Daja's Book

The third book in the Circle of Magic series by Tamora Pierce.

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Grade 5-9–Tamora Pierce's magic series continues with the third book of the series (Scholastic, 1998) focused on one of the young super-talented magicians, Daja, the only surviving member of a band of sea-going traders lost in a shipwreck. Each of the four has a specific talent, but unplumbed depths of hidden abilities continue to emerge as the foursome explores the unusual ties that have linked them mentally, emotionally, and magically. Their four mentors are here too, with assorted dukes, ladies, academic mages (lacking the "wild" talent of these young people), and many other characters. This full cast production performs a great service for listeners by using a different voice for each character and audio effects to highlight the mind-talking. Music cues at the beginning of each tape are helpful, but there are no chapter listings to coordinate following along with the book. The readers give lively and engaging performances, and the part of the narrator is read by the author, who adds depth to the telling and provides a nice touch for fans. Pierce's pace and emphasis are deliberate, helping to keep the complex interrelationships of mages and their magic in the listeners' minds. Familiarity with the previous two books is not necessary to understand this title. A popular addition to libraries with fans of the previous books in the series as well as for those new to this fantasy series. –Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY

"The latest in the series is as innovative as the first two. A fascinating and fully realized world".

-- The Horn Book Magazine