The Circle of Magic is a four book fantasy series (1997 – 1999) about 4 somewhat troubled young people from different areas and different lives who are brought to a place where they can learn to control their natural magical and unique gifts.    The books are sometimes thought of as for Young Adults, but they are a very good read for adults too.   Tamora Pierce tells the stories with great skill.

Characters are well-drawn and in each book one of the four  – Sandry, Tristana, Daja, and Briana – is the focus for playing a leadership role in battling disasters or attacks.    All four are part of every book and characterization is enriched with each new story.

The author uses world-building detail to expand the stories in these 4 books, then in 4 more books, set in a time 20 years later.    Themes of friendship and humanism are embedded into the stories.   The best part of each book is the development of control of magic.    We could almost call this a magic-procedural tale where mentors at the place of learning (The Winding Circle) support the young mages in learning their craft.    Through trial by fire – employing magic in a time of great need – each young character moves toward mastery with personal growth.

“Without patience, magic would be undiscovered – in rushing everything, we would never hear its whisper inside.”

The books are short, fun, and very accessible.   Recommended –  4.2 out of 5.0 stars4.2