I
decided to try this book when it became available as an e-book through my local
library and I’m so glad I did! I really enjoyed this compelling fantasy and now
I want to read the rest of the series.
Description from Amazon:
Young
Alanna of Trebond begins the journey to knighthood. Alanna has always craved
the adventure and daring allowed only for boys; her twin brother, Thom, yearns
to learn the art of magic. So one day they decide to switch places: Disguised
as a girl, Thom heads for the convent; Alanna, pretending to be a boy, is on
her way to the castle of King Roald to begin her training as a page. But the
road to knighthood is not an easy one.
As Alanna masters the skills necessary
for battle, she must also learn to control her heart and to discern her enemies
from her allies. Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good
and evil, Alanna’s first adventure begins—one that will lead to the fulfillment
of her dreams and make her a legend in the land.
Song of the
Lioness: Alanna was
written by Tamora Pierce and this reprint edition was published by Atheneum
Books for Young Readers in 2010 (originally published in 1983).
My Take:
I
didn’t know what to expect but I really enjoyed the story line of Alanna
pretending to be a boy so she could train to be a knight. The story moves along
at a good pace and I especially liked the realistic details of how she hid her
true identity. Alanna's character is determined and persistent, but she also has flaws which sometimes lead to trouble. The magic part of the story is intriguing, and I liked the
friendships she developed. Lots of fun and adventure in this action-packed story!
For
writers:
This
is a good example of how to create a believable fantasy world without getting
bogged down in details. I was able to connect with this character right from the beginning of
the story.
Opening Line:
“That
is my decision. We need not discuss it,” said the man at the desk.
Quotes:
“Every
muscle in her body was stiff and sore. She was speckled with large and small
bruises. Stiffly she got ready for the new day, wondering if she would live
through it.”
“The
truth was, she didn’t feel worthy of being someone’s squire. She was a girl,
and she was a liar. And at any moment, the truth could surface.”
Other Info: