The mages from Winding Circle have been called upon to investigate some mysterious deaths of vegetation on the Battle Islands. Evvy, a young mage-in-training who has been stirring up some trouble at school, has been instructed to come along with them. When the issues at hand prove to be something that only Evvy can remedy, her skills as a stone mage are put to the test.
AGE RANGE TEEN
Suggested for ages 10+
THEMES
Stone
Volcano
China
Island
Adventure
Earthquake
Fantasy
Magic
Mages
OVERALL RATING 5/10
Though this book had some interesting concepts, and the plot was generally engaging, it left a lot to be desired. The story was not super immersive, and the characters did not feel real or relatable to me. In the end, the hero of the story does nothing but make things worse, to always be saved by her elders (usually men). The whole story feels a little bit sexist, with shallow female characters and no heroic opportunities for even the leading girl.
PROS Engaging Interesting magical concepts | Violence and Scariness 2/5 Scary landslides and earthquakes, but no serious injuries resulting. Girl bites man. Mention of beating. Creatures dead in acidic water. Perilous situations. Sex and Romance 1/5 Mention of sex. |
CONS Sexist (shallow and incapable female characters) Unrealistic teens (too immature) Heroine never fixes anything - is just saved by elder men in every situation | Emotional Intensity 2/5 Mention being sold as a slave by mother in the past. Referencing living on the street. Girl has PTSD from being beaten by soldiers. Island under volcano threat. Drinking and Drugs 0/5 N/A |