First in a new quartet, The Circle Opens, Magic Steps follows the characters from the Circle of Magic series. The four mages of the circle have dispersed, travelling with their mentors-except for Sandry who is left back in Summersea caring for her sick uncle, Duke Vedris. It's not that she minds-she loves the old man, but it is hard to think of the excitement the others are having. untilshe sees a boy dancing on the beach, dancing what is quite clearly a magical working. He has no idea of the power he is unleashing-while Sandry can feel it in the very air around them. Now she just has to convince Pasco-and his family...

2001-08-22 Excellent! She's done it again!

This book is the first of a series, the rest of which I now look forward greatly to reading. However, before you read it, I would recommend that you read the Circle of Magic books. I found myself relating a lot more to Sandry in this book than I did in the last series. I did, however, miss the character interaction between the four, and can't wait to read the other books and find out what they've been doing. Tamora Pierce has gone from strength to strength, surpassing her earlier efforts with each new book. Although this is her sixteenth book, there is no character or plot repetition. The dialouge is yet again lively and realistic, and this book ensures I will continue to be a huge Tamora Pierce fan.