Summary: This fortnight we’re discussing “The Will of the Empress” by Tamora Pierce. This was the first book published in The Circle Reforged, part of the Emelan series, but we recommend reading it after "Battle Magic" and before "Melting Stones" for the best first-time experience. This series as a whole features four main characters and this time we're focusing on Sandry. We're joined by Anna and MJ, the hosts of The Circle of Friendship Podcast where they discuss all things Emelan. Book TW for mental illness, kidnapping, confinement, sexual assault (backstory). Topic 1: Zhegorz - Mental Illness. Begins at (0:50), CW for mental illness, institutionalization, abuse, magical abuse, homelessness. Topic 2: Sandry - Abandonment. Begins at (10:50), CW for miscommunication trope. Topic 3: Sandry - Kidnapping. Begins at (24:14), CW for kidnapping, sexual assault mention, rape culture, claustrophobia, loss of agency. Promo for Another Pass from the CPOV network. Spoiler-free wrap-up and ratings: Begins at (35:54). --- If you'd like to make a monthly donation, please check us out on Patreon. Patrons at any level will receive the bonus Epilogue episode for this series. Find all our links on our Carrd. Music provided by HeartBeatArt and is used with permission.
