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fuchsiarascal's review
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
I just finished re-reading this in 2024 for the first time since I wrote this review in 2012, but I'm gonna keep it because it's still accurate.
5.0 nostalgia, 4.0 re-read, 4.5 actual.
Okay, I've re-read this many times, but never with as large a gap [3+ years] and as much a focus on critical thinking as now. That being said, although the Immortals Quartet stands as my favourite Tortall series and I relate to Diane more overall... this book has always been my favourite. And, looking at it critically, I stand by that judgment. It does have its faults (not all author-related), but its strengths make up for those. I do have a couple of disclaimers for people who are reading it in their post-teen years: this book is decidedly in a market of its time. The entire series' length was cut in half, at least, due to publishers not believing that a fantasy novel, especially with a female protagonist, would sell well in the years before Harry Potter (author Tamora Pierce has commented on this numerous times throughout the past 15 years). As a result, the characters, plot, and novelization are rushed throughout the first two books (which, combined, take place over 8 years), which gives the books a juvenile feel. This is a result of publishing (oh, how I wish I could read those original versions of the first two books!) and something that's not reflected in Tammy's later novels, whether the last two books of this series or subsequent series. If you can get past the juvenile-esque writing of these first two books, you will be duly rewarded, I assure you.
I can't tap into what originally made me declare this book my favourite book of all time. I originally read these books in 1996, pre-Protector of the Small quartet and actually, before most of the Immortals quartet. I identified with Alanna's need to get out and prove herself against ~masculine~ warriors. I came into this series obsessed with Joan of Arc, but already familiar with the world (and slightly with Alanna's legacy) via Wild Magic. I left this series as a feminist activist, thankful that Alanna was a character who presented both masculine and feminine qualities. But, admittedly, I've evolved beyond my 13 year old definitions of feminism in the last 15 years since I originally read this book. All that being said, it's still my favourite.
The strong point of this novel is, in my opinion, Alanna's acceptance of her gender. You might disagree with that but, in my perception, that is what hit strongest. In this book, Alanna becomes more real, fighting her desire for love vs. her knowledge of the pain it causes; her feminine side vs. the masculine side that will keep her safe. She has chosen a masculine appearance (until her knighting) that will keep her free and safe from harassment and yet, despite this, she explores what it means to be a female and what it will mean after she's earned her shield. She's an excellent student and squire but that doesn't mean that she knows everything, something she learns fairly quickly during her squire training.
Personally, the steps Alanna takes towards accepting her femininity mean the world to me. At this point, I don't really care about her knight training or her relationship between Jonathan or George. Alanna taught me how to accept both femininity and masculinity, and accept what they meant to me. I can't put a rating on that. What matters is that it made me think about it and come to my own conclusions. What makes a female a female? What makes up masculine characteristics? Alanna shows that you can be a bit of both, honestly. (2024 note: Tammy has since stated that now, she sees Alanna as gender fluid, but did not have the words to accurately reflect that in the 80s. It makes a lot of sense and something I always felt.)
So many feels, y'all.
5.0 nostalgia, 4.0 re-read, 4.5 actual.
Okay, I've re-read this many times, but never with as large a gap [3+ years] and as much a focus on critical thinking as now. That being said, although the Immortals Quartet stands as my favourite Tortall series and I relate to Diane more overall... this book has always been my favourite. And, looking at it critically, I stand by that judgment. It does have its faults (not all author-related), but its strengths make up for those. I do have a couple of disclaimers for people who are reading it in their post-teen years: this book is decidedly in a market of its time. The entire series' length was cut in half, at least, due to publishers not believing that a fantasy novel, especially with a female protagonist, would sell well in the years before Harry Potter (author Tamora Pierce has commented on this numerous times throughout the past 15 years). As a result, the characters, plot, and novelization are rushed throughout the first two books (which, combined, take place over 8 years), which gives the books a juvenile feel. This is a result of publishing (oh, how I wish I could read those original versions of the first two books!) and something that's not reflected in Tammy's later novels, whether the last two books of this series or subsequent series. If you can get past the juvenile-esque writing of these first two books, you will be duly rewarded, I assure you.
I can't tap into what originally made me declare this book my favourite book of all time. I originally read these books in 1996, pre-Protector of the Small quartet and actually, before most of the Immortals quartet. I identified with Alanna's need to get out and prove herself against ~masculine~ warriors. I came into this series obsessed with Joan of Arc, but already familiar with the world (and slightly with Alanna's legacy) via Wild Magic. I left this series as a feminist activist, thankful that Alanna was a character who presented both masculine and feminine qualities. But, admittedly, I've evolved beyond my 13 year old definitions of feminism in the last 15 years since I originally read this book. All that being said, it's still my favourite.
The strong point of this novel is, in my opinion, Alanna's acceptance of her gender. You might disagree with that but, in my perception, that is what hit strongest. In this book, Alanna becomes more real, fighting her desire for love vs. her knowledge of the pain it causes; her feminine side vs. the masculine side that will keep her safe. She has chosen a masculine appearance (until her knighting) that will keep her free and safe from harassment and yet, despite this, she explores what it means to be a female and what it will mean after she's earned her shield. She's an excellent student and squire but that doesn't mean that she knows everything, something she learns fairly quickly during her squire training.
Personally, the steps Alanna takes towards accepting her femininity mean the world to me. At this point, I don't really care about her knight training or her relationship between Jonathan or George. Alanna taught me how to accept both femininity and masculinity, and accept what they meant to me. I can't put a rating on that. What matters is that it made me think about it and come to my own conclusions. What makes a female a female? What makes up masculine characteristics? Alanna shows that you can be a bit of both, honestly. (2024 note: Tammy has since stated that now, she sees Alanna as gender fluid, but did not have the words to accurately reflect that in the 80s. It makes a lot of sense and something I always felt.)
So many feels, y'all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Blood
Minor: Sexual assault, Alcohol, Sexual content, and Death of parent
greatestheights's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Very satisfying — almost as good as the first! I'm immensely enjoying the reread.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, War, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
samanyana's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death of parent, Death, Injury/Injury detail, Bullying, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Sexism, Murder, Terminal illness, Sexual harassment, and Blood
Minor: Torture and Racial slurs
I noted two mentions of the slur 'yellow' in regard to an Asian person in the narration.sdemo08's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
tense
medium-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
5.0
Another great read from my childhood! One of my first prompts to m love of reading. A well-written female lead that was perfect in middle school and still enjoyable as an adult.
We see our FMC face new challenges as both a female and a knight in training. We get to see her find and experiences first love while conquering the evil plaguing the crown for the first true showdown.
The conflicts and adventures amp up in this second book while also setting up for future challenges.
We see our FMC face new challenges as both a female and a knight in training. We get to see her find and experiences first love while conquering the evil plaguing the crown for the first true showdown.
The conflicts and adventures amp up in this second book while also setting up for future challenges.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Bullying, and Injury/Injury detail
inferiorwit's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Confinement, Death, War, Violence, Vomit, Terminal illness, Sexism, Outing, Misogyny, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
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