Tris, and Briar, Daja, and Sandry, must face their magic and their fears when pirates attack Winding Circle. I appreciate the hints scattered throughout -- suspicious behavior, new magical skills, conversations captured on the wind -- that all come together in the end.

Only complaint is that it feels like the final few chapters speed along to an overly quick resolution. (I'm sure if these books were written today, they'd be much longer with more depth into what's happening and why!)

Was I a difficult, thorny, bookish, fat preteen girl? Yes. Did I project every ounce of my heart and soul onto Trisana Chandler? Absolutely. Tris is possibly at her least lovable and therefore most compelling in the second book of the series. How wonderful it is to see the worst version of your perception of yourself on a page failing, and lashing out, and making every mistake- only to learn that she (and therefore you) is worthy and good and loved, thorns and all. That your behavior will have consequences, but you can apologize and try again. That you do not have to accept the broken pieces offered by blood and you do not need to make yourself small to earn anyone's love. This series always tackled to ache to belong, to be accepted, to be loved, and the different ways that void can form and be filled. I know now that I am not and never was Trisana Chandler, but she was and continues to be a balm when needed.

Tris’s Book has always been one of my favorites in this series. It’s were these kids really get their start as actual mages and dig into their studies more. I love that they have these mentors that are with them every step of the way and are encouraging them in every thing that they do. It’s really nice especially in a YA book where most adults are usually absent. I just really loved being back in this universe and I could gush about it endlessly, but I won’t. This is getting a solid five stars!