Circle of Five was a real page turner! I started this book with no great expectations and it took me by surprise. The story moves along well and is fast paced. The relationships between the youngsters in the book feels real and is delightfully entertaining. They try to understand and control their powers with the help of someone that they aren’t sure if they can trust. Don’t want to give everything away, but watch out for the surprise ending. I would give it five stars! As the story opens, we are introduced to five different kids: Sebastian, the spoiled rich kid, Ryan, the school jock, Maya, daughter of a divorced doctor parents living with her mom, and Cassie and Sam, brother and sister in a dysfunctional family. They have little in common except the detention they share because of arriving late to school one day. In the days that follow, they puzzle through the mystery of what happened during that hour of detention.The author, Jan Raymond, has a gift for description, easily creating vivid images of the children, the scenes, and even the family dynamics each child faced at home. She clearly understands students, their doubts and fears, and all the teenage angst that comes with that age. It was fun to watch the children come together as they trained under the demanding regimen of their mentor. I was as delighted as any of the kids when their powers began to emerge and to blossom.Not just a story of emerging powers, it is a story of children whose training and hard work matures them and makes them better people. As they learn to use, control and strengthen their powers, the plot twists and turns through surprising directions as they discover themselves in a larger web of intrigue in which they face real life and death struggles where they must use their powers to survive. A fascinating story where each child, with his/her own unique personality and ability, has a critical role to play. I loved the book and I am looking forward to the next book to see what happens next. Five stars!
What do You think about Circle Of Five (2000)?
A brilliant story for children (and adults) delightful and charming to the last page.
—jessiegirl
Engaging story, colourful characters and an all-round exciting read :)
—Lisa
Love paranormal stuff and this ranks high up there! Way to go, Jan!
—bahethorie53
