Danger in the Palace Circle of Magic Book 4

I first read this series when I was still in grade school, back when the title's were the Prince's Players, Tournement and Tower and City By The Sea (does that make me old or what?) They were the only stories that I would read over and over and over and ---well you get the point. I loved reading about Randal, Lys and Walter,their story seem more realistic to me b/c the charcter's actually had consequences for their actions: like Randal's ever present scar from when he broke a majory wizardry rule in order to...(read the first one and find out) When they went out of print and my library sold them I was crushed (though I did find #2 and #3 at a used book store a year or two ago.) I'm glad that once more the series is back in print and other people can journey with the trio like I once did.

I bought the first of this series for my 8-year-old. After reading the first one myself I had to buy the others. I hope the fifth one comes out soon. If you like magic and adventure, you'll like this series--no matter what your age.

This book was originally published ten years ago under the title The Prince's Players. It hasn't lost any of its freshness or originality since its first publication. It was great then, both as a stand-alone book and as part of the series. (The Circle of Magic books tell one story from beginning to end if you read them in order.) All of them can be read by themselves, though, without losing the magic, the charm, and the characters.I'm glad that these books are coming back into print, so another generation of kids can get their first taste of fantasy. There's lots hidden inside of them for older readers and more experienced fantasy readers too. This is a series that isn't just for kids.Anyway, in this book Randal (the hero) learns more about what magic means, both to himself and to others. The overall thrust is of self-discovery, personal responsibility, and other positive values, told in the midst of an exciting action-packed adventure. Violence, spies, good twins, bad twins, and theatre all mixed, with the hero making choices that matter. Good book.