The Man Who Was Never There – Niall Teasdale

This book feels a lot like the author’s Death’s-Handmaiden series - extremely over-qualified girl goes to school - though it is placed in a fantasy setting rather than an sf setting. If you enjoyed the DH series, you’ll enjoy this one.

The book takes place over Kori’s first semester in the pre-eminent school of magic. The running gag (it’s not milked for humor, but it’s intrinsically humorous) is Kori’s exceptional competence. She has received home schooling that is better than the schooling most of her classmates will have upon graduation. She’s very powerful, magically. And she gets through life without fuss, but on her own terms.

The book stands alone, but seeds are planted for sequels. The king (whom we meet) has recently come of age, and the ex-regent is regretting his lost power. The king seems oblivious to this. More-powerful magic users age more slowly. Kori may be a lot older than she seems. She also knows some magics that people aren’t supposed to know.