It's truly an engaging thought-exercise to contemplate what this book would be like if Tamora Pierce were penning it in the present day!

My first thought is that it would likely be approximately four times lengthier! (And one has to wonder, would the protagonist still possess bright red hair and captivating purple eyes?)

Perhaps Pierce would infuse the story with even more detailed world-building, delving deeper into the cultures and societies that exist within the fictional realm. She might explore new themes and ideas that are relevant to today's society, adding a contemporary touch to the narrative.

The characters could potentially undergo more complex character arcs, facing challenges and making decisions that reflect the moral and ethical dilemmas of the modern age. And who knows what new and exciting magical elements she might introduce?

Overall, imagining a Tamora Pierce book written today is a fascinating concept that leaves one eager to see what she might come up with.

This is an outstanding opening book in a series that I will surely continue reading – and one of the main reasons is that Alanna concludes without any resolution at all!

I had never heard of the Song of the Lioness series until Alanna appeared on the Goodreads "Top Books of 1983" list. Now I understand why. The story progresses at a rapid pace, following Alanna as she devises a plan to train as a knight. She conceals her gender while infiltrating a literal boys-only club, fending off bullies and learning to use both weapons and her magical abilities.

Perhaps the story moves a little too quickly, especially in the beginning. There is a bit too much telling rather than showing when it comes to setting the scenes and characters. Combined with a relatively basic writing style, which would make it a fairly easy read for 10- to 12-year-olds who can most identify with Alanna, it took me a few chapters to truly immerse myself in the world.

However, once I did, I was completely hooked. As is fitting for a great first book, Alanna contains hints of a much larger world with a rich history. It features different tribes and climates, as well as the necessary shadowy Old Ones who seemingly possessed technology thousands of years ago that has since vanished along with them.

This is a wonderful, underappreciated work of young-adult fantasy. It is well worth delving into!

ETA: Someone recently liked this review, which I'd forgotten about. So, in retrospect, I'm glad I didn't discover this series in my young teens.

The reason is the (non-explicit) sexual content in the second book. I never did read any more Pierce after book two.

It's a short, quick, and fun sort of upper MG/lower YA read. It's enjoyable enough and has an interesting start.

I didn't exactly connect to the characters, but Alanna is great. There are some organic feminist moments that I loved.

I kind of wish I'd known about this series in my early teens. Back then, I was frustrated because all the stories I loved were about guys.

It annoyed me that I had to look at the "boy" section of toy catalogs to find the survival gear and swords.

But, I also didn't read books with sorcerers at that time, so...

This series holds such a dear place in my heart. It is just as enchanting to me now as it was when I was eleven years old.

There are so many great lessons to be learned from it. Lessons about friendship, which teach us the value of loyalty and support. Lessons about hard work, showing us that with determination and effort, we can achieve our goals. And lessons about discipline, helping us to stay focused and committed.

All of these lessons are set in a lovely world filled with truly wonderful characters. Each character has their own unique personality and charm, making them easy to love and relate to.

The story itself is simple, but it is chock full of positivity. It has the power to inspire and uplift, to make us believe that anything is possible.

I highly recommend this series for all young people. It is a great way to introduce them to the importance of these values and to give them a positive role model to look up to.

But it is also a great read for not-so-young people looking for an endearing heroine. The story has a timeless quality that will appeal to readers of all ages.

So if you haven't already discovered this wonderful series, I encourage you to do so. You won't be disappointed.

Many of the highly successful teen fantasy authors such as Maas, Bardugo, Nix, and others, consider Pierce to be a pioneer for the "strong female protagonist." She has paved the way for numerous stories that are beloved by many.

This book was initially published in 1983. With a reading level similar to that of Narnia, it may not be the typical kind of book I usually read. However, I am truly enjoying delving into the roots of a favorite genre. I am determined to finish this four-book series and will also explore the other multiple series set in Tortall.

Discovering the works of Pierce has been a fascinating journey. It allows me to see how the concept of a strong female protagonist has evolved and influenced the world of teen fantasy. I look forward to uncovering more of her stories and experiencing the rich and imaginative worlds she has created.

Oh man,

This book was an extremely significant part of my formative years. I was engrossed in reading them during the fourth and fifth grades, and it was just completely mind-blowing. I had to conceal them from my Christian parents due to the whole concept of multiple gods. And do you have any idea how challenging it is to smuggle literature when you are only slightly larger than the paperback book itself? Especially when your mom is the one driving you to the library? However, it was absolutely worth it, guys. All girls around the age of 10 or older should definitely read these.

Here's a pro tip for my younger and more religiously oppressed readers: Always check out 6 books from the library at a time. Then, wear a windbreaker to the library and check out 7. Put the receipt slip in your pocket or the trash. Next, slide your illicit 7th book up under your shirt behind your back and then tuck in the back of your shirt just a little to hold it in place. The windbreaker effectively hides the shape, and they will only expect to see 6 books. Alternatively, if you are more of an early developer than I was, you can hide it in the front below the sports bra that you are super excited about wearing. This is bound to work.

I was curious about this book that suddenly appeared in the comments of other books, and also because it appears in a fanfic that I read.

The story is simple, as is the language, and the novel is very short, largely because the original manuscript was for adults, but at the instance of the editors it was divided into 4 parts and made suitable for children.

Alanna is a sword and sorcery book with magic and 'ancient gods' thrown into the concept. At the beginning of the story, Alanna of Trebond and her twin Thom, at the age of ten, are to be sent by their father, a minor noble, to study abroad: the girls to a convent and the boys to serve as pages at the palace. The problem is that Alanna doesn't want to be a lady, she wants to be a knight and fight with a sword; while Thom doesn't want to use weapons but be a wizard. They switch places, and Alanna, who is a rather rough, brusque girl with a strong and explosive character, begins to serve as a page at court pretending to be a boy, helped by her servant, an old soldier. There she makes friends with the other noble boys, and also makes an enemy who abuses her smaller size.

Alanna hates the idea of being a girl, of having the weaknesses she associates with it, physically, and of having a family. That's why she trains and trains without ceasing, with an obstinacy to the point of being irritating.

As someone said, this is the heroine and some things that make her stand out, although the idea of perseverance is, I suppose, the main idea.

I'm going to continue with the second part to see where it goes.

I am literally obsessed with this series!!

Sometimes I flick through and reread my favourite parts. It is just so powerful and well-written. Alanna is honestly my inspiration in life! It is a wonderful book (and series) :))

The original review: Alanna is the brilliant story of a girl who swaps with her brother and goes to the training school for knights, whereas her brother goes to a school for magic.

This book was wonderful. In the beginning, Alanna didn't know about the female body, which added an interesting aspect to the story.

When the boys kept trying to make her swim with them, she defended herself with so much anger. I loved how she was so stubborn and determined.

She tried harder than everyone else on her mission to become a knight. This was a wonderful book about determination, with a touch of first love and romance.

It truly captured my heart and I can't wait to read more of the series.

This book holds a very special place in my heart. It was not just a book but a constant companion throughout my childhood.

For a significant period, I had only the first two books of this series, along with two or three other books in cassette tape format. I would play those tapes repeatedly until they eventually wore out.

Among all fictional characters, I identified most strongly with Alanna. The short and stubborn girl who disguised herself as a boy to train as a knight became my role model and icon.

Even now, I often find myself回忆起 certain passages, like the start of Alanna's period and her anger over growing breasts.

Reading this book as an adult, I can see some of its technical aspects more clearly. However, it still remains an excellent and thrilling young adult novel.

Okay, let's take a deep breath. Are you ready for another one of those retro reviews? In this review, I will share with you my nostalgic views of my childhood reading and talk about another heroine who had a great impact on me. If you're not interested (and I completely understand, as I know I can go on and on about these things), you can just skip this article. But if you do stay, you'll discover that Alanna is truly special.

Alanna is like the mother of all characters who own a piece of my soul. She's in the company of Harry, Aerin, Meg, and Dicey. These girls had a profound effect on me when I first read about them, and that effect still lingers today. I often find myself in awe of them. I wonder what my life would be like without them. Alanna got me through my 13-year-old self, and years later, I still think about her regularly.

The story of Alanna begins with her and her twin brother Thom being separated and sent to different places. Alanna, determined to be a knight, decides to switch places with Thom and masquerade as a boy. She faces many challenges along the way, including hiding her true identity and dealing with her special abilities. But she never gives up on her dream.

Alanna is a complex and well-developed character. She's not perfect, but that's what makes her so relatable. She makes mistakes, but she always owns up to them and tries to make things right. She's also surrounded by a cast of wonderful secondary characters who add depth and humor to the story.

In conclusion, the Song of the Lioness quartet is a must-read for anyone who loves girls in disguise tales. Alanna is a character who will capture your heart and stay with you long after you've finished reading. I can't wait to share her story with my daughter when she's old enough.

This is a truly excellent introduction to the series and it's a real page turner.

Of course, one can't anticipate an overly complex plot or extremely imaginative world building. However, what one does get are likeable characters and some really great themes that are perfect for younger readers to latch onto. Themes such as gender equality and the meaning of friendship are explored in an accessible way.

It's a really enjoyable read that serves as a wonderful refresher between those bigger, more intense books. It offers a light-hearted and engaging escape that still manages to impart some important lessons and ideas. Whether you're a young reader just starting out or an adult looking for a quick and pleasant read, this book has something to offer.

It's the kind of story that can be picked up and enjoyed again and again, and it's sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who gives it a chance.

I have now absolutely realized why my grandmother bought me this book when I was younger.

Looking back, I completely regret not reading it sooner.

The character of Alanna is truly remarkable. She is plucky, always ready to take on any challenge that comes her way.

She is also incredibly clever, using her wits to solve problems and overcome obstacles.

Alanna is the perfect role model for ladies of all ages.

Her courage, determination, and intelligence are qualities that we can all strive to emulate.

I am so excited to continue on with this series and see what adventures await Alanna.

I know that each book will be filled with excitement, drama, and valuable life lessons.

I can't wait to immerse myself in this wonderful world and learn more from Alanna's experiences.

This series has truly captured my heart, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.