Sandry's Book (Circle of Magic #1) by Tamora Pierce

"With her gift of weaving silk thread and creating light, Sandry is brought to the Winding Circle community. There she meets Briar, a former thief who has a way with plants; Daja, an outcast gifted at metalcraft; and Tris, whose connection with the weather unsettles everyone, including herself. At Winding Circle, the four misfits are taught how to use their magic - and to trust one another. But then disaster strikes their new home. Can Sandry weave together four kinds of magical power and save herself, her friends, and the one place where they've ever been accepted?"

So, that's a really short description, but I can promise you that you're likely to love this book if you pick it up. This was a re-read for me; I've been reading Tamora Pierce books since I was a lot younger--and probably'll continue reading them while I get older. These books are really timeless, and younger readers will enjoy them just as much as adults, so whatever age you are I suggest reading this. Anyway, this book's set in some undefined, old but still interesting, magical world. Think Graceling meets a little of the Bartimaeus Trilogy and you'll kind of get a feel for it. There are mages and the like coexisting with merchants and traders and street kids. I really liked the characters that the book focused on; the four main characters were really different and quirky in their own ways and their interactions were really entertaining. The imagery--not the scenery so much, but the theoretical and magical images, if that makes sense--was very intricate and descriptive without making the story too heavy. The book's not too long, just a compact little novel that draws you in the farther you read. I can't recommend this series, or this author, more. Seriously. So go to Kettleson or BMS to get a copy, or just check out the Tamora Pierce books at Kettleson.