Battle Magic by Tamora Pierce

Let me start by saying this is the first time that I have read this book. I didn't know that this was between The Circle Opens series and The Will of the Empress. I wish I had because at the time, Will of the Empress would have made a little more sense. Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

In this particular novel, Evy, Rosethorn, and Briar are in Yanjing visiting upon request the famed royal gardens. There, all 3 see the emperor for the cruel tyrant that he is. Our characters must hightail it out of Yanjing to warn the God King (a young boy by the description) of Gyongxe that the Yanjing emperor plans to invade. Make no mistake, this is war, and our heroines refuse to abandon their new friends.

I mentioned in The Circle Opens review that the series seemed to get darker and darker. Which would make sense as the readers get older. However, I have also thought that it might have happened a little too quickly. In this case, Battle Magic actually depicts a torture scene of young Evy. Its not graphic, and the reader is taken away as Evy finds a way to mentally escape before actually escaping. This depiction of war, and the realities of it make it relatable to its real life counterpart.

Tamora Pierce keeps her style of unique magics, and lasting affectionate relationships. I also enjoy the level of tolerance that mature wisdom mages like Rosethorn convey. It's funny, because Rosethorn doesn't have a lot of patience, and yet her religion practices peace. I love Rosethorn and Tris. I relate to Tris as a younger child who feels unwanted, but I desire to relate to Rosethorn as an adult. I feel that I am almost there.