I truly enjoyed this book.

The characters within it were extremely believable, which made it easy for me to become fully immersed in their stories.

The world building was also quite decent. It was detailed enough to give a sense of a rich and vibrant setting, yet not so overwhelming that it detracted from the main plot.

Overall, I was very impressed with this work and I will most definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

I have a feeling that there are many more great stories and characters waiting for me to discover.

I can't wait to see what else this talented author has in store.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read with engaging characters and a well-crafted world.

It's definitely worth your time.

So, I've now reached page 216 of the book. To be honest, there's really nothing that compels me to keep reading. I've heard so many great things about this book and Tamora Pierce's works in general. Some of my Goodreads friends highly recommend her books. However, I'm afraid that if I haven't found anything that makes me eager to continue up until now, I probably won't find it in the remaining 150 pages either.

Please don't misunderstand this as a discouragement to try Pierce's books. This is by no means a bad book; it's just not to my taste. I struggled to get into the writing style. The narrative often jumps between different characters in the middle of a paragraph, and that perspective felt a bit strange to me. Also, I wasn't particularly fond of the main character, Daine. Her voice seems a bit too youthful for my liking (she's only 13), and she comes across as a little too perfect with her special talents regarding animals and the powerful magic she possesses without even realizing it.

All in all, she is a character that can frequently be found in epic fantasy: an orphan with special abilities who makes new friends and has a master to help her control her unknown powers and come to terms with her past. In my opinion, there's nothing inherently wrong with this type of character. Although it has been done countless times before, a talented author can always bring something new to the story. And Tamora Pierce is undoubtedly a talented author, but in this case, Daine's story just didn't resonate with me on a personal level. Despite all that, I really liked the concept behind her magic and the emphasis on animals in this novel.

Now I'm undecided whether I should give another one of Pierce's Tortall series a try. I didn't like the writing style in this one, so if they are similar in style, they might not be for me. On the other hand, a character that I can root for might change my opinion.

#2 TBR Pile Reduction Challenge (Olivia: I'm sorry I didn't like this more, I was definitely counting on it.)

Reviewed by Candace Cunard for TeensReadToo.com

Veralidaine Sarrasri, known as Daine to all who know her, is just thirteen years old. She is an orphan, with no home to call her own. Her remarkable ability to bond with animals earns her a job with a horsemaster named Onua. The two women become close companions during their arduous journey from Daine's homeland of Galla to the kingdom of Tortall. They are tasked with delivering their equine charges to the service of the Queen's Riders.

Along the way, Daine's gift for communicating with animals becomes increasingly evident. When she warns Onua of the approaching dangerous Immortals called Stormwings, who feed on fear and death, her talent can no longer be overlooked. It is discovered that, although she lacks the magical Gift needed to become a sorcerer, she has a rarer form of magic known as wild magic, which connects her to the animals around her.

Under the guidance of one of the most powerful mages in the country, Daine begins to enhance her natural affinity. However, she is haunted by a past she refuses to share with anyone and a secret fear that if she uses too much of her power to communicate with animals, even for the good of those around her, she might lose her own humanity.

In the eyes of the Tortallan nobles, her training is of great significance in the ongoing effort to protect the kingdom from the vicious Immortals who have begun to appear out of nowhere in recent years.

Pierce has once again created a feisty heroine that girls of all ages can relate to. Daine's no-nonsense attitude, combined with her naïve curiosity about the way business is conducted in Tortall, makes her a completely charming character. For an experienced author, returning to an old fictional world and trying to view it through new eyes can be challenging, but it also offers numerous pleasures for both the writer and the reader.

In this first book of THE IMMORTALS QUARTET, Tamora Pierce returns to the world first popularized by her LIONESS QUARTET. Fans of Alanna, Tortall's first female knight, will be delighted to see their favorite heroine make an appearance in print again, this time as a secondary character to another young girl with the potential to become a strong woman in her own right.

Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce is a captivating young adult fantasy that takes readers on an enchanting journey.

The story follows thirteen-year-old Daine, who, despite having no formal magical talent, has a special affinity for animals. After her family's tragic death, she finds employment with the royal horse master, driving ponies to the training camp for the Queen's Riders.

During her journey, it becomes evident that Daine's abilities with animals extend into the realm of wild magic, a rare and powerful force. Even a master mage is astounded by the raw power within her. However, with war approaching Tortall, Daine must learn to master her abilities to counter the darkness brought by the enemy.

I was drawn to Wild Magic as I've been seeking more young adult fantasies with a traditional feel. The book delivered on that front, offering a world filled with magic, adventure, and even talking animals.

What stood out to me was the almost innocent nature of this fantasy, which is a refreshing departure from the grittier and darker themes often found in modern young adult literature. This made more sense when I discovered that the book was first published in 1992.

This was my first experience with Tamora Pierce's work, and I quickly realized that Tortall, the continent she has created, is rich in history and populated with characters from previous series. While I didn't have prior knowledge of this history, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. Instead, it added an element of mystery and depth to the story.

Overall, Wild Magic was a light and enjoyable read. Although it may lack some depth in certain areas, it makes up for it with its engaging plot and endearing characters. It would be a great choice for parents looking to introduce their children to the world of fantasy or for young readers themselves. I'm excited to continue reading the series and see where Daine's adventures take her.

*Review copy provided by publisher

Reviewed by Suzanne ❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

Well, this truly lived up to my memory of it. I still hold a preference for it over Alanna. I just do. There's something within Daine that speaks to me more deeply, perhaps I'm simply a sucker for stories about individuals finding a sense of home.

I thoroughly enjoy Daine's relationship with the animals. Her crush on Jonathan had me laughing out loud. Onua is just as awesome as I remembered her to be. I had completely forgotten how Numair is introduced in this. I had forgotten that he could shape-shift. When I recalled this, I couldn't help but giggle. And the Stormwings remain suitably terrifying and creepy.

I do indeed enjoy Numair and Daine's teacher/student dynamic. However, the age difference might make the impending romance even more uncomfortable for me this time around. I'm not sure.

I laughed when Alanna informed Numair that a girl needs other women to talk to at the end. She would know. Generally, I enjoy Alanna a great deal in this. Also Thom! Why couldn't Thom have gotten a book instead of Aly?

Also, GEORGE. I have a great fondness for the Swoop.

This was, in many ways, a book that stole my readers' virginity.

I picked this up in the school library when I was eleven years old, ten years ago. The cover, matching the one I now own, was a spider with a man's head, and in no way appealed to me. But the first chapter, titled 'A girl with a pony' drew me in immediately. Thank God for my horse obsession, or I'd never have discovered these books, and this wonderful author.

It was my first fantasy book. It was my first book not directly related to horse. It was my first 'grown up' book - a book that wasn't directed at my age group, but could be enjoyed by all ages.

I haven't been the same since these books. They opened the floodgate to the river of longing that is my need for fantasy stories, and lots of them.

As well as the long-term ramifications of reading the book (and series), it was just delightful to read a story about such a strong young woman, and she had nearly everything I'd ever wanted. I mean, what eleven-year-old girl doesn't want the ability to talk to, and turn into, animals?

I can't stress enough how much this book changed me. Tamora Pierce, more than any other author, is the reason I write my own stories, and the reason I want only strong, independent female characters in any story I now read.

I've since read, and bought, the Alanna series and begun the Circle of Magic series along with Tricksters Choice.

For anyone with young teenagers, or younger children, it is within your best interests to read to, or give them, this book. It can't do anything but bring them extreme happiness and a desire for books. It will open up a whole new world of imagination and adventure for them, just as it did for me all those years ago. They will be captivated by the story and the characters, and it will inspire them to explore their own creativity and dreams. So don't hesitate, share this wonderful book with the young people in your life and watch them fall in love with reading.

This book is still a favorite of mine. However, OH MAN, when I read it as an adult and knew what romance was coming in later books :/ , it really squicked me out.

As a child, I might have overlooked or not fully understood certain aspects. But as an adult with a different perspective, it was quite a shock.

The anticipation of that particular romance just didn't sit well with me. It made me question my initial love for the series.

Nevertheless, I still have a soft spot for the book. It holds many memories from my childhood. But this newfound knowledge has definitely changed the way I view it.

I wonder if others have had a similar experience when re-reading their favorite childhood books as adults.

Maybe it's a sign of growing up and having different expectations.

Despite the squick factor, I'm still glad I revisited this book and had this realization.

It's made me think about how our perspectives can change over time and how that affects our relationship with the things we once loved.

How did I never read this series as a young adult???

It's truly a mystery to me. I feel like I've missed out on something wonderful all these years. But now that I've discovered it, it has quickly become a new favorite.

The stories in this series are captivating, filled with adventure, romance, and unexpected twists. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to get lost in their world.

As I read each book, I find myself completely immersed, unable to put it down. I can't wait to see what happens next and how the characters will grow and change.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves a good read. Whether you're a young adult or an adult looking for a great escape, this series is sure to satisfy.

Don't make the same mistake I did and wait until now to discover it. Pick up the first book today and start reading!

My thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy of this wonderful book.

Although I had heard of Tamora Pierce's works, I wasn't entirely sure about the genre she wrote in. However, when I came across these books on NetGalley and read the description, which mentioned a fantasy involving a girl who could communicate with animals, I was immediately intrigued and decided to request it.

Wild Magic, the first in the Immortals quartet, was first published in 1992. It tells the story of a thirteen-year-old girl named Daine (Veralidaine Sarrasi). Unlike her family and community, Daine doesn't possess the traditional "Gift" of magic. Instead, she has the remarkable power to communicate with animals, to the extent that they will do as she asks. At times, they even put themselves in danger to assist her.

After her family is tragically killed, Daine leaves her home and takes a job with Onua, the horsemistress to the Queen's Riders. Here, among her new friends, she discovers that her talents are not only appreciated but also respected. She finds love and acceptance in this new environment, but she is also carrying a secret about her past that she is reluctant to share.

Her new friends, including the mage Numair Salmalin, begin to help Daine understand her true powers and the wild magic that she possesses. They also assist her in gaining some measure of control over it. When they are suddenly attacked by enemy forces, which include not only powerful mages but also mythical monsters believed to have been trapped in another realm for centuries, it is up to Daine to come to the rescue of her friends.

The plot of this book sounded extremely interesting, but I was initially a bit skeptical about reading it since it is a full-blown fantasy. However, my concerns were quickly alleviated as I became fully immersed in the story from the very beginning. I never felt lost or struggled to understand the world or its workings.

The first two characters we meet, Daine and Onua, immediately captured my attention, and the other characters we encounter in the Kingdom of Tortall are also very likable. It was fascinating to see Daine's confusion and the way she spoke her thoughts in a world where the people and power structures didn't conform to her expectations. The gender roles in this world are also refreshingly different from the norm, which was a pleasant surprise.

I was able to connect deeply with Daine because I could relate to her feelings towards animals. Her relationship with them was very similar to my own, and I found myself wishing that I too could have the power to communicate with them. Additionally, I could understand the heartbreak and gut-wrenching emotions that Daine experiences when her animal friends are in trouble.

The story, which is just the beginning of many challenges that Daine and her friends will face, was highly enjoyable. It provided us with the backstories of the characters and set the stage for the problem or battle that is about to unfold. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the next installment and seeing how the story progresses and what lies ahead for the characters.

This was a very enjoyable read, and my favorite element was undoubtedly the animals and Daine's friendship with them. I would rate this book four and a half stars.

This review also appears on my blog at: https://potpourri2015.wordpress.com/2...

For some reason, whenever I go back and reread this book, I always expect to dislike it. In fact, I never even want to start it. Instead, I just have a strong urge to skip directly to Protector of the Small!

Despite this initial hesitation, I must admit that I really loved this book. I was truly impressed by the way that Pierce presented the development of the kingdom since Alanna’s adventures. It was fascinating to see how the story had evolved and how different aspects of the world had changed. Additionally, getting to see a different side to the magic system was a real treat.

I’m fairly certain that the only reason this series isn’t my absolute favorite is due to the main relationship, which isn’t even fully developed in this particular installment.

For some reason, the idea of Numair and Diane being together just gives me the creeps. I feel like Numair is in his thirties, and with Diane being only 13, it seems a bit strange to me, even though she is much older when they finally get together.

Nevertheless, I can’t wait to continue my reread of the Tortall world. There is still so much to discover and explore, and I’m excited to see what other adventures and surprises await me.

I discovered Tamora Pierce as an adult who still has a penchant for reading YA coming-of-age stories.

Although not as intricate as the more recently penned books about Beka Cooper, the quartet of books commencing with Wild Magic and centering around Daine still manages to provide satisfaction.

My decision to reread was spurred by my younger son. After voraciously devouring the Erin Hunter Warriors series and the Kathryn Lasky Guardian's of Gahoole Juvenile Series, he embarked on reading Wild Magic. He was overjoyed to have his mom reading the same book as him! Thus, Wild Magic has the benefit of being suitable for younger readers (he's a precocious 8-year-old in 3rd Grade) while remaining engaging enough for adults.

I reread it again in 2017, this time opting for the Full-cast Audio recording. I cannot recommend the audiobook edition highly enough. The fact that each character is assigned a separate actor truly enriches the overall experience.

It brings the story to life in a whole new way, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the world that Tamora Pierce has created.

Whether you're a young reader or an adult looking for an enjoyable and heartwarming tale, Wild Magic is definitely worth a read or a listen.

This review and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/

After the tragic death of her family, 13-year-old Daine finds herself in a new situation. She secures a job as an assistant to Onya, the Horse Mistress of the Queen’s Riders. Daine has a special talent with animals, which makes her a perfect fit for this role.

However, everything changes when she rescues a hawk from the Stormwings, a type of immortal. Through this encounter, Daine discovers that she possesses a unique type of magic. This magic has the potential to have a significant impact on all of Tortall.

This is one of my absolute favorite fantasy series. I am completely absorbed by the story, which is filled with adventure and mystery. The characters are also brilliantly developed, each with their own unique personalities and flaws. I truly wish I had read this series when I was a young teen, as Daine serves as a great role model. She is a generally good person who faces challenges with courage and determination.

I would highly recommend "Wild Magic" to anyone who enjoys YA fantasy. It is a captivating and engaging read that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.