Green Rider, by Kristen Britain

When Karigan G’ladheon runs away from school in Selium, all she is worried about is getting to Corsa before her father finds out she was suspended. She’s not exactly worried about him finding out, she just wants to explain to him what really happened before he reads the Dean’s letter. But along the way her plans take a strange turn. She comes upon a Green Rider (a messenger of the King) and while he is dying he makes her swear to take the message he is bearing to the king. Unsure of what is really going on, Karigan swears to take the message to Sacor City. With his last breath the Rider tells her to ‘beware the shadow man.’ Karigan now faces more trouble than she ever expected when she ran away from school. Forces of evil seem to be gathering in Sacordia, and most of them are after her and the message she carries. It seems impossible that she will ever make it to Sacor City, but the horse of the messenger and the brooch she carries are more than they seem, and it is no bad thing that they are. Karigan did not know what she was getting herself into, but she soon finds out. Oh she finds out very quickly.

Kristen Britain is a relatively new author. As such she’s got some rough edges in her writing and places that could be improved, but that only really matters to nitpickers like me. It is so easy to get swept up in the world she creates that it is just better to enjoy the ride. That was not an intentional pun, but it’s funny anyway. Green Rider is full of interesting characters, thrilling adventures, beautiful sights: all great elements of a classic fantasy novel. Karigan is a spunky girl who is very easy to relate to. She is neither of the ‘great hero’ or ‘poor farmgirl’ mold. She is neither supernaturally quick nor annoying slow to understand what is going on. She feels very real. It is a difficult balance for authors to make, but it is delightful to see.

If I were to explain Green Rider in vague readerly terms, I would say that it is a semi-light book. So many dark and serious events happen that it cannot be a ‘light’ book, but the writing and overall tone of the book cannot be described as ‘dark.’ When I think of it I get happy feelings, but that means nothing really. It just means that I like the book. There are no really terrible scenes in it that should be kept from the eyes of younger teens, and I am very grateful for the sex that does not take place. Call me old fashioned but I do not see the need for very graphic descriptions of sex in a book that would be just as good/better without them. If you don’t need it, don’t have it. And graphic sex is rarely ever needed. I find Green Rider a very refreshing and enjoyable read, and I can imagine it as a light spring rain. Kristen Britain is certainly an author worth keeping an eye on, and I certainly will.

Trickster’s Queen, By Tamora Pierce

Alianne of Pirate’s Swoop has had an interesting year. After being kidnapped by pirates in the spring, she was sold as slave in the Copper Isles to the family Balitang. The former god of the Isles made her a deal: if she could keep the children of the family alive for the summer, he would send her home in an instant. Aly kept her part of the deal, but instead of allowing herself to be sent home, she decided to stay with the family in an attempt to put one of the girls on the throne. Rebellion has been smoldering in the hearts of the common people for three hundred years, and Aly is about to help shape that into an unstoppable force. Using her skills as a spymaster, Aly helps coordinate one of the biggest coups in history. She also must make many important and deadly decisions. The way to the throne is not clear of other claimants: namely a three year old king, and also the younger brother of the girl she wants to put on the throne.

I’ll admit straight up that this book flabbergasted me. It hit me between the eyes with something I failed to notice and made me feel very very stupid. I love it when books can pull that off. Of course, I didn’t feel all that great about it later when I was chastising myself for not picking up on it. All you need to do to make me feel unobservant and horrible is to tell me that you noticed this plot twist before it happened. ‘Cause I didn’t and I’m usually good at that sort of thing. Sadly though, I will not tell you what that twist was. I won’t even hint, because that would totally ruin the best moment in the book.

And as for that moment being the best part of the book, I am not joking. There was so much not right about Trickster’s Queen that the full list would take forever. Namely, there was no Nawat, Aly’s pov’s were annoying, much of the plot was predictable, and it wasn’t written all that well. The whole Nawat thing really made me mad because Nawat was the reason book one was sooo good. Then she ups and makes him disappear for the whole book nearly, leaving us just with Aly. I mean, I like Aly, but she needs others around her to make things interesting. She can’t quite carry a book. This was the biggest mistake that Pierce could make: to not flesh out Aly like she needed to, and to let her loose before it was time. And Aly kept making silly comments like she was glad she didn’t have to protect the Balitangs anymore, all she had to do was find information. Isn’t finding information the thing that will keep them alive and well? Doesn’t she want to protect them even if it isn’t technically her job? That statement was just so confusing I wish it didn’t exist.

Trickster’s Queen was a very disappointing book on the whole, with a few parts that were interesting. I believe it needed a lot more work before it should have been published, but at the same time I still enjoy reading it. Go figure, I’m just a contradiction. But if you like her other books, I say to just stick with those. You won’t be disappointed.

Trickster’s Choice, by Tamora Pierce

Alianne of Pirate’s Swoop is the daughter of Alanna the Lioness and George Cooper. In many ways however, she takes after her father. She loves the world of spies and intrigue that he taught her, but both her father and mother flatly refuse to let her use her talents. When Alanna comes back home to rest for a while, Aly slips away to avoid arguing with her mother day in and day out. She promises herself that this is just a quick jaunt and that she’ll be back before her mother leaves. But even though pirate raiding season has not arrived, someone forgot to tell a band of pirates that. They capture Aly and sell her as a slave in the city of Rajmuat in the Copper Isles. She finds herself working for a very unusual family, but pushing her curiosity to the side, Aly makes plans to escape. While escaping isn’t a huge problem for a girl of Aly’s talents, she finds herself deciding to stay. For a god has just poked his nose into Aly’s life and made her a wager she can’t refuse. And everyone knows that once a god has taken interest in you, they never leave you alone.

The plot of Trickster’s Choice is certainly clever enough, and Pierce’s writing is at a decent level, but the book does not thrill as much as others that she has written. The character of Aly is not as well written as others, and that takes its toll on the story. While the plot is certainly good, the way it resolves itself is not always to satisfaction. Aly is supposed to be this amazingly wonderful spy who can do no wrong: but she does time and time again. I can accept a few mistakes from her: no one is perfect. But the amount of slip ups in her cover story and actions make me want to scream. If she is supposed to be so wonderfully good, why can’t she even stay ‘in character?’ And her mess ups never seem to amount to anything, which they should. I would have settled for less slips, and more consistency.

The character of Nawat though, was a wonderful move. He is the type of character Pierce excels at writing, but never seems to reuse. He is funny, strange, nice, and fits wonderfully in the story. This reformed crow in human shape sees life differently than everyone else, and his outlook is quite cute. He also keeps the story from bogging down under the weight of seriousness, without feeling like he is the gag trick Pierce pulls out when she needs it. He truly makes the story better: without him Trickster’s Choice would not be half as good.

On the whole I can say that Trickster’s Choice is a decent book, but not as good as the Protector of the Small quartet. The writing isn’t quite as good, and Pierce did not adequately form the character of Aly before turning her loose in a book. This book is good for the young teen level as are all the others of Pierce’s oeuvre. I like to read it, but I try not to expect too much from it.

Knight, by Tamora Pierce

When Keladry entered the Chamber of the Ordeal, she had a very different experience than most. Not only did the Chamber make her relive her worst fears and memories, it also set her a task. An evil mage is working for Scanra, creating the evil killing machines that decimate the Tortallan armies. The mage is using death magic, and the Chamber informs Kel that this cannot be. The Chamber tells Kel that her path will cross with the mage’s at some point, and then she must kill him. Kel finds this singularly unhelpful, for the Chamber cannot name when or where. But Kel cannot just ride off to Scanra alone. Against her will she is put in charge of a refugee camp on the Scanran border, where the children and others she is guarding are perfect fodder for the killing machines. Kel cannot stand to just sit there, but she is duty bound to protect these people. But it is not just duty, for she would protect them all with her life, and Gods help those who get in her way.

Angst can either be a really boring emotion, or really great plot device. Kel needs desperately to kill Blayce, but she is stuck in a position where she cannot. With all her heart she wants to protect the refugees, but that is made nearly impossible by the lack of resources. She is torn so badly by two confliction duties: her duty to the Crown, and the charge the Chamber laid on her. Fortunately, Kel’s angst makes for a great book. In no way is it boring, and I think it is my favorite of the series. Out of all the books in the Protector of the Small, I could just read this book without having to read the others. The quality of writing is such that it could be a marvelous stand alone book: it is my everlasting happiness that it is not a stand alone because I enjoy the others so much. But my slightly muddled point is that Knight is a fantastic book. It’s also slightly longer than the others, but that just makes for more good reading.

We get introduced to a new character, and it was a good move on Pierce’s part. Tobe is a wonderful character who plays a good part in the book. He is not the sort of ‘last minute introduction character that has no point and is very one dimensional.’ He is a great character in his own right, with a wonderful sense of humor and true devotion to Kel. Kel is becoming a busy girl, and she now needs someone to look after her. Tobe plays a needed part without stealing the show from the other characters. Knight is just so well balanced and well written that I am running out of things to say. They wouldn’t be enough and I’d just sound silly. So if you haven’t started reading this series yet, you really should rethink how you’re spending your time. Because you are seriously missing out on some first class books.

Squire, by Tamora Pierce

Squire is the third book of the Protector of the Small quartet. Kel is no longer a page, but she does not feel fully a squire. No knight has yet chosen her to be his personal squire, and Kel feels that as The Girl no knight will want her. She knows that her private dream of having the Lioness as her knight-master is highly unlikely: Alanna must stay away from her until Kel achieves her knighthood so that people won’t accuse her of magicking Kel to success. As a complete shock and surprise, however, Lord Raoul the Commander of the King’s Own asks her to be his squire. Over her years as a page he has had opportunities to observe her, and with the Grand Progress coming up he will have need of her knowledge of the Yamanis. Kel is ecstatic to accept him as her knight-master, even after she learns that the Lioness asked Neal to be her squire. Kel must work hard in the King’s Own: harder than most squires. But she loves to work and be needed, and combat is a skill she loves to employ. Along with working on her fighting skills, Kel tests herself against the Chamber of the Ordeal in an effort to fight her fears.

I think that Kel’s time with the King’s Own is some of the best of the series so far. The writing and the action are so vivid and the characters are so real. With Scanra on the rise the kingdom of Tortall receives little rest, and Kel gets almost none. But she is so happy during her time as a squire, and that makes all the difference. During her page years she was teased and tricked and generally tortured. But she is accepted as a squire, and Lord Raoul treats her fairly and well. Kel finally gets to be who she is with very little obstruction. Not that life is all peaches and cream, but it is on the whole better. That makes me so happy for her, and makes me enjoy the book all the more. I’m breathless during the war scenes because I can see it all happening in my head. I laugh when Raoul jokes around, and am glad that Kel could get this measure of happiness. It must be a sign of mental instability that I invest so much in characters in books, but I just feel happy.

As with the other books in the series, Squire continues the tradition of wonderful humor. Raoul has this wonderful line that I’m surprised has never appeared anywhere else because it is so funny. “When people tell me a knight’s job is all glory, I laugh and laugh and laugh. Sometimes I can stop laughing before they edge away and talk about soothing drinks.” There is a realism in the job of knighthood that is rarely addressed elsewhere. This statement takes all the preconceived notions of what a knight’s job is, and turns them on it’s head. I like that. I like it when authors can be original while using the old ideas. And I just love that quote. And so many others that are too numerous to name, but I wish I could. I guess I’ll just have to settle for telling you to read the book. That way you’ll catch them all.

Page, by Tamora Pierce

Despite all odds Keladry of Mindelan managed to make it past her first year as a page, and with the authorization of Lord Wyldon she is back at the Palace for her second year. But despite the fact that she is no longer on probation, many people still wish that she would leave. Some of them are still trying to make her and her friends lives miserable until she does. In the midst of this Kel hires as a maid the niece of her palace servant. Lalasa is a nice girl, but she is very timid and Kel finds it hard to live with her. And though pages are not allowed to keep pets, Kel finds herself adopted by a scrappy mutt who refuses to stay away. As Kel moves on from year to year, she leans to face many difficulties: she must face those who hate her with no reason, she must face the fact that she will become a woman, and above all she must face her fear of heights.

What a relief that this second book of the Protector of the Small is every bit as good as the first. When you have a leading character like Kel it is hard to go wrong. Her drive and her personality make for such interesting reading. I have just realized what aspect of Pierce’s writing that makes these books so good. Not only are they good for a younger audience, but I believe older people could enjoy them as well. This is because the characters are not simplistic and one dimensional. Not all characters are cookie cutter good and evil. Lord Wyldon often seems like Kel’s adversary, but he is not an evil or nasty man. Joren and his cronies are the truly nasty ones, just as Kel and her friends are the ‘good people.’ But this range of characters gives the story depth and meaning. It feels more realistic because there are people like that in real life. There are people who seem like adversaries but who are only doing what they know they must do. Of course, it only really works when they are willing to admit their mistakes and recant, but we can’t have everything. Kel’s maturity sets a great standard for those who read about her, without feeling like they are being preached at. I just feel an overwhelming wish for emulation.

When I read this story, I find myself wishing that more people could appreciate it. It is often hard to make many people read a simple book, but in the media of film an audience is quite larger. I believe that these books have great potential for film, and the problems of transforming this book into a screenplay could be solved. This charming book deserves a chance to be seen and appreciated for the enjoyment it brings. We need more heroes in our society, and Kel is a first class one.

First Test, by Tamora Pierce

This is the first book in the Protector of the Small quartet. It details the journey and efforts of Keladry of Mindelan to become the first known girl page in the Kingdom of Tortall. Ten years ago the King decreed that any noble girl could become a knight if she so desired. No one has taken him up on that offer, until Keladry. She has spent most of her life in the Yamani Islands where she learned many things, not the least of which is fighting skill. But hers is not an easy task: the training master convinces the King to put her on probation for a year until deciding if she can stay to become a knight. Very few of the boys in the palace wish for her to succeed and they try to make her leave by using every dirty trick imaginable. But Keladry is made of stern stuff and she refuses to back down from her goal, even when it is nearly unattainable.

Fortunately, Kel does make some friends in the Palace. First and foremost is Neal, one of the oldest pages in history. Originally he trained to become a healer at the university, but he decided to continue the tradition of knighthood in his family. He has a wonderful sense of humor that totally lightens the book and makes it less grim than it could have been. He is a staunch friend, although given to dramatics, and is always ready with a jest. That usually gets him into trouble with the training master, but that’s Neal. He wouldn’t be Neal if he wasn’t getting into trouble in some way.

Kel is very different than Alanna. One might almost expect them to be alike, but delightfully they are not. I happen to prefer Kel to Alanna, and you might call it a matter of taste. Kel seems more real: she is just as stubborn as Alanna, but she has more spunk, more spirit. Alanna was just a fireball with a temper. Kel will do whatever it takes, putting up with a lot more dirty tricks than most could ever. She is bright and clever and I must admit that I envy her. I envy her strong will and her determination. I definitely don’t have a temper to speak of, but I doubt I would last half as well as she did under that type of torment. I know she is just a character written in a book, but I wish there were more characters that made me feel like this because then maybe I’d do something about it. I’d do whatever I needed and what I most wanted, but overall I’d hopefully become someone better and nobler. Books are the key to many things—insomuch as we allow them to be.

Lioness Rampant, by Tamora Pierce

Alanna is off on a quest. But she is not on just any old sort of quest; she is on a quest for the Dominion Jewel. Stories abound about the fabled Jewel: how it can make or break a country, build up tyrants, form peaceful nations, and serve a sorcerer in incredible ways. For the glory of Tortall Alanna seeks this Jewel, as well as to prove to everyone that she won her knighthood justly and fairly. Her path takes her through war-torn Sarain to the Roof of the World. For companions she has Coram, Liam Ironarm the Shang Dragon, Princess Thayet of Sarain, and Thayet’s companion Buri. They travel into legend as they hope to gain this wondrous Jewel. Alanna hopes to gain it quickly, for she senses that there is trouble back in Tortall, and the Jewel could save them all. What she does not know is that her old enemy, Duke Roger is alive, for why should she believe in dreams? Or nightmares.

I have to say right off that this is a much better book than most of the series. It is also slightly longer but I don’t know if that makes all that much of a difference. The plot is better and more relevant to the overall story. Many varied ideas are brought together, and many plotlines are wrapped up. Unfortunately—in my point of view—Alanna keeps making silly choices about things. Namely, the Shang Dragon. What is it with her and sleeping with so many men? I mean, does she feel the need to make up for time lost when she was pretending to be a boy? It really makes no sense because even at the beginning of their relationship they admit to each other that it probably won’t work out. I know, I know, not everyone is coldly sensible like me, but this just screams idiocy to me. She left George on good terms so I don’t see why she is so eager to jump into bed with some other guy. I just don’t get it.

Aside from that minor bothering point, this is the most exciting book in the Lioness series. The climax is truly climactic, and always has me on the edge of my seat no matter how many times I’ve read it. It is just so exciting that I really can’t reveal anything about it except to say that it is sad and wonderful. Also, since this is the last book of the quartet, I feel given over to some reflective thoughts on how the series has developed. There is a definite change in Alanna that is hard to describe, but from the first book to this one her character feels different. I would almost label it as maturity but that wouldn’t quite cover it. She’s got just as much of a temper but she feels older and harder. The change from child to adult was well made, because there is so much of a difference. I give kudos to Pierce for developing this well, for it can be the hardest task of an author to allow their characters to develop and change.

I seem to be writing a slightly longer review than normal, but wrapping up a series always takes a bit more time. I must applaud Pierce for her originality in writing this series, while at the same time wishing her writing skills had been better developed. The Lioness quartet has the possibility to disappoint readers as much as thrill them with ingenuity. It depends on who you are, and what you look for in a book. Over all, I do say that I like to reread this series, no matter what faults I find in it. I like to stick with what interests me, and this certainly does that.

The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, by Tamora Pierce

Alanna has left Corus after attaining her knighthood and foiling Duke Roger’s plot to gain the throne. Hating the cold of winter, she decides to go through the Great Southern Desert. Unfortunately, life never works out very smoothly and she finds herself first battling for her life against desert hillmen, and then becoming a Bazhir herself! Coram is less than pleased about this turn of events, but he is even less pleased when he goes away for a while only to return to find Alanna shaman of their tribe and teaching three Bazhir how to be shamans. But the real surprise is when Jonathan shows up with Sir Myles, and then asks her to marry him! Alanna went away from court to escape complications, but they followed her. And even though she loves Jonathan, what about George? And what would marrying Jon do to all that she has worked so hard to gain?

I just want to say hallelujah for Alanna coming to her senses just a little bit. I know this could really spoil half the story, but I’m too happy about it. She finally realizes that George is the better man! And he is, which makes it wonderful. But that is basically the high point of the book for me, because the rest of the story just seems like filler. If I had to describe this book with regards to the rest of the series, I would call it a filler book. It has no great bearing on the previous plots, and it doesn’t really move us that far except for a few minor things. Which are important, don’t get me wrong, but they aren’t enough. This is not my favorite book in the Lioness series, but I still keep reading it. Go figure.

I am really coming to the realization that the Lioness series really isn’t that greatly written. I’m shocked I never really saw this before, but I never really was looking. This continues to puzzle me, because I am having a hard time disliking these books, even though their quality isn’t stellar. The adventures and plot twists must really do it for me, because I love the story itself. The story is so much fun to read, and the characters so interesting that it almost makes up for the not-so-grand writing. I still want to recommend this series, and this book also, but I wonder now how much I would recommend it. I’d rather recommend some of her other works that are better written, but this series has it’s own charm that I do like. What a quandary, and a muddle. I really don’t know what this review is going to make you think about this book, or even the author. Just don’t judge her on this series: she has many better.

In the Hand of the Goddess, by Tamora Pierce

Alanna is now squire to Prince Jonathan: even after he found out she was a girl at the Black City he still wanted her to be his squire. Her secret is still safe, but living this lie keeps hurting Alanna as she wishes more and more to tell her friends. Life is even more complicated now than it ever was. Alanna is learning what love really is, and that is never an easy lesson. It is made even harder by Duke Roger’s machinations and plots for the throne. But even Alanna is having a difficult time putting together evidence to expose Roger. The test for her knighthood is coming up. If she succeeds, she will be the first woman knight in over a hundred years. But succeeding means that she will soon reveal to her friends who she really is, and maybe leave them forever.

This is not my favorite book in the Lioness quartet. I think Alanna makes some silly choices that definitely make no sense. For instance, learning to love people does not immediately translate to having sex. Really. It doesn’t. So how come Alanna seems to think so? George is standing there waiting to lover her forever and always with no conditions, and she decides to sleep with Jonathan. And then she doesn’t want to speak with Jonathan about love, because even though they are sharing a bed doesn’t mean they love each other. For a woman with precious little time hanging out with women and being one herself, she seems to fit right in with the sillier ones I know. I just can’t understand her decision, and that annoys me. I don’t like stupid decisions, and this one really blows my mind.

But I do like reading this series, which might seem like a mystery to you because I’m bashing it so badly. I like Alanna—when she isn’t making silly decisions. She is fun to read, and Pierce’s ideas and characterizations are still decent. This book just will not go down as my favorite. As a whole, I can take this series and like it—if I forget about the parts that bug me. But I love to read about Alanna fencing and doing magic. And how could I forget! I love Faithful. Now that is a great character for all that he hasn’t had much page time yet. I have a soft spot for cats, although I am a dog person, and a cat like Faithful is just perfect. Especially cause he talks. There are better books in the world than this, but I would not count it time wasted that you read this one.

Alanna: The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce

This is the start of a new series for Tamora Pierce. It is set in the country of Tortall, a pseudo medieval world, but with magic. The writing is simplistic enough for young ages: middle school is an appropriate level. But even though I am long past middle school, I still enjoy it when I happen to reread the Song of the Lioness Quartet.

Alanna and her twin brother Thom both wish to be in each other’s shoes. Alanna is a girl who would love to become a Knight of Tortall, and Thom is a boy who would love to become a Sorcerer. Both have the magical Gift, but Alanna is to be sent to a convent for young noble girls, and Thom is to go to the palace to become a knight. At the convent Thom could learn magic, and at the palace Alanna could become a knight. So they start a scheme which would likely to take years to untangle. Alanna would pretend to be Thom’s younger brother ‘Alan’ and start her page’s training. Thom would go to the convent (not pretending to be a girl, they take young boys too) and eventually become a Sorcerer. But life is not easy, no matter where you are, even when you think you have attained your dream. Alanna must face many challenges to become a knight, not the least of which is learning to accept who she is, and what she will become.

Do you like adventure? I like adventure. Do you like some good female heroes? (ordinarily called heroines but I like the term female hero: sounds less…silly). I certainly do. And it always is an entertaining time when females masquerade as men: there are so many opportunities for irony that are absolutely delicious. (as a side note it’s kind of like watching Superman movies when you know Clark Kent is Superman but everyone else doesn’t). Alanna is a little fireball who just happens to be a small girl who wants to be a knight. There have been female knights before, but that was a long time ago, and the practice is not generally acceptable. I for one would never have attempted something like that, but then again I am not Alanna.

It’s kind of funny that Alanna has such a temper, because you think it would get her into more trouble pretending to be something she’s not. But it doesn’t, and maybe it even helps in some way. I do not think that this is Pierce’s strongest book in terms of writing; there are a few contradictions that could have been sorted out better. But they are relatively minor and only bother perfectionists like me. The picture of this young Alanna struggling to be what she wants to be is very thrilling. Books like this make me wish I could become a knight—bookworm/couch potato that I am. I long to learn to sword fight and do hand to hand combat: it just seems so cool! But I usually just settle for another reread, because swords are hard to find.

Shatterglass, by Tamora Pierce

Tris and Niko have ended up in the city of Tharios, capital of the city-state of Tharios. While exploring the many glass blowing shops, Tris sees a journeyman create a living glass dragon. Kethlun Warder is shocked when Tris tells him that he must look after his creation. Accusing her of making it, he denies that he has any magic and tries to destroy the dragon. Very angry, Tris takes the dragon with her back to Niko, where he informs her that now she must either teach Keth or find a teacher for him. In Keth’s seach for an appropriate teacher, he accidentally creates a glass globe covered in lightening that slowly clears to show an image of murder. Keth discovers he has the ability to make globes that show people where a murder will take place, something that the city’s lawforce desperately needs to catch a murderer who has been killing street performers. Tris is the only teacher available that can teach Keth to control the lightening aspect of his magic, but he is much older than her and does not like to listen. He has many friends among the street performers, and he knows that this Ghost who is killing them must be stopped. But he is new to his magic, and scared of lightening. Tris has a lot of work ahead of her.

I may have to eat my words a bit about Briar being the best character, because in my mind, Tris is pretty much on par. I forget that sometimes, but she really is. I guess it is because I identify with her: she is the real Cinderella story: all of the children are, but her especially. Made fun of because of her appearance and actions, her love of reading; all of these things have been part of my life. Being the nerd/geek of a place is never easy, and all of us that fit the category read books because of the need for a story in which the underdog triumphs and does truly amazing things. I don’t personally have problems with my family (for which I am truly grateful), and I don’t sprout lightening when I’m angry, but I feel a connection with Tris. I like how she does not change very much: she is still a little overweight, grumpy, and not very polite always. She is who she is, and becoming a mage did not change her into a glamorous figure. She is Tris.

Shatterglass really provides a look at how powerful Tris really is, and what a problem it still is. She cannot really find a steady job: as a responsible weather mage she cannot guarantee fair weather all the time if the earth would suffer, and battle magic is not her career of choice. She has yet to really find a place in the world, so for now she just travels with Niko. But she loves to be useful, and as of yet she is not very. This is why she begs Niko to let her scry the winds, and this lets in a really cool part of the book. I cannot imagine how Tamora Pierce keeps thinking up these ideas, but I praise her brilliance. New ideas, as well as sound plots, are the lifeblood of good authors. As long as Pierce keeps delivering this, she will remain one of my favorite authors.