Street Magic by Tamora Pierce (Circle Opens Quartet, Book 2)

Pierce, Tamora (2002). Street Magic. New York, New York: Scholastic Paperbacks. 

ISBN: 9780509396431

264 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Age Level: 15-17

Stars: 4 stars

Subjects: Magic, Royalty, Fantasy, Relationships, 

Reader's Annotation

Briar, now a full-powered mage, is traveling with his mentor when he encounters a young street urchin in possession of powerful stone magic whom he must protect from warring gangs seeking to exploit her powers. 

Summary

Similar to the first book in the series, Magic Steps, the former student becomes a teacher. In this book, Briar, the plant mage, has come into his power. While traveling with his mentor, he comes acros Evvy, an urchin who can perform powerful storm magic. He finds that, having discovered her, he is responsible for her and must protect her from those seeking to use her and her talents, but this places Briar in and uncomfortable position between warring gangs who desire to use Evvy for their own ends. 

Notes

Although this is a sequel to Pierce's Magic Steps, it can also stand alone as a book. Pierce carefully weaves the story so that readers are brought along every step of Briar's journey as he becomes a teacher and protector of a young mage. Those interested in learning more and following these characters should explore the Magic Circle books by Tamora Pierce or other books in this series. 

Author Information

Tamora Pierce Fansite

Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce (Circle Opens Quartet, Book 1)

Pierce, Tamora (2001). Magic Steps. New York, New York: Scholastic Paperbacks. 

ISBN: 9780590396059

272 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Age Level: 15-17

Stars: 4 stars

Subjects: War, Royalty, Magic,  Murder, Family, Relationships

Reader's Annotation

Sandrilene fa Toren (Sandry) is fourteen years old and fully in her powers as she helps her great-uncle, Duke Vedris IV, ruler of Emelan, recover after a near-fatal heart attack, when she realizes that she must help another with his magical training as they both work to stop a murderer. 

Summary

14-year old Sandrilene fa Toren (Sandry) has finally come into her powers. She is busy helping her great-uncle, Duke Vedris IV, the ruler of Emelan, recover after a near-fatal heart attack when she witnesses a younger boy unknowingly perform a dance of magical power. She takes it upon herself to become his trainer and to guide him in the arts of magic before he becomes a danger to more than himself. He is reluctant to accept her as a teacher, making her job more difficult. In the meanwhile, a powerful family is slowly being killed off and the two must weave magic to overcome the murderers before it is too late. 

Notes

There can be quite a bit of gore and death, so those with weak stomach should read with caution. Those who read the Magic Circle Quartet will recognize the characters in this book as they have grown and developed. Younger teens will find it easier to relate to young Sandry than older teens, but anyone who enjoys a skillful fantasy narrative will enjoy this and the other books in the series. 

Author Information

Tamora Pierce Fansite

Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce

Pierce, Tamora (2008). Trickster's Queen. New York, New York: Harcourt Press. 

ISBN: 9780375814730

496 pages

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Fantasy

Age Level: 15-17

Stars: 5 stars

Subjects: Royalty, Rebellion, Spying, Murder, Relationships

Reader's Annotation

Aly, a spymaster bound to keep the Balitang children safe, must see that a rebellion goes according to plan even when all of the people involved aren't on the same page. 

Summary

This is the sequel to Trickster's Choice, and it continues the story of Alianne (Aly), the Lioness' daughter. Aly continues her servitude to Lady Dovasary, daughter of the late duke, and she is determined to keep the late duke's children safe. She is now also the spymaster of a rebellion that is attempting to put Sarai, the oldest of the children, on the throne instead of the four-year-old luarin king. Complications arise when Sarai elopes and their attentions turn to Dove, her sister, to earn the respect and allegiance of the people. 

Notes

There is a lot of action, adventure, and with a smart, sassy heroine and rich characters, this is a great story for teens. Younger teens will likely enjoy it more, but older teens should enjoy the rich fantasy world as well. 

Awards

New York Times Bestseller

Author Information

A Tamora Pierce Fansite