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musingsofmocha's review against another edition
4.0
I originally read this book as a middle schoolers but decided to pick it up again, just to see if the middle grade books of my past were as trauma-heavy as the books of the present.
And it wasn't. Yes, there was some trauma - I mean, each of the kids were in horrible situations when they were found, which necessitated their travel to the temple - but, and I don't know how to clearly say this, it just wasn't as traumatic a read as the more recent ya and middle grade books I've read recently.
While reading this book, I knew things would work out, and even the scenes where things did get a little gory or scary (cause that did happened) it wasn't as explicit...
Yes, that's the word. Explicit! Because geesh, books nowadays are really explicit!
Well, this fantasy read was lovely. Kiddos discovering their magic, warming up curmudgeonly adults, getting into hijinks but ultimately ending up ok at the end. We need more books like THIS!
And it wasn't. Yes, there was some trauma - I mean, each of the kids were in horrible situations when they were found, which necessitated their travel to the temple - but, and I don't know how to clearly say this, it just wasn't as traumatic a read as the more recent ya and middle grade books I've read recently.
While reading this book, I knew things would work out, and even the scenes where things did get a little gory or scary (cause that did happened) it wasn't as explicit...
Yes, that's the word. Explicit! Because geesh, books nowadays are really explicit!
Well, this fantasy read was lovely. Kiddos discovering their magic, warming up curmudgeonly adults, getting into hijinks but ultimately ending up ok at the end. We need more books like THIS!
elleyotter's review against another edition
4.0
I love that with this series from Tamora Pierce, you get 4 main characters, all of them strong and weak in their own ways. And one of them is even a *gasp* BOY! HUZZAH!
fallingaster's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
kmacgahan's review against another edition
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.75
gpfot's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
neonmime's review against another edition
5.0
It was so good to read this again after all these years. It was one of the first library books I got out.
Even though the plot is small, the book is easy to read and draws you in as you learn about the world Tamora created and the characters in it.
The plot comes later as the books link and explain things you thought were plot holes.
This was a great start to the series, and I can not wait to see where these characters lead us.
Even though the plot is small, the book is easy to read and draws you in as you learn about the world Tamora created and the characters in it.
The plot comes later as the books link and explain things you thought were plot holes.
This was a great start to the series, and I can not wait to see where these characters lead us.
onetrooluff's review against another edition
4.0
Read October 6, 2008: Got it out of the library.
I haven't read any Tamora Pierce in a long time. I zipped through this book in an evening/morning. I liked all the characters, and the story was interesting. I will definitely be searching out the others.
However, I'm not really sure why this is specifically "Sandry's book." It basically followed all four of the main characters evenly. I'll have to compare it with the others as I go.
Reread April 4, 2012: Borrowed Mom's copy.
I agree with everything I said before. I'm still not sure why this is Sandry's book. It's more of a story setup book. Still, I enjoyed it. I've already started book 2, Tris's Book.
I haven't read any Tamora Pierce in a long time. I zipped through this book in an evening/morning. I liked all the characters, and the story was interesting. I will definitely be searching out the others.
However, I'm not really sure why this is specifically "Sandry's book." It basically followed all four of the main characters evenly. I'll have to compare it with the others as I go.
Reread April 4, 2012: Borrowed Mom's copy.
I agree with everything I said before. I'm still not sure why this is Sandry's book. It's more of a story setup book. Still, I enjoyed it. I've already started book 2, Tris's Book.
karizard's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
4.25
grace_b_3's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic
skellybones's review against another edition
4.0
This series has been on my TBR for at least 15 years. When I was younger, I briefly got my hands on a random Circle of Magic book. It left a lasting impression on me, even after losing track of the author/series for years. Luckily, I was able to find the series again recently, and I couldn't be happier.
This book was downright comforting. It's very slow and steady, a really good read for our pandemic times. Even the high-stress parts of the story have a sense of calmness to them- I think the themes of meditation and patience are part of the reason. Nostalgia also probably plays a part, as this is some really classic fantasy.
The magic system is really unique, and I loved the mentor relationships. The four mages themselves aren't exactly the most interesting, but I can see that changing as they learn and grow, and I still have a fondness for them and their little found family.
This book was downright comforting. It's very slow and steady, a really good read for our pandemic times. Even the high-stress parts of the story have a sense of calmness to them- I think the themes of meditation and patience are part of the reason. Nostalgia also probably plays a part, as this is some really classic fantasy.
The magic system is really unique, and I loved the mentor relationships. The four mages themselves aren't exactly the most interesting, but I can see that changing as they learn and grow, and I still have a fondness for them and their little found family.