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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
It was fantastic to be drawn back into this wonderful world of Tamora Pierce. This whole Circle series I have read out of order as I was first unaware when I picked up The Will of the Empress that there was in fact 8 books before that. I then managed to get my hands open on the first quartet, and finally the second.
I read this, keeping in mind that it was aimed at a younger audience than myself. Tamora Pierce has such a way of captivating the reader, and I really love the world she has created. I confess, I was a bit sad to see the other three protagonists non-existent in this book, but am comforted to know they each get their own, so I look forward to reading it.
I was happy with this book, and I wanted it to go longer. It was such a nice read for the young adults this was aimed at. I eagerly await to read the next 3.
I read this, keeping in mind that it was aimed at a younger audience than myself. Tamora Pierce has such a way of captivating the reader, and I really love the world she has created. I confess, I was a bit sad to see the other three protagonists non-existent in this book, but am comforted to know they each get their own, so I look forward to reading it.
I was happy with this book, and I wanted it to go longer. It was such a nice read for the young adults this was aimed at. I eagerly await to read the next 3.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Reread-
It's funny how I usually find Sandry a little boring even though I feel like she's the heart of the quad. I don't think I can relate to her that much and while reading this I felt a little disconnected and even a little bored at times, which surprised me. I do like Pasco, even though he's kind of an idiot, and I do love Sandry's relationship with her uncle and how it takes more of a forefront in this book. I also like that we see her more mature and moving on in her life and making decisions about the future. I am very much looking forward to seeing her in the Will of the Empress because I haven't read it in ages and don't remember all that much.
It's funny how I usually find Sandry a little boring even though I feel like she's the heart of the quad. I don't think I can relate to her that much and while reading this I felt a little disconnected and even a little bored at times, which surprised me. I do like Pasco, even though he's kind of an idiot, and I do love Sandry's relationship with her uncle and how it takes more of a forefront in this book. I also like that we see her more mature and moving on in her life and making decisions about the future. I am very much looking forward to seeing her in the Will of the Empress because I haven't read it in ages and don't remember all that much.
I enjoyed The Circle of Magic Series but I think this series, The Circle Opens, is better. The chracters are more fleshed out and I find the stories more engaging. I always love the writing style of Tamora Pierce and this is no exception. As always these are a must read for me.
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
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:
No
It's been too many years since I read this second quartet in the Circle of Magic series. I missed the full cast reading, but it's still so nice to give the words your own full attention. A few gaps in the story have been filled - now on to the next!
I liked this book, as I do most of Tamora Pierce's work. The way she wrote the unique magic of Sandry and Pasco is unique and something I haven't seen in all the books I"ve read. I definitely recommend this for middle school readers as well as those looking for some magic.
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child death
the circle are now fourteen and accredited mages (a leash according the briar), and while her friend's are traveling and learning about new magics, Sandra stays home. she branches out in a different direction, moving in to care for her uncle. she's the first of the 4 to have a student and their lives intertwined by an assassin.
Okay so. On a regular book scale this gets five stars. Tamora Pierce hasn't written a bad book yet, and I don't expect her to do so any time soon.
On a Tamora Pierce scale, though...
I love Sandry. I love her a lot. I think she's my favorite Circle kid. That being said, in comparison to the rest of the books in Circle of Magic AND Circle Opens, this one is the weakest. It could just be that I miss all the kids hanging out and helping each other, or it could be that I miss the element of learning that comes from the first quartet. I'm not sure. Maybe it's because I think we know more about all the other players in the other books, and in this, even though we get Alzena and Nurhar's PoV, I felt less connected to the whole enterprise.
I don't know. I still love this book, but I think it, Battle Magic, and Melting Stones remain my low three of Tamora Pierce's works. That still puts them head and shoulders above most books, to be clear.
On a Tamora Pierce scale, though...
I love Sandry. I love her a lot. I think she's my favorite Circle kid. That being said, in comparison to the rest of the books in Circle of Magic AND Circle Opens, this one is the weakest. It could just be that I miss all the kids hanging out and helping each other, or it could be that I miss the element of learning that comes from the first quartet. I'm not sure. Maybe it's because I think we know more about all the other players in the other books, and in this, even though we get Alzena and Nurhar's PoV, I felt less connected to the whole enterprise.
I don't know. I still love this book, but I think it, Battle Magic, and Melting Stones remain my low three of Tamora Pierce's works. That still puts them head and shoulders above most books, to be clear.