I was fascinated with. It was so detailed and vivid. I liked that it started out with Renee's school and training. It was sort of like reading an extended version of "I'll make a man out of you" from Mulan. You really got a sense of what Renee was going to be up against right from the get go. And once you have that base, Alex Lidell then takes you to the explore the rest of the world. It was an excellent layout for this story. My one request here would have been for a little more information about the political system and history, but given how well everything else was done, it wasn't that noticeable. 
 There were also some really interesting social and moral question raised by the whole idea of mages. In this particular world mages (basically people with a special kind of magic). Are forced to register themselves with the state. A lot of the characters in this book had varying opinions on this subject and a lot of them made really excellent - but contrasting - points. I think this particular element would make for an excellent discussion topic if this book was to be read in a book club or a classroom. 
 The Cadet of Tildor was an incredibly addictive and enchanting novel. There was so much going on and the fighting was so well written. It felt like I was flying through the footwork and parry's with Renee and her companions and I never wanted it to end. 
 Recommendation: Intelligent, exciting and beautiful fantasy novel. If you enjoy books by Tamora Pierce and Marion Zimmer Bradley I think this is the book for you. Highly recommended.