Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by ireadthebooks
Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce
3.0
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.