[Storm Centurion]

I thought this book was very very good. Nothing new, really, except a the way he tackles magic in a fantasy setting(although it is presented in a school and thus will draw similarities with JK Rowling). I loved it and I expected it to be all hype.

But the original poster Werthead is correct. He writes amazingly well and makes a pretty traditional setting very interesting. It's kind of like when you watch a movie about some very commonplace things and subjects but done by a terrific director and screenwriter.