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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
It can be hard to face your past, especially when you think you've left if far behind you. But when Briar finds a young stone mage and all that trouble that comes with teaching her, he realizes that his past will always be there, even if he doesn't want it to be.
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
All Tamora Pierce's stuff is incredible, and this is a real fun one. I love Briar and the street gang storylines, and this didn't disappoint. I reread it after reading it as a child though, and dang. A lot of kids die and get murdered in this book. That affects me a lot more as an adult now, I guess now that I have perspective to know how young teens actually are and have the sense of wanting to protect them, instead of be them. So beware of that before reading.
Also, I enjoyed the book, but then read the acknowledgements at the end and saw Pierce describing learning about Islamic cultures in order to create Chammur. I...don't feel good about that because Chammur is NOT painted in a flattering light. Like, Briar literally can't wait to leave and monologues about how bad it is in the last few pages. It also seemed like a really unnecessary thing to say, too--religion does not play much into the plot, and none of the religions seem like Islam. Also, bindis are a thing in the book, which are not an Islamic practice. Women also wear saris. It seems like Pierce is conflating a bunch of Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures and religions and it smells like Orientalism. :/
Also, I enjoyed the book, but then read the acknowledgements at the end and saw Pierce describing learning about Islamic cultures in order to create Chammur. I...don't feel good about that because Chammur is NOT painted in a flattering light. Like, Briar literally can't wait to leave and monologues about how bad it is in the last few pages. It also seemed like a really unnecessary thing to say, too--religion does not play much into the plot, and none of the religions seem like Islam. Also, bindis are a thing in the book, which are not an Islamic practice. Women also wear saris. It seems like Pierce is conflating a bunch of Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures and religions and it smells like Orientalism. :/
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
In this second book in The Circle Opens series, it was delightful to catch up with Briar on his travels with Rosethorn. Each member of the original circle is lovable in their own way, but Briar's street rat past and perspective as the only boy in the group are always fun. He's grown so much but hasn't forgotten where he came from, so his roots as a former thief are well-utilized in exploring gang sociology. Because this volume takes place in a different part of the universe than the five preceding books, it was also exciting to get introduced to a new culture from the perspectives of street folk all the way up to nobility. Evvy, the new character that is introduced as Briar's first student in magecraft, is delightfully fleshed-out, and I'm excited to get to her next appearance in the The Circle Reforged series.
Rating reviewed 1/20/2023.
Rating reviewed 1/20/2023.
I loved this book. As a child, it sparked my lifelong fascination with the city of Petra. While I miss the interaction between the main characters, Briar has always been my favorite and I love his growth in this one.
If the first book in this quartet didn't tell me enough about the side character, this book makes up for it. Briar and Evvy are excellent, and this book was perfect.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Slavery, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail