This is an excellent book by Tamora Pierce, one of the few in which she has the man character as a male. The characters are extremely well-developed to the point that the reader feels as if (s)he has know them for the entirety of their lives. The writing style is perfect for the targeted audience (young adults). The plot line is filled with adventure. This is an excellent book. ( )

I greatly enjoyed this book and I related well to the main character, Evvy, I liked the danger and excitement this book holds. ( )

I really don't like Evvy much. She varies wildly between totally pliable and preemptively surrendering, and (as soon as she thinks she's safe) unreasonably stubborn. And here, her magic is a minor point...well, it makes her the trigger for the problem, and makes Briar act to deal with it. And she does free herself as he's coming to get her. But it's very much Briar's book, with Evvy being the reasons for Briar's actions but not much of an actor (acter?) on her own. ( )

Briar and Rosethorn are in a new city, and Briar finds a girl with stone magic in the marketplace. Now he must find her a teacher - whom she rejects, so he must teach her himself, and also protect her from a gang. This gang is currently being controlled by a twisted rich woman who is becoming way too involved with the gang's dealings. ( )

Briar and Rosethorn are traveling and Briar spots a street kid in a marketplace who seems to have magic with stones. Because he is the first to spot the magic, he must teach Evvy the basics or find her a teacher. One of the best in the Circle of Magic universe books. I really enjoyed the character of Evvy. ( )