Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series is a captivating saga that follows the lives of four young mages as they navigate their magical education and learn to master their powers. The series is set in the fictional world of Emelan and primarily focuses on the city of Winding Circle. The first book in the series, "Sandry's Book," introduces readers to the four main characters: Sandrilene fa Toren, Trisana Chandler, Briar Moss, and Daja Kisubo. Each of these youngsters possesses a unique magical talent - Sandry has the ability to weave magic through thread and fabric, Tris has control over weather and natural elements, Briar is skilled in plant magic, and Daja is a trader mage who can communicate with metal. The series follows the journey of these four misfits as they form a strong bond and become a powerful team. They find themselves under the tutelage of Dedicate Lark, a mage at Winding Circle, and begin their training in the different magical disciplines.
On her beginnings as a writer, in the sixth grade
Fellow fantasy writers cite her as an influence, too, as you can see if you flip through the blurbs at the front of her new book, Tempests and Slaughter. Earthquake damage leaves Winding Circle vulnerable to pirate attack, so everyone including the young mages-in-training Tris, Briar, Daja, and Sandry is working to strengthen the community s defenses.
They find themselves under the tutelage of Dedicate Lark, a mage at Winding Circle, and begin their training in the different magical disciplines. Throughout the series, they face numerous challenges and adventures, both individually and as a group. One of the most prominent aspects of the Circle of Magic series is its emphasis on friendship and camaraderie.
The Circle Universe
The Circle of Magic universe has its roots in the medieval Middle East and Central Asia: a crossroads of cultures and peoples, where trade and the pursuit of knowledge bring four ends of a vast continent together.
Beginning with Winding Circle Temple in the city of Summersea, four young people from very different walks of life come together for an education. One is a merchant’s daughter who discovers a fantastic magical talent for manipulating the weather. One is the daughter of a people who live by trade alone, the sole survivor of her family’s ship, the possessor of the power to work metal in many ways. The third is a nobleman’s daughter, the great-niece of Summersea’s ruler, whose unladylike preoccupation with sewing, weaving, and the manipulation of anything resembling thread is revealed to be pure magic. And the fourth is a boy, reared on the streets as a thief, rescued from slave labor to discover he has magic with plants and the making of medicines.
Taught by mage (wizard) teachers at Winding Circle Temple’s school and beyond, these four grow to adulthood learning about their world, coming under attack by pirates and plague, journeying out to a city beset by fire and a kingdom haunted by strange beings, and learning the ways of the great and powerful in foreign courts. Together or apart, with their beloved teachers or new friends, the four always find new experiences, and new mages with talents even more unusual than their own!
The bond that forms between Sandry, Tris, Briar, and Daja is portrayed as a source of strength and support, enabling them to overcome various obstacles. The series explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the power of unity. In addition to the compelling characters and their relationships, Tamora Pierce's writing also beautifully captures the magical world of Emelan. The vivid descriptions of Winding Circle and its surroundings immerse readers in a rich and enchanting setting. The author's attention to detail and her ability to create a believable magical system make the series even more captivating. Overall, Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic series is a must-read for fans of fantasy, particularly those who enjoy stories about young apprentices discovering their powers. The series combines engaging characters, intricate world-building, and exciting adventures to create a captivating reading experience. Whether you're new to Tamora Pierce's work or a longtime fan, the Circle of Magic series is sure to captivate and delight..
Reviews for "The Role of Mentors and Teachers in Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic Novels"
1. Jennifer - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic" series, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The characters felt one-dimensional and predictable, and the plot lacked depth. I also felt that the world-building was not well-developed, leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions. Overall, I found the series lacking in substance and failed to captivate my interest.
2. Alex - 3 stars
While "Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic" had some interesting concepts, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing of the books was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on unnecessarily while others felt rushed. Additionally, the dialogue between the characters often felt forced and unrealistic. I appreciate the author's attempt to incorporate diversity into her cast of characters, but it was done in a rather superficial way. Overall, I found the series to be an average read that didn't leave a lasting impression.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was highly disappointed by "Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic" series. The writing style was simplistic and lacked the sophistication I expect from fantasy novels. The magic system was underdeveloped, and the rules governing it were unclear and inconsistent. The characters also felt flat and lacked depth, making it difficult for me to connect with them. Overall, I found the series to be lacking in originality and creativity, failing to live up to the hype surrounding it.
4. Michael - 3 stars
"Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic" series had the potential to be great, but it fell short in several areas. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of slow development and sudden bursts of action. The dialogue often came across as stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Additionally, I felt that the world-building was not as detailed or elaborate as it could have been, leaving much to be desired. While the series had its moments, overall, it was a mediocre read for me.
5. Emily - 2 stars
I found "Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic" series to be quite disappointing. The plot felt disjointed and lacked a clear direction, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. The characters were also unremarkable, with shallow development and little growth throughout the series. I also found the writing style to be bland and lacking in creativity. Overall, I was expecting a more captivating and immersive experience, but this series fell short of my expectations.