The Song Of The Lioness Quartet
This is the first trilogy by Tamora Pierce set in the fantasy kingdom of Tortall which resembles Medieval Europe. I would recommend it to boys and girls 11 and up who like fantasy, thrills, adventure and a bit of romance. Published in the 1980s they are now available in paperback from Randomhouse and hardback from Atheneum.
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1. Alanna: The First Adventure
Alanna of Trebond is a fiesty, girl who longs for adventure, challenges and most of all - to be a knight! But her father has plans to send her to a convent to learn how to be a lady. Alanna comes up with a devious plan, she will switch places with her twin brother Thom (who wants to be a great sorcerer and could learn from monks at the abbey). Disguised as a boy she rides to Corus and begins her training as a page in the capital city of Tortall. This book is a gripping novel anybody who likes fantasy or adventure novels will love! |
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2. In The Hand Of The Goddess
Alanna is now 14, and has become squire to the prince of Tortall himself! He is one of the few people who knows that Alanna is really a girl. After a mystical meeting with the goddess herself, who tells Alanna she is one of the Chosen Ones, she acquires a cat named Faithful (who is anything but ordinary) and an ember stone necklace which lights up in the presence of magic. Armed with these godly gifts and all her strength and wits Alanna will have to face up to a powerful sorcerer who is bent on her destruction! |
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3. The Woman Who Rides Like A Man
Alanna is finally a knight! She reveals she is a really a woman then goes out adventure seeking in the southern deserts of Tortall. She duels members of the Bahzir tribe, then becomes one of their people and the first female shaman. Alanna must make some important decisions for her sake and for all of the kingdom. This book is my least favourite in the series because of Alanna's attitude problem. Girls often disagree with me, because Alanna was being a strong feminist, but I am looking at Jon's side of their relationship too! |
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4. Lioness Rampant
Alanna sets out on a quest to find the legendary Dominion Jewel. If she gives it to Jonathan, who is about to be crowned King of Tortall the kingdom will shine with glory and greatness. But it will be a difficult quest to get it. Meanwhile, Alanna's nemesis returns from the dead and starts wreaking havoc that threatens to destroy all of Tortall. And Alanna's got a little love affair on her hands. This is my favourite book in the series because it's an excellent conclusion and a more indepth look at Tortall and the surrounding lands. It contains a lot of satisfying romance and battles. |
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