First in a new quartet, The Circle Opens, Magic Steps follows the characters from the Circle of Magic series. The four mages of the circle have dispersed, travelling with their mentors-except for Sandry who is left back in Summersea caring for her sick uncle, Duke Vedris. It's not that she minds-she loves the old man, but it is hard to think of the excitement the others are having. untilshe sees a boy dancing on the beach, dancing what is quite clearly a magical working. He has no idea of the power he is unleashing-while Sandry can feel it in the very air around them. Now she just has to convince Pasco-and his family...