Wolf-Speaker, the second book in the Immortals series, proves to be just as good as the last. In this book Daine and Numair are off north when Daine gets a distress call from the wolf pack that helped her avenge her parents death. The pack tells them about a force of two-leggers (or humans) that are tearing up the land, cutting down trees, and scaring away all the game. Daine is the only one that can tell the nobles in the area to stop. But when Daine and Numair comes across the nobles of the area they realize that they might have much more sinister causes, causes that has something to do with the dangerous immortals that are running rampant in Tortall. Because of this Daine and Numair are seperated, both focused on their tasks. Daine wants to help her pack brothers and sisters more than anything, but with every step she takes she finds herself getting in more dangerous predicaments. I really enjoyed this book, I've nearly read everything by Tamora Pierce and this series is becoming a fast favorite of mine. I was really happy to see Daine learning more about Stormwings and meeting ... different kinds of immortals (but I won't spoil it for you!) I recommend this series not only to fans of Tamora Pierce and Fantasy fiction, but to animal loves as well.

The book, Wolf-Speaker, in the Immortals series, is a wonderful book. It is about a girl named Daine, 14, and a mage, her teacher, Numair, 30, who live in the time period with King Jonathan III, and Queen Thayet. The world is invaded with immortal creatures, such as dragons and Stormwings. Daine can mind-speak with animals using her Wild Magic. In the 2nd book in this series, Wolf-Speaker, Numair, their 2 horses, Spots and Mangle, her pony, Cloud, her dragon, Skysong or Kitten, and she go to heed the wolves of the Long Lake Pack's cry for help. People in Dunlath Valley are cutting down trees and turning the peaceful valley into a nightmare. She and Numair find out the awful plan Tristan (Numair's old mage school classmate) and Lady Yolane of Dunlath have for Dunlath Valley. Read this book and find out the excellent ending. Wolf lovers, like myself, will love this book.

Wolf-Speaker is definitely my favorite book in the Immortals quartet. I feel that this book is just as good as Prisoner of Azkaban or any other Harry Potter book. It captivates in it's own way. Numair, Daine, and the cast of other memorable characters are definitely the best! Great wolf book! It's like a personification except only one person can see them that way. We actually meet the first batch of truly evil people, Tristan Staghorn and his crew. Numair, the most powerful mage in all of Tortall, and Daine, the only wildmage, stop them! The magic in the Immortals quartet is a really imaginative branch of animal magic. Daine is a girl who's perfectly human, except for the fact that she has wild magic. A must read series and book for lovers of magic, wolves, magical creatures ~aka the Immortals~, and animals overall! Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors. Her books, including Song of the Lioness series and Protector of the Small, will captivate any reader. Beware of night-reading! You won't be able to put this book down!

Tamora Pierce is my favorite author, and I think that out of all of the Circle of Magic books, this was her best. It sort of surprised me that she wrote a series outside of Tortall, and the books seemed kind of uncharacteristic, but if you've read any of her books before, this one is very similar to her Tortall books. If you are a fantasy fan like me, you'll love this book. It's good for people of all ages, but if you're younger and interested in Pierce, I would start with these first. I also highly reccomend that you read the other three first.

As most here in the world of Pierce reviews, I am a devoted fan and have read all of her books. I think Briar's Book is the best Pierce has written since the Alanna days-- seriously!! I was very impressed with the way she described medicine like she really knew what she was talking about (and perhaps she did) but, Tammy, your research went a long way! Briar is my favorite of the mage quartet, as he has a lot of wit. I really liked how, throughout the books, you saw his admiration for Rosethorn blossom and grow; it's very touching, without all that romance usually craved for. This isn't a book for ye swashbuckling finatics, but if you like good character development and impressive medical and craft detail, this series-- esspecially this WONDERFUL book-- will leave you satisfied (well, satisfied with the exception that your anxious for more Circle books)

I don't even dream of giving Tamora Pierce's book a point less than 5. Well, I must admit, this book is nothing like the "end." That's cuz there's the Circle Opens and all. I think this book was really cool and unique... with all the medical stuff. Sure, I love fantasy like the Tortall series, but I think Circle of Magic is really cool. I think it's really cool how Rosethron's character is developed so well. At first, I disliked Crane, but now, my feelings have change. No offense, but I think that she is the most interesting adult in the story. Sure, Niko's powerful and all-- hardly a person. Lark is cool, but no *interesting* Same with Frostpine. The only disappointing thing is that there is like no romance in the story... Only hints of it which I can't decide if I am imagining. Maybe it's because it is for "kids" Oh well. Man, Briar is a cool character. I like bad boys like him (with a soft heart) And why do I like Sandry? That's cuz she's the thread which binds the 4 together. And why do I want those two together? Because they have an *aura* Only B+S-- that's what I call them-- fans will understand what I mean. No more said. I can't wait till the next part of this series comes out! I've waited ever so long to get the paperback edition of this. Yeah, some may complain, some may say the later books are not good, but I believe that all Tamora Pierce books has a certain flavor (causing an excitement to tingle in me). She's an awesome writer!

Tris' Book is a book about a girl, who has recently discovered that she has powerful mage power, and her 3 close friends. They live at the Winding Circle Temple, which has recently received damage from an Earthquake. Unsettling things begin to happen, and it becomes clear that something is amiss and danger threatens Winding Circle. The danger comes in the form of Pirates, who are taking advantage of Winding Circle's wounded state. A cousin from the Family that cast Tris out shows up, and advises her to return home, but Tris is fiercly determined to fight for and protect the only place that she has ever felt at home, with her equally powerful friends right beside her.

This book has more action than the first book in the Circle of Magic series, and the ending, in my opinion, is more satisfying. This book allows more exploration of the characters, because introductions do not need to be made, allowing for a greater story line. It is definitely worth your while to read, I quite enjoyed it. I would give it about a 4 and one half star rating, but there is no half so I am giving it 4.

This book is about a mage named tris. shes a weather witch who lives at winding circle temple. she also happens to live with two other girls, daja and sandrilene and a boy named briar.
In this book she seems less like a snob and more like a pesron who you could learn alot from. in this book they end up starting off in a humid summer cranky and still unsure of their magical powers.from the verry beginning i think tris knew that something was wrong but inside she just didnt want to believe cause she was scared i mean hey if i was 12 and i was being attacked by pirats heck id be scared to wouldnt you? but this book is really worth your while, its a journey in the eyes of a 12 yr old mage who is getting hit hard with the realities of the "REAL world" . but in the end guess who gets the best of it? youll have to read to find out. hope this helps you out a little bit.

As the second book in the Circle of Magic series, Tris's book proves to be even better than the last. Having a more darker air this book pulls you in with it's vivid descriptions and wonderful charecters, expecially Tris. Ever since the four young mages living at Winding Circle, Tris, Daja, Briar, and Sandry, joined their powers with Sandry's weaving strange things have been happening. They can talk to eachother through their minds, and hear peoples voices on the wind, a talent only TRis used to posess. Their powers have been connected somehow and they don't know why. But they are put to the test when Pirats attack the only home they know about. People are dying and no one knows how to stop them. What can they do to protect their home? If you want to find out read this book. I found it to be even better than the last. I reccomend this book to people who love Sandry's book, magical midevil fiction, or Tamora Pierce's work.

WOW!!! What a great book. Lioness Rampant is now my new favorite book in the Song of the Lioness Quartet. You really have to read the other three books to understand whats going on with Alanna and her friends. Remember Ralon of Malon, well he comes back. I thought it was very interesting to see how Pierce has weaved him back into the story. Alanna also goes to some new places like the roof of the world. She also meets some new friends like Thayet, Buri, and the Shang Dragon. I wish there were more books about Alanna and her adventures, but there are not. I can only guess what will happen to her next. I just couldn't stop reading this book.

This series was the BEST group of books that I have ever read in my life! I liked it because of the vivid discription of the majical world. Even if it was majical it feels like you could really be apart of Alanna's life. In this book Alanna is finishing up her known adventures as a knight. In the book before it discribes how her twin brother Thom, the greatist sorrcer living, brings her arch enmy,Duke Roger of conte, back to life.Alanna knows he is tying to kill her friend Prince Jonathan, and gain the thrown.[Jonathan is the only heir] Meanwhile she is restless and is wanting to visit the rest of the countries anround Tortal, where she is living now.On this trip she will sort out her future. Part of that future is who she will finially marry...

To begin with, I had a hard time deciding which of the Lioness books to review. I picked this one because it ties as my favorite with IN THE HAND OF THE GODESS. But it was a hard choice. The Lioness books, first read when I was twelve, really got me started on fantasy. Of course, I'd read Tolkien and Beagle, but not much else. I read Pierce's books and have been a devoted fantasy reader ever since. I'm now nineteen and I still reread the Lioness books and love them just as much. Alanna is a firey, spirited young woman and a wonderful hero--human and complete with fualts. By this time she has grown and progressed as a character so that she feels very, very real. The other characters always make me smile, and the ending always makes me cry. The writing style, well suited to young readers, moves you along and keeps you turning pages. This book, granted a darker one than the others, resolves many of the issues presented in the previous books in a believable and entertaining fashion. Finally, I am extremely glad Alanna marries George. He is one of my favorite rouges in all fantasy. Unfortunetly, this series has ruined Tamora Pierce for me. It was so good that her other series simply don't measure up. I entreat any lover of fantasy to read these books--I hope you love them as much as I do!

Squire is a definite interesting read, one that I would recommend to all interested. And although it's a worthwhile book, I must say that it fails to match the caliber of her other books in the series. I will first address the shortcomings than move onto the more positive aspects.

Like all anxious readers, I immediately bought the book and commenced reading it -- hoping to find the book as immersing as the others, and confident that the characters we have all grown to love or hate (Neal, Merric, Cleon, Owen, Roald, Joren) would be further developed, playing a critical role in the book. However, there was no such luxury. Yes, unfortunately, Tamora Pierce barely incorporates these characters into the book, and her sudden introduction of masses of characters overwhelms the reader. The rapid changing environments and whirlwind events also subtract from the simple honesty of the palace. There is no defined story line, no direction. Raoul is fun as a knight-master, however, he does not compensate for the weaker parts of the storyline. Sure, the Chamber of Secrets is what everything is leading up to, however, it is quite a minute conflict, and overplayed. Perhaps it is me, but is the introduction of Dom (Neal's "cousin") extremely odd, too coincidental?

The characters we loved and hated, those developed intricately in the earlier books, Neal and Joren were barely incorporated into the book. Ms. Pierce falls short in this aspect -- she has undermined the constants that made this series such a staple. There is much less humor -- Kel's personality is quite different from the frank, innocent girl we enjoyed. She no longer exemplifies the traits that make her such an interesting, unique heroine -- perhaps this is natural in real life, however, the effectiveness in this book is quite disappointing. And Joren? Well, what happens to him is extremely well-written, however, I think she revealed it too soon. It sort of kills the conflict. Kel's focuses have dwindled -- uniformity lacks. Kel no longer loves Neal, thus, Neal's place is sort of lost.

Which brings me to the next point -- love. Yes, Ms. Pierce does an incredible job incorporating love into her storyline, making it unpredictable and exhilarating all the same. However, I must say that Kel's new relationship with Cleon is more of a hindrance than a breath of fresh air. Cleon just isn't the same as Neal, and his interactions with Kel sort of drag the book down -- changing her character, and breaking the flow of the story. Perhaps you may dissent, and I do like Cleon to a certain extent, however, it is much less dramatic than it could be -- and Kel's moping over him is very overplayed. And also, there's too much emphasis on it, along with sex -- which truly no one wants to hear about.

Simplicity is lost. It's no longer that funny, touching school story where Kel is this courageous girl, this funny and poignant character who faces these incredibly outlandish escapades. The book's tone changes -- bringing in unwelcome, contrasting events that break the voice set by the other books. However, I don't doubt that the last book will set everything correct once more -- 3rd books seem to be the weakest, the 4th a major punch.

The positive aspects of this book is that there is much more action, much more Kel alone. Kel is older, perhaps wiser. The book is a good turning point, revealing how much she has changed, and perhaps the new direction for the 4th books. The book is well-written, a clear fantasy book, intricate and fun-to-read. It's engrossing, and convinced me to stay up the entire night reading it. I'd give it 4 stars out of 5. It has the substance and the potential, but it just doesn't have the gleaming qualities of the earlier books.

This book, the third in the Protector of the Small series, is one of Tamora Pierce's best.
Keladry of Mindelan has survived her years as a page and is moved up to a squire. But she doesn't want to be a desk knight, and is worried that a real knight won't pick her. Until Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak (yes, the same Raoul in the Alanna books, for all you Pierce fans) takes her on as squire. He treats her just like he would a regular goy squire, which is one reason she likes him. He is also the commander of the King's Own, and with him, Kel will almost definitly see plenty of action and get to try her skills. The only bad thing about this is that Sir Alanna isn't going to be her knight master - instead, she picks someone Kel is very close to! Even so, after the King's Own tracks down some badits, Kel gets stuck with a griffin and has to lug him around with the Own, which gets to be kind of troublesome. After tacking down the bandits, Kel and her knight master return home to the palace, where he helps her to joust, something she begins to get very good at. Soon, the prince's bethroed wife from the Yamani Islands comes to Tortall, where Kel helps to introduce the young princess to her new city of Corus. The entire court, servants, nobles, and squires alike, all go on a Great Progress, where the princess will be introduced to Tortall and it's people. I don't want to spoil anything else, but lets just say that things get to be even more tense between Kel and her old enemy, Joren of Stone Mountain; Kel keeps challenging herself against the door of the Chamber of the Ordeal where she has visions; and there is a great deal of trouble with the Scanrans in the north - the Kraken turns out to be a big test to Kel to prove herself to the men of the Own. All in all, this is a very exciting book, and I can't wait for the next book to come out, Lady Knight!

I purchased "Squire" as soon as I could, knowing it would be a fantastic book, as Tamora Pierce's always are. I liked a lot of things about the book. For one thing, it was a longer than the others, which left more room for things to happen. It also gets a little bit more realistic as with what Kel has to go through. It isn't just getting bruised on the practice courts anymore. I also liked the aspect of the Chamber of the Ordeal giving Kel visions, and that the Ordeal was far more detailed than in the Alanna books. Kel grows a lot in this book and faces real problems: like the unfairness of the law, death, sex, taking care of a griffin she really doesn't want to take care of, and is reunited with Joren, her former bully. I loved Sir Raoul's return and I enjoyed meeting new characters like Dom and Lerant. There were a few things about the book that I didn't really like: The abscence of Neal was sad, but I could deal with that--this book is supposed to be her life, and in life, things change, people have to move away. I was upset at her growing romance with Cleon. He's a sweet guy but he never really was a developed character--it would have been kind of obvious if Kel hooked up with Neal (but it would have been much appreciated!), so it seemed the right choice to have her pair up with one of Neal's friends. But it seemed as though she didn't really WANT to be with Cleon, almost as though he kind of forced her into it (it probably would have been hard to say no to a sweet guy like him); while she was with him she still had feelings for Dom and Neal. That seemed a little bit weird. Kel had never had the fun-loving relationship with Cleon as she had with Neal, and even Dom. She seemed a little bit dazed when Neal was "going out" with the Yamani lady in waiting. But, who knows? The next book has yet to be published. Also, the characters of Daine and Alanna seem flat, not as they were in their own books. I hate having to wait for the next book, but if Tamora Pierce can write a finishing book as good as this one, I don't care how long it takes! :)

Alanna of Trebond, whom we saw in the books, In the Hand of the Goddess and Alanna:The First Adventure, returns in this third book in the series. This is as good as others, but I (Only me! You might like it) found this book sort of boring. I think it is sort of like a rest from all the action, but I LIKE actions (Especially if that is of Alanna *^^*) Pierce continues the action in the last book, the Lioness Rampant. It sort of doesn't feel so exciting, and I think excitement and action is the best kind of material for Alanna (and her famous redhead temper!) In all, this book was satisfactory for me, at least, though it was not absolutely great.

Women have been portrayed as weak, conniving, and inferior. Alanna breaks all of the typical stereotypes to become the first female knight in over a century after eight years as disguising herself as a boy. Alanna is made the first female shaman of the Bloody Hawk a tribe of the Bazhir, natives of the Tortallan desert, and this book describes her journeys, her her triumphs, her losses, and even newfound love. I definetly enjoyed it, and I will read all of Ms. Pierce's books if they meet the standards Woman who Rides Like a Man has set.

Briar, the boy with plant magic and the former child-gang member from the Circle of Magic books,is traveling to Yanjing in the east with his teacher Rosethorn the plant mage; the teachers of Briar and two of his foster-sisters, Daja and Tris, have agreed that the three need to see new things. Four years have passed since Briar, Tris, Sandry, and Daja came to Winding Circle in "Sandry's Book"; Briar is now fourteen. Briar and Rosethorn have stopped in Chammur, a huge trading city in Briar's hometown of Sotat, southeast of Emelan. While Briar is wandering the jewelry and stone marketplace, he sees a gang, all wearing gold nose-rings with garnet drops. Next Briar notices a ten-year-old street girl,Evumeimei Dingzai of Yanjing, polishing stones with magic. Briar approaches the girl, forgetting the gang, but the girl (known as Evvy) flees. Briar chases her, but she loses him when she gets to her home, or "squat," in Chammur Oldtown, a part of the city tunneled into the cliffs of Chammur. Briar gets to the house where he is staying. First, he asks members of a local gang with whom he is friends, the Camelguts, if he knows anything about the gang in the marketplace. Briar is informed that the gang, the Vipers, work for a rich woman, who gives them weapons. Next he tells Rosethorn about the little girl, and is informed that since he discovered Evvy's magic, he must be her teacher! Briar finally gets to know Evvy, who is an escaped slave. Briar, though, doesn't want to teach a child magic. "I'm a plant-mage," Briar tells Evvy. "You're a stone-mage!" But Briar tries to ask the only stone-mage in Chammur, Jebilu Stoneslicer, for help with Evvy. Jebilu refuses. Then he agrees, but is so mean to Evvy that Evvy resolves to stick with Briar. Meanwhile, the lady who controls the Vipers, Zenadia doa Attaneh, has made up her mind: the gang must first beat the Camelguts into submission so that the Camelguts will be forced to join the Vipers. Then, Lady Zenadia wants to capture Evvy and make the girl work for her and her gang. Briar knows this and feels torn. Should he get caught up in gang warfare yet again? He thought that part of his life was over. But he decides to; he must protect Evvy. The Camelguts finally join the Vipers, who capture Evvy while Briar is lured out of the house by a Viper. Evvy is taken to Lady Zenadia's house. But Briar and Evvy destroy the house together, and the Vipers are broken up forever. Evvy decides to come with Briar and Rosethorn out of Chammur...and that's the end. I hope I haven't given too much away! The characters in this book are better drawn than they are in "Magic Steps," the first "Circle Opens" book. The descriptions of Chammur Oldtown are amazing, and I liked Evvy at once. She is so brave but so childlike at the same time. Every part of the book that shows Evvy's thoughts, feelings, and cats is the best! I gave this book four stars, though, because I felt Evvy and Briar overcame Lady Zenadia too easily. If you haven't already, I'd recommend reading the "Circle of Magic" books before reading "Street Magic." "Sandry's Book," the first in that series, is incredibly good!!! And yes, I'd recommend "Street Magic." Though it is not the best of Tamora Pierce's books (but it's definitely one of them!), it is well worth reading.

STREET MAGIC, the second book of Pierce's The Circle Opens quartet, is a story which ought to satisfy all of her fans and leave them asking for more. Still far from being one of Tamora Pierce's best books, STREET MAGIC continues her trend of bringing the books in The Circle Opens quartet to a more mature level.

Briar Moss and his teacher Rosethorn have traveled to the city of Chammur, where they are employed to revive the plants dying in the "tired" earth. It is while he is visiting one of the open Bazarrs there that Briar comes across Evvy, a young street-rat who in unknowingly in possession of stone magic. As with Sandry in MAGIC STEPS, Briar suddenly finds himself responsible for Evvy when the only other stone mage in the city flatly refuses to teach Evvy, or at least to do so in an acceptable manner. On the side, Briar must deal with the escalation of a multi-gang war going on throughout the city.

As I said, this is far from being one of the best books by Tamora Pierce, but I found it to be not half-bad. I like how she is bringing more dimensions to the lives of the four Winding Circle Mages, and making her stories more complex, mature, and different.

Ok, I have got to be one of Tamora Pierce's biggest fans. Although I'm about the same age Briar is in this book, I also love the Circle of Magic books. The kids are ten, but they act a lot older. That said, this book is also great! The characters are well developed and likeable (one of my best friends wants to go out with Briar). Evvy is cool too, and one of the great thing about this book is- IT HAS CATS!! Magic Steps didn't have any good animals in it, but this one does! It's cool to see how Evvy survived all alone on the streets. The plot is very good too. Overall, if you want to read a superb fantasy book that this one is great!!

I don't know why this book does't have awesome reviews, because I loved it! Out of all the Circle Opens books written so far, Cold Fire is without a doubt my favorite.

Like the other adventures of our infamous mages, this book follows the story of just one mage, Daja. While not my favorite character, I do like Daja's sensible outlook on life. She has a tendency to calm even Tris' rages with her adult, rational perspective and sure-fire appoach to problems. However, Daja's serenity is tested when an arsonist beginst to attack the town where Daja and Frostpine are wintering. With two young (twin) mages to find teachers for and teach meditation to, even Daja's patience is wearing thin. But when she begins to investigate the source of the fires with her fire-fighting friend Ben, she learns that not even she is immune to the lies and trickery of an arsonist.

The reason I like this book so much is because it doesn't gloss over important topics that yes, might be inappropriate for younger readers. But since most of Tamora Pierce's fans are young adults or older, I personally thought it was interesting - in a macabre sort of way - to read the reasons that the arsonist used to rationalize his/her actions. Without the point of view of the arsonist, this amazing book would have lost much of its appeal.

The only complaint I would lodge with the author is the absolute lack of romance, but because of the lack thereof in the earlier quartet Circle of Magic, I have grown to expect this non-romantic vein of Pierce's writing.

In recent years, Tamora Pierce has not written a bad or even mediocre book. "Cold Fire," third in the "Circle Opens" series, is no exception. The series continues where the "Circle of Magic" books left off: the four mages are now fourteen, and have left Discipline Cottage in Emelan to travel with their teachers.

"Cold Fire" tracks Daja Kisubo, metal-mage and Trader, as she and her teacher, Frostpine, travel north to Kugisko in the Namorn Empire, where they stay with old friends of Frostpine's. During their visit, an arsonist sets fires all through Kugisko: it is up to Daja to find the perpetrator and, ultimately, help bring him to justice.

The most compelling part of the book was the intense psychological portrait of the criminal. Pierce portrays his rationalization of his crimes so well that the reader almost believes it - though not quite, of course.

The characterization was very good here, too: that of the arsonist, and others, too! I particularly liked Nia and Jory, Daja's twelve-year-old students (beginning mages themselves). Daja's character was matured and developed, as well. There was a slight problem, though: the "Circle Opens" books are supposed to take place four years after the "Circle of Magic" books begin - which would make Daja fifteen, as she was eleven in "Sandry's Book." But she is fourteen in "Cold Fire"! That can be ignored, though, and it's such a tiny quibble.

One of the best things in this book was the vivid picture of Kugisko: the costumes, the frozen canals, the people, and the customs. Namorn, I have figured out, is loosely based on Russia, and my mother assures me that her Russian grandfather did indeed drink his tea from a glass and strain it through a mouthful of sugar or cherry preserves - a ritual depicted in "Cold Fire," and one that disgusts Daja! This is one of the reasons I like the "Circle Opens" books: I get to learn about realistic cultures filled with both the magic of mages, and that of different peoples.

The "Circle of Magic" books are my favorite of Tamora Pierce's, and I have read every one of the author's works. But I love "The Circle Opens" almost as much, and "Cold Fire" is a welcome addition to my bookshelf. It combines the wry sense of humor in Pierce's earlier books with the eye for detail in her later ones to make a wonderful read and the best book in its series.

Although Tamora Pierce is an excellent writer, the most of the books in her Circle of Magic and Circle Opens series (save for Briar's Book and perhaps Daja's Book or Street Mages) have been far from her usual quality, often with potentially interesting characters struggling against stiff storylines. Cold Fire, however, totally changes this. Apart from continuing the development of the characters of Daja and her companions, it is a superb book in its own right.
Unlike the other books in the two series, there is no evil villian or dark force to combat; it is the story of a man's battle with himself and a city's struggle to protect itself. Daja and her mentor Frostpine are staying in a city to the North made predominantly of wood; a city that Daja sees as a fire trap. And there are fires. Lots of them. At first it seems like the fires are just accidents and tragedies, but a pattern begins to reveal itself and Daja is soon stalking an arsonist who seems to delight in destruction. The instruction of the new student also takes backseat in this book; Daja's struggles with her new students are interludes between the devastating fires and the search for the arsonist.
The writing is flawless and the characters and setting rich and real. Daja has always been an interesting character, but it was wonderful to see her fully fleshed out with all her eccentricities revealed. I did predict who the arsonist was - but in the maddening psychological web of the book, wished it wasn't that character. I totally recommend this book! It is one of the best Tamora Pierce has ever written - and kept me in my chair reading, despite the fact that it was Spring Break and people were pulling me out to the pool.

For all readers who enjoyed Tamora Pierce's four books in the Circle of Magic quartet, MAGIC STEPS gives an opportunity to read more about the unusual mages Sandy, Tris, Daja, and Briar. Though the Circle of Magic and the Circle Opens quartets are supposedly geared for younger audiences than Pierce's Tortall books, MAGIC STEPS gives hints that this may not remain the case.

After coming across a boy-mage just a few years younger than herself, Sandry, thread-mage of Winding Circle, learns that as the discoverer of the boy's power she is responsible for making sure he learns the basics of its use. Her instruction of the boy Pasco, however, takes on more importance when members of a prominent family in the city begin to be brutally murdered. Despite the open attacks which take place with growing frequency and brutality, the killers continue to escape until only a combination of Sandry and Pasco's powers will bring the horror to an end.

Fans of Tamora Pierce everywhere will probably enjoy this book, as well as those that follow it. I myself have read it about two times, and was thouroughly engrossed both times. I happen to think that the usual Tamora Pierce magic is somewhat lacking in this first book of the Circle Opens quartet, but it remains yet another enjoyable read by one of my favourite authors.

I always liked Tamora Pierce's books, like the Circle of Magic series. This book was very entertaining and suspensful and keeps you holding your breath, waiting for more. This particular book features Sandry, a former character of the Circle of Magic series. Now she is 2 years older and teaches her own student who introduces a whole new type of magic: Dancing. Teaching Pasco is the least of her problems. Murderers are set on killing the family of Rakat and our using a new, rare kind of magic: unmagic. The complete and utterly evil magic feeds on real magic and slowly consumes the user. Sandry is the only one who can stop these murderers from killing the whole Rakat family, one by one. I recommend this book, it keeps you on the edge of your seat, begging for more. Good reading for adults and kids alike!

I gotta say, I was REALLY pleased with this book! I didn't really know what to expect...all the COM characters away from Winding Circle and not having the strong bond they did in the other books...but what I got was a book even better than the others! Sandry's my favorite character, and its good to see how she's grown and matured. The whole dancing magic idea is pretty good, and I love murder mystery type stories *even though this one wasn't really much of a mystery*! Anyways, all in all it was a very satisfying book, and I hope to see Sandry and Briar get together! I mean, a romance would spice these books up a little, dont you think?

I'm a big fan of the Tamora Pierce books and have been reading them for several years. I loved the first two series I read, the Lioness Quartet and the Immortals series. Keladry's books, while also intriguing, were less exciting. They didn't have the suspense or varied and unexpectable series of events, like the previous series did. Both Daine and Alanna were humurous, couragous, and often spoke their minds. I love this in a hero or heroine. Kel does not show the same display of character. Even so, this book is the type you pick out to be very boring, and soon find it amusing and more intriguing than you first thought it to be. I also agree with another reviewer who said that they gave the book four stars instead of five because it lacked the sort of "grown up" qualities that Tamora Pierce's other books show. I don't mean that Kel acts like a baby; in fact, she sometimes acts too grown-up! But, all in all, a good book that should be read by Tamora's fans.

We loved it! Not quite so much as the Alanna series, but better than Circle of Magic and the Immortals. (Sister 2: I fell asleep reading the Immortals series..but I liked the other series!). We hope Neal gets together with somebody (aka Daine)... (we know you fans of Daine and Numair will hate us, but we don't like him). We'd also love to see more of George and Alanna. And their children. (Sister 1: Yup-yup!!!) We loved this book cuz...Neal was a lovable, funny, amusing (the list goes on and on...can you tell, we loved Neal!) character and Kel was interesting, determined, and different from Alanna. We thought the fight with the spidrens was one of the better parts of the book. And, we liked the fact that Keladry found her own little nakama ("circle of friends"), just as Alanna did. We also want to find out more about Prince Roald and...Princess Chisakami! :) Wonder what will happen...^_^ maybe he'll ditch her and go for Kel. ^_^ (hint hint!) We can't wait for the next one to come out! Write faster, Ms. Pierce! ^_^ It's a great book everyone! Buy it!

Keladry is the first one to take advantage of the proclamation that girls can be knights.She isn't welcome in the palace with Lord Wyldon of Cavall and Joren of Stone Mountain.She is the only page ever to be put on probation.If Lord Wyldon says she isn't good enough at the end of the year, she can't remain a page.JOren and his gang try to make her life miserable.But with the help of her friend Nealan and her animal friends, along with her will of stone, she toughs it out. But everyone say's that Lord Wyldon never changes his mind.

The reason I like Kel more than Alanna and Daine is because she wasn't born with anything special.She doesn't really have the gods looking out for her, she doesn't have the Gift, and she doesn't have Wild Magic.She has to make her own specialness.She also refuses to give up, even when Lord Wyldon and the boys give her a hard time.Will Keladry be allowed to stay?Will Joren drive her out?Find out when you read the book!