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caniscanem's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ellbeecee's review
5.0
No spoilers,I promise. :)
I was lucky enough to get a galley copy of this book recently. It is an excellent, if at times difficult (emotionally) to read. I loved having more Rosethorn and Briar particularly, and the moments where we saw through Rosethorn or Evvy's eyes were excellent.
This book feels a little less YA to me than the Circle books through Will of the Empress. It's still excellent - but though it draws characters from earlier books and feeds into later books, it's a different feel. Not bad - just, perhaps, aimed more at older readers than the Circle/Circle Opens books. Even so, I was still completely drawn in, and didn't want to put it down until I was done with my first read of it. :)
I was lucky enough to get a galley copy of this book recently. It is an excellent, if at times difficult (emotionally) to read. I loved having more Rosethorn and Briar particularly, and the moments where we saw through Rosethorn or Evvy's eyes were excellent.
This book feels a little less YA to me than the Circle books through Will of the Empress. It's still excellent - but though it draws characters from earlier books and feeds into later books, it's a different feel. Not bad - just, perhaps, aimed more at older readers than the Circle/Circle Opens books. Even so, I was still completely drawn in, and didn't want to put it down until I was done with my first read of it. :)
librarianinperiwinkle's review
3.0
Fans of Pierce's "Circle of Magic" and "Circle Opens" quartets will probably like the latest installment of the "Circle Reforged" series. This time, Briar, Evvy, and Rosethorn have been invited to meet the emperor of Yanjing and tour his famous gardens. Their stay is not always a comfortable one, as the emperor shows off not only his gardens but his vast armies, lightning-fast mood swings, and absolute control over his subjects. While there, the trio befriend Parahan, heir to a nearby kingdom, sold into slavery by his uncle. When Parahan escapes...with a little help...on the eve of their departure, the emperor goes ballistic, ordering a vast manhunt to recapture his prized possession. Soon Briar, Evvy, and Rosethorn are dodging Yanjingyi soldiers as they flee to the border with news of an impending invasion, joining the fray as battle mages for their friend, the Gyongxin God-King.
As always, Tamora Pierce's world-building is outstanding, her stories exciting, and her characters well-developed. My main reason for the relatively low 3-star rating is the inexplicable decision to have Rosethorn cheat on Lark with Parahan. The affair comes completely out of the blue and is utterly gratuitous (albeit occurring offscreen, thankfully). It in no way moves the story along or has any other redeeming purpose. Removing it would not impact the sequence of events in the slightest. I'm sorry, Ms. Pierce, but what were you thinking?! Just because someone is bisexual does not automatically mean she's also adulterous! And if you ARE going to include infidelity, there better be a literary reason for it. I am still flabbergasted by this pointless artistic choice. Flabbergasted and disappointed. I lost so much respect for those two characters...and the author...the moment I read the first scene where Briar sees them embracing.
For readers' advisors: setting, story, and character doorways. Despite the adultery, it's a clean read, since none of that is actually described. This book is shelved with juvenile fiction in my library, but that is an error, in my opinion. Evvy is, I believe, twelve, Briar is sixteen or so, and Rosethorn is an adult, as are all the other characters, apart from the God-King. I would definitely consider this to be young adult fiction.
As always, Tamora Pierce's world-building is outstanding, her stories exciting, and her characters well-developed. My main reason for the relatively low 3-star rating is the inexplicable decision to have Rosethorn cheat on Lark with Parahan. The affair comes completely out of the blue and is utterly gratuitous (albeit occurring offscreen, thankfully). It in no way moves the story along or has any other redeeming purpose. Removing it would not impact the sequence of events in the slightest. I'm sorry, Ms. Pierce, but what were you thinking?! Just because someone is bisexual does not automatically mean she's also adulterous! And if you ARE going to include infidelity, there better be a literary reason for it. I am still flabbergasted by this pointless artistic choice. Flabbergasted and disappointed. I lost so much respect for those two characters...and the author...the moment I read the first scene where Briar sees them embracing.
For readers' advisors: setting, story, and character doorways. Despite the adultery, it's a clean read, since none of that is actually described. This book is shelved with juvenile fiction in my library, but that is an error, in my opinion. Evvy is, I believe, twelve, Briar is sixteen or so, and Rosethorn is an adult, as are all the other characters, apart from the God-King. I would definitely consider this to be young adult fiction.
kittycat2302's review
4.0
This was one of the most emotionally difficult books I have ever read, easily. I'm honestly not sure how to review it...
It is exceptionally well done. It's a well told story with rich characters, world expansion, and mysticism. The plot is paced incredibly well for non-stop tension.
And that this book is placed at the end of The Circle Reforged trilogy will forever be a fascinating choice to me. It definitely works in its favor- having foreknowledge of many events is not actually comforting in the slightest- it is, actually and acutely, uncomfortable in every way.
There is A Thing that happens, that I knew was coming, that means I'll never read this again.
All that said... I will miss Emelan, and this book makes it slightly easier to say goodbye. Despite how great it is, it's simply too painful for me to love.
It is exceptionally well done. It's a well told story with rich characters, world expansion, and mysticism. The plot is paced incredibly well for non-stop tension.
And that this book is placed at the end of The Circle Reforged trilogy will forever be a fascinating choice to me. It definitely works in its favor- having foreknowledge of many events is not actually comforting in the slightest- it is, actually and acutely, uncomfortable in every way.
There is A Thing that happens, that I knew was coming, that means I'll never read this again.
All that said... I will miss Emelan, and this book makes it slightly easier to say goodbye. Despite how great it is, it's simply too painful for me to love.
r_w_emerson's review against another edition
Couldn’t face the horrors of war I knew were going to be in there.
kathydavie's review
5.0
First in The Circle Reforged subseries and ninth in the overall Emelan fantasy series for middle-grade readers and generally revolving around four young people who gained their magic medallions very young. The focus in Battle Magic is on Briar Moss, his student Evvy, and Dedicate Rosethorn.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Emelan books on my website.
A few cautionary notes. Evvy is captured, stripped naked, and tortured. She's also very clever at avoiding answering and in how she escapes. It's not nice, though, in any way. There is a lot of death as a result of battle, but nothing gory during battle.
My Take
I do NOT know what is or was going on when the numbering for The Circle Reforged was going on, but THIS is the story in which Evvy meets Luvo. The Will of the Empress, 2 (10), and Melting Stones, 3 (11) follow AFTER Battle Magic.
I'm rather confused about Parahan's situation. Oh, it's obvious enough that he's been sold into slavery, but his father is the king and still alive. How could his uncle have gotten away with this? Another thing I'm confused about is the emperor locking up all other religious orders. If he is locking them down, why did he let Rosethorn go? I'm also questioning a comment Luvo makes about Fort Sambachu in which he says that the "land and its guardians do not care for … those who would bring good things here." I can understand their not liking intruders who would damage and kill, but they don't want good things either?
This emperor is such a spoiled brat!! Someone needed to spank him early and often. Too bad they didn't. That incident with the rosebush. What he did to the gardeners!?? The way he's treating Parahan? What kind of an idiot is he? I find that I'm hoping Briar and Rosethorn left a latent spell on that Weishu Rose to spout poison at the idiot.
There are a lot of lessons in this: go with the flow, as Evvy and Briar try to tell the emperor's mages; respect other people, their beliefs and ways of thinking, and their religions; don't be greedy; place plants where they will thrive; don't judge a book by its cover; don't get cocky and think yours is the only way; and, more. Evvy has her own lessons she learns. Some are good, others are simply lessons she takes to heart. The one in which she compares her "awful" life to that of the God-King is very eye-opening.
What was with that stupid mage? If he could detect Evvy doing magic, shouldn't he have been able to see that she is reinforcing the fort's walls?
Ooh, sneaky! Evvy, Rosethorn, and Briar have been using the cats to distract guards and soldiers, lol. I'm thinking the painted gods are Gyongxe's way of distracting people too. They are so funny, and the kids will probably get a kick out of how naughty they are.
Hmmm, turns out those border paintings of gods are actually portals to their homes.
I do have to laugh. Those prideful mages at the emperor's court who thought they were all that. Who put down Briar and Evvy for their "so-called magic". They were the ones who forced the magic to go against its containers, itself, while Briar, Evvy, and Rosethorn work with it. Yep, they go with that flow.
I think Parahan will miss Rosethorn very much.
The Story
While visiting the God-King and the First Circle temple in Gyongxe, mages Briar, Rosethorn, and Evvy are invited to visit the emperor's summer palace. Although treated like royalty when they first arrive, the mages soon discover that the emperor plans to invade Gyongxe, posing a fatal threat to the home temple of the Living Circle religion.
As the three mages rush to Gyongxe to warn its citizens of the impending attack, they meet up with the prize captive who escaped the emperor, and with the Imperials hot on their trail, he, Briar, Rosethorn, and Evvy must quickly help the country prepare for battle.
But even with the help of new allies, will their combined forces be enough to fight the Imperial Army and win the war?
The Characters
Briar Moss is a sixteen-year-old plant mage and former street rat, now a fully accredited mage of the Living Circle school. Evumeimei "Evvy" Dingzai is his student, a stone mage, and a former slave. She goes everywhere with her seven cats: Monster, Mystery, Asa, Apricot, Raisin, Ball, and Ria. Dedicate Initiate Rosethorn (her birth name was Nivalin Greenhow) is another plant mage and has been their mentor. All three work with ambient magic.
Gyongxe is…
…a country poor in land and very rich in spiritual closeness to the gods. Garmashing is its capital city. This two hundred and ninety-eighth God-King is an eleven-year-old boy who is very wise. First Dedicate Jangbu Dokyi, a stone mage, is the head of both the Gyongxe's Living Circle Temple, and ALL Living Circle Temples. Rosethorn's vows are to the Living Circle Temple. General Sayrugo leads the God-King's armies. Zochen Brul is a baby cave snake.
Assorted shamans from different tribes appear throughout, including the Skipping Mountain Goat Tribe; Servant Riverdancer plays a big part.
The Drimbakang mountain ranges are…
…the husbands of La Ni Ma, the sun goddess. Snow King, Ganas Rigyal Po, is the east mountain; Talking Snow Mountain King, Kangri Skad Po, is the one in the middle; and, Snow Leopard King, Ganas Gazing Rigyal Po, is the west one.
Luvo is the 18" fluorite "bear" who saved Evvy. He is the heart of the mountain called Kangri Skad Po, a.k.a., Talking Snow Mountain King. He's absolutely fascinated by this little creature who is part meat and part mountain. Each time he speaks with her, she presents a new idea or problem to a being who has seen nothing new in ages. And he does mean ages. Diban Kangmo is a six-foot peak spider goddess; her daughter healed Evvy's feet. Big Milk is a queen yak.
Parahan's twin sister, Princess Soudamini, is a general and managed to escape the uncle, I think. Jimut will be assigned as Briar's orderly. Some of the captains include Lango and Jha. Atori is an archer. Glacier Cracks is a western chief.
Fort Sambachu is…
…the border fort where Captain Rana escorts Rosethorn, Briar, and Evvy. And where they split up. Sergeant Kanbab is part of Rana's company.
Musheng and Dawei are two of the Yanjingly soldiers who torture Evvy.
The Temple of the Sealed Eye is…
…the only temple that can hide the four sacred Treasures of the Living Circle. Yesh Namka is the High Priest. Tegene Kess is the warden of the gate.
The Temple of the Tigers is…
…guarded by a pair of tiger statues, orange and white. I love these guys, lol. Melanoma is a four-headed god (who has a green bum with four cheeks!?!).
Countries close to Gyongxe include Inxia and Qayan.
Yanjing is…
…where Emperor Weishu Maorin Guangong Zhian, sixth of the Long Dynasty, rules and plots to take over as many other countries as possible to plunder and loot. His gardens are famous throughout the world and Rosethorn would love to see them. General Fenqi Hengkai is a Great Mage and the Commander of the Imperial Armies. Jia Jui is one of the imperial mages and is very friendly. In the Winter Palace. The Mistress of Protocol has become a secret ally. I think the Magistrates of the Vigilant Eyes are the emperor's police. The only truly allowed religions are Yanjing: Kanzan, the goddess of mercy and healing, and Tuyan, the god who was heaven itself.
The emperor is quite confident when he appoints General Jin Quan in command of the Imperial Army of South Gyongxe.
Prince Parahan of Kombanpur is the latest imperial amusement whom the emperor keeps in chains during the day and chained in a cage at night.
Changdao is the master of the caravansary. The Trader caravan Rosethorn and company will join to escape Yanjing is led by Rajoni, ride leader of the Twenty-eighth Caravan Datta. Nisha is her mother. Grandmother is the one who thinks of the cats needing a disguise.
Back home in Emelan…
…Duke Vedris rules, and the trio will learn to appreciate what an amazing leader he is. Winding Circle is there as well, where Briar learned to use his mage powers, and where Rosethorn lives with Lark in Discipline Cottage.
Nanshur and prebu are words for mage. Tiyon is a common language most people can speak. Zayao is what Briar and friends refer to as "boom dust", a.k.a., gun powder. Sky burial is leaving the bodies open to the air. Mila and the Green Man are the gods Rosethorn calls on most often.
The Cover and Title
The cover is DARK, though not as dark as the tunnels Evvy traverses! Instead it's a deep brown with roots and vines of golden browns and blacks arching to create the impression of tunnels. An ancient and short blade stands upright in the middle and is encased in a swirling red foil grape vine representing plants and stones.
The title is what is needed, Battle Magic to save Gyongxe, to save themselves.
If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Emelan books on my website.
A few cautionary notes. Evvy is captured, stripped naked, and tortured. She's also very clever at avoiding answering and in how she escapes. It's not nice, though, in any way. There is a lot of death as a result of battle, but nothing gory during battle.
My Take
I do NOT know what is or was going on when the numbering for The Circle Reforged was going on, but THIS is the story in which Evvy meets Luvo. The Will of the Empress, 2 (10), and Melting Stones, 3 (11) follow AFTER Battle Magic.
I'm rather confused about Parahan's situation. Oh, it's obvious enough that he's been sold into slavery, but his father is the king and still alive. How could his uncle have gotten away with this? Another thing I'm confused about is the emperor locking up all other religious orders. If he is locking them down, why did he let Rosethorn go? I'm also questioning a comment Luvo makes about Fort Sambachu in which he says that the "land and its guardians do not care for … those who would bring good things here." I can understand their not liking intruders who would damage and kill, but they don't want good things either?
This emperor is such a spoiled brat!! Someone needed to spank him early and often. Too bad they didn't. That incident with the rosebush. What he did to the gardeners!?? The way he's treating Parahan? What kind of an idiot is he? I find that I'm hoping Briar and Rosethorn left a latent spell on that Weishu Rose to spout poison at the idiot.
There are a lot of lessons in this: go with the flow, as Evvy and Briar try to tell the emperor's mages; respect other people, their beliefs and ways of thinking, and their religions; don't be greedy; place plants where they will thrive; don't judge a book by its cover; don't get cocky and think yours is the only way; and, more. Evvy has her own lessons she learns. Some are good, others are simply lessons she takes to heart. The one in which she compares her "awful" life to that of the God-King is very eye-opening.
What was with that stupid mage? If he could detect Evvy doing magic, shouldn't he have been able to see that she is reinforcing the fort's walls?
Ooh, sneaky! Evvy, Rosethorn, and Briar have been using the cats to distract guards and soldiers, lol. I'm thinking the painted gods are Gyongxe's way of distracting people too. They are so funny, and the kids will probably get a kick out of how naughty they are.
Hmmm, turns out those border paintings of gods are actually portals to their homes.
I do have to laugh. Those prideful mages at the emperor's court who thought they were all that. Who put down Briar and Evvy for their "so-called magic". They were the ones who forced the magic to go against its containers, itself, while Briar, Evvy, and Rosethorn work with it. Yep, they go with that flow.
I think Parahan will miss Rosethorn very much.
The Story
While visiting the God-King and the First Circle temple in Gyongxe, mages Briar, Rosethorn, and Evvy are invited to visit the emperor's summer palace. Although treated like royalty when they first arrive, the mages soon discover that the emperor plans to invade Gyongxe, posing a fatal threat to the home temple of the Living Circle religion.
As the three mages rush to Gyongxe to warn its citizens of the impending attack, they meet up with the prize captive who escaped the emperor, and with the Imperials hot on their trail, he, Briar, Rosethorn, and Evvy must quickly help the country prepare for battle.
But even with the help of new allies, will their combined forces be enough to fight the Imperial Army and win the war?
The Characters
Briar Moss is a sixteen-year-old plant mage and former street rat, now a fully accredited mage of the Living Circle school. Evumeimei "Evvy" Dingzai is his student, a stone mage, and a former slave. She goes everywhere with her seven cats: Monster, Mystery, Asa, Apricot, Raisin, Ball, and Ria. Dedicate Initiate Rosethorn (her birth name was Nivalin Greenhow) is another plant mage and has been their mentor. All three work with ambient magic.
Gyongxe is…
…a country poor in land and very rich in spiritual closeness to the gods. Garmashing is its capital city. This two hundred and ninety-eighth God-King is an eleven-year-old boy who is very wise. First Dedicate Jangbu Dokyi, a stone mage, is the head of both the Gyongxe's Living Circle Temple, and ALL Living Circle Temples. Rosethorn's vows are to the Living Circle Temple. General Sayrugo leads the God-King's armies. Zochen Brul is a baby cave snake.
Assorted shamans from different tribes appear throughout, including the Skipping Mountain Goat Tribe; Servant Riverdancer plays a big part.
The Drimbakang mountain ranges are…
…the husbands of La Ni Ma, the sun goddess. Snow King, Ganas Rigyal Po, is the east mountain; Talking Snow Mountain King, Kangri Skad Po, is the one in the middle; and, Snow Leopard King, Ganas Gazing Rigyal Po, is the west one.
Luvo is the 18" fluorite "bear" who saved Evvy. He is the heart of the mountain called Kangri Skad Po, a.k.a., Talking Snow Mountain King. He's absolutely fascinated by this little creature who is part meat and part mountain. Each time he speaks with her, she presents a new idea or problem to a being who has seen nothing new in ages. And he does mean ages. Diban Kangmo is a six-foot peak spider goddess; her daughter healed Evvy's feet. Big Milk is a queen yak.
Parahan's twin sister, Princess Soudamini, is a general and managed to escape the uncle, I think. Jimut will be assigned as Briar's orderly. Some of the captains include Lango and Jha. Atori is an archer. Glacier Cracks is a western chief.
Fort Sambachu is…
…the border fort where Captain Rana escorts Rosethorn, Briar, and Evvy. And where they split up. Sergeant Kanbab is part of Rana's company.
Musheng and Dawei are two of the Yanjingly soldiers who torture Evvy.
The Temple of the Sealed Eye is…
…the only temple that can hide the four sacred Treasures of the Living Circle. Yesh Namka is the High Priest. Tegene Kess is the warden of the gate.
The Temple of the Tigers is…
…guarded by a pair of tiger statues, orange and white. I love these guys, lol. Melanoma is a four-headed god (who has a green bum with four cheeks!?!).
Countries close to Gyongxe include Inxia and Qayan.
Yanjing is…
…where Emperor Weishu Maorin Guangong Zhian, sixth of the Long Dynasty, rules and plots to take over as many other countries as possible to plunder and loot. His gardens are famous throughout the world and Rosethorn would love to see them. General Fenqi Hengkai is a Great Mage and the Commander of the Imperial Armies. Jia Jui is one of the imperial mages and is very friendly. In the Winter Palace. The Mistress of Protocol has become a secret ally. I think the Magistrates of the Vigilant Eyes are the emperor's police. The only truly allowed religions are Yanjing: Kanzan, the goddess of mercy and healing, and Tuyan, the god who was heaven itself.
The emperor is quite confident when he appoints General Jin Quan in command of the Imperial Army of South Gyongxe.
Prince Parahan of Kombanpur is the latest imperial amusement whom the emperor keeps in chains during the day and chained in a cage at night.
Changdao is the master of the caravansary. The Trader caravan Rosethorn and company will join to escape Yanjing is led by Rajoni, ride leader of the Twenty-eighth Caravan Datta. Nisha is her mother. Grandmother is the one who thinks of the cats needing a disguise.
Back home in Emelan…
…Duke Vedris rules, and the trio will learn to appreciate what an amazing leader he is. Winding Circle is there as well, where Briar learned to use his mage powers, and where Rosethorn lives with Lark in Discipline Cottage.
Nanshur and prebu are words for mage. Tiyon is a common language most people can speak. Zayao is what Briar and friends refer to as "boom dust", a.k.a., gun powder. Sky burial is leaving the bodies open to the air. Mila and the Green Man are the gods Rosethorn calls on most often.
The Cover and Title
The cover is DARK, though not as dark as the tunnels Evvy traverses! Instead it's a deep brown with roots and vines of golden browns and blacks arching to create the impression of tunnels. An ancient and short blade stands upright in the middle and is encased in a swirling red foil grape vine representing plants and stones.
The title is what is needed, Battle Magic to save Gyongxe, to save themselves.
jenhurst's review
3.0
This was well written as Tamora Pierce’s book are and I’ve always enjoyed Rosethorn and Briar as characters. I found it disappointing mainly because it involved retconning/inconsistencies from will of the empress. Will of the empress spent so long focusing on the events and the horrors of what happened, that what we got really didn’t explain the level of PTSD that briar had. The previous events seemed much harsher then what happened. It also seemed like they were there for like 3-4 weeks, but in will of the empress it seemed like they were there for months.
It just didn’t feel like it had the same quality as many of her other books.
It just didn’t feel like it had the same quality as many of her other books.
soniagracelm's review
4.0
I always love Tamora Pierce, and she continues to write stories about characters I love. This is no exception. Though Battle Magic is not quite up to the standard set by The Will of the Empress, which remains my favourite Circle book, it's certainly a worthy installment into the series, and fills a gap in canon to tell the story of Briar, Evvy, and Rosethorn in Gyongxe and Yanjing.
As usual, Tamora Pierce dives right into a tough subject, dealing with strange magics, war, and torture. Her world is beautiful and deadly, with war magic placed side-by-side with mischievous painted gods who make rude gestures at people when they're not looking.
I'm glad she chose to write this book and expand the Circle world a little further. I'll always love Tortall, but the Circle books are special. The world is better developed, there's more diversity and the magic system is much more interesting. I can't wait for Tris to go to Lightsbridge!
As usual, Tamora Pierce dives right into a tough subject, dealing with strange magics, war, and torture. Her world is beautiful and deadly, with war magic placed side-by-side with mischievous painted gods who make rude gestures at people when they're not looking.
I'm glad she chose to write this book and expand the Circle world a little further. I'll always love Tortall, but the Circle books are special. The world is better developed, there's more diversity and the magic system is much more interesting. I can't wait for Tris to go to Lightsbridge!
pearlc's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This book goes over the war Briar, Evvy, and Rosethorn got caught up in during their travels. This was my first time reading this one and I kinda wish I'd read it before my Will of the Empress reread.
This also has a very different feel than the other Emelen books. More Totall if that makes sense to anyone else. It wasn't a bad book and it very much goes into the horrors of war. It was just very underwhelming. Probably my least favorite of the Emelen books. I'm a bit concerned that's because it doesn't have the nostalgia the other do.