Magic Steps (The Circle Opens, Book 1)

I gotta say, I was REALLY pleased with this book! I didn't really know what to expect...all the COM characters away from Winding Circle and not having the strong bond they did in the other books...but what I got was a book even better than the others! Sandry's my favorite character, and its good to see how she's grown and matured. The whole dancing magic idea is pretty good, and I love murder mystery type stories *even though this one wasn't really much of a mystery*! Anyways, all in all it was a very satisfying book, and I hope to see Sandry and Briar get together! I mean, a romance would spice these books up a little, dont you think?

"Magic Steps" picks up the story of Lady Sandrilene fa Toren four years after the Circle of Magic Quartet ended. Now fourteen, she is living at court with her great-uncle, Duke Vedris, when she stumbles across Pasco, a young apprentice harrier with a magical gift no one has ever seen before. As if that isn't enough, someone is killing members of a prominent merchant family, yet no one can seem to figure out how. It's a real pleasure to "catch up" with Sandry and see how shecontinues to grow, both magically and personally. Interesting, original and well paced, with strong characters and a good plot. Tamora Pierce delivers another excellent book.

All of Tamora's books are great, and although I missed the bond the 4 kids had in the first quartet, this one was still satisfying. I don't think this book or the Circle of Magic books should be compared with The Immortals or The Lioness Quartet, for these books are set for a younger age level--well, at least the C.O.M. books were--and that could make a difference if the reviewer is a YA and the book is a children's. But, this is a good book, and I think all Tamora fans will enjoy it.

I loved this book! It was wonderful! It was a bit freaky at the murders, but it was really funny, like the time Pasco dances his cousin up into the air and they just sit there, hanging for hours! Anyone who wants to be intertained should read this book. I started getting into Tamora's books by accident, and I am so glad that I did! This book is a fantastic combanation of wit, humor, and mystery. If you are looking for a book that will keep you up all night, and leave you ready for her next word of art, this book is for you! A must read!

This book was wonderful. I love hearing about Sandry's life a few years after Winding Circle. The things she's learned how to do are really amazing. The problem in this book is interesting as well. And the boy mage has a pretty cool power. I can't wait to hear about Briar, and Daja, and Tris in the next three books..