Battle Magic

 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce's long-awaited return to the magical world of Winding Circle - now in paperback.

 The drums of war are beating.

Mages Briar, Rosethorn, and Evvy are visiting the mystical mountain kingdom of Gyongxe when they are suddenly called away. The emperor of Yanjing has invited them to see his glorious gardens.

During their brief stay, though, the mages see far more than splendid flowers. They see the emperor's massive army, his intense cruelty, and the devastating magic that keeps his power in place.

It's not till they leave that they discover the emperor is about to launch a major invasion of Gyongxe - home of the First Temple of the Living Circle, a treasure Rosethorn has vowed to defend.

With time running out, the mages race to warn their Gyongxin friends of the emperor's plans.

Duty, mystery, magic, and terror will drive them apart on the way. And while new friends will do their best to bring the mages together again on the field of battle, deadly enemies hide in every mountain pass, just waiting to destroy them.