
Magic Steps
The Circle Opens, Book 1
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Narrated by:
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Tamora Pierce
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By:
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Tamora Pierce
About this listen
Sandrilene fa Toren has moved to the palace of her uncle, Duke Vedris, to care for him after his recent heart attack. While the two are out riding, Sandry sees a boy named Pasco dance a magic spell. To her dismay she soon learns that since she discovered Pasco, she must handle his magical education until a proper teacher can be found. At 14, Sandry feels she is too young for this. Even worse, 12-year-old Pasco refuses to believe he even has magic. Light-footed and light-of-heart, he threatens to drive Sandry crazy.
But Sandry has greater worries than Pasco. Ruthless assassins are working to eliminate a local merchant clan, and as the grisly deaths mount, it becomes clear they are using a terrifying power called Un-magic. Even more unnerving, halting their reign of terror will require not only Sandry’s magic, but Pasco’s as well.
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Editorial reviews
Tamora Pierce has written another fantastic tale that takes place in the magical world of Emelan. Courtney Seymour's ethereal voice is perfect for Sandry, a 14-year-old mage whose magical power involves sewing and weaving. Andrew Hughes gives a boyish, mischievous portrayal of 12-year-old Pasco, a reluctant dancing mage who is Sandry's new student. Nearly every character's voice is perfect as Sandry and Pasco deal with murderers and dangerous "unmagic" to save Emelan. Pierce's magic as an author doesn't extend to her vocal style as a narrator. Her slow, over-enunciated narration is so detached that it's easy to let the mind wander. But the rest of the full cast enchants, bringing out the excitement of the story.
I love the magic characters' personalities
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Would you consider the audio edition of Magic Steps to be better than the print version?
Yes and no. I like full cast audio books because it makes it easy to distinguish the characters, but sometimes I feel as if the emphasis in certain lines isn't right. However, that's because everyone reads books differently, so I suppose I shouldn't really complain.What was one of the most memorable moments of Magic Steps?
For me, it was when Sandry uses her magic to talk to her uncle. Even in Tamora Pierce's books, it's a radical change for a mage to magically talk to someone without magic.Which scene was your favorite?
I don't think I have a favorite scene for this book.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
No. It was nice to break it up at the chapter markings.Any additional comments?
Don't take this as a negative review! Magic Steps is a good story and the performance was wonderful. In my mind, it just lends itself to listening in more than one sitting. I highly recommend reading the actual book as well as listening to this one.Great performance, good story
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Would you consider the audio edition of Magic Steps to be better than the print version?
This books brings characters to life with humor and the perfect amount of detail. She creates a word with a believable society and interesting lore. I am a teacher and I think Pierce is a wonderful author.Who was your favorite character and why?
Sandry is a spirit girl who fills the shoes of a full grow madr at an early age. She is kind, bold and has a strong sense of right and wrong.What does Tamora Pierce bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?
She is the author and she adds the perfect tone to match her words. You know the reader has the author's thoughts in mind cause they are the same person.If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Ordinary MagicAmazing Tween plus author
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Add 3rd and 4th book please!
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As always, absolutely stellar.
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Another winner
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Charming read for all ages
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The voice actors are incredible, consistent and almost life like! A bummer to see book 3 and 4 of this series isn’t on Audible but Tamora Pierce shines and radiates in this series with her knowledge in the mundane made magical! Bravo!
Please consider completing the series!
3rd and 4th book please
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I like how she can stand alone and lead.
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Loved the novel, and I love the full cast audio
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