Confessions of a Literary Addict

This review is spoiler-free!

 

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
Series: Song of the Lioness #1
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction
Release Date: January 1st 2005 by Simon Pulse (first published 1983)
Format: Paperback, 274 pages
Rating: ★★★★☆
Find it here: Goodreads || Book Depository

A throwback! Unlike many people (unfortunately), I didn’t read the Song of the Lioness quartet first when I started my Tortall journey, but I really wish I had! Though, maybe I’m somewhat glad I didn’t, because I do love the Immortals quartet, and the fact I read those first might have a hand in why they’re my favorite of the series so far.

I do love Alanna though. A lot. She’s a fantastic character, and I love the way Pierce handled her so far.

We’re going to do bullet points, because I haven’t done those in a while and I enjoy writing review like that:

What I liked:

• Despite this having been written about 30 years ago, it still reads very much like Pierce’s newer books. I like this a LOT.
• Alanna is one fierce female masquerading as a male, and the way she handles pretty much everything thrown her way is fantastic. She’s quirky and stubborn and I love it.
• Watching her relationships develop was fun, too, even though I had some trouble keeping the names straight at first.
• George.
• Nice, quick read! I was at an anime convention when I read and finished this, so that should say something for how quick you can tear through it!

What I didn’t like as much:

• Not enough about Tortall! I love the world these series take place in. (Though, I guess that you’re meant to learn about the world as you read all the books, so I guess it’s understandable.)
• The way Alanna handles her magic. I mean, I get it. She’s there to be a knight and a knight she is going to be, but it’s clear she’s supposed to have a big hand in her own magic and most of it is pretty much … glossed over? Despite some of the things that happen? I blame this on the fact it’s a children’s book.

Bottom line:

Liked it! Little childish, but what can you do, it’s a children’s book. Super, super curious how it’s going to play out, though, since Alanna is very much a female and plans very much on being a warrior maiden, but still has … three? years until she can reveal the big secret.

Bring on the next!