Trilogy of the first 3 books in a 5 books sub-series that comprises of some 25+ books in the universe. Not terrible, and quite a good start but got rushed towards the end. School of magic so there are always comparisons to the many others around, but manages to maintain some distinct Uniqueness.

A pair of orphaned sisters join the competitions to enter the Hundred Halls of magic in the one city in the world dedicated to Magic - the city of Inviciticus, founded by the eponymous hero about 100 years ago as the competing mages then had threatened to destroy the world. He bound them all as their Patron, and established the Hundred Halls in their names. 13 years ago he disappeared/was killed, and the powers and cabals have been competing for the ultimate position ever since. But as potentila First Year students that should have nothing to do with them, even though both their parents were individually powerful mages, and both girls seem to have inherited substantial capabilities. None of which matters unless talent is harnessed to application and where necessary teamwork to provide any lacking skills. The first challenge is simply getting accepted into a Hall.

Nice interplay between the sisters with different personalities that acknowledges differences but remains supportive. Randomly in book 2 we get a couple of excerpts from other characters viewpoints, and it's obvious why it's been done, but it's still poor. All the books have similar writing flaws in them here and there, but the plotting remans fairly fast, and it's a clever world. Although respect for non-magical mortals is often mentioned, they get short shrift with any interactions. The heads of each hall compete against each other with levels of absolute power far beyond any student, btu tehre are ways and means if you can find the time around exams and the challenges of simply staying ahead of your peers.

Too many books to contemplate reading the rest of the rest of the series, but if I find the rest as omnibii I may succomb. ( )