Step into the enchanting world of Tamora Pierce’s Circle series, where four young mages weave magic, friendship, and courage in the vibrant land of Emelan. This beloved young adult fantasy saga follows Sandry, Tris, Daja, and Briar as they discover their unique powers and face thrilling challenges, captivating readers with its heartfelt storytelling and diverse cast.
Unlike typical fantasy epics, the Circle series shines with its focus on everyday crafts—like weaving, metalwork, and gardening—transformed into extraordinary magic. With its rich world-building and themes of found family, it’s a gem for readers craving adventure with heart.
How the Circle Series Began
Tamora Pierce, a trailblazer in young adult fantasy, crafted the Circle series to fill a gap she saw in the genre: stories about young heroes, especially girls, who felt real. Inspired by her love of fantasy like The Lord of the Rings and her experiences with crafts like crocheting, Pierce began the series in 1997 with Sandry’s Book. Her goal? To create a world where diverse characters wield magic rooted in practical skills, set in the medieval-inspired Emelan.
Pierce’s own life—growing up in rural Pennsylvania with a passion for books—shaped her inclusive storytelling. The series, starting with the Circle of Magic quartet, grew into three quartets and standalone novels, earning praise for its fresh take on magic and friendship.
The Heart of the Circle Series
The Circle series unfolds across the Circle of Magic quartet, The Circle Opens quartet, and The Circle Reforged, following four misfits at Winding Circle temple. In Sandry’s Book (1997), noble Sandry weaves thread magic to unite the group against disaster. Tris’s Book (1998) sees weather-witch Tris battling pirates and self-doubt. Daja’s Book (1998) follows outcast Trader Daja crafting metal marvels amid a drought, while Briar’s Book (1999) explores former thief Briar’s plant magic during a plague.
Set in the culturally rich Emelan, inspired by medieval Middle East and Central Asia, the series blends vivid settings with themes of identity, resilience, and diversity. Each mage’s unique power—tied to crafts like smithing or gardening—grounds the magic in relatable skills, making the story accessible yet fantastical. The series’ strength lies in its found family dynamic, as the four navigate personal traumas and external threats, growing from children to powerful adults.
Pierce’s conversational prose and focus on character development make the books perfect for younger readers (ages 9–11) and adults alike. Fans love how the series tackles real issues—like prejudice and loss—while celebrating friendship and self-discovery.
Why the Circle Series Resonates
The Circle series has left a lasting mark on young adult fantasy, praised for its diverse characters and innovative magic system. Readers on platforms like Goodreads and Reddit call it a comforting reread, with its found family trope inspiring countless fans. Its inclusive cast and subtle queer representation, like the relationship between mages Lark and Rosethorn, were groundbreaking for the 1990s and 2000s, resonating with modern audiences.
Pierce’s ability to weave real-world issues into fantasy has made the series a touchstone for readers seeking empowering, heartfelt stories. Its influence endures in fan communities and inspires writers to create diverse, character-driven fantasy.
- About the Circle Series
- First published: 1997 (Sandry’s Book)
- Books: 11 across three quartets and standalones
- Awards: Margaret A. Edwards Award (2013) for Pierce’s contributions to YA literature
Dive into Sandry’s Book and discover the magic of Emelan’s found family—your next fantasy adventure awaits!