If I had been surprised at how dark Magic Steps had become in this series, then I'm extra surprised at what a dark turn this one took. I'm glad, at least, that it didn't venture too far down one direction that I thought it was going to go.  

Even still, I enjoyed this immensely.  Daja is now 14, and she is travelling with her teacher, Frostpine, to learn new magical techniques apart from her foster siblings.  She takes on her own students, and gets involved in her own harrowing adventure -- this one involving fire.  I enjoyed seeing her come to her own and learning her strength as an individual instead of part of the quartet where she's always woven her powers.  

Another excellent edition into the Emelan series. 

I only wish it hadn't taken me nearly a month to read this book (not the book's fault. I didn't have any time this last moth to sit down and physically read, and this book is not on audio which is a damn shame).