Oh. My. Goodness.

THIS BOOK IS THE REAL DEAL! I initially had the impression that I was delving into a book more suited for a younger audience. However, as I advanced to the second chapter, I quickly realized that I had been far too judgmental.

The protagonist, 13-year-old Daine, has a troubled past that she is desperately trying to escape from. While attending a fair, she encounters Onua, who is in search of someone to assist her in traveling to the queen's riders, which are located several kingdoms away.

During the journey, Onua notices something extraordinary about the young girl. Daine has the remarkable ability to communicate with animals and even control them. Or so she believes, as the girl not only heals a shapeshifter but also enables him to heal others.

Accompanied by the shapeshifter, who is actually a master mage, they eventually reach the kingdom to train the Queen's Riders. Numair takes her in as his student and teaches her various skills, including healing, control, and how to communicate with animals over longer distances.

But her Wild Magic truly proves to be invaluable when all the people she loves find themselves cornered in a kingdom. In this world, where her only option for help lies with the animals, Daine must rely on her unique abilities to save the day.

This book is recommended for ages 11 and up, as there are some mentions of violence.

Wild Magic kicks off the second quartet set in the enchanting land of Tortall.

Even though there are some familiar faces from the Alanna quartet making cameo appearances, like Alanna herself, Jonathan, Thayet, and George, a newcomer to the Tortall universe can easily jump in here without any issues.

The reading level is around eight plus. There are sporadic moments of violence, which is to be expected given the events in a feudal country on the brink of war, but nothing that would overly concern a younger reader.

Wild Magic shines in terms of feminism. The central character, Daine, lives her life independently, without relying on a man for direction. She is independent, stubborn, loyal, and a joy to read about. In the novel, you also have the Riders, a military force that accepts women. The Queen of Tortall, Thayet, is Jonathan's equal and shares all the monarchy's duties. Thayet and Buri helped create the Riders and still assist in training new recruits. And, of course, Alanna is the Lady Knight. In every aspect of life, Tamora Pierce presents a world where sex doesn't matter when it comes to achieving things. The men and women are equals in every respect. This is an extremely healthy attitude for a novel that younger readers will love. I just wish there were more enduring and powerful feminist fantasy fictions like this.

Alongside the feminist angle, Wild Magic's main 'lesson' is that people can be accepted regardless of their background or beliefs. I would be very happy if my daughter or niece (or son or nephew) were reading this perspective on life. It's a strong message that can't be taught too soon.

The plot in Wild Magic is very much an introductory piece. We get to know Daine and the people around her, mainly, but there are hints of what's to come in the other three books of the quartet. (Interestingly, Tamora Pierce has praised J K Rowling's impact on the world of children's and YA fiction, in terms of making publishers realize that books don't always have to be 200 pages or less. She says that if the Daine quartet were published now, it would be a duology instead). Wild Magic can be read as a complete story, but you would miss a lot of the overall plot if you didn't then move on to Wolf Speaker.

Pierce's greatest strength as a writer is her excellent ear for dialogue. A book can stumble if the dialogue feels stilted and unrealistic, no matter how strong the story is. Here, it's easy to read the dialogue aloud and have it sound like real people would say it, including the little quirks of speech and differences in dialect.

Wild Magic would also be a hit with girls who love horses. Daine owns (or rather, is the human of) a pony called Cloud and gets a job looking after the horses of the Riders.

Personally, I adore this story because it's pure old-fashioned magic and adventure with a touch of mythology. The characters are incredibly strong as a group and make you eager to read on to learn more about them. The animal aspect - and Daine's wild magic - is just the cherry on top for me.

In all honesty, I'm a bit surprised that Tamora Pierce's novels about Tortall aren't more popular. Above all, they're fun, and I would encourage you to seek them out immediately if you haven't already given them a try. Wild Magic is a great place to start your journey.

Back last March, towards the start of Quarantine, I took an action that I probably should have done years ago.

I gave all of my Tamora Pierce books to my younger brother and told him to have at it. To my great delight, he devoured all of them in about a month.

Soon after, he breezed past me and completed series of hers that I either had never gotten around to reading, like Alanna, or never really remembered because I hadn't ever owned my own copies, such as Daine.

By the end of the year, I received both quartets as gifts from him, for both my birthday and Christmas. Along with them came his stern insistence that I give both of them a second chance.

Apparently, it's not sufficient to just keep reading Kel and Beka, my two favorites, into oblivion. I had to broaden my perspective beyond what I'd managed when I first started reading these books at 15.

So, I began with his favorite, Daine. And I was overjoyed with what I read in this first installment.

Daine is someone who adores animals but is by no means a pacifist. She can hold her own, both with powerful and precise archery skills and a somewhat fiery personality around those she's comfortable with.

She stands her ground among heroes and against villains, including the Immortals who have started to enter her realms, heralding the arrival of creatures like Stormwings, spidrens, and more into the world of Tortall.

I couldn't help but crack up at a line in this book where Daine ponders over what she knows of Alanna, through both legend and direct interaction.

She mentions how remarkable it is that Alanna is so normal in person, and that if that's the case, it means that normal people can become important too, like her. Which is hilarious because, honey, neither you nor Alanna is all that normal. But that's also precisely why we love you!

I'm excited to continue making my way through the rest of Daine's story, and not just to get my brother off my back. I read it in about a day, absolutely loved it, and am thrilled to be back in Tortall again.

I wasn't entirely certain if I would have the same level of affection for this new series as I did for the Alanna series. However, after reading just the first few pages, my doubts vanished completely!

Daine is an entirely different kind of character, yet she is equally wonderful. I am truly charmed by her. And let's not forget Numair's flirty sarcasm, which adds an extra layer of entertainment to the story.

The animals in this series reminded me somewhat of those in Redwall, although they are not exactly the same. Nevertheless, I found all of them captivating and thoroughly enjoyed seeing Daine interact with them.

But, let's face it, the absolute best part of this book is seeing the old beloved characters make their appearances! Every time one of them popped up on the page (I won't give any spoilers here), my heart filled with joy and I fell even more in love with the story. I adored seeing the older versions of these characters because they have grown a bit wiser, but at their core, they are still the same beloved individuals.

Overall, this book was great fun to read and it also had some really exciting action scenes. I am now eagerly anticipating the sequel and I need it as soon as possible!

1st reread: 23.2.18
2nd reread: 11.8.19
3rd reread: 20.01.20

I fucking love this book. It has truly become a beloved part of my life. Each time I reread it, I discover new details, new emotions, and new perspectives. The story is so captivating that it draws me in and keeps me hooked from the very beginning. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making me feel as if I am a part of their world. The writing style is engaging and流畅, making it a pleasure to read. I can't wait to see what new discoveries I will make on my next reread.

Graded By: Stephanie

Cover Story: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

This cover story seems to promise an exciting and engaging read. Ace Ventura, the pet detective, is likely to have many adventures and encounters with various animals. The idea of a detective specifically focused on pets adds a unique twist to the genre.

BFF Charm: Heck Yes!

The presence of a great best friend is always a plus in a story. It can add depth to the characters and provide moments of humor and support. We can't wait to see what kind of bond the main character has with their BFF.

Swoonworthy Scale: 1

Although the swoonworthy scale is rated at 1, this doesn't necessarily mean the story lacks romance. It could mean that the romance is more subdued or takes a backseat to other aspects of the plot.

Talky Talk: Storytelling Pro

The description of the author as a storytelling pro is very promising. A skilled storyteller can bring the characters and the world to life, making the reader fully immersed in the story.

Bonus Factors: Sassy Animal Friends, Training Montage, Immortal Creatures, World Building

These bonus factors sound amazing! Sassy animal friends are always entertaining, and a training montage can add excitement and a sense of progression. The presence of immortal creatures and world building can create a rich and unique fictional universe.

Relationship Status: Birds of a Feather

The relationship status of "birds of a feather" suggests that the main character has a connection with someone who shares similar interests or qualities. This could lead to some interesting dynamics and interactions.


Read the full book report here.

\\n  “Does anyone in this land act like they're supposed to?”\\n

If I weren't at work right now, I would surely take the next person to walk by me by the shoulders and vigorously shake them while yelling about how utterly amazing this audio book is. I MEAN, seriously, what the?! By this stage in my life, I have read all of Pierce's books set in Tortall countless times. In fact, I know all of the characters, places, and creatures as intimately as the back of my hand. And yet, listening to this recording by Full Cast Audio felt like an entirely new and refreshing experience. It was as if a veil had been lifted, allowing me to see a much clearer and more detailed picture of who these characters truly are, which was nothing short of amazing.

While I could never truly pick a favorite Tamora Pierce series (let's face it, the ones I'm currently reading always seem to be my favorite), Daine is probably the main character with whom I can most closely relate. Even though I ended up as a librarian, I used to dream of working with animals. I wanted to be at the zoo, or perhaps become a marine biologist. I have always felt a deep and profound connection to most animals, and I would give anything if I could actually talk with them. Oh my goodness!

So anywayyyy, when I discovered that this series was about a girl who could not only heal and talk with animals but might even be able to turn into one, and who wasn't a super tough lady knight, I was extremely intrigued. The fact that we are introduced to an entire new cast of wonderful characters, and also get to see a lot of our favorites from the Lioness series, was just the icing on the cake.

Daine is sassy and stubborn, but her love knows no bounds. Onua is basically the same. Numair... oh Numair. I absolutely love that man. Also, getting to see a few of Alanna and George's and Jon and Thayet's kids? *sobs* They were all so wonderful, and again, each voice for every single character was chosen with such perfect precision. I still can't get over it.

Another aspect of this book that was both a fun and at times not so fun addition were the immortals. The Stormwings, dragons, spidrens. They really add that fantastical element that fits so perfectly within the setting of her books. I can't wait to devour the rest of the books in this series!

\\n  “If you look hard and long, you can find us. If you listen hard and long, you can hear any of us, call any of us that you wish.” \\n

Although thirteen-year-old Daine has no magical talent, she has always had an affinity for animals.

When her family is killed, she finds a job with the royal horse master, driving ponies to the training camp for the Queen’s Riders.

However, during her journey, it becomes clear that her abilities with animals extend into the realm of wild magic.

This is a rare magic, and not even a master mage has seen such raw power in one person.

But Daine must learn to master her abilities, as war is coming to Tortall and her magic will be key to countering the darkness the enemy brings.

I’ve been trying to read more young adult fantasy, and Wild Magic caught my interest.

It seemed like a traditional fantasy with a young protagonist, just what I was looking for.

Overall, this was a good read. It had magic, adventure, and talking animals.

There was an almost innocence to this fantasy that you don't see much, even in the young adult genre.

Then I looked at the original publishing date and saw it was first published in 1992.

As time has gone on, the young adult genre has incorporated grittier and darker books.

Teenagers swear and explore their sexuality, and modern-day books reflect that.

So, seeing that this was published in 1992 made the relative “innocence” and almost 2D characteristics of Daine make sense.

This is the first time I have read Tamora Pierce, and it became clear to me that Tortall, the continent she had created, was well established and populated with characters from previous series.

Although I hadn't read those series, it didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.

There was a history to the current conflict and between some of the characters that I didn't know about, but I enjoyed experiencing the new characters and places along with Daine.

This was a nice, light fantasy that was fun to read, despite lacking some depth.

If you want something safe to read to your children or give to them to read themselves, this would be a good choice.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I am super super happy to report that I still have a genuine passion for this series! It is truly an improvement in terms of both plotting and character development when compared to the Alanna books. Daine is an absolute delight, and the concept of animal magic is right up my alley. It's just so fascinating and engaging. And that's my review. Because really, what more can be said about Tamora Pierce that hasn't already been said? She is a master storyteller, and her works continue to captivate readers of all ages. I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us in this series.

This is classic Pierce.

It marks the beginning of yet another captivating coming of age story.

The heroine in this tale is strong-willed and full of determination.

The story is filled with elements of magic that add an enchanting and mysterious touch.

There are intense battles that test the heroine's courage and skills.

Amidst all the chaos, the heroine forms deep bonds with those around her.

These bonds give her the strength and support she needs to face the challenges ahead.

As the story unfolds, we witness the heroine's growth and transformation.

She learns valuable lessons about life, love, and sacrifice.

Classic Pierce takes us on a thrilling adventure that will keep us on the edge of our seats.

It is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages and leave them longing for more.

Having reread the Song of the Lioness quartet earlier this month, I find myself eager to explore the next series in Pierce's Tortall universe.

This book presents us with Daine, who seems to be the very incarnation of every animal-loving kid's dreams throughout history.

Once she crosses paths with Onua, almost everything begins to improve for her in numerous aspects.

Yes, I am well aware that she still has some obstacles in her path, but when considering all the circumstances, they are rather minor.

Surprisingly, even though this story is set in the same kingdom, I had not actually anticipated seeing Alanna and her group again, which made it a pleasant and unexpected treat.

I'm looking forward to delving deeper into Daine's adventures and seeing how her relationship with the animals and the people around her develops further.

The Tortall universe continues to captivate me with its rich characters and engaging storylines.

This book holds such a special place in my heart.

It is not just an ordinary book; it is a treasure trove of emotions, ideas, and experiences.

Whenever I pick it up, I am immediately transported into a world of its own creation.

The words on the pages seem to come alive, painting vivid pictures in my mind and evoking a wide range of feelings.

It has the power to make me laugh out loud, cry tears of joy or sadness, and even inspire me to think differently about the world around me.

This book has accompanied me through many different stages of my life, and it has always been there to offer comfort, guidance, and entertainment.

It is a constant source of inspiration and a reminder of the beauty and power of the written word.

I am truly grateful to have discovered this book, and I know that it will continue to hold a special place in my heart for many years to come.