2021 EDIT: I didn't enjoy it as much this time. There are better feminist fantasy books out there, though I have read far worse modern YA fantasy than this 1983 book.
In 'Alanna: The First Adventure', the pacing is weird, with sudden time skips (going through years, in fact) and nothing happening organically, or developing organically; plus the chapters are too long. The character perspectives keep changing suddenly, at least at the beginning (I think it should have just stuck to Alanna's third person perspective; everyone else's are pointless, boring and uninteresting). I even mention in my old review:
Characters come and go with little to no development. Despite it being called an 'Adventure', much of it is set in the town and castle where Alanna trains to be a knight. There isn't much of a plot; only events linking to something that will be developed further in the sequels. The chapters are very long, which can be off-putting. And the climax feels rather rushed with not enough foreshadowing leading up to it. Other plot points could have been made clearer, such as how did Alanna get so lucky to have a friend like George, the king of thieves?
The bullying chapter is complete BS, containing potentially toxic and harmful messages to young readers. The inclusion of magic and nearly every character possessing magic or "the Gift" feels arbitrary (isn't it enough to be an ordinary person? And a fighter and a knight?) and diffuses tension in every situation. I don't like the inclusion of gods and goddesses forcing destinies and robbing characters of free will, either. Almost every character feels underdeveloped and flat, with weak, nonsensical, confusing, contradictory or mixed motivations. Also, there is slight racism and indigenous stereotypes near the end of the book. Oh, and slavery is casually mentioned in the first chapter. It's a way of life in this world, and is never remarked upon. In many ways the 'Song of the Lioness' series hasn't aged well. It certainly doesn't consider that trans people exist. Maybe my reading experience is also marred by my hatred of the sequel, 'In the Hand of the Goddess'.
But like I said, I've read worse, and young and inexperienced readers of fantasy are sure to enjoy it. It's a shame that I couldn't like it as much, and forgive its flaws. I really like the cover.
Final Score: 3/5
P.S. Why does Alanna hate breakfast? That was an odd thing to add about her near the beginning. Character traits and quirks seem to be randomly added in and then forgotten about in the writing. More work in the editing process may have been needed.
Original Review:
A classic fantasy story about a "strong female protagonist"? Of course I had to check it out. It's got my name written all over it. It's also my first Tamora Pierce book.
Firstly I'll say how surprised I am with 'Alanna: The First Adventure'. It has a lot of flaws: Characters come and go with little to no development. Despite it being called an 'Adventure', much of it is set in the town and castle where Alanna trains to be a knight. There isn't much of a plot; only events linking to something that will be developed further in the sequels. The chapters are very long, which can be off-putting. And the climax feels rather rushed with not enough foreshadowing leading up to it. Other plot points could have been made clearer, such as how did Alanna get so lucky to have a friend like George, the king of thieves? And how exactly can she tell who is evil or not? Is it her Gift?
And yet, I enjoyed this book very much.
It's got beautiful horses, magical swords, witchcraft, friendly thieves, battles, and explorations to strange and medieval places. I wasn't to be disappointed with the fantasy elements here.
Alanna of Trebond herself is the star of the 'Song of the Lioness' series. Aged 10 to 13, she exhibits a lot of the traits of a "strong female character" archetype in fantasy: She's headstrong, stubborn, hates to be a lady, has red hair, and has a dead mother. But she is also believably flawed and develops throughout her journey of a few years. She's naïve for understandable reasons, and she learns to deal with issues relating to growing up and becoming a knight. I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out Alanna is part of the inspiration for Princess Merida from 'Brave', or heck, 'Mulan'; with the girl-disguised-as-a-boy-to-become-a-warrior story (I know it is based on the Chinese legend - I'm just picking up comparisons).
I can see Alanna becoming, as she aspires to be, a warrior maiden when she grows up.
Other characters such as Coram, Myles, George Cooper, Gary and Prince Jonathan are also memorable and likeable (especially Myles and George - who are in fact good, charismatic mentors and helpers).
And no romance is in sight in 'The First Adventure'.
Also, being a book for younger audiences, there are moral lessons present in each chapter: such as 'never give up', 'work hard and it will be worth it' and 'friendship is magic'. Although the bullying episode, while awesome as it shows Alanna's struggles in finally being able to kick butt, is very violent - and it seems to glorify violence as a solution to the all-too-real and serious problem of bullying.
The writing is very simple and only tells what is relevant - a part of what makes it enjoyable. It is a quick read, and appropriate for readers who may think they have neither the time nor the patience to read at all. It would be boring if every detail and every class Alanna attends is described.
The events are also pretty intense, as they depict Alanna being trapped in dangerous situations where she might die horribly, or lose those she cares about in horrific ways.
And I like that the book isn't shy to show Alanna developing into a woman throughout the course of the book. And although the majority of the characters are male, 'The First Adventure' does pass the Bechdel Test (Maud the Trebond nurse and George's mother both talk to Alanna about magic and being biologically female).
In conclusion, 'Alanna: The First Adventure' is a nice and short action-packed-pocket-sized book to take with you anywhere. I like the heroine and the magic and sword fighting.
I can imagine loving it if I'd read it when I was younger.
A mark on feminist fiction, particularly in the fantasy genre.
Final Score: 3.5/4
Note: Just look at that cover. Alanna sits and stares - with her violet gaze - her sword in hand; waiting, daring you to mess with her and her adorable horse.
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