Book Review: Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness Quartet 1)

Author: Tamora Pierce

Published: September 1983

Format Read: Paperback

Genre: middle-grade fantasy

My Rating:

I currently base my reviews loosely around the CAWPILE system developed by Book Roast on YouTube. I modify the categories depending on the format of the story I’m reviewing.

My star ratings are purely by my opinion and not measured by any particular metric.

SPOILER WARNING: This review will contain spoilers! Proceed with caution!

Summary

From now on I'm Alan of Trebond, the younger twin. I'll be a knight.And so young Alanna of Trebond begins the journey to knighthood. Though a girl, 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: Thom heads for the convent to learn magic; 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.

Characters

Alanna can be a bit hard-headed, but she is still just a kid. Coram is cool and does seem to care for his young charge. Almost all the characters were cool and interesting… to the point they needed more interpersonal conflict. Although I always hate the  “bully for no reason” thing like with Ralon, who then completely disappeared forever after she beat him. I think my like of George is a little colored by my knowledge of his future. He didn’t have a direct impact in this one, but maybe in future ones. The criminals were a little too noble, though this is a middle-reader.

Atmosphere

We’re in a medieval castle. But really it’s a school setting. We have a bully, sudden friends, different teachers, mentors, etc. There is, of course, the medieval ideals and the woman breaking from expectations and so on. Does a decent job of worldbuilding, talking of the different holds and some of the great cities. Magic has an interesting place in the world.

Writing Style

I believe this was the debut novel for Tamora Pierce, so a little grace can be offered. That being said, she is one of, if not the number one, favorite author of mine. Her characters are all distinct and the world she’s created is interesting and vast. She is easy to read and makes sure to add some levity when needed so that it doesn’t get too heavy. Her female leads are always strong-willed and skilled in some way.

Plot

Again, it’s kind of a typical school storyline. Go to a new school, make friends, at least one bully, and a mentor or two. There is the spin of being medieval knight training. And one of her friends happens to be the prince, another the king of thieves (The Rogue and Alanna’s future boy, I happen to know). I’m not sure there is enough of a villain in the overall story. Sure the school thing drives the story okay, but we don’t’ introduce more than a bully until the end of the book. I’m not sure there was enough of a buildup for the battle at the end to pay off as well as it could have (though is was still good). I look forward to reading the rest of the quartet.

Intrigue

Once more, it’s a school story. I think a little of the mystery was spoiled for me because this is so old and I’ve read some of the books that come after. It should be “is she going to be caught? Will she become a knight?” I’m not sure there’s enough to compel me without the knowledge. If I’d read this as a kid, I would have loved it. As an adult, school stories are not really my jam anymore.

Logic

The logic is kept consistent throughout the book with regards to magic and worldbuilding. It follows a typical medieval fantasy monarchy system and seems to keep the hierarchy very well consistent and in order.

Enjoyment and Final Thoughts

It’s Tamora Pierce. I love her stories and her world and her characters. School stories are not my favorite anymore (if they ever were), namely because of the needless bullies and perhaps some of the schoolwork itself. Love learning, hate school. I know there will eventually be a romance, and I think that is part of what drives me on. I like Beka Cooper better, but after grace for this one as it’s old and may be her debut novel, I look forward to reading more.

Would I Recommend this?

Absolutely! Keep in mind it is a middle reader, but I will happily recommend any Tamora Pierce book, even if I haven’t read it myself yet. I love her style and her stories.