Tag Archives: Strong Women

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

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Overview

Alanna - The First AdventureTitle: Alanna: The First Adventure
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Song of the Lioness Quartet #1, Tortall #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 1983
5th sentence, 74th page: “Alan?” he asked softly.

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Synopsis

Disguised as a boy, Alanna sets out to achieve her ultimate ambition: to become a knight. The struggle proves she is as strong as the other young men demands all her determination but the need to cover her growing femininity is an entirely different challenge. And while the court magician may be her most dangerous enemy, the possibility of love may be her undoing…

Thoughts

Tales of women masquerading as men occur again and again in both classical and modern literature. After all, in a society that is patriarchal in nature, the idea of dressing as a man to get the recognition and follow the path that a woman wants isn’t that ridiculous. Pierce’s adaptation of this classical story works beautifully in the Song of the Lioness Quartet. Alanna’s choice to pursue her chosen future, regardless of the consequences shows a level of gumption and courage that few truly have. Her ability to fight for what she believes is right is completely admirable and it makes this story impossible to put down.

I love that although throughout this series, Alanna chooses the life of a warrior, and a man’s role in this society, it is never portrayed as something simple. She is always physically weaker than her male companions, and as such, constantly works at strengthening herself so that she is able to keep up with them. It is the fact that although Alanna is clearly able to undertake whatever she chooses, there are some things which do take more effort and time on her behalf. The stubbornness and dedication with which she undertakes these tasks is somewhat relatable, even though I have never had the desire to take up arms to protect my country…

Although the main storyline in Alanna: The First Adventure focuses on a young girl masquerading as a boy to establish her goals, there is an even more important message that Pierce departs upon her readers. The idea that no matter what we want to do with our lives, we are who we are and that needs to be accepted. It isn’t until the very end of this story that Alanna is able to accept both her future as a warrior, and her existence as a woman. This moment when she accepts that she can do both, and be both is integral to not only her own happiness, but being able to move forward in her own life.

<- Student of Ostriches Review In the Hand of the Goddess Review ->
Image source: Booktopia

Student of Ostriches by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , , ,

Overview

tortall-and-other-landsTitle: Student of Ostriches
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Song of the Lioness Quartet #0.5, Tortall #4
In: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection (Tamora Pierce)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Bluefire
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: “I believe they will take an old woman with your unusual skills,” the Falcon said to me.

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Synopsis

The story is about a girl, Kylaia al Jmaa, who must fight for her sister’s honor in a duel. She learned to fight by watching the animals of the savanna, namely the ostrich as it kicked. Joesh Valany, a Shang warrior from the north, was so impressed that he took her on as his student.

Thoughts

I’ve loved the idea of Shang warriors since the first moment they were mentioned in Alanna: The First Adventure, so finally finding a story about one… indescribable! Kylaia is briefly mentioned in the Song of the Lionness series, and it was difficult to imagine how a woman would become a master of her own body, to the point that she is able to kill a man with her bare hands. It is easy to understand how the rest of the Tortall women choose to pursue their destinies – their parents were involved in wars, they fell into the situation, or they are stubborn nobles who decide to forge a slightly unique path. Yet, the idea of someone becoming so honed in their body that they are chosen for the Shang way of life… it finally makes sense!

Kylaia uses the animals and surrounding nature to teach her how to not only fight, but also to live her life. Running, climbing, breathing is all inspired by the natural world around her. The fact that this natural world happens to be based upon the idea of tribal Africa… it just makes the story ten times better. For someone like me who is already obsessed with these animals, it is incredibly easy, and plausible to see how they can be the inspiration for certain ways of fighting. And the strength and morality which Kylaia shows throughout this story, whilst not necessarily inspired by the animals’ presence, feels so in-kind to the rest of her actions. Animals don’t lie and cheat, people do.

<- Mastiff Review Alanna: The First Adventure Review ->
Image source: Tamora Pierce Wiki

Dark Sins by Jenna Maclaine

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Overview

strange-brewTitle: Dark Sins
Author: Jenna Maclaine
Series: Cin Craven #1.5
In: Strange Brew (P.N. Elrod)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Strong women, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Whatever the wizard had dosed him with had put him so far under that there was no consciousness left.

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Synopsis

Venice 1881, Cin Craven’s journey starts and she is forced to battle some fairly sinister forces.

Thoughts

The employment of the Morrigan in a story about vampires was not something that I expected. Neither was the merging of a vampire and a witch into one incredibly powerful being. However, it worked brilliantly! Cin Craven is everything that I love in a heroine – and the fact that she is a vampire was a different twist. Unlike a lot of vampire stories that have become popular in our modern culture, her condition as this type of paranormal creature is not fully romanticised, nor is it portrayed as something that all simpering teens desire. It was a lot darker and, due to this, felt a lot truer.

The placement of the story in 1881 Venice had so many romantic connotations – ones that were maybe not fully realised, but the use of this backdrop left a lingering feeling of love and sophistication to the carnage into which Cin steps. This juxtaposition between the two conditions and Cin’s team and those of their enemies worked beautifully to create a reality in which the storyline flourished.

 <- Ginger Review Strange Brew Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Devil’s Left Boot by Faith Hunter

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Overview

Blood in Her VeinsTitle: The Devil’s Left Boot
Author: Faith Hunter
Series: Jane Yellowrock #6.1
In: Blood in Her Veins (Faith Hunter) & Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Animagus, Dark fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Everything fell into place with a little thump in Liz’s mind.

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Synopsis

Set in the world of Jane Yellowrock. Jane makes a brief appearance.

Twin witches Liz and Cia Everhart agree to search for a missing woman and are drawn into long-hidden secrets of vampires and blood magic.

Thoughts

I enjoy anything set in the Jane Yellowrock world – it is always sassy, strong and constantly reminds you that no matter how odd you may be, there is somewhere in the world that you can fit in. If anything, I found this short story easier to relate to than the others so far – the twin Everhart witches are not only trying to cope with their sad past, but they are forced to confront a school bully. For those of us who have been bullied, we all imagine that day that we are reunited and can show that person how wonderful we are now that we’re not in school. When you’ve found a place in society that you can actually fit into, you want to show others that all of the hurt in the past doesn’t matter anymore (even when it does). The Devil’s Left Boot allows the twin witches to do this. And it works brilliantly.

The idea of twins is a fascinating one, there are a lot of mythical and social beliefs surrounding twins, especially identical ones. Hunter uses this brilliantly in the description of their spells and rituals throughout this story. Yet, they are still starkly contrasted against one another – they have different sources of power, different desires and different obsessions. The play between the two girls, their similarities and differences built them up beautifully in my mind and there they continue to stay, fascinating me and drawing me further into the world of Jane Yellowrock and the Everharts.

<- The Girl With No Name High Stakes ->

Image source: Goodreads

Vanish by Tess Gerritsen

Book Review, , ,

Overview

VanishTitle: Vanish
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
Year: 2006
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘I’m here to visit a patient,’ said Maura.

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Synopsis

Stare death in the face

Forensice Pathologist Maura Isles unzips a body bag and gets the fright of her life. The corpse opens its eyes. The woman is rushed to hospital, where she murders a guard and seizes hostages, including a heavily pregnant Detective Jane Rizzoli.

No one knows who this woman is, or what she wants. Only Jane, trapped with the madwoman, can solve the mystery.

If she survives the night…

Thoughts

Even after reading the blurb, this story was NOTHING like what I expected. Which was wonderful. Rizzoli’s soon-to-be-born child and the way in which she copes with this is a heart rending storyline that travels along beautifully with the overarching tale of conspiracy, mystery and hostage taking. Again, Gerritsen’s use of altering points of views brings this story to life in a way that makes it completely impossible to put down.

The conspiracies, murder and hostage situation that is the main story had me chewing on my fingernails as I turned each page. Literally! The fact that Jane is forced to go through this whilst still pregnant, and Gabriel and Moira’s struggle to accept what is happening just makes the story all the more distressing. It is much easier to see their love for Rizzoli as they continuously lose their minds at her entrapment. Likewise, it is wonderful to see how much Gabriel truly loves his wife – their marriage is not just about her pregnancy, but also built upon their love and care for one another.

As someone who is often asked when I’m going to have children (and is also interested in pursuing her own career), the idea of having a baby is quite honestly terrifying. Rizzoli’s echo of this and her insecurity are a great reminder that there are many people who feel this way. Her confusion at motherhood and the fact that she is convinced that she is doing something wrong is one of the most reassuring things I have read in a story in a long time. It is a reminder that not all women are naturally maternal, and although Jane finally finds her own speed with motherhood, it does take a while for her to feel comfortable in this position.

<- Body Double Review The Mephisto Club Review ->
Image source: Goodreads

The Parlor by Lucienne Diver

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Overview

Kicking ItTitle: The Parlor
Author: Lucienne Diver
Series: The Latter-Day Olympians #3.5
In: Kicking It (Faith Hunter & Kalayna Price)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Roc
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I’d find out soon enough.

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Synopsis

Tori takes what she thinks is going to be a simple job, and runs up against another member of the Olympian family.

Thoughts

I love to read about mythologies reimagined for the modern day, and this was an excellent way in which it was done. Where Riordan takes Greek mythology and spins it so that teenagers have a place in the world, Diver gives the tales of Olympus a much more adult and sensual twist. A tale of Apollo, Arachne and gladiators, there really isn’t much more that you could ask for in a short story inspired by the Gods of Olympus.

There were a lot of great things in this story, and I loved the heroine, she was tough, able to say no to a God, and wanted to do the good thing. However, the part of this story that I can’t get out of my head is the silver, reflective hot pants and knee-high boot get up that Tori is forced to wear when she goes undercover. Reflective hot pants. A thought to leave you with for the day.

<- Crazy in the Blood Review Rise of the Blood Review ->
Image source: Penguin

Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Hunting Ground

Title: Hunting Ground
Author: Patricia Briggs
Series: Alpha & Omega #2, Mercy-verse #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Werewolves
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Ace fantasy
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ll scare her.

Synopsis

Anna Latham didn’t know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son – and enforcer – of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn’t know how dangerous it could be, either…

Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran’s controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan – and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pack magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on, Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all – or risk losing everything…

Thoughts

Hunting Ground is a great look into how Anna’s new role in life and her new marriage have a much greater effect on her life. Where Cry Wolf focused on Anna and Charles’ relationship and her own insecurities, this story brings her out into the wider world of the werewolves. It also helps to highlight the difficulties of ‘coming out’. Although in this context, it is the werewolves coming out to the world, many of the difficulties in coming out with one’s sexuality and the feelings that are explored are also relevant – there is an underlying fear of persecution balanced by the need to remove the threat of blackmail from their lives.

Although this story primarily focuses on the werewolves coming out to society, and Anna’s first foray into the greater reality of werewolf life, it also highlights the difficulties that Charles has in his position as his father’s enforcer. Not only does he have to keep everyone and everything at arm’s length in case he must one day kill them, but he is also unable to act as anything but an unfeeling, robotic killing machine. As his personality is revealed through Anna’s love and eyes, it is blatantly obvious that this unfeeling, unwilling persona is not whom he truly is. This rendering of his spirit into two separate identities is incredibly difficult, and hints at a great inner pain that Anna is only just beginning to address.

The role of an Omega is also further expanded upon in Hunting Ground. The idea is a fantastic one, and it resonates, we all know someone that is somehow protective, but people feel the need to protect them. That one person who seems to attract every man and his dog, and be told their life stories. The personification of this within werewolf society is something of an anomaly that is little understood, a bit like those who fit this description in real life. Yet, the brief understanding that Anna has gained and her willingness to discover her own powers and inner strength is a wonderful journey that she takes you on as she confronts deadly fae, and The Beast.

<- Cry WolfFair Game ->

Image source: Goodreads

Recruit by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Recruit

Title: Recruit
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.7
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong website
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: When it comes to man-eaters, Pack Law is clear.

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Synopsis

This was a very short story written as an extra for Frostbitten.
It takes place before the book begins, and launched the investigation that eventually led Elena and Clay to Alaska.

Thoughts

Recruit touches on a couple of issues for the werewolf pack. Firstly, they need to find new recruits without telegraphing their vulnerability to those who wish them ill. Secondly, when they do find someone who wishes to join them, the need to assess their suitability becomes increasingly difficult. Roy’s attempted blackmail and slightly skewed way in which he attempts to ingratiate himself with the pack is a great way to remind us of this.

Clay and Elena’s ability to roust and take control of the situation in which they find themselves is a great reminder of the fact that these two are some of the toughest (and scariest) supernaturals in the entire Women of the Otherworld series. Their protectiveness and willingness to fight for what is theirs stops them from crossing the line between crazy thugs to protective good guys.

<- CheckmateFrostbitten ->

Image source: Ofearna

Checkmate by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Checkmate

Title: Checkmate
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.6
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Kelley Armstrong website
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Clay fell in behind, letting my better nose take the lead.

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Synopsis

In Frostbitten, Elena mentions tracking a killer in Winnipeg. This is that story.

Thoughts

Elena and Clay are the dream team of hunting and justice. Clay is ruthless and protective in a way that excludes all other emotions. Elena on the other hand can be a little too protective of her family, yet is quick to ask for evidence before execution. Combined, they make a great team, and this short story was a way in which to show this without the influence of the rest of the pack.

The synchronicity with which Elena and Clay are able to finally act (after many, many fights and years of rebellion) can truly be felt in Checkmate. The ways in which the two are able to complement each other is like a chess game, they constantly play games with their prey and one another. I love this final feeling of peace between the two – they have finally found their speed, and are able to function as a truly terrifying team.

<- Lucifer’s DaughterRecruit ->

Image source: Ofearna

Lucifer’s Daughter by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
otherworld-nights

Title: Lucifer’s Daughter
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Women of the Otherworld #9.5
In: Otherworld Nights (Kelley Armstrong) & Blood Lite II: Overbite (Kevin J. Anderson)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Orbit
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: Hot droplets spattered my face.

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Synopsis

Revisit Hope and Karl as Hope is forced to deal with her father’s minions in her positions as Lucifer’s Daughter.

Thoughts

Hope and Karl are such a unique couple (although the thing that I love about the Women of the Otherworld series is that all of the couples are incredibly unique). At the conclusion of Living with the Dead, Karl chooses to leave Hope to her own devices. To allow her to learn the control she needs over her own powers, and abilities. So, revisiting them after they have been united was a really enjoyable way to spend some time.

Hope’s existence as Lucifer’s daughter is also further investigated throughout this short story. The prestige of this position, and the impact it can have on other demons is such an interesting contrast to the ritzy, glamorous world into which Hope was born. I love the contrast between her two worlds and the way that she is able to (almost) effortlessly glide between. And the completely smooth way in which Karl is able to join her in both realities shows what a great match they are. And that for everyone, there are multiple facets of their personality that can be hidden under layer upon layer of personnas.

<- Learning CurveCheckmate ->

Image source: Goodreads