Product Description
When Briar Moss spots a street kid using magic in the marketplace, he knows he must find her a teacher.Before he can do so, Briar and the young mage are swept up in gang warfare that puts them both in grave danger. Now Briar must decide if he¹s ready to step in as young Evvy¹s mentor ­ and if he¹s ready to put his own gang life behind him for good. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (50)

"Do You Think To Defy Me, Boy?"
It's ironic that feminist writer Tamora Pierce's only male character, the self-named Briar Moss, is one of her best characters. Amongst the rest of the mainly-female cast, his charisma, street-smarts and on-going inner conflict between his younger, wilder instincts, and his older, more civilized self, makes him one of the most loveable and well-rounded characters in the "Circle of Magic" series.

The first four books gathered together four magical protégées: aristocratic Sandry, moody bookworm Tris, stoic Daja, and street-rat Briar, all of whom have complimentary powers that allowed them to perform startling acts of magic. Underlying their feats is the strength of the friendship and the bonds of trust that they forge, making the original four books one of the most touching examples of a self-made foster family in YA literature, particularly if you include their long-suffering teachers.

This follow up series, "The Circle Opens" does something that is initially rather unthinkable: it splits up the foursome and sends them out on journeys with their teachers in order to hone their magical craft and see more of the world they inhabit. Divided from their foster-siblings for the first time in years, the quartet finds it hard to adjust without each other, until they are caught up in adventures of their own.

Briar is staying with his teacher Rosethorn in the ancient city of Chammur, where the two plant mages can lend their skills to the tired farmland and their healing abilities to the local hospitals. While scoping out the marketplace, Briar is struck by the extraordinary sight of a young girl using magic to polish a merchant's gemstones. She flees at the first overtures of friendship, but Briar is informed by Rosethorn that since he is the mage who discovered her latent power, he is now responsible for ensuring that she gets a teacher.

Little Evvy is hardly interested in the prospect of lessons and training, but her fascination with Briar and Rosethorn's abilities gradually draws her out into the open. While she and Briar strike up a tentative friendship, gang warfare in the city escalates as (unbeknownst to the protagonists) an aristocratic woman funds one of the lesser-known gangs in order to make her mark on the city. When her attention falls upon Evvy, it's up to Briar to protect his new charge from danger.

The plot of "Street Magic" is very much in line with the others in the book. Like his foster-sisters, Briar finds an untrained mage in an exotic location and must take responsibility for their well-being, with the experience pushing them further toward adulthood. The secondary plot, which contains the suspense and action, is quite reminiscent of Magic Steps (which also had gang warfare) and Shatterglass (which involved a series of murders). Though they are not similar enough to warrant a miss, it's also worth saying that the "Circle Opens" series is structured in such a way that the books can be read out of order. Each installment is self-contained, and though "Street Magic" is the second book in the quartet, I read it last, and I don't feel out-of-sync because of it.

It is the characterization that lifts "Street Magic" from a good book to a great one. As said, Briar has always been my favorite character in this series, and here he compensates for the absence of his foster-sisters by having on-going conversations with them in his head - whether he likes it or not! And if Briar is my favorite character, then Briar and Rosethorn make up by favorite teacher/student relationship. Though Rosethorn herself is quite low-key in this book, her strict, prickly, ill-tempered exterior always belies a heart of gold.

Rounding out the cast is Evvy, who is also easily the most interesting of the "next generation" students. Sold as a slave by her parents when she was just a child, Evvy scrounges out a living amidst the rocks, avoiding the gangs and dwelling only with her cats. Spunky, streetwise, suspiciously and yet immensely vulnerable, she was obviously popular enough with the author herself to warrant a spin-off novel: Melting Stones.

Pierce also introduces a unique villain, Lady Zenadia, who is still a frightening figure despite her rather one-note characterization. Here is a woman who is not acting out of malice or greed or vengeance, but simply sheer boredom, with a lifestyle that has produced a complete disregard for the lives of the children she employs. Although she is dwelt with a tad anti-climactically (Pierce introduces the possibility of Evvy going undercover into Zenadia's house, an idea that is sadly does not come to pass), she is an intriguing look at psychopathic self-entitlement. Fans of Agatha Christie may well be reminded of the terrifying Lady Boynton from Appointment With Death.

As always, Pierce's imagination is on full-blast, and particularly rewarding is the way in which Briar utilizes his powers. This is not merely in his wonderful storming of Zenadia's estate at the climax of the book, but in more subtle ways as well; such as increasing the potency of catnip in order to tame some feral cats, or realizing that there are dead bodies under the earth due to the rather crazed nature of the plants that grow over them. Briar *thinks* in terms of plants, and it makes for an incredibly personalized narrative.

"The Magic Circle" series as a whole is far more slow-paced and mellow in content than many of Pierce's previous novels. Here, the emphasis is on characters and their place in the world, and on teaching, growing and learning rather than the adventures and romance of Tortall books. They're not for everyone, but for those who appreciate strong characters, careful plots, and extensive world-building, then give "The Circle Opens" a try.

decent read
I love any book by Tamora Pierce.This series is good and if it was by any other author I would call it great.However, since I have such high expectations for Tamora Pierce I cannot call it truly wonderful.

Briar becomes a role model!!Oh dear
This book is set in the world of Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series.This second collection shows the precocious young mages of that first series leaving their school, and traveling with their teachers.

Street Magic presents Briar (a young man taken off the streets by a mage of the Winding Circle Temple and apprenticed to Mage Rose, a plant magician) traveling with Rose to a distant city, with a rather decadent culture, with streets thickly populated with street gangs.Tamora Pierce presents with sensitivity and skill the distaste and scorn that the former gang member Briar feels for these street gangs, as well as his compassion for particular members of the gangs.

In particular, he takes under his wing a young girl with magical talents, who is both cheeky and flighty, and who lives with a dozen pet cats in a filthy pueblo.The relationships between Briar, Rose, and the little girl are developed with care and plausibility, with Pierce's usual genius for getting inside the imagination of young people.The rather prickly personality of Briar mellowing into an admirable young leader is a joy to watch.

Warning: there are some gruesome elements present, and a degree of violence.Some of this is needed, for the special subject-matter.Still, it isn't easy to take.

Archimedes

What can I say? It's awesome!
Tamora Pierce created yet another great book! Street Magic is adventurous and magical in every page. It's difficult NOT to get hooked. I'm sure everybody would enjoy this book if they tried.

Briar Moss whom is now fourteen is living in Chammer for the time being with his teacher Rosethorn. And while Briar's wandering the streets of a market he runs into a young girl named Evvy. He see's her polishing stones at a shop and knows instantly that she's a stone mage, even though she doesn't know it. After Briar chases her down he becomes her teacher.

As he teaches Evvy magic Briar is caught by another problem. The two main gangs in Chammer are having a war and Briar is helping to heal a certain gang. Then Briar hears that the fiercest gang is looking for a stone mage to help them find precious gems...that means Evvy...

Read 'STREET MAGIC'!

Good book
In the second book of the Circle Opens quartet, 14-year-old Winding Circle temple resident Briar Moss and his teacher Rosethorn take a trip east to the city of Chammur. Wandering through a market place, Briar finds a street girl who is using powerful magic to polish stones. He decides to find her a teacher. But when gang warfare breaks out, he learns that the fiercest gang is looking for a stone mage to help them find hidden treasures, and he might be the only protection Evvy will get. When Briar hears that the enemy gang has a benefactor he knows that to stop the war he must stop the benefactor. Then Briar learns that the benefactor is also a murderer, he realizes that the fate of Chammurs gangs might rest in his hands.Exciting and entertaining, this is a perfect book for 5th-8th graders. ... Read more

Product Description
Briar, whose magic lies in the realm of plants, finds that a dear friend is suffering from a mysterious illness. Briar and his fellow mages-in-training must bind their magic together to save the person Briar loves best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (84)

good read
I love any book by Tamora Pierce.This series is good and if it was by any other author I would call it great.However, since I have such high expectations for Tamora Pierce I cannot call it truly wonderful.

My favorite book in the Quartet.
I loved this one most. To me it shows how each of the characters shines. They all have had about a year of training and they can all work together. In Sandry's book it seemed like it focused on all four mages. In Tris' it seemed like she was the hero, but only a few parts were memorable. Daja's book was good, but again it seemed like she wan't the hero. Sandry did all that weaving.....
Anyways I like Briar's best because a lot is very memorable. The quarantine, the greenhouse, and the end. I like Briar the best out of all four kids because he spunky and he isn't afraid to tell people his mind. According to the teaser all is getting better until disaster strikes. "Can Briar save what he loves most?" Is that:a)his magic b)his family or c)something else?
If you enjoyed this try Artemis Fowl, Fablehaven,The Abhorsen Trilogy, The Alchemyst, The Treekeepers, Warrior Cats, Guardians of Ga'Hoole, or Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters. They are all very different but very good.

Conclude in green
Book 4 in the Circle of Magic series
Known as "The Healing in the Vine" in the UK

This concludes the Circle of Magic series. Briar is definitely the main character in this book but we also learn a lot about diagnostic magic and healing magic. A plague has struck Emelan and reaches for Winding Circle. Briar and Rosethorn are involved early on and struggle to help with the victims.

As a doctor, this book particuarly charms me as TP explores the challenges and trials of a devastating disease in a realm where magic is commonplace. I loved this as a teenager and TP's insights into dealing with loss and managing sick people really helped me when I first entered medical school and faced the challenges myself - I only wish that I could do some healing magic sometimes!!

Sickness strikes Summersea
Briar Moss, a mage in training and his teacher Rosethorn are away from Winding Circle for a short amount of time. While he's there he sees one of his old 'Street Rat' friends called Flick. She lives in the sewers and Briar finds out that she's sick. He turned to Rosethorn for help but when he finds out that it's too great for ever her power he knows that Summersea is in danger.

Briar and Rosethorn take Flick to a room where nobody can enter except the ones with the disease and the doctors. While they are trying desperatly to help Flick more people come in with the sickness they are now calling Blue pox. It's getting tough for Briar and Rosethorn.

Back at Winding Circle the mage Crane and his workers are trying to find a cure for Blue pox and so far luck hasn't reached them. Finally Tris desides to help and she's doing a good job at it.

Things are about to get better until...Rosethorn gets sick...

Read 'Briar's book'! It's the perfect ending to the perfect series!

Briar Moss is facing challenges...
In the fourth book of the Circle of Magic quartet Briar Moss, now fourteen discovers that one of his loyal friends has a new desease. He tells his teacher Rosethorn but even she does not understand how to cure it. The two of them take the girl to a place where she can't leave until shes cured. Rosethorn and Briar are also not alowd to leave the space. As time goes by even more people are getting sick and many are left to die or cannot be helped.

In Winding Circle dedicate Crane and his workers are desperetley trying to find the cure to the desease now known as Bluepox. It's deadly and he is determined to cure it but so far he's finding no conclusion. But when Rosethorn and Briar return to Winding Circle to help find the cure Rosethorn gets sick with Bluepox and it's almost the end of her life...

This book is very good! Fantasy and magic lovers would especially like this book and even if you don't it's defenetley worth a try. Ms.Tamora Pierce has many other books out about Briar and his friends so you should read SANDRY'S BOOK, TRIS'S BOOK and DAJA'S BOOK first before reading this.
-Hannah M. ... Read more

Product Description
During a dire battle against the fearsome Skinners, Daine and her mage teacher Numair are swept into the Divine Realms. Though happy to be alive, they are not where they want to be. They are desperately needed back home, where their old enemy, Ozorne, and his army of strange creatures are waging war against Tortall.

Trapped in the mystical realms Daine discovers her mysterious parentage. And as these secrets of her past are revealed so is the treacherous way back to Tortall. So they embark on an extraordinary journey home, where the fate of all Tortall rests with Daine and her wild magic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (280)

great series
So many reviews already, just wanted to add my rating to the overall score.

Great series, overall. and better than the lioness series.

Not for my kids
As a lover of fantasy, I found a lot to enjoy about this book.As a parent, I was troubled that a book clearly marketed to kids has its 16-year-old heroine falling in love with, kissing, and discussing both sex and marriage with a 30-year-old man.How many parents of teen girls want our daughters' imaginations caught up in this kind of scenario?There are a lot of other great fantasy books to choose from.This one doesn't belong in our home.

Just dissappointing....
I was SO looking forward to the ending of this series, but so many things didn't mesh with me. The story seemed like Daine and NUmair were simply sick of their jobs and ready for everything to end. The fire seemed to just go right out of this book! I also cannot give it a lower score, because the battle with Orozone was pretty cool and the darkings were totally interesting, but TOTALLY unreal, how can you say all of Orozones creatures will turn! Not one of them is bad? And this book was also a bit more preachy than the others. "They cannot go against their natures, so who are we to judge" just kinda cliche! I also DON'T believe the romance between Numair and Daine! I thought they would get togehter, but then the way they DO is appalling! Seriously, you are head over heals in love and still cannot imagine talking seriously to your mother about an easy promise you made to her. If you really were in love it would have been no question where you would have wanted to stay! I just really expected more from this book! I wish she had just kept the fire going a little longer! maybe she was having a bad writing time, I am sure it would happen to the best of us!

my all time favorite book by this author
Tamora Pierce is one of my all time favorite authors who could only improve upon her writing skills by turning out her books a bit faster.This book like most of her books has wonderful characterization and story line.The world she creates is intriguing and everyone in it seems real and fascinating.

Great Service
I don't think my purchase could have come any quicker or in any better condition. Thanks you very much. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (39)

Not everyones favorite but it's mine
I do not have a lot to say about this book other than it's a good read with out the normal love story she tends to throw in.I tris shes a lot of fun .

"The Ghost Killed Another Last Night..."
This, the forth and final installment in the The Circle Opens quartet is itself a sequel to Tris's Book in the original "Circle of Magic" series. There, the reader was introduced to four immensely powerful but untrained young mages: aristocratic Sandry, stoic Daja, street-rat Briar and outcast Trisana, called "Tris" for short. In a departure from her usual action-adventure stories, Tamora Pierce concentrated on character for this particular series, describing how this disparate group of youngsters was brought to the safety of the Winding Circle temple in order to learn how to control their abilities. Over the course of the four books, the children formed an unbreakable bond with each other and with the teachers that are still guiding them toward mastery of their craft and the responsibilities of adulthood.

With this new series, the circle opens (as the title suggests) in order to follow the four on their personal journeys into maturity, traveling with their teachers in order to hone their magical skills and see more of the world around them. The downside is that they are separated from one another for the first time in years, but the upside is that they each become teachers in their own right when they discover other young people with magical gifts.

In the previous books, Sandry, Briar and Daja have all found young students who need their help in controlling their own innate abilities, as well as dealt with problems ranging from turf wars to arson. Now it's Tris's turn, and it's clear why Pierce has saved her for last. With her short temper and moody disposition, Tris is the last person you'd expect to be an effective teacher.

Yet Tris has grown up a lot since last we saw her, and with her mentor Niko Goldeye she's learnt to control her powers over the weather. Her hair is a mass of braids and pigtails that store her control over winds, lightning and water, and though she still has to keep a strict watch over her emotions, she's certainly not the insecure, defensive, irritable young girl that we first met in Tris's Book.

She and Niko have come to the city of Tharios so that Niko can take part in a mages' council. Tris is impressed by the beauty of Tharios, but less so by its oppressive social order, in which the lower classes that see to the maintenance of the city are a sub-set of people. Also troublesome is their attitude toward death, something that is deemed "unclean" and so dealt with in such a way that involves ritual and cleansing done at considerable time and cost to the people. It also hinders the police investigation into the spate of murders that are occurring around the city, for priests instructed to deal with the dead bodies of murdered girls are destroying any evidence that might lead the authorities to the killer, known only as "the Ghost".

Such is the situation when the book opens, with Tris aware of the crisis, but unable to do anything about it, being only a foreigner in a city that strictly adheres to its rigid social customs. But on a jaunt around town she is distracted by the sight of a young man glass-blowing, who is unknowingly infusing his work with magic from the streets around him. His accidental creation of a sentient glass dragon astonishes the two of them, Tris because of the skill and power involved, and its creator because he didn't realize he even had any magic. Kethlun Warder has come to the city to escape his family, after a stray lightning bolt first left him paralyzed, and then unable to control his newfound abilities. Terrified of lightning and the power he now wields over it, Tris and Niko try to convince him that he's in need of a proper teacher - though Tris is hardly impressed when that turns out to be her.

There is a twist on the usual teacher/apprentice dynamic, and that's that Tris is several years younger than her pupil, a man who is initially reluctant to take orders from a fourteen year old. Unlike her foster-siblings, Tris actually has to prove herself to her student before she can teach him, but when Keth starts creating strange glass globes that reveal visions of the murder-victims strewn about the city, things suddenly get serious. After a run-in with the police (that includes an amusing exchange when Tris passionately defends her pupil and is then asked how long she's been his teacher: "um...maybe two hours?") the two team up with the chief investigator to try and catch the killer before more innocent lives are lost.

Short and plump, prickly and sarcastic, with curly red hair and spectacles, and who would much rather snuggle down with a good book than socialize, Tris is one of Tamora Pierce's best characters. Pierce has always been excellent at creating balance in her stories, and thus despite the fact that Tris is one of the most powerful mages (with mastery over the elements), it comes with a hefty price considering the headaches and nausea, social exclusion, need for intense self-control, and lack of any real job prospects that comes with it. Yet Tris has always refused to feel sorry for herself, and battles on with trademark determination and responsibility.

Perhaps inevitably, her supporting cast is not quite as vivid; Keth is a little bland, Niko is rather low-key, and we never really get to emphasize with Inspector Dema, but Tris manages to carry the book, and the plot she's embroiled in certainly makes for one of the creepier problems that the quartet has had to deal with. The city of Tharios seems to be based on Greece, with a strict caste system borrowed from India, and Pierce does a great job pinpointing the unfairness of the system, whilst not doing away with it by the end of the book. Though Tris's short-term goal is to stop the killer, she also manages to take several needy individuals under her wing, and make a tiny bit of difference in the city that may have long-term effects on the people therein.

As always, Tamora Pierce delivers a great story, though not one that's hinged on the usual fantasy-formula. With emphasis on growth, learning and discipline, and an interest in handicrafts (here it's glassblowing, but Pierce has also included weaving and metal-work in previous "Circle" books), this series has an interest in human nature and the day-to-day existence of ordinary folk that is so often missing in other novels in this genre.

Now with all the young protagonists on the verge of adulthood, they are reunited again in Will Of The Empress, in which their friendship (so missed in this series!) is explored in greater detail.

good
I love any book by Tamora Pierce.This series is good and if it was by any other author I would call it great.However, since I have such high expectations for Tamora Pierce I cannot call it truly wonderful.

Daughter loved it"
My ten year daughter has read the entire series and loved it.She didn't want to put it down. She has always been a good reader but would rather watch tv or play on the computer. She started reading the Harry Potter books and hasn't stopped.From Harry she went over to the Tamora Pierce books.She has also asked for Dormia which I just ordered her.I also have ordered the Tillerman series Homecoming.

Glass Dragons, lightning bolts and a killer on the loose...
This book is a wonderful book but I suggest that if you wish to read the 'Circle Opens' quartet you first read 'The circle of magic' so that you have more background knowledge on these lovable characters. This book is a great ending to a great series and Tamora Pierce definetly did a splendid job on this book! It's definetly good enough to buy! I read and own all of Pierce's novels but after getting this one from the library I knew that I had to buy it so I could read it over and over again!

Trisiana Chandler is a fourteen-year-old girl with a fast temper and sharp tounge. She is a Weather Mage and very, very powerful. She and her teacher Niko come to a place that Tris is not used to. It's a place called Tharios on the Ithocot Sea. In this place sacred and magical rituals are put on the dead and the people seem scared of death. Those people who handle the dead are hated, ignored, treated differently, and hurt for talking to people out of their group. Tris knows that things like this are horrible and madness.

When Tris finds a man named Kethun Warder she knows that he has magic. It's simple to tell...he just created a dragon out of glass that is flying around the room with lightning in his veins. She knows that she must teach him to controle his power before he destroys himself so she becomes his mentor.

While she's teaching him another problem arrises. A killer is killing tons of performing women. Who are they? Why are they killing them? How will they find the killer? Well, those can only be found by reading this exciting novel by Tamora Pierce. Hope you enjoy! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (67)

Disappointed
I felt utterly disappointed in this book. Being a writer myself, I felt like Peirce lost sight of her characters. It seemed like all the things that made us love the characters in the last 8 books was lost. Their strong relationship was the whole pinpoint of their story and then it seemed all of the sudden it was gone. Poof! Everything they went through to become so close was like it never happened. Back to square one where they were complete strangers. None of them felt like the characters I had read about and grew to love. I understood that, yeah, they'd been seperated for a while but was that a reason to make them seem like they were complete strangers? When I read the book initially it was a few years back, and I read the whole lesbian thing. I was young and was like "wait.. what!?" These books are for kids like 10 years to 18. At least in the other books she gently smoothed over the fact that the character's had sex. In this book nothing hidden, no one spared. My mom was shocked and angry. There was no warning, she had no idea that there was that type of content. And it's not just that it was lesbian behavior, she would have just as been shocked if it was about how one of the characters made love with some; details and all. That type of book should not have been in the young adult section. At least give some warning: Explicit Sexual Behaviour!!

One of the best!
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's very inspiring to me, and helped me understand the characters even more. It's definitely worth the purchase price!

good but a bit lengthy
Great series.I love this author but this was not my favorite in the series.

Good closing
This was a good story that could be the end of a pair of good series.

Rookie
I have nor been purchasing from the internet for long. I'm amazed at how well it has been going. We were very happy with our purchase and would be sure to use this vendor again given the opportunity. Thanks Again. ... Read more

Product Description
Here begins the tale of Daja, Briar, Tris, and Sandry, four children brought to Winding Circle Temple for training in crafts and magic.They are outcasts in their homeland.But in this magical place, they are valued and respected for their special powers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (84)

best of the series
I love any book by Tamora Pierce.This series is good and if it was by any other author I would call it great.However, since I have such high expectations for Tamora Pierce I cannot call it truly wonderful.

Circle of Magic Series
I thought this was a fun series.The characters used "magic" in ways I have never read of or thought of before.I'd wish for Briar's gifts if I got to choose.

Excellent new series from TP
Book 1 in the Circle of Magic series.
This book has the title "The Magic In the Weaving" in the UK.

This book opens up a new TP universe. Although the US book is called "Sandry's book", this first book introduces all 4 of the main characters, Sandry, Tris, Daja and Briar.
Sandry is a young noble who has been hidden by magics during an epidemic.
Tris is the daughter of a merchant house who has been handed over to the temple after reporting hearing voices.
Daja is a Sea Trader, the ship went down with all hands, and she is declared trangshi or outcast for her bad luck.
Briar is a street-thief sentanced to the docks for life.
These four very different children are brought together to Winding Circle where they discover more about themselves than they ever thought possible.
This is a well written book to set up this series. It ends with a rush so make sure you have book 2 handy so you can carry on reading! TP has cleverly introduced a very similar universe but with enough differences to make you pay attention.

from missprint.wordpress.com
"Sandry's Book" is the first in Tamora Pierce's "Circle of Magic" quartet. (The foursome was recently followed with a sequel quartet called "The Circle Opens".) The four books do tell a series of events, but work just as well when read out of order.

The story opens with four children in four equally bad situations. As their stories unfold, the children--the daughter of a duke, a young thief, a Trader and a girl with a connection to the weather so strange that her own family abandoned her. As their stories, and magical abilities, intertwine it becomes clear that these characters have more in common than readers (or the characters themselves) would have thought.

Eventually, the children are discovered by Niklaren "Niko" Goldeye (I have been enamored with his name since I read this book when I was fourteen, still stand by the assessment that it's the best name ever). Adrift in their respective communities (or lack thereof), Niko takes them all to Winding Circle, a temple community where the children fall into a temple called Discipline where, finally, each of the four begin to find their place in the world.

Like any good fantasy, this book (and the series in general) features a lot of detail as Pierce builds a convincing world for her novel to inhabit. As a result, the story does describe the daily life and rituals of the temple. I had the misfortune of finding a negative review with the audacity to say that "Sandry's Book" focused too much on the occult. Aside from being completely inaccurate (such information comes up IN RELATION to the plot not to create some pseudo-subversive book on witchcraft), I found the trepidation distasteful and on par with saying Harry Potter should be censored because Hogwarts trains witches. Plus, aside from that, the information--like the information in so many challenged books--is harmless and only serves to teach readers something new (as every good book should).

Moving on from the issue of censorship, I liked this book because of all the strong female characters.

Three of the four main characters are girls. Not the secondary-character-type girls that sometimes populate fantasy novels of this type (a specific example being "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin). No, these girls are strong-minded and tough--two of my favorite qualities for book heroines. My personal favorite of the foursome is Tris, but Sandry is pretty cool too. A spunky noble, Sandry is an anti-princess discussion all by herself.

This book is one of the few that I feel could be solidy situated as a children's novel (although given some recent YA titles I've encountered, an argument probably could be made to place it there). The plot is straightforward, and the writing cogent, which make it ideal for a younger audience who lacks the experience to follow a winding narrative. At the same time, Pierce creates a story that is engaging and action-packed for readers of any age. I haven't gotten around to reading any of Pierce's books outside this series, but if "Sandry's Book" is any indication, I definitely should.

warning - very occult
My 9 yr old daughter an I have read Tamora Pierce's books on Tortall, and found them very good.These books were recommended to me also, and since I enjoyed the Alanna series very much, I decided to read these.They aren't as good as the books on Tortall.What's more, although Pierce writes about magic in all of her books, these ones in particular I have found to be quite occult in nature.

The occult elements include magic circles, craft magic, and gods/goddesses.The human mages are part of a Temple and practice meditation.Their blessing is tracing a "gods circle" on their chests with their fingertips.

Just as a warning to parents who like to monitor what their children read, these books could almost be a primer to Pagan/Wiccan rites.Read them before your kids do, or with them... but if you are concerned about the occult, don't let them read these books on their own. ... Read more

Product Description
Kel has finally achieved her lifelong dream of being a knight. But it’s not turning out as she imagined at all. She is torn between a duty she has sworn to uphold and a quest that she feels could turn the tide of war. . . .
“Unrelentingly realistic in its depiction of the horrors of war . . . Pierce provides exquisite details of the weaponry, topography, and culture of her world, and her control of a voluminous cast of characters is masterful.”
—VOYAAmazon.com Review
In the final thrilling installment of Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small series ( First Test, Page, and Squire), our sturdy young heroine, Keladry of Mindelan (a.k.a. Kel), has finally been knighted. Never one to rest on her laurels, Kel champs at the bit, ready to tackle the horrific magic killing devices she was shown in the Chamber of the Ordeal during her knighthood initiation. The huge, insectlike machines, "made of iron-coated giants' bones, chains, pulleys, dagger-fingers and -toes, and a long whiplike tail," feed on the souls of dead children and are systematically killing off the citizens and warriors of Tortall.

Thoroughly disgusted to discover that not only is she not going to be assigned a combat post, but she has been placed in charge of a refugee camp instead, Kel, in her usual noble, stoic way, swallows her disappointment and sets out being the best refugee camp commander possible. Of course, destiny has a way of sneaking up on a young woman like Kel, and soon she is fulfilling the ordeal the Chamber set out for her... and then some.

Tamora Pierce once again draws her legions of fans into her story, blending humor, pathos, exhilarating battles, and gripping drama with a very real, very appealing protagonist. It's easy to make war appear black and white, a matter of good versus evil. Pierce finds the shades of gray. (Ages 12 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (117)

great series
Tamora Pierce is one of my all time favorite authors who could only improve upon her writing skills by turning out her books a bit faster.This book like most of her books has wonderful characterization and story line.The world she creates is intriguing and everyone in it seems real and fascinating.

Great Author
Tamora Pierce is the best. The book came promptly and was in super condition. I would definitely use this vendor again and again. Thanks

Hurrah for Brave Girls
The Protector of the Small books ( four in all) are uniformly great young adult fiction. The lead character is brave and unrelentingly honest with herself and others. Yet there is not a sappy moment. Gritty reality is the order of the day and the going is not smooth for our young heroine. The stories made me think more than once about standing up for the honorable course of action, regardless of the consequences.

"Lady Knight"- No romance for our hero...
The series started out great, but from the beginning what bothered me was, ho-hum, no romance, sure Kel developed a crush on Neal, not that it ever turned into anything. But the story witheld my interest long enough for "Squire" the third book in the sereis. Well, I loved it! There was just as much, if not more action, than the first two books, all while Kel's romance with Cleon was blossoming into something wonderful and true. Then, comes Lady Knight. I personally was very excited to read it. Well, when Cleon walked in during supper one night, I just smiled because I was glad that our heroine would now have him back after over a year without him. WRONG. Cleon moreorless 'broke-up' with Kel, and she was GLAD about it, because or else she feared that she would have to tell him herself. After the romance died, so did the rest of the story. Sure the action scenes were great, but without the assurance that if Kel did get hurt during battle she would have Cleon (not just her other friends) to worry about her, I was overall disappointed. Our poor Keladry, a lady knight with no love....

Trading off quality writing for quality story-telling?
Tamora Pierce's first two books were obviously written by someone who didn't quite know their style yet. The "Lioness" quartet isn't written spectacularly, but the story is interesting and catchy, and the characters and action are enough to keep readers going. While perhaps the second two books of this first quartet weren't as good (slightly slower, unfortunately), they were still enjoyable. The same applies to the better "Immortals" quartet. In the "Immortals" quartet, the writing is better, but the stories are new, original, and interesting. Fun, still.

Then we hit Kel and the "Protector of the Small" quartet of Tortall. All seemed nice and dandy, right? Well, not exactly. "First Test" was reasonable enough, but Kel is an incredibly flat character. What made the Lioness quartet so fun was that Alanna was a kick-[...] character. She felt wholly real, with her temper, her personality, and her MISTAKES. Kel is just bland, flat, and picture-perfect. Pierce created the character she wanted, not the sort of character that would actually exist.

But it was still fun. Enjoyable, that is. "Page" was cool, "Squire" was awesome and incredible, but then we hit the finale. This book, "Lady Knight". Pierce generally falls with her finales. As a general thing, her stories are mostly predictable and run-of-the-mill, and she seems to run out of ideas once she hits the end. Here's an example of that.

I loved "Squire", and then I read this. It was a disappointment, certainly, but not only that. It was boring. It was dull. It's the sort of book that's only worth rereading for the sake of NOT DOING something else. It's not the sort of thing you go back to because you loved the story and the characters. Kel was just as flat, just as predictable, and just plain dull throughout this book. What made "Squire" and "Page" so interesting was everything AROUND Kel - meaning, her friends, her surroundings, her enemies. They were who made the story what it was. Here? It's just slow action that moves at a pace similar to a grandmother turtle.

Obviously, anyone who has read "Squire" and the other books in the "Protector of the Small" series will want to read this to finish it off. Really, I figure this won't actually scare away most of Tamora Pierce's girl-based fanclub, but I figure people should know what they're getting into.

TO SUM THIS UP: "Lady Knight" was where it became clear that while Pierce can now write well, perhaps her imagination is failing her. With nothing interesting here, it seems that she has forsaken quality story-telling for quality writing. This doesn't have a particularly interesting story-line, it moves slowly, and the cool characters from days ago are simply side-men now. This doesn't live up to previous books. In the meantime, I'll go back and reread "In the Hand of the Goddess". ... Read more

Product Description
A giftable boxed set of Tamora Pierce’s second acclaimed Tortall quartet: The Immortals. These four books chronicle the time when immortal creatures invade the world of Tortall and a girl called Daine is found to help the humans in their struggles. With help from the powerful mage Numair, Daine learns the immensity of her own wild magic, which enables her to speak to animals and ultimately to become one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Amazing
I started this series when I was 12 years old, I loved it then and still love it today. These books started my obsession with anything Tamora Pierce. To this day this is my all time favorite series ever. Her writing is fantastic and vivid. She brings you right into the story as if you were living it yourself. She has a way of making the characters seem so real that you feel their pain and happiness.
The Immortals starts off some time after Song of the Lioness left off with new and old characters. Daine and her friends being the main ones, but you still get to see what happened with some of your favorites from Song of the Lioness which I love. It is a series of adventure, romance, and magic. My only disappointment was when I finished the last book.
This series is good for anyone young and old. I've read many other fantasy books including Harry Potter. In my opinion this is a hundred times better than Harry Potter and the only ones I've read more times than I can count!

The Immortals, More great books!
Again some of the best books I have ever read!! Another good quartet after the Song of the Lioness Quartet! (The next ones, Kel's and Aliane'a are good too! Protector of the Small and The Lioness's Daughter) Daine's enchanting life and her "Wild Magic" powers bring her to a most interesting learning experience along with her teacher Numair Saliman (formally Arram Draper). These books are so very good!

The Immortals- Nikki
I read the whole series. I loved it, though it's not my favorite series by Tamora Pierce. I've read almost all her books, and she's my favorite author. I think it's awsome that Diane has wild magic. I've always wanted to talk to animals, and turn into one. The wierd freaky part though, is that even though Diane and Numair fall in love (and eventual get married in The Daughter of the Lioness series) they're almost 20 yrs apart!! i still loved the books though. i love all of Tammy's books.

Wild Magic
This book includes characters from other bops by Pierce, including King Jonathan, Queen Thayet, and Alanna.The book focuses on the 13 year old orphan girl named Daine.Daine is found and hired by a worker of the king.She is hired for her way with animals, but no one yet knows that she has a special magic, not that of the Gift, Wild Magic.
As Daine learns new ways to communicate with animals and strengthens he r powers with the help of her mentor, she faces more challenging tasks and the death ofher animal friends in war.As Daine learns more she begins to believe that by being around the animals she alters them making them smart and unnatural.She overcomes this fear and is able to save the kingdom on many occasions.
After all of meddling in wars the gods decide that she causes chaos and is forced to choose, life with her mom and dad in the Realms of gods.
This book is a fantasy filled with thrill, suspense, and a sense of an alternate reality.I recommend it for getting away from everything else and any one that even partially enjoys fantasy.

Wow
This series is great!! I was unable to put either one of them down for a second! I have read this series many times over!! Worth buying! ... Read more

Product Description
In the medieval and fantastic realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits females to train for knighthood. Up against the traditional hazing of pages and a grueling schedule, Kel faces only one real roadblock: Lord Wyldon, the training master of pages and squires. He is absolutely against girls becoming knights. So while he is forced to train her, Wyldon puts her on probation for one year. It is a trial period that no male page has ever had to endure and one that separates the good-natured Kel even more from her fellow trainees during the tough first year. But Kel is not a girl to underestimate, as everyone is about to find out. . . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fantasy at it's best
I am so pleased that this book is finally on Audio.Protector of the Small is one of my favorite in the Tortall series.As Kell does not have any magically gifts, she relies on her good heart and conscious to guide her.She is an excellent role modal for us all.This audio version is well done, the reader is clear, concise and has excellent inflection - making the story flow (all too quickly).I hope they bring out the next three in short order.Until then, get the rest of her books on audio.All are available except for those started by Full Cast Audio.Only the first book of the Immortals is available and the second book(what's up with that) of "The Circle Opens" series. Her first series, The Song of the Lioness is only available on cassette.I'd buy it again on CD - I have no idea why they don't do a quick dub.Tamora Pierce is an excellent author, one our children can read, enjoy and learn.

A Fast Read!
I've read all of Tamora's books and have many on audio. The "Protector of the Small" series has always been a favorite. I was so glad they finally made an audio version. Its fun to see how the Page training goes when everyone knows she is a girl verses not knowing that Alana was a girl. The story flows quickly and keeps your interest. I like Kel's spunk. Can't wait for book 2 audio to come out.
... Read more

Product Description
WHAT MAKES A warrior?
This gutsy collection of 15 original short stories compiled by bestselling author Tamora Pierce and anthologist-author Josepha Sherman answers this question with thought, heart, a lot of variety, and an occasional wink.
Contributors include some of today’s most-beloved fantasy and sciencefiction authors: Tamora Pierce, Holly Black, Pamela Service, Margaret Mahy, Bruce Holland Rogers, Mike Resnick, Brent Hartinger, and more.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Stories of Strength and youth
I'll review each of the 15 stories separately (quickly) then my overall impression.

The Gift of Rain Mountain (Bruce Holland Rogers)-- This story started off a little too slow for me. I wanted to punch the Main Character (Mactun) a few times because he irked me. The ending twist on what Mactun finally took from the Rain Mountain God as a boon made me grin with irony.

The Magestone (S.M. and Jan Stirling)-- I liked this twist on the mermaid/sailor tales. Though after reading what humans did to the wizard Shansu I felt a little queasy. The mermaid, Neesha, was kind of blood thirsty, but she thought she had the right way of thinking.

Eli and the Dybbuk (Janis Ian)--This was an interesting tale. Real quick--a dybbuk is from Jewish folklore and the gist of what they are is lost souls. They did horrible things in life and could not attain Heaven so they are stuck on Earth trying to possess unwary folks. I liked the moral of the story--brains over brawn (pretty much).

Heartless (Holly Black)--My first, my VERY FIRST, Holly Black story! What does it mean to be heartless? Holly Black explores this in a story about a young girl who follows army camps--doing the cooking, servicing etc. She remembers being someone else, but her mother had put her heart into her little finger bone (which Ada kept around her neck). Throughout the story Ada ponders the fact that she feels nothing and at the end she takes the greatest risk of all. Incidentally this is another story that involves a spirit--this time manes, in Roman mythology, were the deceased ancestors of people who were offered blood sacrifices.

Lioness (Pamela F. Service)--I have always enjoyed Pamela F. Service's historical novels, especially The Reluctant God (which is half historical, half contemporary). This story is about a young warrior princess, scared and worried about the Roman's continued push to take her kingdom (Kush), but determined to serve her god (the god of war Apedemek) and avenge her homeland. I cried a little, at the end, in relief because Tari (the princess) pulled through and proved herself capable.

Thunderbolt (Esther Friesner)--This is the story that led to the creation of Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize--two YA novels about Helen of SpartaTroy's early life. In this Helen recounts how it was really SHE who saved herself from the Athenian King Theseus, not her maybe divine (but really mortal) brothers. Helen was vastly amusing and I greatly loved how...manipulative she was. For a good cause (her freedom), but still.

Devil Wind (India Edghill)--Revenge! Age old classic theme. I liked how India wove both Hindu customs/beliefs with English religious beliefs. It made me a little sad though, reading about the fates of all those good people, but like the MC (Taravati) her brand of justice is well deserved and fitting.

The Boy Who Cried "Dragon!" (Mike Resnick)--Short and witty best sums up this 'true accounting' of the story never told. Geeky would-be knight meets geeky would-be fearsome dragon and a bond is formed over their innate geekiness. I found it cute when Melvin (would-be knight) bemoaned his pimples and Horace (would-be fearsome dragon) bemoaned not HAVING any.

Student of Ostriches (Tamora Pierce)--I always enjoy Tamora Pierce's writing to some degree. This short story was almost like hearing a legend actually. I would have never thought to study ostriches for learning combat, but apparently they have some wonderful moves. It did teach me to be wary of boys who kiss too easily however.

Serpent's Rock (Laura Anne Gilman)--I'll be honest this story went over my head. It began easily enough--a young boy wishes to help save his sister against BAD odds--but it then got somewhat confusing.

Hidden Warriors (Margaret Mahy)--It's important to note that the title is Hidden WarriorS not Hidden Warrior, the plural is important to remember while reading. This sometimes read like a fairy tale and sometimes read like a bard's song--it kept me interested and intrigued as it weaved the tale of a young magician who isn't sure who (or what) he is and a city that hides its true self behind friendship.

Emerging Legacy (Doranna Durgin)--This right here was a wonderful 'Surprises come in small packages' story. For anyone who was ever told that they were too awkward or graceless or klutzy to be useful, or if you were ever told that you were a disappointment as a child, this story is a wonderful salve. Kelyn is everything a warrior shouldn't be--clumsy, slow and prone to accidents if she didn't pay attention, but she used her brain and that in the end saved them all.

An Axe for Men (Rosemary Edghill)--Religious doctrine is something I have no patience for, but I do enjoy studying the ancient beliefs of civilizations long gone to the wind of time. Edghill's story is that of a young Priestess who, when seeing the only world she has ever known destroyed, learns the truth of that world. Her courage to find a new path for her people is what made this story so great.

Acts of Faith (Lesley McBain)--This story made me cry a little. I've been told stories of Ireland during WWII--just as I've been told stories of Italy and America from my other grandparents during the War--and the cant that McBain uses reminds me so strongly of how my Granny used to talk that I felt as if she was telling me the story.

Swords That Talk (Brent Hartinger)--Talking swords and a hero who laments being born during a time of enduring peace. This story was pretty funny and enjoyable to read for me. Quick like from an author I hadn't read before.

Overall the collection pleased me greatly, with only a few corkscrews that I could have done without. I also found several new authors to obsess overread more from. If you haven't already picked this up, then do so!

Stories of Strength
This is a really good book. All the short stories in here are unique, with different voice. They are all written by amazing authors. Some stories are humorous, some are suspenceful, some are a combination, but all of them are worth reading. Some stories give background knowledge on favorite characters, like the Shang Unicorn or Helen of Sparta.

Hmm...not the best but still very good.
I admit I had higher expectations when I started to read this book. I'd heard that it rocked and I was happy to know that Tamora Pierce and Josepha Sherman were the editors. Some of these stories are excellent and fun like THUNDERBOLT and SWORDS THAT TALK. No, no I liked more than two. Infact many others were great too. But some were just not good stories or not written to well. I do highly recomend this book to anybody that enjoys male and female hero's, fantasy, action and some romance. It was still very, very enjoyable.

Why only 4 stars???
Many of you Tamora Pierce fans or people that have already read this book or even if you haven't even heard of this book are wondering 'Why only 4 stars?' Many,many of these stories are wonderful and exciting. I enjoyed Heartless, Student of the Ostriges and especially Thunderbolt. But in some points to the book I found myself thinking of stupid reasons to stop reading and do something more...exciting. I'm not saying that this isn't a wonderful book because it is and the authors like Tamora Pierce and Esther Friesner were especially good. But the stories like 'The Gift of Rain Mountain' and 'The magestone' were unappealing. But by all means try this book because there are some wonderful stories in here!

-Hannah M.
A.K.A Book Worm

excellent
This collection of stories is filled with a wide variety of different ethnic groups, and includes both humor and seriousness. While some of the stories you truly warm to, and others you become bored with, the meaning of the word "warrior" is conveyed in such a way that by the last page you have your own definition.
Fans of Tamora Pierce, while not, prehaps, finding an all-time favorite, will be satisfied, and find several authors worth persuing as well. The ratio of hum-drum to spectacular stories is about 2 to 1, which is a good bet for buying compared to most short story collections. ... Read more

Product Description
In the medieval and fantastic realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits females to train for knighthood. But Kel is not a girl to underestimate. . . .
“Part school story . . . part fantasy . . . part animal story . . . this is a splendidly rousing feast.”—Booklist ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

great series
Tamora Pierce is one of my all time favorite authors who could only improve upon her writing skills by turning out her books a bit faster.This book like most of her books has wonderful characterization and story line.The world she creates is intriguing and everyone in it seems real and fascinating.

Great read
I needed a series to keep me busy in between waiting for another series to come out. I really enjoyed it. Its a little younger than I normally read, but I really enjoyed the characters! I read all of the books in a couple of weeks.

First Test
Another excellent book by Tamora Pierce where a girl is the main character.We get a different perspective of things from a girl's point of view and what she has to tolerate with.

great series amazing author
Tamora Pierce is amazing I have been reading her since I was 13 and I hope she continues with Tortall and expecially Daine and Numair.I love love love those two.

a great book
Keladry is a brave girl who it seems can withstand anything. She soon teaches the boys that she is not someone to be messed with. Soon she gains a chatter box friend named Nealan. She also becomes friends with a horse called Peachblossom. In fact Kel's whole year is an adventure. I'd recommend this book for ages 10 & up. ... Read more

Product Description
TAMORA PIERCE creates worlds you'll fall in love with. A captivating author, whose books combine the drama and action of The Lord of the Rings with the characters girls love - J.R.R. Tolkien meets Jacqueline Wilson! Alanna is feisty and brave, and she wants to be a knight. But she's a girl, and girls don't get to be knights. So she decides to travel to Tortall disguised as a boy. It's crazy and dangerous, but it's also just the beginning of Alanna's big adventure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (84)

Lioness quartet
This was the author's first 4 book series and was written in similar style to all her other series. A little less detail and character development than her other series, but still enjoyable.

The best book I have ever read
I think that the song of the lioness is a wonderful book.I dont tend to like reading but this book is diffrent.I acctualy wanted to read it not just read it but read it again and again.For anyone who is looking for a book that has adventure and exitment, romance and hurt, good and bad, fairytale and yet so real.This is the book, I can picture ever thing in my mind ever detail that is discribed.Also I love how Alanna is so much like me, adventurous, loving, a fighter, she is just a amazing girl.I think that every one who loves books and who hates books will love this book!

Great Quartet
I began reading these books when I was thirteen and finished them all within a week. Even though my reading interests have stretched and changed after seven years I still read these books once every year along with Pierce's Immortals Quartet. The characters are still just as vivid as when I first read them and the adventures just as interesting. Pierce has a simple and comfortable writing style that makes it easy for a reader to get lost in her stories. These books are great quick reads for girls in middle school. My favorite is In the Hands of the Goddess, but they are all very action packed!

Great read
Tamora Pierce writes for young adults but as an 'old' adult I find her stories exciting and an easy bedtime read after a long day at work.

great series
alana want's to be a knight more than anything in the world, but girls aren't allowed to be knights where alana lives so she switches places with her twin brother and pretends to be a boy. she then goes off to knight school (haha) where she makes some friends and enemies and learns how to be a knight.

alana's a pretty strong heroine. she stands up to whatever or whoever her adversary may be with all that she is and doesn't let anything stand in the way of what she wants, which is to be a knight. she does go through some tough times though. she doesn't rely on anyone for fear they might think that she's weak and she does doubt herself quite a bit, but i guess that makes her a bit more realistic. overall a pretty good series. ... Read more

Product Description
Roaring out of the pages of Daredevil, the new White Tiger makes a ferocious debut, courtesy of the dynamic scripting of New York Times best-selling fantasy author Tamora Pierce (Trickster's Queen, The Will of the Empress) and masterful penciling of rising star Phil Briones (La Geste des Chevaliers-Dragons, Les Seigneurs d'Agartha). Angela del Toro knows pain: Her uncle - Hector Ayala, the former White Tiger - killed. Her FBI partner, murdered. Her career, ruined. Her mentor, Matt Murdock, jailed. And the hurt is just beginning. The Yakuza's bloodthirsty Sano Orii returns, a genocidal shadow organization appears, and a new-but-old super-powered madman is looking to put the squeeze on White Tiger. Armed with mystical amulets - and finally in costume - White Tiger demands answers! But will she survive long enough to ask the right questions? Collects White Tiger #1-6. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

superheroes fight against illegal aliens
super-heroine fights against a gang selling green cards and fake passports.
daredevil and spidermanhelp her.
i have never before seen such a bad plot in comics.
how can anyone publish this crap?
i am really happy super heroes saved the world here and no illegal aliens come to the usa.

Borrow from the Library
I just can't recommend purchasing this book.I was really trying to like it.There are very few female superhero comic books and I was hoping for one.The main story itself was not bad.The artwork was OK.What I did not like was the interplay between the White Tiger and the other heroes.She was just too buddy-buddy with them.It seemed like the author was trying too hard to show the White Tiger was accepted by the other heroes and belonged with them.Even if you knew the identity of the White Tiger (which they all did) and even if you knew the prior White Tiger, most of the time a new hero needs to go through a breaking in period with other heroes.That was missing and was something that took away from the story.

I also think there were too many heroes in this book.White Tiger, Luke Cage, Daredevil 2 (as they called him), Black Widow, Spiderman.I think one other would have been enough.

Yuck!
I bought this book for my classroom because I was told the character was Latino and wanted to share a superhero with a Latino bent to it.Tamora Pierce actually recommended it to me when I was at an author's fair.I am so disappointed by the books I've read by her so far!This one is a total turnoff and I will never put it in my library collection at school.I should have looked at it more closely.I'm really offended and turned off by the story and presentation.

Not for Comic Fans, Either
(Some spoilers, particularly in the last paragraph)

I have not read any of Tamora Pierce's prose fiction, though I've heard good things.I came to this volume somewhat familiar with the history of the comic character White Tiger from the Hector Ayala storyline in the excellent Brian Michael Bendis run on Daredevil (storyline collected here...Daredevil, Vol. 3, among other places) and I was expecting and hoping for good things here.Unfortunately, I think it is a prime example of a likely quite good fiction writer not working well as a comic writer.

I like the character, the nice artwork by Briones et al, and the plot does seems to have potential.But I had to force myself to read all the way through this trade.The rhythm of the writing in the captions (and to a lesser extent, the dialogue -- y'know, word balloons) is way off.Ms. Pierce absolutely abuses italics -- on the last word of almost every sentence.If you made this into an audiobook, and had the narrator emphasize every word that was italicized, it would be comical -- downright Shatneresque.Example (using caps for italics):

"Before I was in the FBI, I was in the NYPD for for YEARS.If you're a del Toro, you're a COP, or a martial ARTIST, or BOTH.You KNOW the NYPD."

"The 'FAIR and BALANCED' BUGLE, my rosy red TUCHAS.I bag GUNRUNNERS and the paper bills me as CHEESECAKE."

Hell, it's almost iambic pentameter!It makes the writing extremely choppy, and in a comic with 1980s-style level of exposition/commentary (read: way too much)...it ain't pretty.

If the italic issues were resolved and the pictures were allowed to carry the story more, maybe that would have turned this whole thing around.But like bad voice-over in a movie, the writing kept pulling me right out of the story.It was a tough slog.

Another thing I couldn't get over -- and this will probably only make sense if you've read this or other comics -- was the appearance of Angela's "Tio Danny" -- Danny Rand, the Iron Fist, who appears to be about the same age as her.The uncle-niece relationship seems forced and weird here.As do most of the superhero cameos by Spidey, Daredevil, Emma Frost from the X-Men, etc.

All told, this was disappointing.Marvel can't seem to keep enough books going centered around female characters, so this feels like a wasted opportunity.Maybe this character could be salvaged at some point down the line -- though current readers of the Daredevil will be familiar with recent developments that make this unlikely, at least for a while.

Got what I expected
I bought this comic book mainly for the fact that Tamora Pierce was an author for it.I didn't expect world wind adventures like I may find in one of her books because, let's face it, it's a comic book that starts and ends in 6 issues.The plot line was good, I got a little lost in a few places because I hadn't read certain issues of certain series, and the images were as well.I personally like having all the issues in one book as opposed to each individual issue which I tried for a while but kept misplacing them.Some of the extra covers they include from each of the issues are beautifully done and I'm glad they included them.

All in all, it's a good short read and nice to look at.Not one of the better comics I've read, I didn't expect it to be, but if you buy it for a reasonable price (I ordered mine from a separate seller for relatively cheap, I think the amazon price makes it almost not worth it) I think it's well worth the price. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (31)

not as good as her others
I love any book by Tamora Pierce.This series is good and if it was by any other author I would call it great.However, since I have such high expectations for Tamora Pierce I cannot call it truly wonderful.

Just didn't like the protagonist
Very few of Pierce's books have first-person protagonists; in fact, i'm pretty sure that the only others are the "Beka Cooper" books - "Terrier", "Bloodhound" and "Mastiff".

And i just didn't *like* Evvy.

(I like Beka, OTOH, so it's not her handling of first-person narrative per se that i have problems with...)

I didn't like her when Briar found her on the street and had to make sure she got magical training ... and i don't like her now when the's travelling with Rosethorn.

Her "voice" (speaking of the characterisation, not the audiobook version, which, like all audiobooks, i avoided) just set my figurative teeth on edge, liek chalk on a blackboard, and her attitude didn't help any, either.

But, if you like Pierce in general and the "Circle of Magic" books in particular, you ought try this one - maybe you'll like Evvy (or at least not be annoyed by her).

And, setting aside an annoying protagonist, there's a lot to like in this one, starting with Evvy's friend (whose name i have, i'm ashamed to say, forgotten), who is, apparently, a mountain - or at least, the elemental spirit of one.

And, of course, Rosethorn can be counted on for the occasional acerb and apropos comment at the appropriate (read, most annoying for someone who needs annoying) moment...

Just in Case
The book I ordered was received in the conditioned as stated in the ad. I was very happy with my purchase and would definitely use this vendor again. Thank you very much for your help.

seemed like a geology lesson
this book definitely strayed from the others in this series.It seemed to concentrate less on the "Mystical" and way too much on the "Geological".The character didn't seem to be as fully developed and the book didn't seem to be well thought out about the characters relationships w/one another.People go from hating each other to understanding & maybe even liking each other without the reader ever really understanding why.Quite a disappointment to read.

Melting Stones by Tamora Pierce
This is a very good side story if you've read the Circle of Magic series. It comes after Briar's third book (which isn't out yet). ... Read more

Product Description
Sixteen is a rebellious age for most young people, and Aly is no exception. With her mother, the lady knight Alanna, forever being summoned to some crisis or other, and the young men of Tortall little more than diversions, Aly is bored and restless. Her father is second-in-command of the country's spies- of only he would let her be one! The former king of theives, he had trained her in the arts of espionage and knows that she is capable of taking care of herself. But he won't risk losing his only daughter to the dangers of the field, so she spendsher time helping him decode messages and dyeing her hair blue.But everything changes when Aly, sailing alone down the coast of Tortall, is captured by pirates and winds up a slave to the Balitangs, a kindly noble family of the Copper Isles. Years of lessons in the Isles' history have prepared her for their dual cultures- those of luarin, or white, conquerors and those of the brown-skinned, or raka, natives. Fueled by prophecies of a twice-royal queen who will free them, the rakas' resentment keeps the realm in constant turmoil. But Aly is no weeping captive; she's determined to free herself.Enter Kyprioth, patron god of the Isles, also known as Trickster, who is looking to shift the balance of power back to his raka worshipers. Aly makes a deal with the god: she will use her own trickster gifts to keep the Balitang children, especially the two teenage girls, safe through the summer. In exchange, Kyprioth will give her magical assistance in the form of spying crows and knowledge of events at court-and eventually, her freedom. But deals with gods are never simple matters; she doesn't count on becoming personally involved in the raka revolt, or with an unusual young man who has his own plans for Aly. ... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

READ TITLE CAREFULLY!!!
Some of the reviews will tell you not to get this book because they were confused that it was new installment of the series.However, the description reads "Book 1 & 2"--therefore, you must read the description.
As for the book itself, I found it to be a wonderful book.Full of mini-stories & mini-plots, it keeps you interested & your brain moving.For me, it was hard to put down until I was either too tired from the day or I was done.Not difficult reading, but not boring.As a 30 yr old adult, I fell in love with this book.Definitely worth getting if you don't already have the first 2 books of the series.

Sci-Fi Book Club edition combines Daughter of the Lioness books 1 & 2
"Tricksters" is the Science Fiction Book Club's edition which combines "Trickster's Choice" and "Trickster's Queen," which are books 1 and 2 of the "Daughter of the Lioness" series. There was some confusion about this because a seller, not Amazon, had given this item a title that suggested it was book 3 in the series. I submitted a correction to the title, which has been accepted by Amazon. To the best of my knowledge, there will be no futher books in this "Daughter of the Lioness" series, however there are several other Tortall books planned to follow this series.

I rated this edition four stars because, while the series is fantastic, this is the book-world equivalent of a "generic" brand. Book club editions are published privately in order to make editions that can be sold to club members cheaply. I very much prefer the covers and format of other editions, specifically the edition that does not bind the books together. The covers with photos by Joyce Tenneson are beautiful, and look really interesting when placed side by side. (As an interesting side note, it appears that the Danish editions of these two books will be published as four volumes, like all of the previous Tortall sets.) So, four stars is a comment on aesthetics of this edition, whereas I would rate the story itself at least five stars.

This is the story of Alianne, daughter of Alanna. Having recently read all of the currently available books in the Tortall saga, I would say this story is better than all the previous stories. That is saying something because the others are great. I feel the story of Alianne shows how Tamora Pierce's skills as a storyteller and writer have increased and matured since her first novel, "Alanna: The First Adventure."

If you have not read the previous novels, I recommend them. I also suggest that you start with the others and read through them in order. Each book builds on the previous book, and each set of books builds on the previous set. So, begin with "Alanna: The First Adventure" ...

If you have read the "Daughter of the Lioness" series, look for the story of Beka Cooper, first book to be published in 2006, in "The Provost's Dog" series set 200 years before the events of the first Alanna book and a series, planned to publish 2009, about the early years of the character Numair at the university of Carthak.

Tricksters (Daughter of the Lioness, ) 1&2 not 3
I love the stories but i was sad to find this book is miss labled
and is 1 hard cover with 2 books in side Trickster's choice and Trickster's queen

Not the same
I bought this thinking since it said 3, it would be number three in the series, but no, there is no reason for that three!Its only one and two in one book.It needs to be changed so that people know what they're getting.

tamora pierce's books
people, THIS BOOK IS TWO BOOKS IN ONE!!!!!! the original two are good. they continue the life within the world of tortall, but in another country!!!

it also gives info with the other charaters from the other books, so read ALL of the other sets before reading this please! oh and here they are in order:
The Lionness series (4 books),
The Immortals Series (4 books),
The Protector of the Small series (4 books),
those are the series before the trickesters series.

*** if i forgot any, (i don't think i did) please tell me!*** ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Who Cares
I was truly amazed at how quickly my order came in. It was in great condition. Thank you very much. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great!
I wasn't disappointed!My book arrived when it was supposed to and was in great shape.I'd buy from this company again, anytime!

Great Book
Love all the Tamora Pierce books.Love that most have a heroine as the main character.Highly recommend these books.

I am a fan
I am a Tamora Pierce Fan though the immortal series isn't my favorite it does fit in nicely after the Alanna quartet, and the main characters show up in later quartets, so when you get to the protector of the Small quartet you have all of that back story.

A great introduction to fantasy...
After reading The Immortals, I have to admit that it's one of the better sword & sorcery style fantasy books I've ever read. The four stories in this collection are all fairly easy to follow, pretty straight-forward, good action/adventure with a touch of romance. The tedium of those fantasy authors who go to great detail to rename everything and come up with a gigantic cast of characters whose names you can never keep track of, and featuring wild creatures the average reader will have trouble imagining is blessedly missing here. Tamora keeps things much simpler with a handful of characters per story and her own spin on classic fantasy critters with only a few newcomers she describes rather well. The collection features a strong teenaged female lead who never actually feels that strong, who attempts to adjust to a new life, blossoming womanhood, and strange developing magical abilities simultaneously under the guidance of a mysterious sorcerer, the cunning King's Champion (also female), her animal friends, and a host of magical beings and gods. I would have given this book five stars, but I believe the author could use a little spit and polish on her writing style. There are several passages where things happen so quickly from the heroine's point of view, that the story jumps its track momentarily, making the reader have to go back and re-read the lines leading up to that point in order to better understand what's going on. There are also a few areas where the question of continuity comes into play. If Tamora would slow down a bit as she writes, perhaps taking the time to re-think scenarios during her rewrites, she could probably better describe a few scenes if she'd put herself in her characters' places and really imagine what's going on rather than let the writing muse sweep her along. The technical points are minor, yet noticeable, though her storylines overall are concise and just plain fun. The Immortals is enjoyable for adults as well as teens and even boys as well as girls. It's particularly good fun for anyone who loves nature and the things which populate it, and lovers of any good fantasy tales. Worth a read and a re-read later on! Great to read aloud to someone you care about. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

FYI
I was totally happy with this vendor. Our book was received in excellent condition. I would be more than happy to use this vendor again. ... Read more