Battle Magic

Book review by Karen Wirsing, Common Sense Media
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Common Sense says

age 12+

Slow start to enchanting, magical battle adventure.

Tamora Pierce Fantasy 2013
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age 12+

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

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What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Battle Magic is the fantastical story of two ancient civilizations at war with each other. There are battle scenes in which people are beheaded and stabbed, and weapons (bombs, arrows) are used. Also, a young girl becomes a prisoner of war and is tortured for information. The most distressing part of her experience is the shame she feels when her attackers strip her of her clothes.

Community Reviews

Elarinya L.
Elarinya L. Adult
September 8, 2016
age 12+

Great if you like Tamora's other books!

For fans of her other series' this is a great choice! Pierce writes in an engaging style which brings her characters to life. However, families should be aware that this book is more distressing than others in the series. The characters are in the middle of a war so there are scenes such as floating bodies in the river. The most upsetting part is when a girl gets tortured (they whip her feet). If your children are anything like my students they will be very upset by what happens to her pet cats and the rest of the people in the building. It is not for sensitive or young readers. That said, I would say there are some great conversations to be had here: overcoming trauma, comparing the fantasy world to the real culture it is based on (Tibet), the necessity of war, duty, family, etc.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

BATTLE MAGIC is about three mages -- Rosethorn, Briar, and Evvy -- who set out on an adventure to meet Weishu, the royal emperor of the realm of Yanjing. While they are guests in his temple, the mages realize that Weishu is a greedy and brutal tyrant who seeks to rule all the surrounding temples and their people. After witnessing the emperor brutally burn the gardeners of his estate to death because a rose bush in his garden contains a fungus, the three know that the neighboring and peaceful realm of Gyongxe is in grave danger. Rosethorn, Briar, and Evvy leave the temple to warn their dear friend the God-King of the impending danger to his realm and journey to save the \"Four Treasures of the Living Circle.\"

Is It Any Good?

Battle Magic includes enchanting and magical characters such as eight-foot spiders with healing webs, hearts of mountains, and stone paintings with lions, tigers, and snakes that come to life. The dreamlike and fun adventure will leave readers thinking about the repercussions of war and the art of folklore, if they can stay engaged through the drawn-out and plentiful pages.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about fantasy books. Why are books with magical foes and imagined creatures so popular? Which character in Battle Magic is your favorite, and why?

  • Are there any real countries that remind you of the realms of Gyongxe and Yanjing?

  • Why do people go to war? Do you think it's OK ever to seek revenge?

Book Details

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