Kari C. reviewed on 8/31/2013 + 77 more book reviews

This second book in the Circle Opens quartet follows Briar's adventures as the four friends from the Circle of Magic quartet go separate ways for a while. It follows the pattern laid out in the first book (Magic Steps) - Briar finds an untrained mage and has to start their training while at the same time finding himself in the middle of a whole lot of trouble.

Despite the fact that the various Circle books are starting to feel a little formulaic, this was still an interesting, well writing book. I had a little more trouble getting into this one than I did the previous book. I think it's because this book felt a little preachy on the subject of gangs and gang violence. It's a good message, but I always dislike it when books start working on a social agenda quite so baldly. Regardless of the author's intentions I always feel a bit like I'm reading propaganda instead of a story.

However, I was eventually able to get through that and enjoy the ending of the book

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details