Tag Archives: Tamora Pierce

The Fire in the Forging ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Fire in the Forging: No. 3

Title: The Fire in the Forging ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

It really doesn’t matter how many times I read this book, this series – I still love it and just… inhale the whole damn thing. Often in one sitting. Because it is just that good! Plus, there is just something about Daja and her story that really hits home. Growing up I wanted to have the confidence of Sandry, but had the temper of Tris. But, as an adult, it’s Daja’s steadfast calmness that really gets to me. And, even though this is a young adult book, I really want to channel some of this calm intensity into my own life.

I love that the first two books in the Circle of Magic series are all about the four youngsters finding each other and combining their powers. But, in this third book, The Fire in the Forging, it’s the beginning of the quad straightening out their powers and really starting to figure out who they are. This is my read through for the I don’t know what time, but it never fails to amaze me how wonderful the construction of the character growth is. I particularly love that the four are starting to realise how powerful they are, but also the price of being so powerful.

One of the aspects of this story that always gets to me is the very real dangers of a bushfire. As someone who has grown up in country Australia, and used to do “bushfire drills”, the intensity of this threat is particularly potent in my eyes. It’s also fascinating and a whole lot of fun to read about. I love how well Pierce dealt with the realities of fighting a bushfire and the dangers of it. It was also brilliant how she incorporated fire storms into the storyline.

Daja and her friends strengthening their bonds and beginning to try and be truly comfortable in their own skins and powers is one of my favourite things about The Fire in the Forging. They might not be there yet, but they are growing into themselves. Which just makes me all that much more excited to read The Healing in the Vine… again.

<- The Power in the Storm ReReadThe Healing in the Vine ReRead ->

Image source: Amazon

The Power in the Storm ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Power in the Storm : Pierce, Tamora: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Power in the Storm ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

I loved The Power in the Storm, in every read through I’ve managed to completely inhale. Tris’ journey into starting to really understand her powers. Like her journey into becoming a young mage, it’s not exactly gentle or kind. But, in being such a brutal and steep learning curve, it is one of the more powerful of the coming of age stories I’ve read. Plus, the counterpoint to a lot of the horrors which are faced by Tris throughout the book are beautifully counterpointed by her friends and fellow mages. Absolutely adored and seriously enjoyed.

One of my favourite things in this book is that Tris is able to finally recognise the consequences of her temper, and realises that she needs to begin to control it. I remember reading this when I was younger – I had a huge temper, and struggled to control it. Reading about the destruction which Tris’ power wrought, reminded me of the destruction I can also wreak. And, as an adult rereading this, I found the exact same message. Tempered by even more understanding, but a reminder that being powerful and having a strong voice can have intense consequences.

The four mages of the circle are a wondrously intriguing powerhouse. It’s both intense (and kind of terrifying) that the four preteens are able to totally destroy people where others couldn’t, but, again, as an adult, a great reminder that power can come from everywhere. As can anger. And that maybe, just maybe, it’s the innocence of youth that can destroy the world. But, more importantly, they can help to save and rebuild it. At least, that’s what I took away from the four having such a phenomenal amount of talent and power.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how many times I read and reread this – I absolutely love it. The coming of age theme, somehow, hasn’t gotten dated. This is still a powerful story that I couldn’t put down. One with many layers, layers which I discover each and every time I dive into these pages. Brilliant, wonderful and a serious joy to read again.

<- The Magic in the Weaving ReReadThe Fire in the Forging ReRead ->

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The Magic in the Weaving ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Magic in the Weaving ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #1, Circle of Magic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

Thoughts

I could read this book a thousand times over, and still enjoy it each and every time. There is just something about Pierce’s writing and world building that is just like a big hug. I absolutely adore her stories, and The Circle of Magic, for whatever reason, is a series that I particularly love. Probably because it is about four young individuals who have always felt like they don’t quite belong, for whatever reason. And then they find their Found Family, and discover their inner powers. As a young girl, this was a potent message (I never quite felt like I fit), and even as an adult, it’s a reminder that somewhere, somehow there is a tribe out there for you.

I love that the Circle of Magic series starts off with Sandry. Not only is she the one to weave their magics together, but she is also integral to weaving their relationships together. I loved reading about her story, her growing into her powers and discovering what she can do. Plus, it was so much fun reading about Sandry’s growth and powers, with the lens and understanding of what is to come. It’s always fun rereading a story with an understanding of some of the hints and nuances to come, but it’s even better when the author has crafted a book which gives you something a little different with each reread.

As much as I know and love this story, I always kind of forget how late in the tale their intertwining comes. Most of this story is actually about the four coming into their powers and bonding. It’s not until right at the end that this complication is added. And it’s not until later books in the series that you really start to realise how big of a moment this is. It’s a beautiful way to set up a series – starting with the four becoming a bit more comfortable in their own skins, and discovering who they are. Then, throwing in an extra little dash of chaos at the very end which will fuel the rest of the series.

Although I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read and reread this book, and entire series. And yet, even though I know exactly what is going to happen, I still can’t manage to put this down. There is something about the story and the words that still has me feeling excited, tense and looking forward to what is to come. I don’t know what it is, but I won’t question it, there’s not many times I can go back and revisit a childhood favourite so frequently and with so much love.

<- More Tamora PierceThe Power in the Storm ReRead ->

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In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Tortall #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1984

Thoughts

Something about Pierce’s writing is always a fantastic comfort read. It is always a return to a well-loved world, kind of like wrapping myself up in my weighted blanket with a hot chocolate in hand. The perfect way to relax and destress after an intense day. And a series that I tend to reread every year or two. This time, rereading this series as a mother and with the eye towards being able to one day share this with my daughter made it all that much more special. If anything, reading through this lens gave me even more comfort as I got to travel along with Alanna in her second set of adventures.

In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna’s adventures as a squire. It’s about first loves and the fact that she ultimately has to choose to embrace the fact that she is a woman. Where The First Adventure was all about Alanna taking a dive into a foreign world and hiding as a man. In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna living with herself as she is. This is such a brilliant coming of age story – I love that to begin with, Alanna is all about denying her femininity and trying to be something she’s not. Then, as she grows up, she realises that there’s a whole aspect of herself that she has to embrace. It’s only the beginning, but, as someone who was never sure how her femininity fit in with the things she loved, it’s something I absolutely adored reading about.

I remember Alanna’s time in war being much longer and more intense than it actually is. Mostly, her time in war and her first forays as a full-blooded warrior are rather quick. Only a few chapters for a part of the story I remember incredibly well. What I most liked about all of this though, is that in a world that is very much built on class, Alanna doesn’t feel that she is above anyone else. Rather, she spends the entirety of her time with those without a speck of noble blood in their veins. She doesn’t assume that an accident of birth makes her special, and I love how immediately connected that makes you feel to her.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how many times I reread this story and this series, I love it each and every time. Not only is there comfort in the familiar words, there is also some great messages within Alanna’s coming of age story. There’s a reason I can’t wait to share this series with my daughter. And there’s a reason I keep coming back to this stories again and again and again.

<- Alanna: The First Adventure ReReadThe Woman Who Rides Like a Man ReRead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Alanna: The First Adventure ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Alanna: The First Adventure ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Song of the Lioness Quartet #1, Tortall #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1983

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I step into the world of Tortall, I am stupidly happy and it feels like visiting an old friend. Honestly, this was the author and series that played a huge part in diving into the reading obsession I now have as an adult. And, with each new reading, different facets come to light for me. Different points in my life reflect within the story that I’m reading and I find new parts to love about it. I really can’t wait to share this series with my children, particularly my daughter.

I love that throughout this story, Alanna begins with rejecting the fact that she’s female. Indeed, every moment and development that highlights it makes her frustrated and upset. Yet, by the end of it, having proven herself alongside Jonathan, she finally realises that her gender doesn’t define her. Rather, it’s just something that she is, like being small and a red head. It’s a great reminder to all girls out there that we can be female and feminine, but also a warrior and enjoy arts that aren’t traditionally (stodgily) called “feminine”. As someone who practices Martial Arts, I can absolutely appreciate this duology.

The friendships Alanna makes at this point shape the rest of her life. And I love that at the beginning she feels like she has to be like everyone else to fit into her friendship circle. The moment when Raoul points out that they like her because she’s different has so much meaning for me. Even as an adult, it’s nice to be reminded that we are all loved for our differences as well as our similarities. And in Alanna’s case, she can be entirely who she wants to be (with the whole still hiding that she’s a girl thing), without giving up her friends. Even when the few who find out her hidden identity choose to still love her as she is. Honestly, Jon, Raoul, Gary and George are exactly the kind of friends I hope all people find at some point in their lives. They’re sweet, supportive and accepting of all of Alanna’s little nuances.

Whilst Alanna: The First Adventure doesn’t have a strict beginning, middle and end like some stories that I read, it is still impossible to put down. It jumps from moment to moment in Alanna’s first few years as a page and shows the different challenges she overcomes. There is also so much character driven growth throughout that by the end I was cheering and smiling to know that she ultimately won the day in accepting herself for everything that she is, small, short-tempered, red-headed and female.

<- More Tamora PierceIn the Hand of the Goddess ReRead ->

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The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
The Will of the Empress by Tamora Pierce

Title: The Will of the Empress
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Circle Reforged #1, Emelan #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Mages
Dates read: 29th – 30th July 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: Tris made not a sound, her eyes on the hill as Chime behind her.

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Synopsis

Long-awaited…
Highly anticipated…
The Circle Reforged

Four mages. One destiny. No turning back.

This sweeping saga is the final in the Circle series. The four young mages, Tris, Sandry, Briar and Daja, are now young adults ad are back together after their years of independence.

Thoughts

I forgot how damn good this novel is. It’s been a long time since I picked it up. And a while since I reread the first few Emelan books. Now I want to pick them all up and read them again and again… I seem to pick them up every few years anyway. There is just something amazing about Pierce’s writing and this is the first of her books that really branches towards a more adult view. After all, it is about four adults reconnecting with childhood friends.

For anyone else who has read the rest of the Emelan books (and you should), in the beginning of this, you just want to smack the four’s heads together. They’re kind of silly and irritating in so many ways. Mostly though, they are just stubborn and proud. A feeling that I can completely understand. Get past those first few chapters where you just want to smack them, and it begins to just get that much better.

I love that this story has the typical spunk of the four… they’re just a little bit more difficult and attitudinal, considering they’re now adults and on their own war path. I loved that this was a full circle story. It not only bought the four back together, it also showed that the people you grow up with can change and alter, but you can all grow together. It just takes a little work to find your way back together.

Reflecting back on this, this is the first book I ever read that introduced an LGBTQI+ character. Funnily enough, throughout the entire series there is a f-f couple who feature heavily in the children’s lives. But, like the children in this story, I really didn’t pay it much heed. It’s not until it is outright mentioned that I really noticed. But that was, you know, when I was a child. I do love how seamlessly Pierce does this though. It’s a great way to show inclusion without making much of a fuss. Now I just hope that there’s another story in the future that shows each of the four finding their happily ever after person…

<- ShatterglassMelting Stones ->

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Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

Tempests and SlaughterTitle: Tempests and Slaughter
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: The Numair Chronicles #1, Tortall #9
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mages, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Lothian
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: Chioke was still present, reading in Ozorne’s chair, when they entered the room.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

THREE STUDENT MAGES, BOUND BY FATE… FATED FOR DANGER

Arram Draper is on the path to becoming one of the realm’s most powerful mages. The youngest student in his class at the Imperial University of Carthak, he has a Gift with unlimited potential for greatness – and for attracting trouble. At his side are his two best friends: Varice, a clever girl with an often-overlooked talent, and Ozorne, the ‘leftover’ prince’ with secret ambitions.

Together, these friends forge a bond that will one day shape kingdoms. But as Ozorne gets closer to the throne and Varice gets closer to Arram’s heart, Arram realises that soon he will have to decide where his loyalties truly lie.

Thoughts

This book was either going to be amazing or amazingly crap. Mostly because it is dealing with the backstory of one of my favourite characters in this series. That, and it is a bit of a departure from Pierce’s normal stories – it features a male protagonist going through his coming of age story, instead of a female. But, all in all, I was MADLY IN LOVE with this tale. I read it in 2 days… it would have been one, but my partner told me that I had to sleep…

The first in this trilogy follows Arram Draper as he begins to learn of his powers and make two incredibly powerful friendships. I found one of these friendships a little difficult since I know that the child eventually turns into a horrible man. Yet, the foundations for this are already there. Along with the reasons why the two became friends in the first place. It’s a great reminder that not only is Tamora Pierce GREAT at characterisation, she’s also fantastic in revealing that there is a reason for every character’s decisions. Although Ozorne makes some truly horrible ones, in the beginning they don’t necessarily come from horrible places. Just places of fear, spoiltness and an inability to be understood and loved by others.

Although I love the person that Arram eventually ends up with, his relationship with Varice is quite cute. It is the epitome of young love and shows how two young people growing up next to each other an change and still accept one another. Which, honestly is what I think love is – accepting the change in another person and seeing them for who they truly are, not who you want them to be. It’ll be interesting to see how this relationship develops in the rest of the series. Now it’s just a long wait for the next story…

 <- Lioness Rampant Review The Exile’s Gift Review ->
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Mastiff by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

MastiffTitle: Mastiff
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Beka Cooper #3, Tortall #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: “She needs to sniff the riverbank,” Tunstall said.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

THE HUNT IS ON!

Three years have passed since Beka Cooper almost died in the sewers of Port Caynn, and she is now a respected member of the Provost’s Guard. But her life takes an unexpected turn when her fiance is killed on a slave raid. Beka is faced with a mixture of emotions as, unbeknownst to many, she was about to call the engagement off.

It is as Beka is facing these feelings that Lord Gershom appears at her door. Within hours, Beka; her partner, Tunstall; her scent hound, Achoo; and an unusual but powerful mage are working on an extremely secretive case that threatens the future of the Tortallan royal family, and therefore the entire Tortallan government. As Beka delves deeper into the motivations of the criminals she now Hunts, she learns of deep-seated political dissatisfaction, betrayal, and corruption. These are people with power, money, and influence. They are able to hire the most skilled of mages, well versed in the darkest forms of magic. And they are nearly impossible to identify.

This case – a Hunt that will take her to places she’s never been – will challenge Beka’s tracking skills beyond the city walls, as well as her ability to judge exactly whom she can trust with her life and her country’s future.

Thoughts

I love this conclusion to Beka’s tale. From the very first page, you know that she is the famous ancestress of George Cooper and there is an allusion to the fact that she was incredibly famous. Terrier and Bloodhound both make you think that this could be the tale. But Mastiff is so amazingly obviously the reason why Beka is so famous. It’s a great tale of betrayal and trust, fate and destiny. But also, just a great crime story and hunt. After all, Beka is a dog on a mission.

I really loved Master Farmer in this story. He’s an incredibly unorthodox magician, and someone that I steadily fell in love with more and more throughout every scene. Although Beka is quite rigid and an adamant pursuer of justice, Farmer is quite possibly completely cracked. He pokes fun at everyone and manages to find a way to seemingly enjoy himself every step of the way. The balance between the characters is really well written. Not only did it help to round out the cast, but it was also a fantastic way in which to balance out Beka’s quite intense characterisation. Although I do enjoy her intensity and independence, it was nice to have a more obviously humorous character throughout this hunt.

One of the things that I really love about this series is that it starts with Eleni Cooper’s introduction to Beka’s past. Throughout the storyline, she meets with many other ancestors of the characters which I have begun to know and love throughout the tales of Tortall. Ending the tale with George’s impression of his ancestor and her famous cat really helped to bring this full circle. The fact that it is so seamlessly woven throughout her tale just makes the mastery of Pierce’s work even more enthralling. It provides an extra layer to the tale of Tortall and gives it a function and form that spreads over generations, rather than characters in the same years.

 <- Bloodhound Review Student of the Ostriches Review ->
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Tortall: A Spy’s Guide by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,

Overview

Tortall - A Spy's GuideTitle: Tortall: A Spys’s Guide
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Tortall Companion
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House
Year: 2017
5th sentence, 74th page: Two days later, before a crowd of citizens, she ascended the higest tower of the palace, spoke of the king’s inhumanity to his people, and leaped to her death.

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Synopsis

Dear Thom,
Do you remember the room next to my office? You told me it was a danger of fire with all the crates of old papers I stored in there. I’ve been cleaning it out – and reading wome of what’s in those crates. Strange to find so many reminders of how it was in those first days, when King Jonathon and Queen Thayet were deciding how they should rule and your grandfather Myles, Evin Larse, and I were thrashing out the beginnings of the Shadow Service. I’ve even found papers from Daine, Numair and Neal in the lot. Should I save the lessons you boys and your sister wrote, to show your children one day?
Your mother and I look forward to seeing you for the Midwinter Festival and hearing about your mage studies.
Your loving father,
George

Thoughts

I love the world of Tortall. I have done since my mum first gave me First Test when I was ten years old. So, finding out that the latest book on Tortall is just as good, if not better than expected…? Well, it was a fantastic way to spend the afternoon. And it was definitely over much too quickly. Starting with George’s letter to Thom to place the stories to follow into context. It also gives a tantalising hint as to what the future holds for these amazing characters.

Unlike the rest of the books that I’ve laid hands on by Tamora Pierce, this one isn’t really a story. Rather, it’s all of the little bits and pieces that have been used to create the world that many of us know and love. It features profiles, letters and snippets that give shape and form to what happens between the stories. Even the ways in which the royal family’s spouses were originally received at the outset of their reigns.

I loved the visually engaging way in which this book was set out. After all, it wasn’t just a  story, but rather a collection of snippets that make a world truly come to life. Different handwritings, backdrops to the words and images create a sense that this is a collection rather than a chronological storyline.

Something about this haphazard collection of tales and letters makes me think that every time I read it, I will find something else that adds an extra layer to the stories of Tortall. Something that I look forward to reading and experiencing again and again over many years.

 <- The Dragon’s Tale Review Terrier Review ->
Image source: Amazon

Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,

Overview

BloodhoundTitle: Bloodhound
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Beka Cooper #2, Tortall #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Medieval fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Omnibus Books
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: I will write my proper Sunday journal tonight.

Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide

Synopsis

Beka Cooper is finally a Dog – a fully fledged member of the Provost’s Guard, dedicated to keeping peace in Corus. But there’s unrest in Tortall’s capital. Counterfeit coins are turning up all over the city, and merchants are raising prices to cover their losses. To avert a looming crisis, Beka delves deep into the gambling world, and she won’t let anything – or anyone – jeopardize her mission. To succeed she’ll have to learn to sniff out the criminals – to be a bloodhound…

Thoughts

No matter how many times I read the Beka Cooper series, I am entranced by the stunningly simple and provocative words. This time, Beka is after forgers and her chase brings her to the bright and vibrant port city. Here Beka is not only forced to face up to a Rogue gone very wrong, but also her own feelings towards a man, and the first movements of a binary view on women that are beginning to surface. This story is not only a great addition to the world of Tortall, but it begins to tell the tale of just why Alanna is forced to hide her gender when she becomes a knight many generations later.

One of the reasons I have long loved Pierce’s books is that she normally focuses on a female as the story’s hero. The sexism that is inherent throughout the world is normally quietly written into the story. But, in Bloodhound Cooper and Goodwin are told in no uncertain terms that women can’t do the same job as men. That they are meeker, should be veiled and certainly aren’t up to the rigours of crime work. Beka’s ability to capture the criminal that no one else is willing to tackle definitely begs to differ. I love that although there are many who think that Cooper isn’t able to stop a potential kingdom destroyer down because of her gender and her background, she ignores them and acts in a morally inspiring way. It is also a wonderful reminder that we can all find our own autonomy, regardless of what others think and say.

There is something terrifying about someone idiotic being in power… (anyone thinking of America right now?). Pearl is the perfect example of this – power, drive and an inability to think beyond immediate pleasure are a horrible mixture in such a vindictive package. It is a pleasure to see the karmic justice which is meted out to her.

This is one of the darker stories of the world of Tortall, although, the entire Beka Cooper series flows in this vein. It really makes you look further into crimes and the reasons why people commit them. It makes you question what is morally right and wrong, and what would happen in a lawless existence. Or at least, a world like Beka’s where corruption and bribery has an overt place in society…

 <- Terrier Review Mastiff Review ->
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