Alanna of Trebond, whom we saw in the books, In the Hand of the Goddess and Alanna:The First Adventure, returns in this third book in the series. This is as good as others, but I (Only me! You might like it) found this book sort of boring. I think it is sort of like a rest from all the action, but I LIKE actions (Especially if that is of Alanna *^^*) Pierce continues the action in the last book, the Lioness Rampant. It sort of doesn't feel so exciting, and I think excitement and action is the best kind of material for Alanna (and her famous redhead temper!) In all, this book was satisfactory for me, at least, though it was not absolutely great.

Women have been portrayed as weak, conniving, and inferior. Alanna breaks all of the typical stereotypes to become the first female knight in over a century after eight years as disguising herself as a boy. Alanna is made the first female shaman of the Bloody Hawk a tribe of the Bazhir, natives of the Tortallan desert, and this book describes her journeys, her her triumphs, her losses, and even newfound love. I definetly enjoyed it, and I will read all of Ms. Pierce's books if they meet the standards Woman who Rides Like a Man has set.

This really is shaping up to become a great series! Definitelly improving over the last two as far as plot and exciting things going on, this one also builds on each of the characters, while Daja takes center stage. This book picks up with the four kids (with their respective teachers) on a journey to Goldridge Valley, where severe drought has caused rampant wildfires and many other problems. While practicing her metelwork, Daja (with accidental help from Sandry, Tris, and Briar) creates a bizarre vine, made of 'living metel' that only pure magic can shape properly. Daja's former people, the Traders, try to buy it from her, even though now they consider her Trangshi, a person so full of bad luck that no decent person can ever speak to her or deal with her. Even so, being around them again reminds Daja of the family she lost, and makes her long for the way things used to be, and soon she'll have to make a choice; return with the Traders and give up the metelworking she loves, or remain with her beloved teacher and friends, and dispare of ever being a true Trader again. Anyway, this book has charm, humour, warmth, and excitement. For anyone looking for a great fantasy read, this book is the answer.

In Daja's book, Daja, Tris, Sandry, and Briar, along with their teachers Frostpipe, Niko, Lark, and Rosethorn are on a mission away from their familiar home at Winding Circle Temple. Up north people are facing a three year drought, along with many grassfires, causing them to lose their most precious crops. But when the four children arrive they find other problems. Ever since Sandry bound their powers together during the earthquake (at the end of Sandry's book) strange things have been happening. Their powers seem to be rubbing off on eachother. The result being a very strange plant that seems to be made of metal. Daja also finds herself facing another problem when, for the first time since becoming a mage, she encounters a fellow trader, which has interesting results. By the end of this book she's forced to make a difficult decision that will effect her life forever.

I was very impressed with this book. Though not as good as Tris's book, Daja's book continues to develope the charecters were learing to know and love by facing them with new challenges that bonds them together and tears them apart. The new charecters are just as great! If you're a fan of this series you must read this book. It may be the shorest in the series but it's still a great work of fantasy.

Although I did not consider Daja's book the best of the Circle of Magic series, nor Daja my favorite of the four charachters; I think Tamora Pierce made a masterpiece when she wrote this book. She creates a whole new world and culture with its own beliefs and way of living, not to mention a whole new language. A culture that has been stereotyped and abused but ignores the outside torment and stick to there beliefs, because the opinion of a kaq means nothing. It also shows you Daja's life before coming to Winding Circle. In Sandry's Book you have a clear picture of both Sandry's and Briar's backround but neither Tris nor Daja (until now) have shown their earlier life. In a way this book, of all four in the series lives up to its title. This book is almost completely about Daja.

Sandry's Book was what started me into the Circle of Magic series. How could you not like it? It seems that when Tris won't tell of her backround and what happened before she ended up at Winding Circle, you are the only person to know of what she went through. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves Tamora Pierce, no matter the age. This book introduced me into all of Pierce's wonderful books. I haven't stopped reading her books and I can't wait for her to write more. The way she wrote this book to include all of Discipine's inhabitants is wonderful. You don't only get to read about Sandry but her many friends as well. You not only learn about Sandry but also Tris, Daja, and Briar. This book is a great way to start off your own Tamora Pierce collection!

When I was browsing Tamora Pierce's books at the library, I was suprised to find Sandry's Book on the shelf. But since I'm a Tamora Pierce fanatic I had to get it. And to my suprise, I loved it! All the characters are cool (except for maybe Tris, I don't like her much) and full of spunk. I really suggest this book, it's probably my favorite book-or one of my favorites-and is really enjoyable. I've read it about 1,000 times or more and can't wait until the last one (Briar's Book) comes out. About missing Tortall...I don't really. I mean, not everything happens in one country. And unless Tamora writes another book in Tortall, we'll just have to guess what happens to Daine, Alanna, and all the others.

First of all, this is an excellent, unique and fascinating series. The characters are so interesting and the world they live, colorful. Some of the reviews that I have read about this book are about obsessed Tortall fans whining about how they miss Tortall. If you miss Tortall that much then you shouldn't have read this book, because you will not find "a familiar face". This is a new series that deserves to be recognized just as much as the other quartets and if you read it thinking about how much you miss Tortall then your going to ruin the whole experience for yourself. This is such a good book and it's wonderful to see Tamora Pierce's writing talents expanded more. After reading every single of her books (and buying them) I know that I will support her writing no matter what she decides to try. Well only if she hooks up Briar and Sandry, (Just kidding).

Kel has never been my favorite of the Tamora Pierce heroines, but I love Neal (I really think he is her best written character). So I was quite disapointed with Squire. But Neal is back in this book with great lines such as "You do realize we should all be put in a nice, cozy room somewhere with muscular people to keep us from harming ourselves?" Part of me was disapointed with the lack of romance in this book, but the thing is that it is good to have a strong female character who doesn't need a man. Also at 18 I know quite a few people who want to take it easy on romance (it is less novel and they want to become their own person) so it is also realistic. So I think that I am happy that there is basically no romance in this installment. It makes it different from the other Tortall books. One thing though, at the end I think she set up what might be the next quartet alittle too nicely. I think it is a very good book though, and a nice final installment.

I must beg to disagree with several of the reviews cited here.
No, there isn't much romance in Lady Knight. But surely this is a reflection of Kel's occupation with events. I don't think I'll be spoiling it for anyone if I mention that there is a war with Scanra. It was fairly inevitable. As such, Kel is pretty tied up with her all-consuming assignment, with very little time for romance. And I found the little hints about Dom (and Owen, though I may be paranoid) to be a quite intriguing; more so, perhaps, than out and out snogging, which is what you get with Alanna and Daine.
I thought Lady Knight was interesting and an amusing read. (That sounds condescending, but I'm avoiding using 'fun' as an adjective). The battle strategy, heavily used throughout the book, was fascinating, Pierce's trademark sly humour pervaded throughout, and many old favourite characters returned, including one of my personal favourites, Neal. Numair, Cleon, Dom, Quinden, Owen, Faleron, Raoul, Alanna, Baird, Merric, Wyldon, one of the hill bandits, Daine, Peachblossom, Hoshi and Roald all make appearances of varying lengths, and we are granted a blessed respite from Jon's arrogant presence. Buri, my very favourite character does not feature, although the epilogue mentions some interesting gossip on her situation! Added to this wonderful mix are some great new characters, including some difficult refugees.
Kel's character develops beautifully, and it is a joy to see, or rather, read.
The reason I have taken the 1/2 star off this marvellous book, however, is because of Cleon. Not giving too much away, I do not think Pierce dealt with Kel and Cleons' relationship adequately, but left poor Cleon out on a bit of a limb. (NB: This is not the same as 'not enough romance')
As for the ending, I found it more than conclusive enough. In real life, loose ends are not always tied up, and the protagonist doesn't always 'get' a true love. Pierce fans are just spoilt by Daine and Alannas' very satisfactory endings. I like this new method. As long as we hear more about Kel in future Tortall books, as we have about Alanna and Daine, I'm fine with this.
All in all a very satisfactory read, although reading the rest of the series first is a must.

A lot of the reviews I've read of this book seem to dislike it. I really enjoyed it! Kel is a wonderful character. I love the vivid way Tamora Pierce describes everything. I think I will remember the configuration of Haven for the rest of my life, kind of like Middle-Earth. I really don't think it matters that there wasn't much romance in this book. I think it is great that Tamora Pierce wrote a book where the main character doesn't need to be romantically involved (Don't get me wrong, I LOVE George). It's nice with so many old characters returning. I was very happy that Numair was in this book more. We talked to Daine in the other Protector of the small books but Numair was always a distant figure. Alanna wasn't in this book as much as I would have liked, but we do have to move on, I suppose. Neal was in this book, which made me really happy because Neal was always one of my favorite characters. I hope Tamora Pierce writes another quartet about anybody in Tortall as long as they talk to Kel so I can find out how Kel and Dom are doing as well as everyone else. I was also glad Dom was in this book. He was another one of my favorite characters. One of my favorite parts of this book has to be when everyone, separately without speaking to each other follow Kel as she disobeys orders and follows the people of her fort. I thought this book was an amazing conclusion to the Protector of the Small quartet.

I'm a big fan of the Tamora Pierce books and have been reading them for several years. I loved the first two series I read, the Lioness Quartet and the Immortals series. Keladry's books, while also intriguing, were less exciting. They didn't have the suspense or varied and unexpectable series of events, like the previous series did. Both Daine and Alanna were humurous, couragous, and often spoke their minds. I love this in a hero or heroine. Kel does not show the same display of character. Even so, this book is the type you pick out to be very boring, and soon find it amusing and more intriguing than you first thought it to be. I also agree with another reviewer who said that they gave the book four stars instead of five because it lacked the sort of "grown up" qualities that Tamora Pierce's other books show. I don't mean that Kel acts like a baby; in fact, she sometimes acts too grown-up! But, all in all, a good book that should be read by Tamora's fans.

We loved it! Not quite so much as the Alanna series, but better than Circle of Magic and the Immortals. (Sister 2: I fell asleep reading the Immortals series..but I liked the other series!). We hope Neal gets together with somebody (aka Daine)... (we know you fans of Daine and Numair will hate us, but we don't like him). We'd also love to see more of George and Alanna. And their children. (Sister 1: Yup-yup!!!) We loved this book cuz...Neal was a lovable, funny, amusing (the list goes on and on...can you tell, we loved Neal!) character and Kel was interesting, determined, and different from Alanna. We thought the fight with the spidrens was one of the better parts of the book. And, we liked the fact that Keladry found her own little nakama ("circle of friends"), just as Alanna did. We also want to find out more about Prince Roald and...Princess Chisakami! :) Wonder what will happen...^_^ maybe he'll ditch her and go for Kel. ^_^ (hint hint!) We can't wait for the next one to come out! Write faster, Ms. Pierce! ^_^ It's a great book everyone! Buy it!

Keladry is the first one to take advantage of the proclamation that girls can be knights.She isn't welcome in the palace with Lord Wyldon of Cavall and Joren of Stone Mountain.She is the only page ever to be put on probation.If Lord Wyldon says she isn't good enough at the end of the year, she can't remain a page.JOren and his gang try to make her life miserable.But with the help of her friend Nealan and her animal friends, along with her will of stone, she toughs it out. But everyone say's that Lord Wyldon never changes his mind.

The reason I like Kel more than Alanna and Daine is because she wasn't born with anything special.She doesn't really have the gods looking out for her, she doesn't have the Gift, and she doesn't have Wild Magic.She has to make her own specialness.She also refuses to give up, even when Lord Wyldon and the boys give her a hard time.Will Keladry be allowed to stay?Will Joren drive her out?Find out when you read the book!

My fourth favorite in the Song of the Lioness quartet, this book is still a good read.

Alanna, taking time off for the country to get used to the knowledge that she is a woman, travels to the desert to escape the dreadful Tortallan winters. She meets a Bazhir tribe, but is not accepted, especially by the shaman and the women of the tribe. She finds she likes the mysterious chieftan of the tribe and the three young outcasts who look after her at first.

She also recovers a sword brimming with evil magic and she struggles to control it.

After killing the shaman, she must take on his duties for the tribe, which includes training the three outcasts.

Another plotline continues, as George, the King of Thieves, struggles to hold his throne against Claw, an unknown thief, who insists on fighting dirty. When Alanna visits George, a bit of a relationship forms, but can it hold when neither Alanna or George can stay put long enough?

Also, Alanna's brother Thom is messing with forces that shouldn't be messed with. Like the dead.

This book is necessary to understand the fourth book (which is a great read), but most people find that it lacks the large plot twists and surprises that all of Pierce's books contain.

Tamora Pierce's writing is a gift to readers everywhere. Her books would appeal most to the female child-teen populus. This could be an age range anywhere from five years of age to twenty years of age. Though it would be enjoyable for people of all ages! The entire lioness quartet includes Pierce's talent of creating realtable characters. Her characters posses a certain quality that makes them seem as if they are alive. Alanna, the brave-hearted featured character in the quartet, has flaws that give her a life-like quality. These flaws include stubborn behavior, a hot temper, and a love for life and adventure. She's
not a picture perfect hero, but human like the rest of us. Alanna's accomplishments are inspiring and encourage the reader to fufill some of his/her own life goals. The content is easy-going giving the story a flow. It's pace is so well-crafted, that it feels as if the reader is watching a very good and very detailed movie. Upon finishing one of her books, I feel as though I'm saying goodbye to a bunch of good friends- the characters that I've gotten to know through the stroy. The reader's become Alanna and feel the emotions that she does. It even came to the point where I was predicting Alanna's behavior: "Oh she's not going to like that!" Or "Now Alanna is going to pretend that she isn't in love." This book, although simple in word content, is one of the best and most enjoyable books I have ever read.

This book may have less action than the others, but it's far from being the worst in the series! Actually, I don't think there even is a worst in the series, they're all so great!

In this books, Alanna stops being Alan, and starts being Alanna, at last she begins to find out who she is. She becomes a shaman, and in doing that she stops fearing her magic so much. She finally realizes how in love with George she is (maybe as much in love with him as I am...), and decides that Jon isn't the right guy for her after all.

The only thing I didn't like about this book is Jon. I know that's the wat it has to be, but I loved him in the first two, and in this one he turned out to be such a loser! Unusually enough, he was a lot nicer in the fourth book, but I guess becoming king changed him a bit.

As for the.. um, not so appropriate for little kids (you know what I mean...) bits, well, this isn't a book for little kids! Alanna realizes that she and Jon only owrked for each other in one way, and it wasn't enough for marriage.

And if this book disapointed you, well, don't stop readin', the fourth one's the best!