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The Circle Opens #2
Street Magic
Part of the 8-book Tamora Pierce reissue for Fall 2006, this title in the Circle Opens quartet features spellbinding new cover art. Coincides with the release of WILL OF THE EMPRESS in trade pb.Briar Moss been training four years as a plant mage, but he hasn't put his past behind him. He meets a street girl, Evvy, using powerful magic to polish stones for a merchant, and resolves to find her a teacher. But Briar understands the city's gangs as well as he understands Evvy. When gang warfare breaks out, he discovers that the fiercest gang is seeking a stone mage to lead them to hidden gems. Only Briar and his magic can offer Evvy protection. Swept up in a bloody conflict, Briar must decide if he's ready to make the final step away from his former life as a "street rat".
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2001
216 people are currently reading
5341 people want to read
About the author
Tamora Pierce
100 books85.2k followersHey, folks! I just discovered that apparently I have given some very popular books single-star ratings--except I haven't. How do I know I haven't? Because I haven't read those books at all. So before you go getting all hacked off at me for trashing your favorites, know that I've written GoodReads to find out what's going on.
I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join groups, I'm going to turn them all down. I just don't have the time to take part, so please don't be offended if I don't join your group or accept an invitation. I'm not snooty--I'm just up to my eyeballs in work and appearances!
Also, don't be alarmed by the number of books I've read. When I get bored, I go through the different lists and rediscover books I've read in the past. It's a very evil way to use up time when I should be doing other things. Obviously, I've read a lot of books in 54 years!
I was born in South Connellsville, PA. My mother wanted to name me "Tamara" but the nurse who filled out my birth certificate misspelled it as "Tamora". When I was 8 my family moved to California, where we lived for 6 years on both sides of the San Francisco peninsula.
I started writing stories in 6th grade. My interest in fantasy and science fiction began when I was introduced to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and so I started to write the kind of books that I was reading. After my parents divorced, my mother took my sisters and me back to Pennsylvania in 1969. There I went to Albert Gallatin Senior High for 2 years and Uniontown Area Senior High School for my senior year.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I wrote the book that became The Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet. I sold some articles and 2 short stories and wrote reviews for a martial arts movie magazine. At last the first book of the quartet, Alanna: The First Adventure was published by Atheneum Books in 1983.
Tim Liebe, who became my Spouse-Creature, and I lived in New York City with assorted cats and two parakeets from 1982 - 2006. In 2006 we moved to Syracuse, New York, where we live now with assorted cats, a number of squirrels, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and woodchucks visiting our very small yard. As of 2011, I have 27 novels in print, one short story collection, one comic book arc ("White Tiger: A Hero's Compulsion") co-written with Tim, and a short story anthology co-editing credit. There's more to come, including a companion book to the Tortall `verse. So stay tuned!
I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join groups, I'm going to turn them all down. I just don't have the time to take part, so please don't be offended if I don't join your group or accept an invitation. I'm not snooty--I'm just up to my eyeballs in work and appearances!
Also, don't be alarmed by the number of books I've read. When I get bored, I go through the different lists and rediscover books I've read in the past. It's a very evil way to use up time when I should be doing other things. Obviously, I've read a lot of books in 54 years!
I was born in South Connellsville, PA. My mother wanted to name me "Tamara" but the nurse who filled out my birth certificate misspelled it as "Tamora". When I was 8 my family moved to California, where we lived for 6 years on both sides of the San Francisco peninsula.
I started writing stories in 6th grade. My interest in fantasy and science fiction began when I was introduced to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and so I started to write the kind of books that I was reading. After my parents divorced, my mother took my sisters and me back to Pennsylvania in 1969. There I went to Albert Gallatin Senior High for 2 years and Uniontown Area Senior High School for my senior year.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I wrote the book that became The Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet. I sold some articles and 2 short stories and wrote reviews for a martial arts movie magazine. At last the first book of the quartet, Alanna: The First Adventure was published by Atheneum Books in 1983.
Tim Liebe, who became my Spouse-Creature, and I lived in New York City with assorted cats and two parakeets from 1982 - 2006. In 2006 we moved to Syracuse, New York, where we live now with assorted cats, a number of squirrels, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and woodchucks visiting our very small yard. As of 2011, I have 27 novels in print, one short story collection, one comic book arc ("White Tiger: A Hero's Compulsion") co-written with Tim, and a short story anthology co-editing credit. There's more to come, including a companion book to the Tortall `verse. So stay tuned!
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June 28, 2025
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
Since being taken under her wing, fourteen-year-old Briar has more than proven himself as a capable Healer, worthy of being Rosenthorn's disciple. So to see him channel his own street-smart ways to protect ten-year-old Evvy from the dangerous ways of the street gangs - ways that painfully remind him of the street rat he once had been, and strangely still a part of him - it was cathartic and tense. 🌱🪐 He's always had to fight to earn his respect in front of elders, and when there is a shady, intimidating gang leader who feels no reservations of mercilessly killing kids to protect her own interests and further her agenda of enticing fear in the streets, it will take more than a little Street Magic to save himself and Evvy from becoming their next victim. ❇️
“Look,” he said after a moment’s thought, “do stones think?”
Evvy giggled. “Of course they don’t, silly!”
“Good. Do the breathing, and become a stone,” Briar suggested.”
I’ve always had a soft spot for Briar. I like his sass, his confidence, his snarky humor, his compassion. Maybe it's the Healer part of him and his affinity for plants, but he worries and cares so intensely. He knows how to back down, but is still ready to go for a fight. ✨🍀 Evvy reminded of the person he once was; it was so sweet how he warmed up to her and was so determined to protect her, and teach her to master her own stone-wielding skills. He was defensive and resilient in his courage and it showed his growth in such a strong light. I especially enjoyed how much of an impression his foster-sisters have made on him - the little familiarity idiosyncrasies that he encounters in his behavior or happenings that remind him of how much they've not only grown on him, but are treasured parts of him, too. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
The plot was tight with a calculated and sinister tension; not without its perils, what with the ruthless Vipers ganging up on Evvy and Briar - literally - to bring her under their master's cruel thumb, but one that has Briar being forced to behave in ways he wished he didn’t have to, to protect the ones who matter. ⚔️ Getting his hands dirty, witnessing the true form of evil is a lingering burden that weighs heavy on his heart. It’s painful; it's heartbreaking; it’s growing up. But that final convo with Rosenthorn was so beautifully done – his anchor and beacon who reminds him of his dauntless spirit and unwavering conviction. And that he’s not alone; and I think that mattered the most to him. 🫂
“They never tell you some things,” Briar said bitterly. “They tell you mages have wonderful power and they learn all kinds of secrets. Nobody ever mentions that some secrets you don’t ever want to learn.”
I’m beginning to understand now why Tamora Pierce opted to make this series much darker than the first. It doesn't make it less uncomfortable, just slightly more accepting of how the villains specifically targeting children as the hapless victims, in a hard place like Chammur, with no love for the people that lived among all this stone. 😥 It is a grim portrayal of how bleak and dark the world is beyond the scope of which the four mages' sheltered life in Winding Circle. It’s a bittersweet realization, that has them compelled to step up to the mantle of teacher to the future prospects of talented and gifted children to 'learn and do all the good within your reach', so that there is enough of their strength to counter the cold darkness that awaits them. 🥺
“Even now, after four years of regular meals, affection, and education, he sometimes felt as if his head were split in two.”
Since being taken under her wing, fourteen-year-old Briar has more than proven himself as a capable Healer, worthy of being Rosenthorn's disciple. So to see him channel his own street-smart ways to protect ten-year-old Evvy from the dangerous ways of the street gangs - ways that painfully remind him of the street rat he once had been, and strangely still a part of him - it was cathartic and tense. 🌱🪐 He's always had to fight to earn his respect in front of elders, and when there is a shady, intimidating gang leader who feels no reservations of mercilessly killing kids to protect her own interests and further her agenda of enticing fear in the streets, it will take more than a little Street Magic to save himself and Evvy from becoming their next victim. ❇️
“Look,” he said after a moment’s thought, “do stones think?”
Evvy giggled. “Of course they don’t, silly!”
“Good. Do the breathing, and become a stone,” Briar suggested.”
I’ve always had a soft spot for Briar. I like his sass, his confidence, his snarky humor, his compassion. Maybe it's the Healer part of him and his affinity for plants, but he worries and cares so intensely. He knows how to back down, but is still ready to go for a fight. ✨🍀 Evvy reminded of the person he once was; it was so sweet how he warmed up to her and was so determined to protect her, and teach her to master her own stone-wielding skills. He was defensive and resilient in his courage and it showed his growth in such a strong light. I especially enjoyed how much of an impression his foster-sisters have made on him - the little familiarity idiosyncrasies that he encounters in his behavior or happenings that remind him of how much they've not only grown on him, but are treasured parts of him, too. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
The plot was tight with a calculated and sinister tension; not without its perils, what with the ruthless Vipers ganging up on Evvy and Briar - literally - to bring her under their master's cruel thumb, but one that has Briar being forced to behave in ways he wished he didn’t have to, to protect the ones who matter. ⚔️ Getting his hands dirty, witnessing the true form of evil is a lingering burden that weighs heavy on his heart. It’s painful; it's heartbreaking; it’s growing up. But that final convo with Rosenthorn was so beautifully done – his anchor and beacon who reminds him of his dauntless spirit and unwavering conviction. And that he’s not alone; and I think that mattered the most to him. 🫂
“They never tell you some things,” Briar said bitterly. “They tell you mages have wonderful power and they learn all kinds of secrets. Nobody ever mentions that some secrets you don’t ever want to learn.”
I’m beginning to understand now why Tamora Pierce opted to make this series much darker than the first. It doesn't make it less uncomfortable, just slightly more accepting of how the villains specifically targeting children as the hapless victims, in a hard place like Chammur, with no love for the people that lived among all this stone. 😥 It is a grim portrayal of how bleak and dark the world is beyond the scope of which the four mages' sheltered life in Winding Circle. It’s a bittersweet realization, that has them compelled to step up to the mantle of teacher to the future prospects of talented and gifted children to 'learn and do all the good within your reach', so that there is enough of their strength to counter the cold darkness that awaits them. 🥺
September 4, 2014
It's ironic that feminist writer Tamora Pierce's only male character, the self-named Briar Moss, is one of her best characters. Amongst the rest of the mainly female cast, his charisma, street smarts and ongoing inner conflict between his younger, wilder instincts, and his older, more civilized self, makes him one of the most lovable and well-rounded characters in the Circle of Magic series.
The first four books gathered together four magical protégées: aristocratic Sandry, moody bookworm Tris, stoic Daja, and street-rat Briar, all of whom have complimentary powers that allowed them to perform startling acts of magic. Underlying their feats are the strength of the friendship and the bonds of trust that they forge, making the original four books one of the most touching examples of a self-made foster family in young adult literature, particularly... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
The first four books gathered together four magical protégées: aristocratic Sandry, moody bookworm Tris, stoic Daja, and street-rat Briar, all of whom have complimentary powers that allowed them to perform startling acts of magic. Underlying their feats are the strength of the friendship and the bonds of trust that they forge, making the original four books one of the most touching examples of a self-made foster family in young adult literature, particularly... Read More: http://www.fantasyliterature.com/revi...
September 13, 2020
2020 review: Briar Moss loves his foster sisters SO MUCH and we love that for HIM.
2018 review:I guess I just really like Briar? Because both books that focus on him have been the ones I've rated five stars so far in my journey through the Emelan universe.
Actually, I think what makes Briar's books so good is that they tend to focus on classism and this dichotomy Briar has of growing up on the streets and then abruptly joining this part of society that is respected and sometimes feared. He's always reconciling his past with his present and it always impacts how he sees the world.
Also his relationship with Rosethorn is everything. Like when he wants to be scary so he immediately jumps to channeling Rosethorn? Or when she grouches at him and his internal (...and external) monologue is just "yeah she loves me". Or when he sees her interacting with Evvy and is reminded of how it was just like this when she first became his mentor. I love it all and could cry at any moment.
ALSO ALSO, Evvy's amazing. She keeps cats and talks to rocks and snarks back to Briar and can take care of herself! And watching Briar go from "no way am I going to be this kid's teacher" to "touch my student and I will end you" is truly the most enjoyable experience. Enjoy turning into Rosethorn, buddy.
The ending of this book was probably my favorite part of the series to date. Watching Briar unleash the full extent of his powers to wreck havoc is... inspiring. And so exciting.
So now for the few quibbles I mentioned in my first reaction: why does Briar have pretend to be disgusted by "girly things"? We know he absolutely loves and respects his foster sisters and mentors, but he's still always mentioning the girls getting ~silly ideas~ or ~being emotional~ as ridiculous girly things he would never do. And it's sort of a loving teasing, but it's also sort of like Tamora Pierce thought to herself "what do fourteen year old boys think about? How silly girls are? Yeah I guess my fourteen year old boy better be like that too". Like, why tho? I don't entirely understand the extent to which Emelan is a patriarchy or not, but we see enough girls holding the same roles boys do in Emelan that I'm not even sure where Briar's getting these ideas from. It felt like she fell back on standard tropes for how a young, snarky thief boy should think that doesn't feel nearly as original as the rest of Briar's character.
I will give credit for the part at the end of the book, where Briar talks to Rosethorn and admits that he used to think Tris was weak for waking up with nightmares about the deaths she caused but now he understands because he gets them too. That moment fell in line and made his earlier comments more like set up to a moment of character development, in which a boy who's internalized parts of toxic masculinity realizes it's ok to need comfort. But frankly that one line wasn't enough to make it an entire arc of development, so having those earlier comments felt sort of lopsided and unnecessary.
(EDIT: I did just remember that Briar grew up in Hajra before being brought to Emelan, so he could have internalized these sort of sexist ideas before learning on a practical level at Winding Circle that they're wrong. But I still don't entirely buy that justification, partly because of how off it felt during the reading experience.)
To wrap up with some other little things I loved: Briar constantly being dragged into being healer when he's always like "BUT I'M A PLANT MAGE", his moving vine tattoos, the fact that he thinks about his foster sisters a lot, and again everything about when he goes all Ultimate Plant Mage on their unsuspecting asses.
2018 review:I guess I just really like Briar? Because both books that focus on him have been the ones I've rated five stars so far in my journey through the Emelan universe.
Actually, I think what makes Briar's books so good is that they tend to focus on classism and this dichotomy Briar has of growing up on the streets and then abruptly joining this part of society that is respected and sometimes feared. He's always reconciling his past with his present and it always impacts how he sees the world.
Also his relationship with Rosethorn is everything. Like when he wants to be scary so he immediately jumps to channeling Rosethorn? Or when she grouches at him and his internal (...and external) monologue is just "yeah she loves me". Or when he sees her interacting with Evvy and is reminded of how it was just like this when she first became his mentor. I love it all and could cry at any moment.
ALSO ALSO, Evvy's amazing. She keeps cats and talks to rocks and snarks back to Briar and can take care of herself! And watching Briar go from "no way am I going to be this kid's teacher" to "touch my student and I will end you" is truly the most enjoyable experience. Enjoy turning into Rosethorn, buddy.
The ending of this book was probably my favorite part of the series to date. Watching Briar unleash the full extent of his powers to wreck havoc is... inspiring. And so exciting.
So now for the few quibbles I mentioned in my first reaction: why does Briar have pretend to be disgusted by "girly things"? We know he absolutely loves and respects his foster sisters and mentors, but he's still always mentioning the girls getting ~silly ideas~ or ~being emotional~ as ridiculous girly things he would never do. And it's sort of a loving teasing, but it's also sort of like Tamora Pierce thought to herself "what do fourteen year old boys think about? How silly girls are? Yeah I guess my fourteen year old boy better be like that too". Like, why tho? I don't entirely understand the extent to which Emelan is a patriarchy or not, but we see enough girls holding the same roles boys do in Emelan that I'm not even sure where Briar's getting these ideas from. It felt like she fell back on standard tropes for how a young, snarky thief boy should think that doesn't feel nearly as original as the rest of Briar's character.
I will give credit for the part at the end of the book, where Briar talks to Rosethorn and admits that he used to think Tris was weak for waking up with nightmares about the deaths she caused but now he understands because he gets them too. That moment fell in line and made his earlier comments more like set up to a moment of character development, in which a boy who's internalized parts of toxic masculinity realizes it's ok to need comfort. But frankly that one line wasn't enough to make it an entire arc of development, so having those earlier comments felt sort of lopsided and unnecessary.
(EDIT: I did just remember that Briar grew up in Hajra before being brought to Emelan, so he could have internalized these sort of sexist ideas before learning on a practical level at Winding Circle that they're wrong. But I still don't entirely buy that justification, partly because of how off it felt during the reading experience.)
To wrap up with some other little things I loved: Briar constantly being dragged into being healer when he's always like "BUT I'M A PLANT MAGE", his moving vine tattoos, the fact that he thinks about his foster sisters a lot, and again everything about when he goes all Ultimate Plant Mage on their unsuspecting asses.
September 7, 2021
Briar and his teacher, Rosethorn, have taken up temporary residence in Chammur while Rosethorn works with the local farmers to restore the land. While in the market, Briar spots Evvy,a young street rat, cleaning stones and passing some of her magic to them. He soon finds out that as the discovering mage he is required to find her a teacher or do it himself. All the while, a war is brewing between the local gangs and Briar is staying far away to avoid slipping back in to his former ways. But when the gangs decide they want to recruit the newest stone mage in town, Briar must find a way to protect Evvy without reverting to the street rat once was.
Another of my constant rereads, this novel is amazing. There are a few times during Briar's struggle with his past that I get concerned about what he will do because I care about him so much! The protective attitude he takes towards Evvy is incredible to see - I know that those who took him in years ago are beyond proud. Evvy herself is a spitfire of a new character and I cannot wait for you to meet her. Totally recommend!
Another of my constant rereads, this novel is amazing. There are a few times during Briar's struggle with his past that I get concerned about what he will do because I care about him so much! The protective attitude he takes towards Evvy is incredible to see - I know that those who took him in years ago are beyond proud. Evvy herself is a spitfire of a new character and I cannot wait for you to meet her. Totally recommend!
October 1, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
I love Briar so much, and seeing him as a teacher is the best! Some fatphobia aside, I loved this and revisiting the story was delightful.
I love Briar so much, and seeing him as a teacher is the best! Some fatphobia aside, I loved this and revisiting the story was delightful.
October 7, 2018
I really love the way this full cast works. It's so easy to understand since there's still a narrator. I was slightly disappointed that this one isn't narrated by Tamora, but it makes sense since this is mainly Briar's story. Also, the narrator was still great.
Oh Briar, I love his passion for plants and how he protects Rosethorn. They have such a wonderful working relationship and I'm glad she was saved at the end of the other series. It was really interesting to see how Briar's perception of food, money and gangs has changed since he started at Winding Circle. He was super conflicted about gangs since he still believes you need them to survive in the beginning of this. However, teaching young Evvy makes him question whether gangs are necessary/right.
I loved seeing Briar figure out how to teach Evvy, she reminded me so much of Briar in Sandry's book. It was truly adorable. Also anyone who thinks a plant mage isn't dangerous is so wrong and I love when Briar would show them.
Oh Briar, I love his passion for plants and how he protects Rosethorn. They have such a wonderful working relationship and I'm glad she was saved at the end of the other series. It was really interesting to see how Briar's perception of food, money and gangs has changed since he started at Winding Circle. He was super conflicted about gangs since he still believes you need them to survive in the beginning of this. However, teaching young Evvy makes him question whether gangs are necessary/right.
I loved seeing Briar figure out how to teach Evvy, she reminded me so much of Briar in Sandry's book. It was truly adorable. Also anyone who thinks a plant mage isn't dangerous is so wrong and I love when Briar would show them.
June 2, 2015
LOOOOOOOVED this book! 4 stars rather than 5 as I felt the pace slowed almost too much from MAGIC STEPS, but it was still such a wonderful read. I adore Evvy. I ADORE HER. And Briar is awesomeness personified in so many ways. I loved Pierce's look at gang culture, I love how much she makes certain, always, to recognize the poor and impoverished as HUMAN, and her ability to write mounting tension.... well. It's good, y'all. Real good. :-p
I still miss all four kids being together, and I'm putting a lot of hopes on The Circle Reforged series for this and for getting to see the new characters again. I want this circle of friendship to really grow!! I am glad that I'm reading these all back to back without a break, because it means I'm not going TOO long without seeing any one of the kids (or their teachers).
BRING ON COLD FIRE! WOO!
I still miss all four kids being together, and I'm putting a lot of hopes on The Circle Reforged series for this and for getting to see the new characters again. I want this circle of friendship to really grow!! I am glad that I'm reading these all back to back without a break, because it means I'm not going TOO long without seeing any one of the kids (or their teachers).
BRING ON COLD FIRE! WOO!
January 18, 2022
When I learned there was a second series about Briar, Daja, Sandry, and Tris,
Street Magic
was the instalment I was most excited about. Briar and his relationship with Rosethorn was my favourite in the Circle of Magic series and after finishing
Briar's Book
, I wanted more.
Four years after Niko brought him to Winding Circle, Briar is travelling and studying with Rosethorn. Thanks to his background, he's always been grounded and forthright, but his four years of study and experience have settled and centred him. He and Rosethorn make an excellent team; they're supportive, working together and independently as needed, and instinctively know what the other needs without much discussion.
Stumbling across Evvy in a Chammuri market, Briar is intrigued with her stone magic. When he tries to ask her about it, though, she disappears. As a former street kid and gang member, Briar thinks he knows everything there is to know about living on the street and fending for himself. He soon learns that Evvy doesn't seem to follow any of these rules, though. I love Evvy. Maybe because Pasco was a letdown of a new addition to the cast in Magic Steps , but Evvy is unique and interesting. When Briar reveals she has magic and tries to tell her what to do next, she makes her own decisions and refuses to settle or compromise, never playing the victim. She's grateful for what he does to help and support her but doesn't let that affect her determination. While Briar's initial offer of a new life meant very little to her, when he shows her he's willing to follow through on his promises and support her decisions, she allows herself to start trusting him.
Briar makes an excellent teacher. He's patient but not lenient, he finds ways to interest and reward Evvy, and he encourages her to think for herself. At the beginning, he thinks he knows the way the world works when you live on the street. He initially judges the way she's been surviving on her own, believing she's left herself open to danger and hardship but not going to a gang for support. The best part about Briar, though, is his openness to new information and his ability to change his mind when he's proven wrong.
"'They never tell you some things,' Briar said bitterly. 'They tell you mages have wonderful power and they learn all kinds of secrets. Nobody ever mentions that some secrets you don't ever want to learn.'
'All you can do is learn good to balance the bad,' Rosethorn told him. 'Learn and do all the good within your reach. Then, if you wake in a sweat, you have something to set against the dream.'"
While I certainly enjoyed Street Magic more than Magic Steps , I still found the overall story was fairly average and predictable. I loved getting to check in and see how powerful Briar has become and I'm relieved his personality and character did not change as dramatically as Sandry's over his four years of training. It was nice to see how he had found a way to support himself, and now Evvy, through his love of his shakkan and his work with miniature trees.
Other books in the Circle Opens series:
#1: Magic Steps ⭐⭐
#3 Cold Fire ⭐⭐
#4: Shatterglass ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Other books in the Emelan Universe:
#1: Sandry’s Book ⭐⭐⭐
#2: Tris’s Book ⭐⭐⭐
#3: Daja’s Book ⭐⭐⭐
#4: Briar’s Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5: Magic Steps ⭐⭐
#7 Cold Fire ⭐⭐
#8: Shatterglass ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#9: The Will of the Empress ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#10: Melting Stones ⭐⭐
#11: Battle Magic ⭐⭐⭐
Four years after Niko brought him to Winding Circle, Briar is travelling and studying with Rosethorn. Thanks to his background, he's always been grounded and forthright, but his four years of study and experience have settled and centred him. He and Rosethorn make an excellent team; they're supportive, working together and independently as needed, and instinctively know what the other needs without much discussion.
Stumbling across Evvy in a Chammuri market, Briar is intrigued with her stone magic. When he tries to ask her about it, though, she disappears. As a former street kid and gang member, Briar thinks he knows everything there is to know about living on the street and fending for himself. He soon learns that Evvy doesn't seem to follow any of these rules, though. I love Evvy. Maybe because Pasco was a letdown of a new addition to the cast in Magic Steps , but Evvy is unique and interesting. When Briar reveals she has magic and tries to tell her what to do next, she makes her own decisions and refuses to settle or compromise, never playing the victim. She's grateful for what he does to help and support her but doesn't let that affect her determination. While Briar's initial offer of a new life meant very little to her, when he shows her he's willing to follow through on his promises and support her decisions, she allows herself to start trusting him.
Briar makes an excellent teacher. He's patient but not lenient, he finds ways to interest and reward Evvy, and he encourages her to think for herself. At the beginning, he thinks he knows the way the world works when you live on the street. He initially judges the way she's been surviving on her own, believing she's left herself open to danger and hardship but not going to a gang for support. The best part about Briar, though, is his openness to new information and his ability to change his mind when he's proven wrong.
"'They never tell you some things,' Briar said bitterly. 'They tell you mages have wonderful power and they learn all kinds of secrets. Nobody ever mentions that some secrets you don't ever want to learn.'
'All you can do is learn good to balance the bad,' Rosethorn told him. 'Learn and do all the good within your reach. Then, if you wake in a sweat, you have something to set against the dream.'"
While I certainly enjoyed Street Magic more than Magic Steps , I still found the overall story was fairly average and predictable. I loved getting to check in and see how powerful Briar has become and I'm relieved his personality and character did not change as dramatically as Sandry's over his four years of training. It was nice to see how he had found a way to support himself, and now Evvy, through his love of his shakkan and his work with miniature trees.
Other books in the Circle Opens series:
#1: Magic Steps ⭐⭐
#3 Cold Fire ⭐⭐
#4: Shatterglass ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Other books in the Emelan Universe:
#1: Sandry’s Book ⭐⭐⭐
#2: Tris’s Book ⭐⭐⭐
#3: Daja’s Book ⭐⭐⭐
#4: Briar’s Book ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5: Magic Steps ⭐⭐
#7 Cold Fire ⭐⭐
#8: Shatterglass ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#9: The Will of the Empress ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#10: Melting Stones ⭐⭐
#11: Battle Magic ⭐⭐⭐
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May 12, 2022
Stone magic, eh. I like Evy's pluck and Briar's protectiveness of her. When he tore down the lady's house to get to her. O.O
Edit: Added detail
I still can't believe lady Zenadia doa Atteneh could be so evil and that Ikrum WORSHIPED her! Like she was a Goddess!!!
I really hope that Evvy continues her education in both stone magic and general education. And that Briar survives having another prickly female mage around. lol :P
Edit:
I love this book. I like Evvy and Brian. I think they get along well. Evvy is also one of the only characters from the The Circle Open series (besides the main cast) that is in one or more of the Circle Reforged series books.
I really dislike Chammur. I hate how they treat the poor and how they coddle the rich. I was happy to see that the watchman had a female assistant since Briar pointed out that wasn't common.
Of all the magics I find plant magic and stone magic to be a bit boring. I mean it's not playing with lighting or fire! But it was still fun to read about Briar again.
Edit: May 2022
I always love the part where Briar saves Evvy. He is a fantastic teacher and friend. I also love how Evvy didn't wait to be saved and used her minor knowledge about her ability to help herself.
It ended up being good the camelguts/vipers were ignorant though as otherwise Evvy might not have been able to help herself as much as she did.
I'm very glad the lady killed herself. I wish she had had a worse punishment but at least she died. I wonder how the Emperor would have punished her anyway? Maybe just the way she died? With poison?
I'm not sure I like how easy the camelguts switched to the vipers after so many of them were injured and then died by them. Also the poor Gate Lord tesku. I don't feel terrible for him but I do feel bad that he and many others were 'fertilizing' the trees in the lady's garden.
I love how Rosethorn scared Hooba Jooba into taking Evvy as a student but I'm also glad he didn't end up being her teacher. Briar and Rosethorn are much better. They even let her keep her cats!
Edit: Added detail
I still can't believe lady Zenadia doa Atteneh could be so evil and that Ikrum WORSHIPED her! Like she was a Goddess!!!
I really hope that Evvy continues her education in both stone magic and general education. And that Briar survives having another prickly female mage around. lol :P
Edit:
I love this book. I like Evvy and Brian. I think they get along well. Evvy is also one of the only characters from the The Circle Open series (besides the main cast) that is in one or more of the Circle Reforged series books.
I really dislike Chammur. I hate how they treat the poor and how they coddle the rich. I was happy to see that the watchman had a female assistant since Briar pointed out that wasn't common.
Of all the magics I find plant magic and stone magic to be a bit boring. I mean it's not playing with lighting or fire! But it was still fun to read about Briar again.
Edit: May 2022
I always love the part where Briar saves Evvy. He is a fantastic teacher and friend. I also love how Evvy didn't wait to be saved and used her minor knowledge about her ability to help herself.
It ended up being good the camelguts/vipers were ignorant though as otherwise Evvy might not have been able to help herself as much as she did.
I'm very glad the lady killed herself. I wish she had had a worse punishment but at least she died. I wonder how the Emperor would have punished her anyway? Maybe just the way she died? With poison?
I'm not sure I like how easy the camelguts switched to the vipers after so many of them were injured and then died by them. Also the poor Gate Lord tesku. I don't feel terrible for him but I do feel bad that he and many others were 'fertilizing' the trees in the lady's garden.
I love how Rosethorn scared Hooba Jooba into taking Evvy as a student but I'm also glad he didn't end up being her teacher. Briar and Rosethorn are much better. They even let her keep her cats!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2015
Okay, so firstly, if I would have read this book first in the series, my reaction would have been something like YEAHHHHHHHHHH. But since it was second and made clear the fact that this series is Pierce's most formulaic yet, it sort of soured it for me. Individually this book was rock solid.
Briar was such a badass. He's fourteen now and officially a plant mage. He and Rosethorn are traveling the world seeking out new plants and such. In the city of Chammur, they happen upon a street urchin named Evvy who is an untrained stone mage, and because no stone mage can be found to teach her, Briar as the mage who discovered her is obligated to do the teaching. But he's not the only interested party in Evvy, as gang warfare actually begins to spring up around her, the gangs thinking they can use her talents to find hidden gems in the stone mazes of the ancient city and profit from her talents. Evvy and Briar have a really nice bond, and their relationship prompts him to finally push back the barrier on his own gang-related past and grow up. The final setpiece with Briar doing all kinds of awesome plant magic to rescue Evvy was seriously so cool, and I wish I could see it on film somehow.
It was soured at first by the fact that Sandry's book immediately preceding it also featured her finding an untrained mage and conveniently being the only one available to teach that mage. It also featured her coming to terms with being the teacher now instead of the student. It was also markedly inferior to this one. Sandry's struggles just aren't as interesting as Briar's. She's a noble with almost no personal struggles of her own. I am almost positive that the second and third books will also follow this formula, which is very disappointing. Even if they are great on an individual level, they will be cheapened by this adherence to a formula which Pierce has inexplicably decided to bust out mid-career despite never having written like that previously.
But Briar is still a badass.
Briar was such a badass. He's fourteen now and officially a plant mage. He and Rosethorn are traveling the world seeking out new plants and such. In the city of Chammur, they happen upon a street urchin named Evvy who is an untrained stone mage, and because no stone mage can be found to teach her, Briar as the mage who discovered her is obligated to do the teaching. But he's not the only interested party in Evvy, as gang warfare actually begins to spring up around her, the gangs thinking they can use her talents to find hidden gems in the stone mazes of the ancient city and profit from her talents. Evvy and Briar have a really nice bond, and their relationship prompts him to finally push back the barrier on his own gang-related past and grow up. The final setpiece with Briar doing all kinds of awesome plant magic to rescue Evvy was seriously so cool, and I wish I could see it on film somehow.
It was soured at first by the fact that Sandry's book immediately preceding it also featured her finding an untrained mage and conveniently being the only one available to teach that mage. It also featured her coming to terms with being the teacher now instead of the student. It was also markedly inferior to this one. Sandry's struggles just aren't as interesting as Briar's. She's a noble with almost no personal struggles of her own. I am almost positive that the second and third books will also follow this formula, which is very disappointing. Even if they are great on an individual level, they will be cheapened by this adherence to a formula which Pierce has inexplicably decided to bust out mid-career despite never having written like that previously.
But Briar is still a badass.
November 16, 2017
I adore this series! You can see my series review on the blog.
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April 30, 2019
Briar discovers a stone mage, Evvy, and must teach her to learn to use her magic. But street gangs and a powerful noblewoman stand in his way.
I didn't enjoy this one nearly half as much as I liked Magic Steps, and I think that part of the reason was that the villain's arc was introduced very late into the story (well, the evil-evil part of the plot, anyway) and felt like an add-on to spark drama and action instead of being more of a part of the plot. Also, I'm tired of the evil eunuch henchman trope.
Additionally, Evvy's voice was nasally as hell and I wasn't fond of Briar constantly being surprised about girls being competent or girls loving to talk about everything or girls liking clothes...because home dude lived with five women for four years and honestly I'm tired of that too.
TL;DR: I'm tired
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I didn't enjoy this one nearly half as much as I liked Magic Steps, and I think that part of the reason was that the villain's arc was introduced very late into the story (well, the evil-evil part of the plot, anyway) and felt like an add-on to spark drama and action instead of being more of a part of the plot. Also, I'm tired of the evil eunuch henchman trope.
Additionally, Evvy's voice was nasally as hell and I wasn't fond of Briar constantly being surprised about girls being competent or girls loving to talk about everything or girls liking clothes...because home dude lived with five women for four years and honestly I'm tired of that too.
TL;DR: I'm tired
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August 2, 2024
I thinks it’s been something like 15ish years since the last time I read this book, and let me tell you, it still holds up. Everything about this book is still just as fun and interesting as it was when I was a kid. It’s just been really nice to dive back into a series that brings back so many memories and nostalgia.
I really liked that we got to see a different side to Briar than we did in The Circle of Magic. He was so reluctant to teach Evvy, but he was also incredibly supportive of her doing things and learning in her own way. I loved that Briar found a student that was just as stubborn as he (and the rest of his friends/family) was. I also really liked that we got to see somewhere new within this world. Street Magic is getting four stars and I’m excited to jump into the next one!
I really liked that we got to see a different side to Briar than we did in The Circle of Magic. He was so reluctant to teach Evvy, but he was also incredibly supportive of her doing things and learning in her own way. I loved that Briar found a student that was just as stubborn as he (and the rest of his friends/family) was. I also really liked that we got to see somewhere new within this world. Street Magic is getting four stars and I’m excited to jump into the next one!
November 5, 2023
2023: these books don’t have to go so hard but they really really do
2018: I LOVE THIS BOOK. First of all, Briar is the original Steve from Stranger Things season 2 (he's 14 and he has a 9-year-old student). And no spoilers but the scene at the end is EPIC. I listened to the audiobook of this and I'd highly recommend it. It's Full Cast Audio and the actors are great. (The first book in this series is Sandry's Book. The 4 main characters are 10 in that one and they're 18 by the last book in the series.)
2018: I LOVE THIS BOOK. First of all, Briar is the original Steve from Stranger Things season 2 (he's 14 and he has a 9-year-old student). And no spoilers but the scene at the end is EPIC. I listened to the audiobook of this and I'd highly recommend it. It's Full Cast Audio and the actors are great. (The first book in this series is Sandry's Book. The 4 main characters are 10 in that one and they're 18 by the last book in the series.)
October 12, 2024
This book had more nuance in it than a good number of (good) adult books I’ve read. 10/10 amazing story. Also shoutout to an author that isn’t afraid to let a MC be an unstoppable badass at the end. Even if it’s also horrifying.
July 13, 2016
review to come :)
October 17, 2020
I have a soft spot for Briar so I was looking forward to this book. Love him and Evvy's relationship and his revelations around his old gang days.
July 28, 2015
Second in The Circle Opens and sixth in the overall Emelan fantasy series for middle-grade readers and revolving around Briar Rose and his discovery, Evvy. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Emelan books on my website.
My Take
The idea of the tattoos Briar gave himself may have backfired a bit, but they suit him.
I like that Pierce has the kids finding apprentices whose magic is not the same as their own. It provides the storyline more independence as the apprentices require more characters to be brought in and made a part of the "family".
It's taken until Briar's story for me to realize the meaning of "The Circle Opens". I mean, duhhh, the original circle is Briar, Sandry, Tris, and Daja. With this second quartet of books, The Circle Opens as each discovers a mage who needs teaching. I suspect The Circle Reforged will bring the four back together, although I haven't figured out what their adventures might be!
I do love that Briar's trees are arguing with him. I can't decide if I think the trees are like siblings or independent-thinking pets, lol.
Using the gang war as a device to influence Evvy to trust Briar was a good idea. It helps the conflict over Evvy accepting Briar's help smoother, more natural.
That so-called Lady is a piece of work. Bored, she resorts to stirring up trouble, murder, and worse. That Jooba-hooba is almost worse, for he was taught better. It's quite spiteful of me, but I love the idea of what that Stonesplicer has coming to him, *snicker*. And I don't mean only the scolding Rosethorn will give him!
There are good values in this story for children — doing the right thing, generosity, thinking of others, fair dealing, all the reasons why gang life is bad — and Pierce presents them well. There are no lectures in here!
The Story
Briar and Rosethorn are off on their own adventure, settled in the town of Chammur while they help the farmers there. It's very much a work-study trip for Briar. While Rosethorn helps the farmers, Briar works with the local temple, replenishing their stores.
It's on one of his trips to Golden House that Briar encounters a girl with magic, and he learns the lesson Sandry learned in Magic Steps , 1 (5): He who discovers the mage must teach the mage.
The Characters
Briar Moss is a plant mage, part of a circle of four young people who are capable of prodigious feats of magic. He's brought his personal tree, his shakkan that is his storehouse of power, with him.
Evumeimei "Evvy" Dingzai is a runaway slave and will be a stone mage. Meanwhile she lives in the stench-filled caves in the upper heights with her pack of cats: Mystery, Asa, Monster, Ria, Apricot, Ball, and one more. Qinling is a resident of the caves and speaks Evvy's native language with her.
Dedicate Rosethorn of Winding Circle temple in Emelan is his teacher and a highly renowned plant mage. She is also a member of Winding Circle's Initiate Council and the Mage-council of the University at Lightsbridge.
Chammur
Jebilu Stoneslicer is the only stone mage in town. Sulya sells herbs and charms. Mutabir Kemit doen Polumri is the governor of the Watch; his residence is at the base of Justice Rock. Hedax Yoson leads the squad who "escorts" Briar. Pahan Turaba Guardsall is a Mohunite mage and Polumri's aide.
The gangs in Chammur
The Camelgut are…
…the gang in Briar's neighborhood whom he's befriended. Hammit was his first contact. Mai, Douna, and Ayasha are some of the other gang members.
The Vipers are…
…a new gang sponsored by a noblewoman. Ikrum Fazhal is their leader. Members of the gang include Sajiv, Orlana, and Yoru.
The Lady Zenadia doa Attaneh, a Chammuran noblewoman and the aunt of the amir, is a manipulating nasty woman who's bored out of her mind and sadistic. Her armsmaster, Ubayid, will give the gang weapons and teach them how to use them. Her guards include Filyen and Osazi.
The Gate Lords are…
…the premier gang in Chammur.
Golden House is a high end market where rare and costly things can be found as well as anything magic. Nahim Zineer peddles crystals and stones. An eknub is a foreigner. A takameri is a rich woman. Tesku means leader. A pahan is a mage. A thukdak is a street rat. A zernamus is a suck-up, a parasite who lives off the rich.
Niklaren Goldeneye was the mage who discovered Briar. The Thief-Lord "recruited" Briar into his gang. Dedicate Crane is a rival of Rosethorn's at Winding Circle. Tris, Daja, and Sandry are part of Briar's mage circle.
The Cover and Title
The colorful cover is the market scene where Briar discovers Evvy polishing rocks, bringing forth their magic, doing Street Magic.
My Take
The idea of the tattoos Briar gave himself may have backfired a bit, but they suit him.
I like that Pierce has the kids finding apprentices whose magic is not the same as their own. It provides the storyline more independence as the apprentices require more characters to be brought in and made a part of the "family".
It's taken until Briar's story for me to realize the meaning of "The Circle Opens". I mean, duhhh, the original circle is Briar, Sandry, Tris, and Daja. With this second quartet of books, The Circle Opens as each discovers a mage who needs teaching. I suspect The Circle Reforged will bring the four back together, although I haven't figured out what their adventures might be!
I do love that Briar's trees are arguing with him. I can't decide if I think the trees are like siblings or independent-thinking pets, lol.
Using the gang war as a device to influence Evvy to trust Briar was a good idea. It helps the conflict over Evvy accepting Briar's help smoother, more natural.
That so-called Lady is a piece of work. Bored, she resorts to stirring up trouble, murder, and worse. That Jooba-hooba is almost worse, for he was taught better. It's quite spiteful of me, but I love the idea of what that Stonesplicer has coming to him, *snicker*. And I don't mean only the scolding Rosethorn will give him!
There are good values in this story for children — doing the right thing, generosity, thinking of others, fair dealing, all the reasons why gang life is bad — and Pierce presents them well. There are no lectures in here!
The Story
Briar and Rosethorn are off on their own adventure, settled in the town of Chammur while they help the farmers there. It's very much a work-study trip for Briar. While Rosethorn helps the farmers, Briar works with the local temple, replenishing their stores.
It's on one of his trips to Golden House that Briar encounters a girl with magic, and he learns the lesson Sandry learned in Magic Steps , 1 (5): He who discovers the mage must teach the mage.
The Characters
Briar Moss is a plant mage, part of a circle of four young people who are capable of prodigious feats of magic. He's brought his personal tree, his shakkan that is his storehouse of power, with him.
Evumeimei "Evvy" Dingzai is a runaway slave and will be a stone mage. Meanwhile she lives in the stench-filled caves in the upper heights with her pack of cats: Mystery, Asa, Monster, Ria, Apricot, Ball, and one more. Qinling is a resident of the caves and speaks Evvy's native language with her.
Dedicate Rosethorn of Winding Circle temple in Emelan is his teacher and a highly renowned plant mage. She is also a member of Winding Circle's Initiate Council and the Mage-council of the University at Lightsbridge.
Chammur
Jebilu Stoneslicer is the only stone mage in town. Sulya sells herbs and charms. Mutabir Kemit doen Polumri is the governor of the Watch; his residence is at the base of Justice Rock. Hedax Yoson leads the squad who "escorts" Briar. Pahan Turaba Guardsall is a Mohunite mage and Polumri's aide.
The gangs in Chammur
The Camelgut are…
…the gang in Briar's neighborhood whom he's befriended. Hammit was his first contact. Mai, Douna, and Ayasha are some of the other gang members.
The Vipers are…
…a new gang sponsored by a noblewoman. Ikrum Fazhal is their leader. Members of the gang include Sajiv, Orlana, and Yoru.
The Lady Zenadia doa Attaneh, a Chammuran noblewoman and the aunt of the amir, is a manipulating nasty woman who's bored out of her mind and sadistic. Her armsmaster, Ubayid, will give the gang weapons and teach them how to use them. Her guards include Filyen and Osazi.
The Gate Lords are…
…the premier gang in Chammur.
Golden House is a high end market where rare and costly things can be found as well as anything magic. Nahim Zineer peddles crystals and stones. An eknub is a foreigner. A takameri is a rich woman. Tesku means leader. A pahan is a mage. A thukdak is a street rat. A zernamus is a suck-up, a parasite who lives off the rich.
Niklaren Goldeneye was the mage who discovered Briar. The Thief-Lord "recruited" Briar into his gang. Dedicate Crane is a rival of Rosethorn's at Winding Circle. Tris, Daja, and Sandry are part of Briar's mage circle.
The Cover and Title
The colorful cover is the market scene where Briar discovers Evvy polishing rocks, bringing forth their magic, doing Street Magic.
March 1, 2020
I almost gave this book four stars, but I don't think I could quite justify it while the urge to skim read was still there. I feel like I'm reading this series to get it over with rather than for enjoyment, although I do enjoy a lot of the elements.
Evvy as a character has always kind of disinterested me. I never gravitated to her the way I do the other main characters. It always felt a little weird to me that of all the students in this series, she's the one who became a main character.
The whole gang warfare plot line is something I want to like, but it feels shallowly written. Maybe because it's for a younger audience, but it feels like the choices made by the gang members are too easy and the conflicts too simplistic. I want a little more from it.
Not a bad book by any means. Definitely worthwhile and a fun time, but I wish I connected better to the story and cared more about it.
*Tagged as MG and YA because I don't which fits better.
Evvy as a character has always kind of disinterested me. I never gravitated to her the way I do the other main characters. It always felt a little weird to me that of all the students in this series, she's the one who became a main character.
The whole gang warfare plot line is something I want to like, but it feels shallowly written. Maybe because it's for a younger audience, but it feels like the choices made by the gang members are too easy and the conflicts too simplistic. I want a little more from it.
Not a bad book by any means. Definitely worthwhile and a fun time, but I wish I connected better to the story and cared more about it.
*Tagged as MG and YA because I don't which fits better.
December 5, 2020
There were many things about this book I liked--I think it handled the mentorship relationship way better than the last one, in that there was just so much more onscreen time between Briar and Evvy (and it was SO CUTE. Every part they were together I kept going "AWWW" and having to put the book down because I was overcome by how adorable they were.)
There was some stuff going on that I did not love--there was a weird amount of fatphobia which like, I get that here fatness is also a sign of wealth and not caring for the poor, but it's also like. Rough in its depiction. It's also much darker than any of the previous Circle books which is not in and of itself a bad thing, but may be worth knowing going into it.
But apart from that, like I said, I really did enjoy this book, and it made me hope that we will see more of Evvy especially in the future!
There was some stuff going on that I did not love--there was a weird amount of fatphobia which like, I get that here fatness is also a sign of wealth and not caring for the poor, but it's also like. Rough in its depiction. It's also much darker than any of the previous Circle books which is not in and of itself a bad thing, but may be worth knowing going into it.
But apart from that, like I said, I really did enjoy this book, and it made me hope that we will see more of Evvy especially in the future!
July 14, 2022
So, so good! I wasn't sure how I would like these individual stories and being away from the group, but I should have trusted in Tammy that she wouldn't lead us astray. Watching Briar grow up and his character develop as he takes on a student in Evvy is fantastic. What a duo these two are! Also, Briar's plant magic has SERIOUSLY leveled up since the last time we saw him and I'm here for it. The ending of this one is some of TP's best work. Plus...CATS. Loved it all.
October 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and getting to read about Briar who finds himself becoming a teacher to young teenager that has a connection with rocks.
I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing more of this unlikely pair in the future.
Trigger warnings: death, murder, poisoning, violence, kidnapping
I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing more of this unlikely pair in the future.
Trigger warnings: death, murder, poisoning, violence, kidnapping
March 8, 2021
Briar Moss is a badass. Enough said. 👀
September 28, 2025
Briar’s books were always my favourite ones
October 3, 2023
I thought I'd give this 4.5 since the gang war plot isn't my thing but I JUST LOVE BRIAR SO MUCH so another 5 it is.
CW: Fatphobic language, murder, violence, death of children, grief, poverty
CW: Fatphobic language, murder, violence, death of children, grief, poverty
October 19, 2018
To be honest, I didn't really enjoy this novel as much as the last one, and I think it's probably my least favourite of the Tamora Pierce books that I've read lately ;u; I mean, I loved Briar as a character, and I thought that him getting his own apprentice/student (as Sandry did in the last book) was brilliant and all but I just... the "big bad" of this novel just didn't do it for me, y'know? It just lacked the impact that all the other Tamora Pierce books have had on me lately and I just feel kinda "meh" about it overall? ._. It's still GOOD, don't get me wrong, but it's just... not AS good as all the Tamora Pierce ones I've read this year ;u;
Honestly, I still love Briar, and Rosethorn... and Evvy was pretty great... but all the other characters just felt a little lackluster, in particular the "villainess" of this story. What was her motivation? It never really became clear to me - even in the very final moments - and I just... She's basically been systematically murdering people of all ages and class for years and there's nothing behind it? Nothing explained? She was using her victims as fertiliser in the damn garden! I wanted just so much MORE to this dammit ;u;
...On the bright side... Briar's use of of his magic to take out someone with allergies (hayfever ;D) was great at least? 8'D
Honestly, I still love Briar, and Rosethorn... and Evvy was pretty great... but all the other characters just felt a little lackluster, in particular the "villainess" of this story. What was her motivation? It never really became clear to me - even in the very final moments - and I just... She's basically been systematically murdering people of all ages and class for years and there's nothing behind it? Nothing explained? She was using her victims as fertiliser in the damn garden! I wanted just so much MORE to this dammit ;u;
...On the bright side... Briar's use of of his magic to take out someone with allergies (hayfever ;D) was great at least? 8'D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2015
This was an OK read, certainly good enough to pass the time, but not my favorite of Pierce's books. It felt underdeveloped and unsatisfying in parts. I appreciated Evvy and Briar's and Briar and Rosethorn's rapport, and the social commentary on growing up destitute and becoming vulnerable to gangs. Pierce's worldbuilding was, as always, extensive and interesting. I admire her ability to include such a wide range of cultures in Emelan. She also excels at action scenes, and the big one here is pretty memorable (and surprisingly gory! which I liked, violence should be depicted as horrific even if it's enacted on the bad guys)
However, the plot left a bit to be desired.
However, the plot left a bit to be desired.
Read
June 19, 2022This book was a great look into teenage Briar and just how much mischief he was able to get into after leaving the Winding Circle. I love that he’s a mother hen over Rosethorn (as much as she tolerates it) yet still finds away to be himself. As he begins to get to know Evvy, he finds someone who is just as stubborn, perhaps even more so. As the two of them find themselves thrust into a turf war, each of them quickly have to develop into a stronger version of themselves.
This book and Sandry’s are quite similar in structure, but Briar’s approach to things is entirely different to Sandry given the circumstances. I’d highly recommend this to fans of the series and those who want more from the Circle of Magic Universe.
Warning: Contains some violence.
Who should read it? Those looking for a fun magical journey, but it’ll make much more sense if you read The Circle of Magic series first.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingtoDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
This book and Sandry’s are quite similar in structure, but Briar’s approach to things is entirely different to Sandry given the circumstances. I’d highly recommend this to fans of the series and those who want more from the Circle of Magic Universe.
Warning: Contains some violence.
Who should read it? Those looking for a fun magical journey, but it’ll make much more sense if you read The Circle of Magic series first.
See all my reviews and more at www.ReadingtoDistraction.com or @Read2Distract
April 4, 2009
When Briar Moss spots a girl named Evvy doing stone magic in a market place, he takes her on as his student. Soon after Briar takes on Evvy, they are swept up into gang warfare between the Camelguts and the Vipers. Evvy is kidnapped for her magic by the Vipers and Briar must decide weather he is ready to take the final step away from his gang life for good.
It is a fast paced book with plenty of action. It's a quick and easy read for those who want to read something but don't have a lot of time, this is the book for you! Evvy at first doesn't really respect Briar but after he rescues her, he purchase's her a 'stone alphabet' and teaches her letters and how to read, she learns respect for him. He also takes Evvy back to Discipline with him (you find this out at the end and in The Will of the Empress). This book is good for ages 10 and up.
Street Magic
Tamora Pierce
It is a fast paced book with plenty of action. It's a quick and easy read for those who want to read something but don't have a lot of time, this is the book for you! Evvy at first doesn't really respect Briar but after he rescues her, he purchase's her a 'stone alphabet' and teaches her letters and how to read, she learns respect for him. He also takes Evvy back to Discipline with him (you find this out at the end and in The Will of the Empress). This book is good for ages 10 and up.
Street Magic
Tamora Pierce
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2020
Reread-
I think this might be my favorite of this series. It's either this or Tris's, and I haven't gotten up to that yet on this read through so I'll have to wait and see. But I like this so much more than the first book. This book is so much more brutal than I remember. First of all, we get three of my favorite characters from this world- Briar, Rosethorn and Evvy. I love Evvy so much. Also we get a real-ass villain here who actually scares me. Zenadia is terrifying and ruthless and I love that. I mean, she's evil. But a great villain. I also loved seeing how Evvy grew to trust Briar, and also how nonchalant Rosethorn was with everything. I love her so much. I'm also a sucker for any book that has anything to do with street kids and gangs and thieves so it really is no surprise that I love this book. Off to the next one now...
I think this might be my favorite of this series. It's either this or Tris's, and I haven't gotten up to that yet on this read through so I'll have to wait and see. But I like this so much more than the first book. This book is so much more brutal than I remember. First of all, we get three of my favorite characters from this world- Briar, Rosethorn and Evvy. I love Evvy so much. Also we get a real-ass villain here who actually scares me. Zenadia is terrifying and ruthless and I love that. I mean, she's evil. But a great villain. I also loved seeing how Evvy grew to trust Briar, and also how nonchalant Rosethorn was with everything. I love her so much. I'm also a sucker for any book that has anything to do with street kids and gangs and thieves so it really is no surprise that I love this book. Off to the next one now...
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