A review by jenjones83
Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Alanna by Tamora Pierce is a classic coming-of-age fantasy full of adventure, magic, and determination. The story follows young Alanna of Trebond, who disguises herself as a boy to pursue her dream of becoming a knight—a path usually reserved for men. As she trains at the castle of King Roald, Alanna faces challenges that test her strength, willpower, and identity, all while hiding her true self from those around her. It’s a compelling premise with strong themes of courage, self-discovery, and breaking societal norms.

While I enjoyed the story and appreciated Alanna’s fierce determination and unique journey, I found myself wishing I felt more immersed in the world. The book moved quickly, and at times I struggled to fully feel present in the scenes or emotionally connected to the characters. That said, it’s still a solid and enjoyable read with a great message, especially for younger readers or anyone looking for a strong female lead in a fantasy setting.

Overall, I’d give Alanna 3.5 stars—it’s a good story with a great heroine, even if it didn’t quite pull me in as deeply as I’d hoped.