Residents of the island of Starns send for help from Winding Circle temple, and when prickly green mage Rosethorn and young stone mage trainee Evvy respond, Evvy finds that the problem is with a long-dormant volcano and tries to use her talents to avert the looming destruction. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Gr 8 Up-The council of mages, The Winding Circle, has received a request from the Battle Islands for assistance. Their plants are dying and their rivers are turning to acid, and the situation is getting worse. The Circle sends two mages, along with a student who has gotten herself into a bit of trouble. Evvy has a choice-either go on the mission or be confined to Discipline Cottage. Her mentor is one of the mages, so she chooses to accompany them. When they arrive at the island, they discover that Evvy might be useful after all. What follows is a riveting story that has many inventive and exciting plot twists and turns. The story was originally created as an audio book, with actors helping the author develop the characters as they recorded. It was a fabulous idea, and the story features excellent character development because of it. Evvy has depth, and readers get hints as to her motivations and desires. The whole book, the first in a series, is an amazing ride.-Jennifer-Lynn Draper, Children's Literature Consultant, Oshawa, Ontario Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

From the world of the Circle of Magic and the Circle Opens series comes the print edition of a title released first as an audio book, which proves that content does indeed trump format. Although the Full Cast Audio edition of this title was exceedingly well done and met with much acclaim, this novel version proves just as well what a captivating story Pierce has created. Stone mage Evumeimei (Evvy) accompanies her guardians to the Battle Islands on a mission to discover the cause of dying plant and water life, which turns out to be a forming volcano. This challenge speaks to Evvy's own skills, and it is her magic that, of course, saves the day, defeating spirits and death and allowing her strong personality and personal connections to shine through. Whether reuniting with talented 14-year-old Evvy or meeting her for the first time, fantasy fans will be enthralled.--Medlar, Andrew Copyright 2009 Booklist From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.