This was an enjoyable read, though I think it focused more on introducing the children and their crafts than actually having a plot or conflict, which made reading a bit tedious. While I can appreciate the attention the author pays to describing the craft work, it almost felt like too much detail, especially since I had trouble visualizing what was actually occurring in regards to the weaving and smith work. Though I had trouble getting into this book, I did continue on to the second book in the series, which I enjoyed much more.

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This is the first novel in Tamora Pierce's "Circle of Magic" series, serving as an introduction into her magical world. A nice addition to any Young Adult library.

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This book begins another excellent series by Tamora Pierce. Sandy's Book kicks off the story of four magical young people, all suffering from the loss of their families, in one way or another, and how they come to form a family of their own. It pulls the reader in and makes you want to move on the the next book quickly, so the spell will not be broken. Highly recommended.

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Four children from different walks of life - a thief (Briar), a noble (Sandry), a seafarer (Daja) and an outcast (Tris) - all end up at the Winding Circle school. This is a school for mages to learn their craft though none of these four currently know that they are mages.

This is the first book in the Circle of Magic Quartet. It is really just an introduction of the children and the school. Though they do perform great magic to save themselves at the end.

I think it is well written and draws you into this magical world. The very real problems facing school-age children - bullying, humiliation, unfounded accusations - are handled realistically. All in all, a very good start to this series

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I enjoyed the this series of 4 books as much as the 4 books in the Circle Opens. Tamara Pierce has created a unique world of witches and wizards. The 4 books center around each of 4 teenagers with very unusual magical talents. Sandry, Daja, Briar, and Tris will discover just how wonderful and unique their magic is as they go off on their own in this series along with their mentor/teacher. Each book brings a new perspective on what reality is or is not. Great read, especially for young teens with great imagination and curiosity in exploring new ideas. Sandry's gift of weaving thread and bringing light into her magic unites the four children telepathically in the Circle Opens series. In The Circle of Magic she explores her own magic in more detail while helping the citizens where ever she has traveled.

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