Tamora Pierce

When the king passes a decree that allows women to train for knighthood, Keladry of Mindelan is the first to take up the challenge, and vows to succeed despite the efforts of her fellow pages and training master to ruin her chances.

Four young misfits find themselves living in a strictly disciplined temple community where they become friends while also learning to do crafts and to use their powers, especially magic.

Keladry of Mindelan continues her training to become a squire with the aid of a new maid, the support of her friends, interference from some other pages, and some serious, even dangerous opposition.

On her first tour as a knight errant, Alanna assumes a position of influence with a fierce desert tribe, makes some changes in the role of women in the society, and continues her own emotional development.

Beka, having just lost her fiancé in a slaver's raid, is able to distract herself by going with her team on an important hunt at the queen's request, unaware that the throne of Tortall depends on their success.

Aly fails to foresee the dangers that await as she uses her magic to safeguard Dova and her younger siblings, despite knowing that her thirteen-year-old charge might be queen of the Copper Isles when the colonial rulers are defeated.

Tortall's spymaster, George Cooper, cleans out his office and finds letters, notes, character profiles, family papers, and more that reveal the secrets of Tortall. Includes a timeline.

When messengers arrive in Gyongxe "inviting" Dedicate Initiate Rosethorn and her two young companion mages, Evumeimei and Briar, to court to celebrate the birthday of the Emperor of Yanjing, Rosethorn is eager to go, but Briar suspects that there is an ulterior motive behind the invitation.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • This must-read fantasy from an author who is legend herself—TAMORA PIERCE—is one Bustle calls "the perfect book for die-hard Pierce fans and newcomers alike."
"Tamora Pierce's books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration."
—SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author
"Tamora Pierce didn't...

Part of the 8-book Tamora Pierce reissue for Fall 2006, this title in the Circle Opens quartet features spellbinding new cover art. Concides with the release of WILL OF THE EMPRESS in trade pb.Lady Sandrilene fa Toren knows all about unusual magic—she herself spins and weaves it like thread. But when she witnesses a boy dancing a spell, even she is confounded. To her dismay she gets news of a mysterious murderer stalking a clan of local merchants....