The second book in the "Circle of Magic" quartet picks up about ten days after the first one ends. Viewpoint still shifts every few pages, but this book focuses on Trisana Chandler, who, before she came to Winding Circle Temple, was the daughter of merchants, but was passed from relative to relative because no one recognised her magic, and everyone thought she was just crazy. She has begun to make a home and friends for herself, but she's still the grouchiest of the four. Her power is primarily in weather magic, and she can hear distant conversations on the winds.

The main action of the book involves the four friends defending their new home against a pirate attack. I was worried that this book was going to suffer from Harry Potter's malady of never telling an adult when he sees something odd or suspicious going on, but fortunately these kids are smart enough to speak up right away. Also surprising is these kids' willingness to inflict damage and kill to defend their home.

The primary message of this book is the same as that of the previous one: That together the four friends are stronger than the sum of their individual magics. Good for ages 8+, but with some minor adult concepts which might require explanation.