cdn_shieldmaiden's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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? No
5.0
hilloftara's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the book. It was an easy and comforting read, exactly what I needed. The story didn't have a clear goal and some thing came a little too easily to Alanna
aprater's review against another edition
3.0
The premise of the book is a girl who pretends to be a boy so that she can learn to be a knight. A promising idea and the fact that I share her name was a pretty good draw too. A coming of age story about a girl who comes of age as a boy was certainly well handled but it wasn't as deep as I had hoped and seemed to focus more on getting to the end than really developing the tale into something I could get into. Perhaps I will read another installment to see if the young lady ever follows the advice she received from so many adults "You will be happier if you will just be who you are..." The ending was climactic but a bit of a let down unless you can truly consider it a beginning.
cossty's review against another edition
adventurous
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
3.0
33p3barpercent's review against another edition
5.0
My GOD, could there be a cooler set of medieval books than this? Alanna--kickass fem knight? What's not to like? And George? My heart still patters.
erinwrites's review against another edition
adventurous
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? No
3.75
Since I just read Mastiff I figured I'd give Pierce's first novel a go. (I did read the Song of the Lioness quartet once as a kid, when I was maybe 10, but these books didn't take up residence in my heart with The Immortals. I think the focus on animals and the more complex storylines helped kid-Erin fall in love with Daine, Cloud, and company.)
I get the appeal here. Determined girl who wants to prove she's at least as strong as a boy works her way into a position of power despite *technically* not being allowed. And this is told in a straightforward, fast manner. A little gem from 1983.
I get the appeal here. Determined girl who wants to prove she's at least as strong as a boy works her way into a position of power despite *technically* not being allowed. And this is told in a straightforward, fast manner. A little gem from 1983.
navila's review against another edition
4.0
It was a very nice, light read. I enjoyed Alanna's character and her steadfastness and resolve. I think this is a great series for a young girl (early teens) to read and love.