Sandry's Book (Circle of Magic #1)

Reader reviewed by Mairi

In a storeroom in the Palace of Black Swans, Lady Sandrilene fa Toren sits and knows that she is dying- the nurse who brought her there, Pirisi, has been killed and no one else can find her. As the light in her oil lamp goes out, she summons the courage to attempt a trick the Trader nurse once showed her. She weaves three strands of thread- a green, a gray, and a red- together to make a light, which sustains her until she is found by a mysterious man named Nico, who brings her to Winding Circle, a place of knowledge and of magic.

Like every other girl I know, I read and loved Tamora Pierce's Tortall books when I was ten or eleven, but I have to admit that they have not withstood the test of time very well. Hence, I was a bit leery about starting the Emelan books so late in the game, but I knew I would always feel a little guilty if I didn't read them, so I did. I needn't have been concerned, as I loved Sandry's Book far, far more than I ever loved Alanna: The First Adventure.

Emelan is a completely different, but very interesting, world.

Reader reviewed by Latangi


Sandrys Book is the story of four children who have the ability to be Mages. They are all discovered be Master Goldeye and are taken to Winding Circle to learn how to use their special powers. I really enjoyed reading this book. Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors.

Reader reviewed by Springhair

This is the first book, where Sandry, Tris, Daja, and Briar all meet. The ending starts off a little slow, but the rest of the series (if not the conclusion of the book) is totally worth it to hang on for. So keep reading, and I promise you will be rewarded! This is a great series, and I especially enjoy how the author came up with the idea of magic coming from ordinary things. I think I would like to have weather magic like Tris, even though it seems dangerous.

Reader reviewed by Nurin

Tamora Pierce doe it again and spins yet another faboulous tale this time of four misfits who have no place in the world. One is a theif, another a Trader, a merchent's daughter and a noble. When they learn that theu each have a type of magic their lives all improve. Unfortunately, an disaster strikes and all four of them are knocked underground thanks to a massive earthquake. During this time the four must learn to work together and perhaps even become friends.
I really enjoyed this book and I reccomend it to all fantasy lovers.

Reader reviewed by Anna



Before I read this book I read Tamora Pierce's "Alanna". At first I thought I wouldn't like it because it wasn't in Tortall, but I soon found out that the Quartet was truely some of the best books I have ever read. Anyone who has a love for fantasy and magic should read all for books! Also don't forget the Circle Opens Quartet
wihch is also out now.

Reader reviewed by Lisa

The Circle of Magic series (containing Sandry's Book, Tris's Book, Daja's Book, and Briar's Book) was absolutely wonderful. Mrs. Pierce has created a delightful series that shows how four young people with magical talents come together. Throughout the series, Mrs. Pierce continues to build her characters and give insight into their various pasts. She clearly shows the love that grows between them and their teachers. You will not be able to put these books down until the last page is read.