How to Read the Circle Universe
Tamora Pierce's beloved Emelan universe (commonly known as the Circle series) spans three main subseries following the growth of four mages: Sandry, Tris, Daja, and Briar. Because of how the books were written and published, readers generally choose between two paths: the standard Publication Order or the narrative-aligned Chronological Order.
Path 1: Publication Order (Recommended for Beginners)
If you are reading the series for the first time, publication order is highly recommended. It allows you to experience the characters' growth and the natural evolution of the magic system as Tamora Pierce originally intended, preserving references and character mystique.
- Circle of Magic Quartet
- 1. Sandry's Book (1997) / The Magic in the Weaving
- 2. Tris's Book (1998) / The Power In The Storm
- 3. Daja's Book (1998) / The Fire In The Forging
- 4. Briar's Book (1999) / The Healing in the Vine
- The Circle Opens Quartet
- 5. Magic Steps (2000)
- 6. Street Magic (2001)
- 7. Cold Fire (2002)
- 8. Shatterglass (2003)
- The Circle Reforged
- 9. The Will of the Empress (2005)
- 10. Melting Stones (2007)
- 11. Battle Magic (2013)
Path 2: Chronological Order (For Lore Enthusiasts)
If you prefer to follow the timeline of events exactly as they occur in the characters' lives, you should adjust the placement of the final book, Battle Magic. Chronologically, it serves as a prequel to the events of The Will of the Empress, detailing the war in Gyongxe and the trauma the characters deal with in later books. In addition, The Will of the Empress and Melting Stones occur concurrently in the timeline, focusing on different characters in different locations.
- Circle of Magic Quartet (Books 1–4) – Follows the mages at Winding Circle temple as young teenagers (ages 10–11).
- The Circle Opens Quartet (Books 5–8) – Follows the group traveling separately as teachers and mentors (age 14).
- Battle Magic (Book 11, published in 2013) – Set chronologically right after the events of The Circle Opens (age 15) during their travels in Gyongxe.
- The Will of the Empress & Melting Stones (Books 9–10) – Occur simultaneously. The Will of the Empress reunites the core four mages in Namorn at age 18, while Melting Stones focuses on Rosethorn and Evvy's journey in the Battle Islands.
The Subseries Breakdown
Circle of Magic Quartet
This is where the story begins at the Winding Circle Temple. The mages are young outcasts whose ambient magic is tied to everyday crafts (weaving, weather, metalwork, and plants) rather than academic spellcasting. They must learn to combine their distinct threads of magic to survive local crises.
The Circle Opens Quartet
Four years later, the mages are now certified ambient mages and travel to new regions with their mentors. Each of the four discovers and trains a student of their own while investigating local mysteries and crimes, expanding the magical landscape of the series.
The Circle Reforged
This final phase transitions the characters into young adulthood. While Battle Magic fills in the dark history of the war they fought in, The Will of the Empress and Melting Stones deal with the complex aftermath of those events, showing how the mages reunite and struggle with their growing powers and responsibilities.