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Hello everyone,

Yup... an actual non-review post. I know, I can't believe it either. I just wanted to let you all know about the poll that I have up in my side bar! I was thinking about changing my background and layout now that I have seen some of the new beta templates Blogger is coming up with so decided that you all should get a vote in if I change my background or not. Please head over and cast your votes or leave your vote or any oppinions you may have in the comments here.
Thanks!!!

Sincerely,
Emma Michaels

Review: Trickster's Queen

Novel: Trickster’s Queen (Daughter of the Lioness Quartet)
Author: Tamora Pierce
Pages: 496
Genre: YA (Fantasy)



In this sequel to the well-received Trickster's Choice (Random, 2003), Pierce deftly weaves an unforgettable story about Alianne (Aly) of Pirate's Swoop. As the novel opens, the wife and children of the late Duke Mequen Balitang return to the capital city of Rajmuat from their exile on their distant estate. Aly has become a maid to Lady Dovasary, daughter of the late duke, and, more importantly, she is now the spymaster of the raka rebellion that is determined to put Dovasary's sister on the throne in place of the four-year-old luarin king. The light-skinned luarin have oppressed the dark-skinned raka for centuries, and the luarin co-regents now in charge of the Copper Isles are losing their grip on reality as well as on their kingdom. With Aly in control, the raka rebellion is able to stir up enough unrest to cause the uprising to begin. Aly, who is the daughter of Alanna the Lioness of Tortall (from the "Lioness Quartet" series), is delightful in her deviousness. The teen is exceptionally brave, sassy, and diplomatic. She is surrounded by a large supporting cast, which is well developed and necessary to the story. The plot sweeps readers along in a whirlwind of court intrigue, deception, murder, and romance. The humor is wicked, and the plot twists will keep the pages turning to the supremely satisfying end. Teens will be inspired by Aly's determination, her resourcefulness, and her heart.
(By School Library Journal’s Anna M. Nelson)


(I will not be posting any spoilers! Only opinion for the sake of those of us who love to have our first look at a book be untainted by foreknowledge.)

There isn’t too much I can mention on this one without ruining the plot but I will say that again Tamora Pierce weaves an intricate web that all meets at the middle, with Aly at the heart of a massive rebellion, with the final conclusion of this two novel series. If you are just starting out reading Tamora Pierce then this might be a nice starting series for you to read to see if you enjoy her writing style. This novel leaves you with no doubt that the Trickster goddess has her eyes on Aly and more than that, needs her for this entire situation to work the way this goddess wants.

This novel has you glued to its pages no matter how many times you have read it before. For all you romance lovers you will enjoy reading as Aly’s relationship with Nawat grows to entirely new levels, along with herself growing as a character. Tamora must have been channeling the goddess of her own creation when she come up with some of the amazing plot twists that bring this novel to an entirely new height. The ending is absolutely unforgettable and you are not likely to forget these amazing characters any time soon. Don’t worry though, this is not the last of Tortall, Check in on my next review to find out a bit more about Aly and George’s heritage with the Beka Cooper Trilogy!





Would I suggest you read it:

Yes! If you read Trickster’s Choice you are sure to love Trickster’s Queen! Tamora Pierce once again manages to sweep you off your feet and into Tortall, on a new and heart racing adventure!

Review: Trickster's Choice

Novel: Trickster’s Choice (Daughter of the Lioness Quartet)
Author: Tamora Pierce
Pages: 448
Genre: YA (Fantasy)



Alianne, daughter of Alanna (Alanna: The First Adventure [Random, 1989]), is ready to create her own legend. As the book opens, Aly, 16, longs to follow in her father's footsteps as a spy, but her parents refuse to allow it. Annoyed, she sails off in her boat, only to be captured by pirates and sold into slavery, fortunately to kindly Duke Balitang. She meets Kyprioth, the Trickster, and strikes a bargain: if Aly keeps the Duke and his family safe for the summer, Kyprioth will return her to her family and persuade her parents to let her be a spy. With magic, spells, winged horses that are part human and part metal, crows that take human form (and provide a romance for Aly), brutal fighting, treason, and attempted kidnapping, this fantasy has plenty to hold readers' attention. It also offers an interesting examination of race, as well as a look at an adolescent's finding her independence, an especially difficult task with such a powerful mother. Aly is a strong, intelligent, and resilient feminist who stretches this fantasy to a parable of girl-power. The book at times bogs down in the sheer number of characters and relationships, and in the author's zealous attention to descriptive details, but Pierce's fans will enjoy it.
(By Connie Tyrrell Burns with the School Library Journal)


(I will not be posting any spoilers! Only opinion for the sake of those of us who love to have our first look at a book be untainted by foreknowledge.)

Let me just say that as an Alanna fan I was already fairly certain when I started this novel that I would love Alianne. The novel starts off wonderfully and it is very obvious that Aly is Alanna and George's daughter. With George's mischievous nature and Alanna quick mind Aly is able to easily win your heart. After a short while of reading it is no longer your love for George and Alanna that fuels your wanting to learn more but instead your love for the intelligent and unique young woman who is slowly learning to be herself even when hiding in plain sight.

You also meet two wonderful characters Sarai and Dove, along with many other related characters who I won't say too much about because it is just too much fun for you to learn while reading. Sarai has a heart willed with a passionate fire while Dove in contrast keeps to herself and is very calm and calculating. When these two characters interact with with Aly it is like magic. Though Nawat's magic is much more potent. You can't help but enjoy his humor to say the least. Overall, wonderful new characters and very lovable.





Would I suggest you read it:

Yes! It is another novel from the challenge I gave myself to re-read all of the novels that made me want to write. This novel is well written and easy to love. Not to mention a must read for all Alanna and George fans.

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^Book two but so beautiful I couldn't leave it out^

Review: Lady Knight

Novel: Lady Knight
Author: Tamora Pierce
Pages: 464
Genre: YA (Fantasy)



In the final thrilling installment of Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small series ( First Test, Page, and Squire), our sturdy young heroine, Keladry of Mindelan (a.k.a. Kel), has finally been knighted. Never one to rest on her laurels, Kel champs at the bit, ready to tackle the horrific magic killing devices she was shown in the Chamber of the Ordeal during her knighthood initiation. The huge, insect like machines, "made of iron-coated giants' bones, chains, pulleys, dagger-fingers and -toes, and a long whip like tail," feed on the souls of dead children and are systematically killing off the citizens and warriors of Tortall.
Thoroughly disgusted to discover that not only is she not going to be assigned a combat post, but she has been placed in charge of a refugee camp instead, Kel, in her usual noble, stoic way, swallows her disappointment and sets out being the best refugee camp commander possible. Of course, destiny has a way of sneaking up on a young woman like Kel, and soon she is fulfilling the ordeal the Chamber set out for her... and then some.
Tamora Pierce once again draws her legions of fans into her story, blending humor, pathos, exhilarating battles, and gripping drama with a very real, very appealing protagonist. It's easy to make war appear black and white, a matter of good versus evil. Pierce finds the shades of gray. (By Amazon Reviewer Emilie Coulter )



(I will not be posting any spoilers! Only opinion for the sake of those of us who love to have our first look at a book be untainted by foreknowledge.)

Warning:
This review is somewhat more violent than others simply due to the need to properly explain the story. It does not post spoiler for individuals who have read the first three novels in the series but if you have not as of yet read the three first novels then you may not want to read on.

This novel was a big part of what made me consider writing in that it showed me just how much words can affect you. For those of you who read the description above you know that Kel has to face monsters, "made of iron-coated giants' bones, chains, pulleys, dagger-fingers and -toes, and a long whip like tail," I say monsters and not the nicknames they were given because these silly things managed to horrify me. Literally, I don’t get scared easily but the first time I read this book I was in a waiting room at a retirement home and suddenly I was looking around the room to make sure it wasn’t actually happening and none of the sweet elderly ladies next to me were actually monsters… I was that scared. Keep in mind I was much younger when I first read this novel but re-reading it awakened an amount of that fear even at this age.

That said I still love this book, it makes you feel and as you can see above takes you into the world that Tamora Pierce has created and suddenly you wonder how you will find your way back out. I also features more of Kel’s wonderful friends from series who were not mentioned nearly as much in Squire which was something that I personally missed a great deal. Yes ladies, this does mean more Neal and Owen are coming your way in this last installment of the Protector of the Small Quartet.





Would I suggest you read it:

Yes, as long as you aren’t too squeamish. It is a more violent novel out of the Tamora Pierce collection but it is essential to Kelandry’s story. However, it does also feature children being harmed and I do understand that this is not something many people want in a book so fair warning not to read this novel if that is something that might bother you. I was somewhat shocked the first time I read it but it did convey the message she was trying to show and it is a wonderful novel. Overall, it is an amazing novel and conclusion to an amazing and heartfelt journey.

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Review: Squire

Novel: Squire
Author: Tamora Pierce
Pages: 432
Genre: YA (Fantasy)



In Book 3 of Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small sequence, 14-year-old Keladry of Mindelan is ready to begin training as a squire after undergoing four grueling years as the first girl to be officially educated as a page. Disappointed at first that Lady Alanna (whom we first met in the Song of the Lioness Quartet series) does not choose her, Kel is delighted when gruff, good-natured, down-to-earth Lord Raoul takes her on. The next four years prove to be tough but happy, for the most part, as Raoul and most of the others in the King's Own (a corps of 300 men--299 now, plus Kel--that enforces the law and helps local nobles deal with problems such as centaur attacks and forest robberies) treat Kel as an equal. Throughout, Kel is physically and mentally preparing herself for the final test in the Chamber of the Ordeal, in which fourth-year squires must successfully face their greatest fears before becoming knights.
In this sequel to First Test: Protector of the Small and Page: Protector of the Small, Kel continues to be an admirable role model: stoutly loyal, strong, independent, honest, yet very real in her fears and weaknesses. Romance lurks for the budding adolescent as she develops a crush on one fellow and begins a sweet kissing-only relationship with another, after a very frank discussion about sex with her mother. Although the buildup to the Ordeal is watered down a bit by Kel's periodic visits to the Chamber door for a taste of what's to come, overall, this latest in Pierce's series is a rousing tale of chivalry and heroism that any reader will be sorely challenged to put down.
(By Amazon Reviewer Emilie Coulter)

(I will not be posting any spoilers! Only opinion for the sake of those of us who love to have our first look at a book be untainted by foreknowledge.)

In this novel Kel has to go through four years as a squire before she can become a knight. For those of you who have read the first two books you will understand what I mean when I say: Yes! One step closer Kel just get through this and you will be a knight!!! Not to say that the adventure ends when she becomes a knight because in Lady Knight you realize the adventure is only just beginning but that is for my next review. In Squire Tamora Pierce as always hits the ball out of the park and makes a run for home base, passing wide mouthed catchers and players who are all stunned at her talent.

In addition, Kel has a little romance in this novel with a young man whose name I won’t say so that I don’t spoil the surprise! Did I mention there is a baby Griffon in this one? Because that is one of my favorite parts! Well… okay one of my many favorite parts. All I can say is again that Tamora pierce is a wonderfully talented author and her novels are never out of style or out of place. This novel is something that most girls will be able to relate to and shows the emotions under Kels solid controlled exterior. She also gets to use her Yamani Glave!





Would I suggest you read it:

Yes! I love this novel and out of the Protector of the Small Quartet it is my favorite. It has everything I look for in a book and hopefully everything you look for as well!

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Review: Page, Protector of the Small

Novel: Page
Author: Tamora Pierce
Pages: 288
Genre: YA (Fantasy)



In this second tour through the fantasy kingdom of Tortall, Keladry begins her second year as the first "official" girl page. She has a new friend, a shy and uncertain maid who has been bullied and possibly molested, whom she helps overcome her fears by teaching her self-defense. Kel and her friends meet new challenges as they continue their training to become knights, face down a pack of raiders, and rescue one of their own from kidnappers. Appearances by familiar characters from the previous book will please fans, but new readers will have no trouble following the story. The plot is engaging and Kel's character growth continues as she deals with puberty, works to overcome her fear of heights, and gains the respect of her peers and teachers. Many books portray girls excelling in traditionally male roles through manipulation and finesse, but Pierce makes Kel sweat for her success through perseverance, hard work, and skill. Readers will appreciate this true example of grrrl power!
(By School Library Journal’s Heather Dieffenbach)


(I will not be posting any spoilers! Only opinion for the sake of those of us who love to have our first look at a book be untainted by foreknowledge.)

For those of you who read First test you understand what Kel had to go to in order to become a Page, only her story isn’t anywhere near finished yet. This novel covers her years as a Page and you even get a hint of Daine on the scene for those of you who loved The Immortal Quartet. She finds herself receiving more gift from her mysterious benefactor and learns to show a more emotional side to some individuals, which we get to finally see start to come out a bit more. She even finds some new friends including a woman she saves, though I won’t say more than that and a wonderful little animal to add her large range of wonderful pets. This book deals with bullying which is a topic not many can cover with as much blatant grace but Tamora Pierce manages to do so wonderfully.




Would I suggest you read it:

As many of you probably already know this is one of the novels from the challenge I gave myself at the start of the year to re-read the novels that inspired me to write. This is one of them and while not my favorite to read it definitely did a lot for me and helped me to understand that sometimes believing in yourself can mean having it in you to do things that are hard and every once in a while believing in yourself can simply mean continuing on because you know it is the right thing to do.

Hope you enjoy!!!

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Review: First Test

Novel: First Test
Author: Tamora Pierce
Pages: 224
Genre: YA (Fantasy)



Ten years after the proclamation that girls are eligible for a page's training at the court of King Jonathan of Tortall, 10-year-old Keladry applies and is accepted, but on probation, a condition never forced on male applicants. Resolutely accepting the challenge, the hostility of the royal training master, and harassment by fellow pages, Kel makes her way through this difficult year. Trained from early childhood by stoic Yamani warriors, she is capable of hiding her feelings, fearless in a fight, and willing to work hard to develop the necessary physical capacity. Her sympathy and support for the underdog and her sense of chivalry earn her the admiration of a group of fellow pages. She also befriends the sparrows that live outside her window and wins over a difficult horse. Kel performs well in her first real battle and is grudgingly allowed to stay for another year of training. The medieval/magical world of Tortall has been the setting for eight of the author's titles; in First Test, the first of a new series, this fantasy world is clear and well developed, allowing the book to stand on its own. Characters who may be familiar to readers of the previous titles are reintroduced successfully or remain on the sidelines. The scrappy Kel is an appealing and believable girl whose struggles to integrate a formerly all-male world are both familiar and freshly told. This is smooth storytelling and a satisfying read.
(From School Library Journal)


(I will not be posting any spoilers! Only opinion for the sake of those of us who love to have our first look at a book be untainted by foreknowledge.)
I only have one complaint about this book. I miss Daine and Alanna! Of course that goes away once you get attached to Kelandry who is one tough girl. Someone any girl can look up to when they need to learn that sometimes the best thing you can do is be strong and stick to what you believe. This is a great first novel for the third quartet placed in Tortall. It is enjoyable and a smooth read. Now that I have been spoiled by Beka Cooper I don’t feel as much of an attachment to Kelandry but as you read on to the next three books in the series you start to love her more and more. She is so strong that I always find that I look up to her. Tamora Pierce definitely knows how to write a strong female lead!





Would I suggest you read it:

Anyone looking for a strong but lovable female lead I would suggest this to. I would also suggest it to fans of medieval settings even though Tamora Pierce does take a few liberties.

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