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4.17 AVERAGE
4.17 AVERAGE
Briar escaped life as a homeless young thief when his magic was discovered. Since then, he has renamed himself and, to a certain extent, reinvented himself. He realizes how much he's changed in skills, outlook and assumptions (like trusting authorities, or actually *wanting* to be clean) when one of his street-rat friends falls ill. And as the illness spreads, and plague envelops the city, Briar is forced to come to terms with his new destiny.
This book is basically everything I have ever wanted in fiction. Outbreak investigation AND structural inequalities of health AND magic? It is like Tamora Pierce wrote this book just for me. So I can't pretend to be even partially objective or trustworthy about this novel, except to say that I am so, so thankful that someone is actually writing this kind of story in a fantasy setting. The plot involves garbage collection, waste disposal, differential health care access, medical resources rationing--all the dirty, earthy, banal things that get ignored in traditional sf/f (and, to be fair, most fiction regardless of genre). But it's not without wonder, either; Pierce describes magic in a way that thrills me to my core. You might not assume that plant magic could be written in a way that makes your heart beat faster, but Pierce can do it. The characters in this series have grown far richer since their unsubtle introductions. (And astonishingly, Pierce accomplishes this without making them all assholes, or giving them increasingly unlikely traumatic pasts. Take note, modern grimdark fantasy novelists--it can be done!)
I love that Pierce chose to step outside the easy plots of human antagonists. It opened her plots up to include all sorts of events most authors never get to grapple with, like natural disasters and resource admininstration. In this world, even magic isn't limitless, and magicians need to be wise in their use of it. And they can't do everything--the best way to weave is still to do it by hand, and not all fires can be stopped. That was another aspect of this series that I loved: the acknowledgment that not everything can be fully understood or controlled. Even the most powerful wizard in Pierce's world can't stop the tides, and even if she could, it would lead to even greater disasters. Trying to control too much is actually a serious flaw, which is a fantastically novel viewpoint to find in a sf/f story. I think I'm starting to babble here, but I really just loved everything about this series. It's written for a younger audience, so the writing isn't that sophisticated (except for the descriptions of magic use, which are seriously the most enthralling things ever), but the ideas are. I can't think of another fantasy series that looks at classism, the limitations of a humanist worldview, and the necessity of hard work--all in the midst of a truly entertaining adventure.
Apparently the next series, The Circle Opens, is even better. omg how can this beeee?
This book is basically everything I have ever wanted in fiction. Outbreak investigation AND structural inequalities of health AND magic? It is like Tamora Pierce wrote this book just for me. So I can't pretend to be even partially objective or trustworthy about this novel, except to say that I am so, so thankful that someone is actually writing this kind of story in a fantasy setting. The plot involves garbage collection, waste disposal, differential health care access, medical resources rationing--all the dirty, earthy, banal things that get ignored in traditional sf/f (and, to be fair, most fiction regardless of genre). But it's not without wonder, either; Pierce describes magic in a way that thrills me to my core. You might not assume that plant magic could be written in a way that makes your heart beat faster, but Pierce can do it. The characters in this series have grown far richer since their unsubtle introductions. (And astonishingly, Pierce accomplishes this without making them all assholes, or giving them increasingly unlikely traumatic pasts. Take note, modern grimdark fantasy novelists--it can be done!)
I love that Pierce chose to step outside the easy plots of human antagonists. It opened her plots up to include all sorts of events most authors never get to grapple with, like natural disasters and resource admininstration. In this world, even magic isn't limitless, and magicians need to be wise in their use of it. And they can't do everything--the best way to weave is still to do it by hand, and not all fires can be stopped. That was another aspect of this series that I loved: the acknowledgment that not everything can be fully understood or controlled. Even the most powerful wizard in Pierce's world can't stop the tides, and even if she could, it would lead to even greater disasters. Trying to control too much is actually a serious flaw, which is a fantastically novel viewpoint to find in a sf/f story. I think I'm starting to babble here, but I really just loved everything about this series. It's written for a younger audience, so the writing isn't that sophisticated (except for the descriptions of magic use, which are seriously the most enthralling things ever), but the ideas are. I can't think of another fantasy series that looks at classism, the limitations of a humanist worldview, and the necessity of hard work--all in the midst of a truly entertaining adventure.
Apparently the next series, The Circle Opens, is even better. omg how can this beeee?
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content
I didn't mean to cry....it's just a children's book right? But really, this is a great ending.
I know I have said a lot that one of the things I love about these books is the way that these kids are still treated like kids. This is the least true of this book, but I still love it the most!
In this book, we get quarantine, the search for the cure to a disease and a LOT of really good emotion, and I really enjoy it all. It hits a lot closer to home in 2021 for sure!
I know I have said a lot that one of the things I love about these books is the way that these kids are still treated like kids. This is the least true of this book, but I still love it the most!
In this book, we get quarantine, the search for the cure to a disease and a LOT of really good emotion, and I really enjoy it all. It hits a lot closer to home in 2021 for sure!
It's interesting that this is the end of a series not because some big story arc has been completed, but because we've covered all four of the main characters. Each book is just a chance for one of the four friends to shine. This time, it's Briar's turn. He mostly demonstrates his ability to follow directions, as well as his fierce loyalty to his friends. He's not willing to let Rosethorn die. He breaks Lark's rule and follows after Rosethorn's dying spirit. It was the one chance for all the kids to work their magic together. I wasn't worried, though. Middle grade books almost always end well.
I did notice the relationship between Rosethorn and Lark was a bit more obvious to my clueless brain. While there is no direct mention of them being a couple, Lark is the one Rosethorn asks for first after her near-death experience.
I also found the mix of science and magic to be interesting. Sadly, Briar didn't get to demonstrate his magical prowess, unlike the girls in their own books. I don't know if it was because Pierce couldn't figure out how to be a super-plant mage, or that she just didn't feel the need for it. Instead, he does science as Crane uses the scientific method with magical ingredients to craft a cure for blue pox. I didn't necessarily appreciate all the quarantine reminders found in the book as we are in lockdown during a pandemic ourselves. However, I didn't enjoy the book.
I did notice the relationship between Rosethorn and Lark was a bit more obvious to my clueless brain. While there is no direct mention of them being a couple, Lark is the one Rosethorn asks for first after her near-death experience.
I also found the mix of science and magic to be interesting. Sadly, Briar didn't get to demonstrate his magical prowess, unlike the girls in their own books. I don't know if it was because Pierce couldn't figure out how to be a super-plant mage, or that she just didn't feel the need for it. Instead, he does science as Crane uses the scientific method with magical ingredients to craft a cure for blue pox. I didn't necessarily appreciate all the quarantine reminders found in the book as we are in lockdown during a pandemic ourselves. However, I didn't enjoy the book.
Another fantastic book from the Circle of Magic series. This one was really emotional, and it really hit me hard with it! That's part of what I love about this series, that we get to see each character a little more in-depth in their own book, and we empathize with them. I loved learning a bit more about Briar, and seeing him struggling to deal with the illness that's going around. It had me so genuinely enthralled that I binge-read the last 75 pages! Can't wait to read the next one :)
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
This was my second-favorite as a teen, after Daja's Book, so I was very concerned that it might also have aged badly, but it was mostly delightful! Still my second favorite, but after Sandry's Book this time. (Sandry makes me so happy because she is the rare intact!Gryffinpuff who I don't want to smack, and I am a little sad that she doesn't get a true book of her own the way the others do.)
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes