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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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:
Yes
Tammy is so brilliant, the magic system in the Circle universe is so clever and unique. Once again, I appreciate TP for never holding back for her young readers. The 14-year-old protagonist has so much thrust upon her in this story including some very brutal crimes. I'm sad we didn't get much from the rest of the group, but there are three more books to go, so plenty of time for them to shine as much as Sandry and her sass.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder
Moderate: Drug use
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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:
Complicated
emotional
One of my favorite parts of this book is watching Sandry gain experience as a teacher and learning more about what she wants in her community and where her future likely will be. The writing is fun and enjoyable. The characters are interesting. I love the way Pierce's magic systems work. The characters can also be quite cute and fun together (and pleasant developments occur with at least one familiar face).
I love the entire "Circle of Magic" series and suggest it to anyone who likes high fantasy, young adult fantasy and particularly Tamora Pierce. I started with her Tortallans series and love them but in many ways I find "Circle of Magic" equal if not superior to those books.
I love the entire "Circle of Magic" series and suggest it to anyone who likes high fantasy, young adult fantasy and particularly Tamora Pierce. I started with her Tortallans series and love them but in many ways I find "Circle of Magic" equal if not superior to those books.
http://wordnerdy.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-book-9.html
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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:
Complicated
I found this series after reading the Alanna series, and I am quickly realizing that I need to read ALL of Tamora Pierce's books. I probably should have read the series which is set before this series, but I didn't realize that until after I started reading this one. I didn't have any trouble following this story, though, as the previous series serves to establish the mages who serve as the new teachers in this series. So, it would have provided more insight i to Sandry's character and her magical abilities, but it didn't take away from following this story.
I really enjoyed this story. The idea of magic being worked through dancing was so neat, and I loved that Pierce again broke the gender stereotypes by having the dancer me a young boy who was struggling to be able to do what he wants (to dance) against the expectations his entire family has for what he will do (work in law enforcement as everybody else in the family does).
I look forward to reading the rest of this series AND the series which serves as a prequel to this one.
I really enjoyed this story. The idea of magic being worked through dancing was so neat, and I loved that Pierce again broke the gender stereotypes by having the dancer me a young boy who was struggling to be able to do what he wants (to dance) against the expectations his entire family has for what he will do (work in law enforcement as everybody else in the family does).
I look forward to reading the rest of this series AND the series which serves as a prequel to this one.
Whereas the Circle of Magic ends with its weakest book, The Circle Opens begins with it. There are certainly parts of Magic Steps that are worthwhile, but overall there is not enough story or innovation and quite a bit of clunky exposition. The premise itself is explained to the Characters (and the audience) rather awkwardly (as if we are to believe that the Council would have given the Cirle kids mage's medallions without explaining the rules to them). It makes me wonder if Pierce herself does not favor Sandry, for her book is not only the weakest, but also the shortest of the series
adventurous
dark
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes