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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
I liked this one. It was different from the first 4 books but I enjoyed seeing how the characters are growing.
I was thinking there would be more of a focus on the new students in this series, but I feel like Pasco is kind of sidelined. I was also thinking that the original four would be quite a bit older when I heard it was about them getting their own students, but this series takes place only a couple years after the first set and really they're still kids.
It was still a good read, but not what I was expecting.
It was still a good read, but not what I was expecting.
This is another example of a book that I wasn't in love with the first go around (although this is still on the scale of my general feelings for anything by Tamora Pierce, so still adored it), but this re-read changed my mind. It was definitely a great transition for the characters growing up and experiencing more complicated issues.
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Child abuse
It's been a long time since I read, the first circle books. I enjoyed seeing the former students get students of their own.
See where this book travels to next, at: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/4675023
See where this book travels to next, at: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/4675023
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Blood, Murder
Minor: Torture, Death of parent
I’ve started this series in an odd way, having never read the original Circle of Magic quartet. Still, I found Magic Steps an easy read, and Pierce’s descriptions of who the other people were and Sandry’s own power were very helpful. (Also can I just say really quick that the new covers are so much prettier than the ones that I got at the used bookstore? This one is all green and stormy and there’s a beach!)
Probably it’s because I haven’t read the previous series and learned what these 14-year-olds went through in order to be called mages so young, and Sandry does mention various things that happened to them, but she just doesn’t seem fourteen to me. She’s very concerned for her uncle, but she scolds him and looks after his well-being in a very adult fashion, even trying to set him up with a lady! Her astonishing magical abilities and her intelligent problem-solving combine to make her read older, but this registered without really bothering me. (Looking ahead, I’ve found some of the same problem with Briar in the second book, Street Magic.)
All in all, it was a good book and a quick read. I enjoy sinking into Tamora Pierce’s worlds because she packs in so much detail for the length. We learn about Sandry’s family, her power, Pasco and his power, solve a murder, and catch some bad magical foes, and with all that going on, the book still retained its humor and youthful spirit. I didn’t feel as connected to Sandry as previous Pierce heroines like Alanna and Daine, but then again, they got full 4-book series with appearances in other series as well.
Probably it’s because I haven’t read the previous series and learned what these 14-year-olds went through in order to be called mages so young, and Sandry does mention various things that happened to them, but she just doesn’t seem fourteen to me. She’s very concerned for her uncle, but she scolds him and looks after his well-being in a very adult fashion, even trying to set him up with a lady! Her astonishing magical abilities and her intelligent problem-solving combine to make her read older, but this registered without really bothering me. (Looking ahead, I’ve found some of the same problem with Briar in the second book, Street Magic.)
All in all, it was a good book and a quick read. I enjoy sinking into Tamora Pierce’s worlds because she packs in so much detail for the length. We learn about Sandry’s family, her power, Pasco and his power, solve a murder, and catch some bad magical foes, and with all that going on, the book still retained its humor and youthful spirit. I didn’t feel as connected to Sandry as previous Pierce heroines like Alanna and Daine, but then again, they got full 4-book series with appearances in other series as well.
A long time ago I was given the second book in the series and unknowingly read it. I did not like the second one, because I felt like I could not connect with any of the characters and the plot was nonexistent. I thought reading the first book would help me get along with the character, but this did not happen in fact Magic steps was about my least favorite character. I wished the book focused more on the mystery. I did not like to point of view of the killer, because it left me with no suspense. I knew what the killer was thinking and was going to do.
Re-read as we have started the Magic Circle series with my 7 year-old. I do enjoy these characters and the world of Emelan. A bit more bloody and darker than I remembered. But definitely developed Sandry into an adult character.