Tamora Pierce's _Song_of_the_Lioness_ Quartet is her best ever. Set in the realm of Tortall, she tells the amazing adventure of a ten year old girl, determined to become a knight, and eventually, a heroine set in her self-made and fully deserved legend. These books will keep your fingers extremely busy turning pages-i would know! You'll read Alanna's story from the beginnig when she first arrived at the palace, made her first enemy (and friends), up to where she gets her period and reveals her true sex during a life threatening battle, all in just the first book! In the second book, you'll find yourself captivated once again, if not more so by the many changes and fast paced events of her life as a squire- that includes LOVE, a pregnancy charm, pretty girl clothes and the Ordeal of Knighthood!
Like many of Tamora Pierce's quartets, Alanna is special and manages to make an impact on everyone around her. The story continues with the fourth book in which Alanna travels all over the country, saves more than a few lives, makes new friends, experiments with new lovers, battles a god for the Dominian Jewel, and saves her country from a war, all the while in the company of her burly friend/manservant Coram. Not to be left unnoticed and forgotten are the characters from Pierce's first quartet as they dance around in your head, acting accordingly as you read.Audiences world wide won't be disappointed. If you loved this series follow up on Alanna in later years through Pierce's _The_Immortals_ and _Protector_of_the_Small_ quartets, and her soon to be released book _Trickster's_Choice_, novels about Alanna's daughter Alianne.

I will never forget the day I discovered the wonderful world of Tamora Pierce. Her books have wonderful, engaging plots that always seem to pull you back. Alanna is the best, by far. I think I have read each of the four books at least five times. They NEVER get old!

The Song of the Lioness is a great quartet by my favorite author. If you like fantasy and books with female heroes, try all of her books!!!!!!!!!!!!

A magical and exciting book for people who love fantasy. Sandary, Daja, Tris, and Briar find themselves living together at Discipline. Briar doesn't like Discipline because he is the only boy. Sandary, Daja, Tris, and Briar find themselves getting into fights on the streets with other kids. One day they find themselves in a lot more trouble than a fight on the street. Can each of them call upon their special magic to save each other from certain death?

Anyone who has read even one of Tamora Pierce's enthralling books will know the colourful fantasy worlds that you get pulled into. This book, along with all the other books by TP, gets 100%!
Sandry's Book, or The Healing in the Vine as it is commonly called in Sydney, is centred around four children called Sandry, Briar, Tris and Daja. They are brought to the Winding Circle Temple to learn magical arts, only to all be placed in the isolation home, Discipline, for bad behaviour. At first they argue amongst themselves, but eventually they realise each of them possesses powers and join forces.
Many of you may want to read this book because you have read the bestseller, high praised Lioness(Alanna) series. This captivating, wondrous page-turner is another sublime example of Tamora Pierce's talent of writing and imagination.

i must say that this is one of my Fav books!! Alana is a Knight, and on Travels!! the book is sooooooooooo good! There is sex in it, but, for thoose who complain, it's no more than an implied sentance!! So, anyway, [don't] deprive your chiled of a good book ... !

If you like strong, girl heroines, this book is for you. Alanna of Trebond is the first female lady knight in centuries, and when she goes to fierce Bazhir tribeman of the desert, she must prove herself. She becomes one of the tribe, and stays there. During her stay, she settles into being a lady knight, what she would like to do with her life, and her relationship with Jonathan and George. Also read the books before it. Alanna: The First Adventure and In the Hand of the Goddess, in the series called the Song of the Lioness by Tamora Pierce. Also check out the Immortals series, and the Protector of the Small series. They are GOOD!

Wild Magic is a great book. The storyline catches you from the beginning, and the characters are intriguing. Daine's secret is built well, and the different ways she interacts with humans and animals is well done. Readers of the Alanna books will be glad to know that the lady knight will be appearing in this series, though not as a main character. Other great new characters are Numair Salmalin, the mage, and Buri, the Queen's Rider.

Pierce's books are aimed at a strange demographic, since her main characters are usually girls and start a series around 10 years, but finish it around 18 years of age. Still, I read the Alanna books for the first time when I was about eight, and I've reread them several times (I'm 25 now). Same with The Immortals. There are often things I overlooked the first time I read it, and as I got older, other things stood out to me.

This book is set in the land of Tortall during the reign of King Jonathan the III and Queen Thayet. A girl named Daine and her horse Cloud travels to a fair in Cria.A trader named Onua questions Daine and almost doesn't accept to take her with her. Though, eventually Onua does. And the start of an adventure begins.

Daine meets up with Alanna(one of the Queen's riders) and a shape-shifting man named Numari Salmalin. Both of they are gifted, Numair being a mage. They encounter Stormwings, which haven't been seen for centuries.

For unanswered reasons the immortals have escaped their imprisonment in the Divine Realms. Wrecking havoc where ever they go. Alanna, Numair and Daine have planned their way to go to Pirate's Swoop. On the way Numair and Alanna sense a strange power in Daine. One that has not be seen for years. Daine has Wild Magic, the ability to communicate with animals. Numair helps her train, helping her control it more.

This book is one of my top five favorite books. It is really amazing and I'm not just saying that. Tamora Pierce has crafted an excellent novel and it's shame she hasn't won any awards for it(correct me if I'm wrong). It's one of those books you pick up and can't stop reading. Somethings were unclear in the begining but they all straightened themselves out in the end. But some questions were left unaswered so some plot could be used for the next novel, Wolf Speaker.

I reccommend this book to anyone who likes to read. I'm not that really into fantasy, but I LOVED IT! Trust me, this book is worth the read.

SORRY if this sound Korny but please read it anyways! Thats my second favoritist book ever. My first is wild magic. Tamora pierce is the most best author ever. I didnt even know that there was more people that was a fan like me. The Realms of the Gods is the most romantic book i would read. I like fantasy book and blush when I read aloud that book to my younger sister. I dont know why but I love that book. I wish Tamora would write more of the immortal books though because i got kinda sad when i found out that The Realms of the gods was the last book. As I recall i cried over it! he-he. I love Numair and Daine. They remind me of New love and I love a hiddin love inside a story that you would not expect. But I could tell that something was going to happen because Daine took down all of Carthak for her thinking they killed Numair. Tamora If You Ever Read This Please Say That You Will Make Another Book On The Immortals. Love always Me!

In this book, Daine, a 15 year old girl goes to Carthak to heal the Emperor's birds and to sign a peace treaty. In this book Daine meets and befriends the prince Kaddar. Soon after she arrives in Carthak Daine relizes the emperor's hatred agianst her teacher and friend, Numair. In this book Daine also finds out who her father is. The only thing I didnt like about this story was that Varice, Numairs old girlfriend, pays Numair a night time visit. Although they didnt go into the topic much I still thought it offensive. I recemend this book to ages 12-15.

I enjoyed this book because it seemed, touching. You not only learned more about the God's, but about Carthak. Daine is a touching character, something about her is endearing to all of us, and reminds us of ourselves in some way or another. Daine is sent with her teacher, Numair, and other delegates from Tortall. They are there to try and negotiate peace with Ozorone, Emeperor Mage, and ruler of Carthak. Daine is there for the sole purpose of healing his birds. But alas, she's dragged far deeper into the turmoil of the land then she inteneded. Her friend, the first badger god, gives her a mysterious power, then vanishes before telling her. Daine figures out of course what the power is, to her dismay. Daine must now find a way to escape the turmoils of the country, and save her friends at the same time. This story grips the imagination, and forces you to try conclusions every time you put the book down, which means you have to soon pick it right back up again. The book opens a new door every time you read it, no matter how many times you read it already. I'm an avid reader, but no author has ever been able to capture my interest as fully as Ms. Pierce has. Good luck in her future novel conquests in literature. I'll be there to read all the books she puts out, and praise will be the only thing to leave these lips.

I have read all the books in the Immortals series, but I like this one best. Kitten is my favorite character, and I love how much she appears. I think this book showed me (if not everyone else) that Daine is a human person and can be capable of human feelings. I stayed up till 1:00 am reading, and I was shaking. I thought Daine was awesome destroying the palace. I could see her, standing atop the mammoth, wrecking the palace. It was an awesome book, hinting at real romance for the first time. Oh, if no one has figured this out, Daine is Weriyn's (sp.?) daughter. Weiryn is a GOD!!!!! The guy with the antlers is him. Does it tell in The Realms of the Gods? Where she was told that Weriyn is a god of the hunt (or something like that,) and is called Weriyn's daughter by the The Graveyard Hag is enough. I thought Kitten was totally wonderful in this book! Zek is awesome too. Keys, remember? I want to read Realms of the Gods and The Song of the Lioness soon. I think Daine was potrayed best in this book, her anger falling on the palace. Ozorne made me sick. Zek and Kitten made the animals come alive, and I have to say Daine was best when she was mad. Verice was OK, but a LITTLE too flirty. With Daine and Kaddar, Numair and Verice, there is plenty of room for jelousy! But it's defineatly Numair and Daine. I would tell EVERYONE in the world who CAN READ to read this book. I absolutly loved it!

ALANNA: THE FIRST ADVENTURE is a must-read for teens as it is very involving and entertaining; audiences will undoubtedly fall in love with Alanna as she is skillful, stubborn and spunky. Using a limited-omnicient point-of-view, Pierce allows readers to not only enter the mind of Alanna, but to also sympathize and relate her character as well. Alanna becomes even realer as readers see her struggle in perspiration, as to eventually attain the title of "Knight". However, it is best recomended that girls read this book, as boys will hardly relate or understand a story about the problems and struggles of a female aspiring to be a knight.
Having read THE PROTECTOR OF THE SMALL SERIES prior to reading THE SONG OF THE LIONESS QUARTET, I have noticed too many similarities in the the personalities and book plots of the two quartets. We see that Keladry's perils are all too familiar when compared to Alanna's. In each, there is the classical "school bully", and the immediate attainment of a close friend. Here, Ralon parallels Joren, as Prince Jonathan parallels Neil. As in LADY KNIGHT, in ALANNA there is a prophetic vision that leads to the final battle in the book. Although these similarities make the book slightly dull, Alanna's first adventure is definately more enthralling than Kel's battle with the spidrens, as readers are itching to know about the secret of the Black City. Readers will be slightly dissapointed when the books are read sequentially and become somewhat predictable. Although ALANNA suffers the minor flaws, the book is overall, exaclty what Booklist says it is: "A lively, facinating tale."

This is an excellent book for those who have a adventurous mind. I have just bought this book several days ago and within a couple of hours, I had finished this book. Now, I have finished reading this book 3 times. If you are a person who likes adventures, and magic, then this is the book for you.

This is about a girl named Alanna and she is twins with her brother Thom. Alanna doesn't want to be taught how to be a lady but to become the famous maiden-warrior and do great deeds for people,and Thom doesn't want to be a knight and get hurt but instead he wants to be a sorcerer and walk with the gods. So they decided to switch places. She dresses as a boy and goes to the palace.

At the beginning, she is bullied by a boy named Ralon and he is from Malven. But she showed him at the end. Later, she learns and becomes the best of the other pages in archery, swordfighting, fencing, horseback, and not to mention she is also a good student. She also saved her good friend Jonathon, the heir to the throne, a couple of times in what looked like certain death from demons and from his evil cousin, Duke Roger who wants to take over the throne.

This is so far the best book I have read in a very long time. I have read almost ALL the fanasty novels by famous writers and Tamora Pierce is one of the BEST writers of all and Alanna: the First Adventure, is a great book!

Knights, honor, magic, friendship, and lots of excitment!

I read Alanna for the first time when I was in middle school and still find this entire series (excluding the last, because I am sad to have it end!) an enormous comfort.

Many books start with characters already doing what they want to do. Few show the struggle to become what they want to be. As such, Alanna is pretty unique. She decides she wants to become a knight, yet in her world only boys become knights and she is doomed to being a "lady." So one day she hatches a plan to switch places with her twin brother and thus her story begins.

The series follows her as she fights her way up the ranks, befriends not only the prince of the country, but also a king of thieves. She makes enemies. And has to learn the hard way how to survive. All the while pretending to be someone she isn't, yet trying her darndest to be remain true to herself.

For all her trials and tribulations, you know Alanna works and pays for her triumphs. You can't help but fall in love with her and root her on through the end!

Ms. Pierce has managed to write yet another absolutly fantastic book. I have read all of the Alanna books; the Immortals quartet; and the circle of magic quartet. I am falling in love with this series, I bought The first test yesterday afternoon and begged my mother to go buy the sequel that night. Today I have read THE PAGE twice and THE FIRST TEST once more. I have fallen for both Neal and Cleon and am looking forward to hopefully something more between one of them and Kel in the next novel. Joren continues to puzzle me and I am dying to see who picks Kel for a squire in the next book. Owen is such a sweet heart, u cant help likeing him! Kel possess's the charm of all Ms. Pirce's other characters plus an sweet personality that makes me want her as my best friend. The only slight complaint I have is that Kel has not yet discovered who her sedret gift giver is...its SO obvious! Anyway it was a wonderful book and I cant wait for the next one!

Since I gave "First Test" 5 stars, I really need 6 for this one. It's even better! The second book in the Protector of the Small series, "Page" covers Keladry's last three years as a page in knighthood-training school. We meet several new characters: Lalasa, Kel's maid, whom Kel hires in order to protect her from ill treatment by others; Owen, the young page whose favorite word is "jolly"; and a new animal friend (in addition to Kel's cranky yet loyal horse, Peachblossom, and her helpful flock of sparrows), the faithful dog Jump. Kel continues to stand up to bullies and works to conquer her fear of heights. Her mysterious benefactor bestows more gifts on her. Keladry of Mindelan is an admirable and likable heroine, and in this book she shows her courage, resourcefulness and leadership ability. If you haven't read the two previous Tortallan series, The Song of the Lioness Quartet and The Immortals, don't delay! These are all well-written, exciting, fun fantasies that can be enjoyed by both young readers and grown-ups.

In this new and exciting adventure, Kel starts off by being an eleven year old, second-grade page. After proving to everyone that she is here to stay, she does not think that Joren and his gang of bullies will bother her or other first-year pages again; however, the beginning of the term sees Keladry getting into yet another fight. Following this fight, she makes a new friend, Owen.

However, he is not the only new addition to Kel's group of friends. Kel soon comes to love Jump, a palace dog, who is old and has lost an ear and bears many scars. Kel also hires Lalasa, Gower's neice, as a maid, thinking that by doing so, Lalasa wil stop being mistreated by men. Kel teaches Lalasa how to defend herself, at first against her maid's wish, but Lalasa soon evolves into a strong, independant young woman who is not afraid to let men know the meaning of the word "no".

Lalasa is not the only person that evolves. Now that Kel has reached puberty, she must learn to deal with her new feelings for Neal, her best friend, and she learns the joy - and hardships - of entering womanhood and getting her menstruation. She must also learn to conquer her fear of heights, which she thinks is necessary in order for her to become a knight.

While things aren't always easy at the palace, Kel manages to pull through it all and, at the end of the book, she finally becomes a squire. This book was highly enjoyable and just as good as the previous one. I cannot wait to read the continuation, rightly entitled Squire! I am not at all disappointed and I thoroughly believe that Tamora Pierce has managed to write yet another fantasy story, filled with adventure and action. Congratulations Tamora!

In the second book of the Song of the Lioness series Alanna has been able to maintain her masquerade as a boy to all but a few of her friends. Alanna is also now Prince Jonathan's squire. The book starts out with Alanna having a run in with a goddess who tells her she must face her fears; fighting Duke Roger and falling in love. As if that wasn't enough to fear, during the course of the book a war breaks out and Alanna must survive that as well.

I liked this book about as much as the first one. The characters are enjoyable and the love triangle was quite enthralling as well. The plot is basically a good one but it loses a lot of it's effectiveness through the pacing. The book covers four years and every time I got comfortable with events that were occurring the book would skip ahead a year. Still, the book was an enjoyable quick read and fans of the first one will be pleased with it.

In the Hands of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce is a fast paced and exciting book. It is a worthy sequel to the first book in the series Song of the Lioness. You could not pick a more appealing character than Alanna. She is headstrong and independent, taking no orders from anyone she an ideal heroin. We join her near the end of her training to become the first warrior maiden in over 100 years. She has to deal with her disguise as a boy so that no one will find out that she is truly a girl and send her home. In this book she as to learn to confront her fears, while all the time learning to except the fact that she is truly a female. You build a stronger tie to the characters first introduced in the first book, The First Adventure. To understand In the Hands of the Goddess you have to have first read this book. You feel a strong connection to this fiery young girl. Her struggles soon become yours as you live through her and learn the difficulties that come when she tries to hold in her true identity and fight off her one true enemy. She must do all this while trying to understand whom she is and what she means to the friends that she has made.

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The Song of the Lioness set was thrilling. Tamora Pierce made twisted plots as well as the love rectangle (three guys). Perfect blent of action, values, romance. Alanna proves herself to be just as good as the guys. The only negative is that in the first book she discovers what a period is and in the other books she sleeps with more than one man all before she marries. For younger girls that have not been exposed to this content this is a startling way to find out. It may disturbe them. I read these books when I was 13 and was suprised (not traumatized for life). Make sure you or your child can handle this book. If you really want a book that shows girls can do anything guys can, read the Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce. They have not all been published but as far as I know there IS romance but no slepping with men. This series is just as thrilling but with less magic. If you want more magic try the Circle of Magic books, also by Tamora Pierce. It is all about magic, and adventure, but no romance.

This is one of the most awesome books I have ever read. Ms. Pierce transports her readers back to the magical land of Tortall for her best adventure to date. This book is the conclusion of the heroine Daine's adventures. "Realms of the Gods" is a satisying read for everyone who already loves Ms. Pierce's characters and for those who have not yet experienced the joy of being transported to the worlds in Ms. Pierce's books. This latest installment has Daine battling Ozorne and his Immortal allies, Daine also meets her father, finally. Readers will be happy to read about old friends and to meet some new, endearing ones. The greatest part to me was Daine's encouters with the Dragons and her blossoming romance with Numair. I recommend this terrific book to EVERYONE

Tamora Pierce is my all-time favorite author... and that takes a lot. With all the books I read, it is hard to chose a favorite, but Tamora Pierce takes the cake. How the books can get less than five stars will continue to amaze me.

I have read, reread, and reread these books. I even have some parts memorized! The Realms of the Gods ends a fasinating series about an amazing girl named Daine who has a rare kind of magic that ivolves animals. Her tall and powerful teacher, the mage Numair, gets sucked into the realms of the gods with Daine, where she learns a little about her past, her enemy, her teacher, and even about her heart. Back in Tortall (current residence of Daine), there is a huge war taking place... Daine and Numair are needed... so they set out on the perilous journey packed full of surprises...

I can't say any more-- I might give it away! Oh well, but anyway- read to find out more. I have continually marveled at these books. And her other books. Read any of them-- it's all good. she is in the middle of two series right now, but my preference is the Protector of the Small books. They are about a girl named Kel who wants to be a knight. I will keep on rereading the first two books until June, when the third book Squire comes out.

Happy reading!

BEFORE I write this review, I just want to say: if Tamora Pierce is reading this, PLEEEAAASSSEEE make an Immortals #5! Now I have a confession. I cried when I finished this book. I mean, the Immortals is OVER! *sob* ! Well, for people who haven't read this FANTASTIC close-up to the Immortals, here is a vauge description of the book. Numair and Daine are finally together (I mean, I could see it coming from, literally, a mile away, like way back in Wild Magic. So much for being subtle, Numair.) you meet Kitten's relatives and Daine's parents, and witness the "final battle"! What could be a better ending? Except for the fact it's cut off sort of soon. This book is packed with suspense, loads of new characters, humor, action, and, of course, romance (again, finally.). Mostly it's just Daine and Numair, and that's the first time in one of the books that you witness them alone together for a long period of time. Cloud's not in it much (wah!) but still, when you read the last sentence of the epilogue, you wish that the Immortals would never end.