Tag Archives: Emelan

The Magic in the Weaving ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Magic in the Weaving ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #1, Circle of Magic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

Thoughts

I could read this book a thousand times over, and still enjoy it each and every time. There is just something about Pierce’s writing and world building that is just like a big hug. I absolutely adore her stories, and The Circle of Magic, for whatever reason, is a series that I particularly love. Probably because it is about four young individuals who have always felt like they don’t quite belong, for whatever reason. And then they find their Found Family, and discover their inner powers. As a young girl, this was a potent message (I never quite felt like I fit), and even as an adult, it’s a reminder that somewhere, somehow there is a tribe out there for you.

I love that the Circle of Magic series starts off with Sandry. Not only is she the one to weave their magics together, but she is also integral to weaving their relationships together. I loved reading about her story, her growing into her powers and discovering what she can do. Plus, it was so much fun reading about Sandry’s growth and powers, with the lens and understanding of what is to come. It’s always fun rereading a story with an understanding of some of the hints and nuances to come, but it’s even better when the author has crafted a book which gives you something a little different with each reread.

As much as I know and love this story, I always kind of forget how late in the tale their intertwining comes. Most of this story is actually about the four coming into their powers and bonding. It’s not until right at the end that this complication is added. And it’s not until later books in the series that you really start to realise how big of a moment this is. It’s a beautiful way to set up a series – starting with the four becoming a bit more comfortable in their own skins, and discovering who they are. Then, throwing in an extra little dash of chaos at the very end which will fuel the rest of the series.

Although I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read and reread this book, and entire series. And yet, even though I know exactly what is going to happen, I still can’t manage to put this down. There is something about the story and the words that still has me feeling excited, tense and looking forward to what is to come. I don’t know what it is, but I won’t question it, there’s not many times I can go back and revisit a childhood favourite so frequently and with so much love.

<- More Tamora PierceThe Power in the Storm ReRead ->

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The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

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Overview
The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

Title: The Will of the Empress
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Circle Reforged #1, Emelan #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Dates read: 29th – 30th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: Tris made not a sound, her eyes on the hill as Chime behind her.

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Synopsis

Long-awaited…
Highly anticipated…
The Circle Reforged

Four mages. One destiny. No turning back.

This sweeping saga is the final in the Circle series. The four young mages, Tris, Sandry, Briar and Daja, are now young adults ad are back together after their years of independence.

Thoughts

I forgot how damn good this novel is. It’s been a long time since I picked it up. And a while since I reread the first few Emelan books. Now I want to pick them all up and read them again and again… I seem to pick them up every few years anyway. There is just something amazing about Pierce’s writing and this is the first of her books that really branches towards a more adult view. After all, it is about four adults reconnecting with childhood friends.

For anyone else who has read the rest of the Emelan books (and you should), in the beginning of this, you just want to smack the four’s heads together. They’re kind of silly and irritating in so many ways. Mostly though, they are just stubborn and proud. A feeling that I can completely understand. Get past those first few chapters where you just want to smack them, and it begins to just get that much better.

I love that this story has the typical spunk of the four… they’re just a little bit more difficult and attitudinal, considering they’re now adults and on their own war path. I loved that this was a full circle story. It not only bought the four back together, it also showed that the people you grow up with can change and alter, but you can all grow together. It just takes a little work to find your way back together.

Reflecting back on this, this is the first book I ever read that introduced an LGBTQI+ character. Funnily enough, throughout the entire series there is a f-f couple who feature heavily in the children’s lives. But, like the children in this story, I really didn’t pay it much heed. It’s not until it is outright mentioned that I really noticed. But that was, you know, when I was a child. I do love how seamlessly Pierce does this though. It’s a great way to show inclusion without making much of a fuss. Now I just hope that there’s another story in the future that shows each of the four finding their happily ever after person…

<- ShatterglassMelting Stones ->

Image source: Goodreads

Shatterglass by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Shatterglass

Title: Shatterglass
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Circle Opens #4, Emelan #8
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: His mage fire grew until the front half of the room was mercilessly lit, without a shadow anywhere.

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Synopsis

Tris is one of the most powerful mages ever born: her lightning magic flows through her veins and her bones. When a series of brutal crimes break the fragile peace of Tharios, Tris is angry that the city fathers do not seem to care. But she knows she has to keep hold of her magic – she can’t let anger take her over…

Thoughts

Of the four in the Emelan realm, it is Tris that I have always loved best. And have always best been able to relate to. It goes beyond her love of books and frustration at the stupidity of others, to recognising that feeling of not quite feeling wanted and needed. So, as always, I LOVE to revisit her in any way shape or form… and honestly, Shatterglass doesn’t let you down if you’re like me and just longing to see how she turns into a full mage with her first student.

Although I love the construction of Tris’ first student, Keth and the unique difficulties that they both have in getting used to one another, my favourite thing about a mage-Tris is her mage kit. Although everything about this series is wonderfully unique to the characters, how Tris manages an immense power was completely unexpected. And really, really clever. I love, clever, sensical, unexpected surprises in my loved novels.

Stories that comment on the inequalities of social castes are always some of my favourites… and Pierce’s first real look into this is great. Although it is a topic that is touched on in many of her stories, Shatterglass takes the injustices that can be perpetrated and really enforce the consequences that come from this. For me, it acts as a great reminder not to take others for granted and to never judge someone else by what you first see. From Tris to Keth to the prathmum, everyone has their own hidden powers and lives that no one could ever envisage or understand.

<- Cold FireThe Will of the Empress ->

Image source: Comparative Cover Art

Cold Fire by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Cold Fire

Title: Cold Fire
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Circle Opens #3, Emelan #7
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 2002
5th sentence, 74th page: Every business deal is a crisis for her.

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Synopsis

Daja is a metal mage – iron speaks to her senses and fire is her friend. She is more powerful than a student should be, some think. Staying the winter in snow-locked Namorn, Daja is determined to enjoy herself, and her host’s twin daughters are good company. But there’s more to this pretty pair than meets the eye…

Thoughts

There is nothing more terrifying than an arsonist – at least, for someone who is from rural Australia. In Cold Fire, Pierce explores the motivations and the true destruction that such a horrible motivation can wreak upon a small community. Daja’s love of fire is also seriously challenged by the ways in which the destruction of life and property can come about. Actually, her whole outlook on life and the adventures of travel are seriously tested. Add to this the fact that she is forced to take on not one, but two fledgling mages. Add to this great storyline the beautiful Namornese setting, and this is a great story that is impossible to put down.

Cold Fire is one of the darker stories of Pierce’s collection. Yes, the entire Circle Opens Quartet is a little darker and investigates a seedier side of life, but I find that the betrayal, death and arson of this novel far more intoxicatingly terrifying. Mostly though, it’s the unexpected identity of the bad guy that really hits home. After all, many serial murderers tend to blend in beautifully with the surrounding communities…

Nia and Jory’s hidden powers are some of my favourites – after all, the ambient magic of trades are something that I can relate to, and cooking and carpentry are two of my all-time favourite past times. Well, cooking is, but the smell of wood and carpentry is a great way in which to remind me of my childhood…

<- Street MagicShatterglass ->

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Street Magic by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Street Magic

Title: Street Magic
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Circle Opens #2, Emelan #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 2001
5th sentence, 74th page: Cutbane, spread neatly over the splits in his left eyebrow and cheek, drove off infection and worked to close the wounds.

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Synopsis

Briar is a plant mage – he can distil medicines, grow a garden in the blink of an eye and persuade a tree to trap a criminal. Learning how to channel your power is vital. Briar’s empathy with nature can heal – but it could kill just as easily. Evvy is a street urchin who doesn’t even know she has stone magic, let alone know how to control it, and she doesn’t want to learn anything. But when gang warfare breaks out, Briar and his mage may offer the only protection Evvy can count on…

Thoughts

Briar’s past as a gang member and what that truly means is so beautifully illustrated when he is forced to take on his first student. Evvy is a street kid (as Briar was) but she refuses to join a gang. Her constant, stubborn refusal and her clear-sighted insight into the dangers and perils of this life are kind of dark, but in a great way, they force Briar (and myself as a reader) to look further into what this truly entails for a street kid. The added complexities of stone magic, and a city that breathes exhaustion from its very pores make this a great journey to undertake as Rosethorn and Briar travel further East from Emelan.

Gangs are often toted as the bad aspect of bad neighbourhoods, however, for Briar, they have always just seemed like the best choice for a kid in a bad situation. It isn’t until he is forced to face up to the realities of not only his own actions, but those of the Chammurian gangs that he realises that it is not a good system. The objectification of children (which sadly, happens all over the world) is repeated again and again in front of him until he is forced to admit that everything he ever thought was normal or right was in fact, a gross misuse of his time. It is Evvy’s persistent voice that helps him to see what is so wrong about his past.

Evvy is a great balance to Briar’s nature, and their interactions work beautifully throughout the story. Stone and plant magic is both earth based, yet, this is the last point at which they are similar. Stone is tough and unyielding – stubborn, where plants are flexible and full of life. The way that these characteristics are manifest in these two is a brilliant and often humorous interaction.

The class system of Chammuri is a great reminder of the class system within our own societies – the rich can get away with a lot more than the poor. However, the Lady’s actions do eventually gain justice, and her abuse of the poor is taken into account with her sentencing. It is horrible that such a  woman is able to act in such a way though, and it is a reminder that we should care for everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status.

<- Magic StepsCold Fire ->

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Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Magic Steps

Title: Magic Steps
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Circle Opens #1, Emelan #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 2000
5th sentence, 74th page: The dragonsalt they fed him kept him dreamy for most of the time.

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Synopsis

Sandry can weave magic like thread. her skill leaves others in awe, although controlling and channelling her power is second nature by now. And this is why she is horrified to find that an untrained boy, Pasco, is dancing complex magic – with no idea that he is doing it…

Thoughts

I always love revisiting a world that has swept me away. It was no different when I first started reading The Circle Opens series. Four years after the conclusion of The Circle of Magic series, Sandry is alone, moving in the adult world. That in and of itself would make a fantastic story, but the addition of Sandry’s first student makes this story irresistible. Add in a dash of crime, mayhem and mystery… and this tale is dark, twisted and brilliant.

It is human nature to pass on our knowledge to others, it’s how we learn and how human culture has been formed. It is wonderful to see Sandry (and through this series, the others of the circle) pass on their wisdom to their students. Yet, Sandry’s first student is nothing like I expected. Pasco is a dancing mage with a talent for getting into mischief. Although they are almost the same age in years, the difference in maturity and learning between the two is immense. Which makes for an entertaining read as they try to find the murderers who are stalking through Emelan. Yet, up until the very last moment, Pasco manages to get himself into trouble. Sandry is forced to not only face a huge moral dilemma, but also save her wayward student.

It is one thing to watch in your mind’s eye as the circle comes of age and gains control over their own powers. But, they are always there to help one another. By separating these amazing characters, Pierce is able to show us what each and every one of these mages are able to do in the face of adversity. And, Sandry, with her dignity and stubbornness is able to pass with flying colours. She has finally taken her place in the adult world, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

<- The Healing in the VineStreet Magic ->

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The Healing in the Vine by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Healing in the Vine

Title: The Healing in the Vine
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Circle of Magic #4, Emelan #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 1999
5th sentence, 74th page: When Rosethorn came back, he dragged her to Flick’s bed.

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Synopsis

Former ‘street rat’ Briar leads a comfortable life at Winding Circle Temple, learning plant magic from Rosethorn. When a friend becomes ill, she turns to Briar for help but her disease proves beyond even Rosethorn’s power. Briar realises that all of Summersea is in danger. Then the unthinkable happens and Briar must save that which he loves most.

Thoughts

There is something especially terrifying about the plague. Actually, there’s something that is horrible about being sick in general – the feeling that your own body has turned against you. The final book in the Circle of Magic Quartet is a great reminder of how potently terrifying an incurable disease can be. Especially when it can pass undetected from person to person. After all, if anyone can be sick, how do you trust those around you, even your own family?

Although the curing of diseases has progressed far in the past century, it is still a battle to find a way to stop the onslaught of contagious diseases. The horrors of quarantine and the tedium of it are beautifully displayed through Briar’s trials. It is also the first moment of separation from their foster family that Briar has felt. The feeling of loss and homesickness reverberate through the whole story, and make it slightly darker than the other tales in this coming-of-age year that the four mages must go through.

Yet, it is the idea of death in Western culture that seems to scare us most – death is something to be conquered and overcome. And for Briar and the girls, the final death is battled with everything they have. To the point that they accomplish the impossible. Yet, the thing that I like about this tale is that although death is seen as the enemy, it is also seen as a time of rest. It is the end, but it is also the beginning of a new challenge, and although the four still fight against it, there are some within the tale who understand the need to accept its presence, and embrace it when the time is right.

<- The Fire in the ForgingMagic Steps ->

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The Fire in the Forging by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Fire in the Forging

Title: The Fire in the Forging
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Circle of Magic #3, Emelan #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: For an area that big – rain to cover this whole valley?

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Synopsis

Outcast Trader Daja, along with her fellow mages-in-training, journeys to the Gold Ridge Mountains, where drought threatens widespread famine. There, Daja creates an astonishing object: a living metal vine, and Daja’s dealings with her former people reawaken a longing for familiar ways. Daja must choose – should she return to the Traders or remain with the Winding Circle folk who have become her family?

Thoughts

Of all of the Circle of Magic books, it is The Fire in the Forging that I have always loved the most. There is something about Daja’s trials and choice throughout this story that have always hit a chord with me. We’re all faced with difficult choices about our futures at one point or another in our lives, and Daja’s is something that made it impossible to predict how the story was going to progress.

As someone who lives in Australia, I have a constant awareness (sometimes fear) of the dangers of bushfires. Especially after the last few years. Daja’s ability to face down such a ferocious aspect of mother nature, and the respect for fire that this story will give even the most ignorant of people is astonishing. As the trial to be overcome within this novel – fire is definitely one of the most fearsome and terrifying which must be faced down. At least, for me – I’ve never actually experienced severe flooding, cyclones and storms.

I love how throughout the Circle of Magic books, Pierce uses a number of different cultures to inform her characters. The use of the Traders and Daja’s people, and their prejudices and beliefs are an interesting way to approach a group of people. Yet, it is her ability to question the beliefs and traditions that she was raised to that I find truly interesting and inspiring – she is able to question what is completely unfair and unjust (her status as trangshi) and realise that just because it has always been doesn’t mean that it should be.

<- The Power in the StormThe Healing in the Vine ->

Image source: Comparative Cover Art

The Power in the Storm by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Power in the Storm

Title: The Power in the Storm
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Circle of Magic #2, Emelan #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 1998
5th sentence, 74th page: She blinked at her teacher.

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Synopsis

Earthquake damage leaves Winding Circle vulnerable to pirate attack. Soon two things become terribly clear: the pirates have a powerful new weapon, and they have an accomplice within Winding Circle. It is up to Tris and her loyal friends Sandry, Daja and Briar, to discover the traitor and weave their magic together to defend their home.

Thoughts

Tris’ story is difficult to envisage from the very beginning, but in The Power in the Storm, her feelings of insecurity, loss and confusion about everything that is going on around her truly come to the fore. But honestly, mostly I love this story because Tris is a character I can completely relate to – the feeling of isolation and not quite belonging is something that everyone feels. Especially when they are a teenager trying to figure out just who they are.

The Circle of Magic series is a great reminder that our family is (and can be) who we choose, not who we are born into. Although Sandry, Briar and Daja are orphans, Tris has been turned away by those who are supposed to love her unconditionally. Yet, she is able to find her true family within Winding Circle and Discipline. And, when crisis hits her home, she is able to find a way to not only harness her own emotions, but save that which she has finally found. Ultimately, it almost costs her everything, but it is this risk and the courage with which she faces that which terrifies her that shows how she has grown.

Although Tris’ story and power is amazing (especially when in combination with her foster-siblings), her control over her emotions and powers need a lot of work. The idea of discipline is such a foreign concept to a child who has been handed from family member to family member. And the consequences of Tris’ actions are only felt at the very end of the story – in a way that is completely unpredictable, and a great ending to a story all about finding a place to belong.

<- The Magic in the WeavingThe Fire in the Forging ->

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The Magic in the Weaving by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Magic in the Weaving

Title: The Magic in the Weaving
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Circle of Magic #1, Emelan #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 1997
5th sentence, 74th page: He looked at Daja as he set his burdens down.

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Synopsis

Sandry has a gift for weaving silk thread and creating light. At Winding Circle she meets Briar, a former thief, Daja, a Trader outcast and Tris, who has been exiled from her family. Each has a magical talent and when disaster strikes the Winding Circle community the four children must weave their powers together and to try and save the place they have begun to think of as home.

Thoughts

The Circle of Magic was the first Tamora Pierce series that I had the privilege of reading. And it began an obsession that has spanned over a decade. Yet, every time I revisit Sandry, Daja, Briar and Tris, I am enchanted all over again. Especially when I’m in the middle of studies, and I just want to spend ten minutes drifting off to another, fascinating world.

I’m fascinated by the idea of the four elements and the different ways in which this is displayed in day-to-day life. Pierce’s subtle use of these in the four young mages just heightens my fascination with the series. And the more I read these books, the more little hints to their elemental alliances I pick up on. The circular structure of the Winding Circle University and the idea of the wheel of time are also beautifully and fascinatingly symbolic throughout the story. I love, love, love that these subtle designs within the story are slowly bought to the fore with the realisation of the four young mages’ inner powers and abilities.

Although the main, and obvious theme of this story is four misfits finding a place in their life, and a way to come to terms with themselves, I enjoyed the idea that you don’t mess with nature even more. Throughout the small earthquakes that categorise the eventual discovery of the mages magic, a greater catastrophe is brewing. And yet, it is only when people try to mess with this that the true danger strikes and the four are forced to really find out what they are made of.

 <- More Tamora PierceThe Power in the Storm ->

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