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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Great MG adventure
I've been reading Tamora Pierce's books in reverse order. The first book of hers I read was about Alanna's teenage daughter. I've worked my way backward in time until I reached this series. I have to say I still enjoyed reading the book. It wasn't great, but it was good. This chronicles Alanna's first 3 years as a page. She is pretending to be a boy because no girls are allowed to train to become knights. We are introduced to her close group of friends who are young now, but will continue to show up in the other series set in this world. This is the first of four books. I'll be getting the next one from the library soon.
As an audiobook this time. I can't believe it's been so long since I read A:tFA that it's not even on my Goodreads list -- so, at least six years. I finally got over my decade-old dislike of the reader, Trini Alvarado, and stayed with it long enough to get caught up in the story. Major question of this go-round: what's the origin of the Black City?
As far as the reading, if you had to pick one character in the Alanna books who has some sort of accent, wouldn't it be George? His accent is literally written in. But he doesn't. I give the director of this audiobook the side-eye.
And of course Gary and Duke Gareth sound very similar, with a posh and slightly nasal English accent. But is it meant to be the accent of the capital (in which case, the royal family should have it, too), or the accent of eastern Tortall (in which case, Raoul should have a similar accent since Goldenlake and Naxen are all but neighbors)? And in either case, why doesn't the Queen, Duke Gareth's sister, sound like him?
...I feel you giving me the side-eye.
As far as the reading, if you had to pick one character in the Alanna books who has some sort of accent, wouldn't it be George? His accent is literally written in. But he doesn't. I give the director of this audiobook the side-eye.
And of course Gary and Duke Gareth sound very similar, with a posh and slightly nasal English accent. But is it meant to be the accent of the capital (in which case, the royal family should have it, too), or the accent of eastern Tortall (in which case, Raoul should have a similar accent since Goldenlake and Naxen are all but neighbors)? And in either case, why doesn't the Queen, Duke Gareth's sister, sound like him?
...I feel you giving me the side-eye.
I liked this. I like this genre of young fantasy that (I don't think) got the respect it deserved when it was originally published.
But the bullying was such a huge part of the first half that it was a bit boring. And the fact that she had to beat him up so much was a little disconcerting.
A few ornery minor issues, but overall I liked it. It was fun and a light read.
But the bullying was such a huge part of the first half that it was a bit boring. And the fact that she had to beat him up so much was a little disconcerting.
A few ornery minor issues, but overall I liked it. It was fun and a light read.
The whole Alanna quartet is a great gift idea for any girl age 12+ [edited to increase the age, see below] who likes knights and castles. Alanna is a strong and remarkable protagonist. Still, she goes through all of normal coming of age events that we all do. Also recommended for the grown ups like me who eat this stuff up--I first read Alanna at age 29 and loved it!
2017 - April - read aloud to 8.5yo. She loved it, but I'm thinking it's better for ages 12+. There are conversations about menstruation and sex that might catch some readers unawares. Well discussed, but still present. That isn't the problem, though. The problem is that once you read the first book, you'll want to read the second right away, and,
2017 - April - read aloud to 8.5yo. She loved it, but I'm thinking it's better for ages 12+. There are conversations about menstruation and sex that might catch some readers unawares. Well discussed, but still present. That isn't the problem, though. The problem is that once you read the first book, you'll want to read the second right away, and,
Spoiler
in the second book, 17yo Alanna has sex. Read some of the 2star reviews of that book for more details. Maybe that is fine with you, but I don't want to read book 2 to my daughter yet and now I'm stuck having to tell her why not. Had I pre-read the series (which I had completely forgotten since my initial reading of it over 10 years ago), I wouldn't have read book 1 yet. Sigh.
adventurous
lighthearted
Actual rating: 4.5/5
I met Tamora Pierce early this month as a date accompanying one of my besties, a die hard fan of hers. I only ever heard from word-of-mouth how great of an author she is and safe to say, the rumors have been proven to be true.
Alanna: the First Adventure has become one of the books I plan to encourage my children to read. It features a young hero who refuses to conform to society's expectations, and instead, takes action to make her life something she can be proud of.
Alanna's journey can be best described as a crossover between Mulan and Arya Stark, as she disguises herself as a boy on her trek to honorable knighthood. After hearing Tamora's reason on why she chose to write about strong women, it's easy to see how Alanna became an icon for many people (like my friend) growing up.
Although this book is much better read when young, it remains to be a comforting read for women needing a reminder of their capabilities and the endless possibilities.
I met Tamora Pierce early this month as a date accompanying one of my besties, a die hard fan of hers. I only ever heard from word-of-mouth how great of an author she is and safe to say, the rumors have been proven to be true.
Alanna: the First Adventure has become one of the books I plan to encourage my children to read. It features a young hero who refuses to conform to society's expectations, and instead, takes action to make her life something she can be proud of.
Alanna's journey can be best described as a crossover between Mulan and Arya Stark, as she disguises herself as a boy on her trek to honorable knighthood. After hearing Tamora's reason on why she chose to write about strong women, it's easy to see how Alanna became an icon for many people (like my friend) growing up.
Although this book is much better read when young, it remains to be a comforting read for women needing a reminder of their capabilities and the endless possibilities.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A girl pretending to be a boy! Hiding her feelings and wants and needs! Getting her period and binding her chest! Embracing her own power! Ohhh I wish I would’ve read this when I was younger.
I love how feminist literature leaves room for multiple interpretations: e.g. Jonathan vs. Alannah’s perceptions of Duke Roger.
I love how feminist literature leaves room for multiple interpretations: e.g. Jonathan vs. Alannah’s perceptions of Duke Roger.