The Will of the Empress

August 1, 2007
Gr 8 Up-Noblewoman Sandry and her foster siblings Tris, Daja and Briar, must contend with "The Will of the Empress" (Scholastic, 2005). Working with a well-chosen cast, author Tamora Pierce narrates this extension of her two fantasy series, "The Circle of Magic" and "The Circle Opens." After two years apart, the four gifted magicians are often at odds, but they share the desire to use their unique talents to prove themselves as adults. Their visit to Sandry's estates brings them to Empress Berenene's kingdom where the ruler intends to marry Sandry off, acquire the young woman's lands, and draw the three other young mages into her service. Confronted by Sandry's abduction by a disgruntled suitor and challenged to escape the Empress's domination, the four bring together their weather, metal, nature, and stitching skills to triumph over all. The novel's misunderstood madman, cousins, courtiers, and commoners are nicely portrayed by a cast of 22, and Pierce's narration adds a special dimension to this well-done recording. Appropriate music opens and closes each CD. Issues such as sexual identity and personal independence are seamlessly woven into the rich fabric of the fantasy, making this title a solid choice for high school and public libraries."Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT"

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