The First Adventure (The Song of the Lioness - Book 1)

Wow, this book is really good. You should read it, really. Alanna really wants to be a knight, but she can't. She and her brother switch places, and she trains to be a knight. Alanna has to keep her secret that she is a girl when she goes into training, and it must be really hard since she makes a lot of friends. Imagine having to lie to the King! Many people forsee great danger for Alanna . . . Can Alanna prove that she's just as good as any guy? Read and find out!

I loved this book.It was wonderful learning how Alanna spent her time in the palace learning how to become a knight. I love any fantasy and I love the later books as well. I wish I could live a life as exciting as Alanna's but these books are almost as good as being there . I love the chracters in this book and some of my favorites are Alanna, George ,Jon , Raoel , Gary ,and Coram . I am sorry but I love them all .

This is one of the best books I have read. I got it for my Birthday last year and after I read it I searched my library for the others. Unfortunatly they wern't there but I found them last christmas and I have read the series 3 times already and am reading it again. Alanna is a strong character and she is very brave. She disguises herself as a boy so she can become a Knight. I really sugest you read this book.

I love these books. Alanna is a strong, super hardworking heroine that can take care of herself, something I always look for. My biggest pet peeve is wimpy heroines. The romance was also great. Not over powering but still there.

I also loved that as you read, you see her and her friends grow and develop. It makes the books very believable (or as believable as they can be).

I would definitely recommend these books to a friend.

I liken this book to the early books of Harry Potter when he is a child. In book 1, Alanna is a child. So it is a bit more of a child's story, but the story rapidly moves along and held my interest. Book 2 she grows up fast and I enjoyed that book more. Enjoyable series...

Er...sorry for this embarassingly similar review. I don't like repeating myself for giggles...I just wasn't very familar with the the store reviw system yet. I thought my computer had spazzed so i wrote a second one thinking the first one I'd written was lost. Sorry. Thought I'd clear that up.
The plot and characters were too predictable: the classic bully torments the heroine until she finally defeats the bully to the cheers of her friends; she manages to amaze and awe her superiors time and time again with her wit, latent powers and skill; healers glimpse her future and warns her-- in wide eyed awe--of her difficult and great destiny; she manages to find a sword that, incidentally, was reserved just for her; she gets the horse of her dreams. The heroine's supposed faults just make her more "endearing." The good guys are good to the core, charming and courageous and honest. The bad guys are rotten to the core, decietful and selfish and cowardly among the stronger good. All the good guys like the heroine. All the bad guys hate her.
In short, this book lacks originality. It romanticizes too much. Its a mary-sue. The characters are so predicatble, I would almost say they were two dimensional. Despite these faults, I couldn't help but be charmed by the equally predictable but charming King Of Theives, George: he's the classic, handsome, dangerous and honorable theif who befriends the heroine. I couldn't stop reading, even though the formulaic nature of the story left a bad taste in my mouth. Lets face it: it has no depth or the slightest hint of originality, but it's great mindless fun. It's perfect for shameless romantics and preteens.

Alanna of Treboond is one of the best heroines ever. She always wanted to be a Knight of Trebond but, she's a girl and girls can't be knights. Thats a big problem right? Not for Alanna luckly she has an idenical twin brother who wants to be a sorcerer but is going to the castle to be a Knight. So they change places and thats how it all begins. Read and find out how a girl disguised as a boy become a Knight of the realm.

I stumbled across Tamora Pierce's book "Alanna" completly by accident, but what a wonderful accident it was. From the first page of the book I completly hooked. While this book is considered to be at a young adult reading level I think that it is far more universal. I think that is a draw of the book, anyone reading it will be able to find a bit of themselves in one or two of the characters because they seem so human and life like. Not only does Pierce do an excellent job with giving her characters life but she creates a world for them that is so detailed that you feel as though it is a real place and finish the book wishing you could go there. While I feel that this book mainly appeals to girls and women I think that it is a good book for all to read. The qualities that the characters portray and how they deal with difficult situtuations would be good learning tools for young and old alike.

This book was so entertaining, that I just couldn`t put it down. It made me sad to see the Alanna:the first adventure, end. I love the adventure and mischief that Alanna gets into. I keep thinking she`s going to get caught. The magical theme of the book pushed my intrest more. Reading this book makes me read the others in the quartet. I must find out what happens. I strongly suggest you read this book!!

This book is very good. BUT READ ON! The plot is exciting; Alanna goes to a school to learn to be a knight, masquerading as a boy. (girls aren't allowed to become knights.) She learns to fence and joust with a whole bunch of friends. She even has an average bully picking on her! Anyone who likes ACTION, ADVENTURE, FANTASY, FICTION, AND MEDIEVAL books will like this one. it's the sequals that I hate. They get into endless rounds of MUSHY ROMANCE, LOVERS, and, of course kissing. All the boys fall for her, and she, in turn, falls for the boys. she goes thru mushy love affairs with a number of boys, who all love her. UGH!!!! If you read this one and like it, Don't be fooled! The other ones are far worse.

Alanna and her brother's thoughts are gloomy, when they think of their future. Thom is to become a knight, while Alanna is to be sent to a covent to learn to be a lady. They switch their places, so that Alanna will go to the Royal Palace and learn to be a knight, and Thom to the covent to become a sorcerer.
This is a wonderful book that you will find yourself reading again and again...

I have just finished this particular series by Tamora Pierce. I absolutely loved them! They give Alanna strength and the love she needs. Beautiful. The only disappointment was when she married who she did. I thought it was a horrible choice. These books are great for people 12 on. They have a little bit of mature subject matter, but I still love them. Please do yourself a favor and read them!

This book is about a 10-year-old girl named Alanna who dreams of becoming a knight for Tortall. Of course this is only a dream to a normal girl for girls cannot become knights. Yet Alanna of Trebond is determined to fullfil her wish. Her twin brother Thom and her switch places with the help of the medicine woman Maud. She goes to the palace where she meets enemies, friends, and new challanges. You will absulutley love this fascinating read!

-Hannah M.

Alanna, The First Adventure is a great book. It's imaginative, its characters and its world are believable. Alanna has tons of adventures, some small and some that effect a lot of people, but she trys to conquer them all. I also liked this book because I like fantasys, but not fairy-tale-yeah-right -that-will-never-happen-and- people-don't-act-like-that books. This is totally believable, and you can just imagine if our world had magic in the Mid-evil times and were a bit cleaner then this would be what we would have acted like. Tamora Pierce is an really good author. No wonder she wrote three quartets and is working on two more.
I'll tell you what all of the quartets are, even the ones that are not written yet, in the order you should read them in. Song Of The Lioness Quartet;Alanna Immortals Quartet;Daine Protecter Of The Small Quartet;Keladry;only one is written yet. The Circle Of Magic Quartet;Sandry,Tris,Daja,Briar The Circle Opens;I don't know if any books have been written for this yet.
These are all must-reads and if you liked this book, you'll love these.

This book is the first in a quartet. The story follows the life of a young woman named Alanna who switches places with her twin Thom, to learn to become a knight of Tortall. Throughout the story, the reader follows Alannas successes and failures keeping you captivated throughout. Tamora Pierce really makes you feel like Tortall could be a real place, and gives younger readers a strong heroine they can really look up to, without her being completely unrealistic (i.e. superwoman). Tamora really gives her characters life in this novel, and the story is sophisticated enough that even older readers can enjoy it, although I would not suggest the novel for younger readers. I myself have enjoyed this particular book (and series) as well as many of her other works many times over, ever since I read one of her books a few years ago. This is one of the most enjoyable books I've read; a definite must read for teens.

Alanna: The First Adventure is a great book. It really captivates Alanna's feelings and thoughts during her stay in Corus. I would recommend it to anybody who could handle slightly adult content.

My only complaint is that Alanna seems a bit too 'capable' to be real. After all, what other scrawny 13-year-old could handle a sword as large and heavy as she was? You tell me.

I read the series in grade school... starting with the first on being a book report. It took me about a year cause I had to wait for LIONESS RAMPANT to be returned. After reading the whole series, I HAD to own it. Took me until I was over 18 to find it in a book store, but they're home on my shelf now. Pierce and Alanna have been an inspiration to everyone whoever read the series.

I bought this Quartet as a single book with all the stories in one book and after reading it I was glad I had! I couldn't bare to put it down for a second!This book was gripping and exciting. The plot was thrilling with a hint of romance and a truly well thought out book.Weather you like action,romance or magic you will love this book! I personally loved it also because it was a thick read and i could really get stuck in but for those who dont want a long read but still want the excitment,the book lookily comes in 4 seperate stories. The book is based on a girl named Allana upon sneaking into the castle army (disguised as a boy) as a young girl, Alanna makes friends,lovers and enemys,She faces many challenges upon her journey to be a knight:the problem of keeping her sex a secret,Helping her friends and fighting to save lives. The combination of magic,excitment,action and romance is brilliant and my only objection is the fact that I cannot follow her adventures further!However atleast I can look foward to reading more by Tamara Pierce and follow the adventures of those who will follow in Alannas footsteps. This was a brilliant read and i could almost compare it to The likes of Harry Potter in the amount of excitment it has.

So, the first book of Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness Series. What did I think of it? It was all right, better than most formulaic fantasy, but not quite great. An enjoyable, casual read.

I'll start with the faults. The prose is nothing extraordinary, and there often isn't quite enough description. At the same time, things always happened quickly, as if the characters were in a mad rush. If you like your fantasy quick and to the point, and just can't slog through heavily descriptive novels like the Wheel of Time, then this book may be perfect for you.

Secondly, magic was handled a little bit casually. Even children can use it, and its treated more like a handy tool to keep at your belt rather than a mystical, arcane force. The magic system was pretty basic and not much more complicated than you'd expect to see if you were playing an RPG like Dungeons and Dragons.

Thirdly, and this is the most criminal, Thom barely gets any page time, which is a shame, as his character was rather intersesting.

Finally, the climax was rather abrupt, quick, and didn't carry much weight. The the final enemies were absolute wimps, as easily dispatched as flies to be swatted. The final battle could definitely have done with being drawn out a bit more, given a bit more suspense. It just felt like a final battle thrown in for the sake of having a final battle.

Besides these flaws, however, this is a fairly good read. Nothing deep or groundbreaking, nothing fantastic, but consistently entertaining and adaquately written. The characters were pretty good, I can't recall ever being bored with the story, or wincing at the dialogue. Hardcore fantasy fans, however, might want to look for a series with a little more meat to it, though.

3.5 stars.

Boy or girl, knight or not, everything is a mix-up when Alanna and her twin brother switch places, Alanna as a knight and her brother to the convent to learn wizardry. No one knows until Alanna makes friends with a prince and he finds out. Then a mysterious sickness appears in the palace. The prince becomes sick and only Alanna has the gift to help him. Will she save him in time or perish along with him?

I read all the time, it is about the most exciting things that a person can do! I first saw this book at a book store and decided to buy it, it was even signed Tamora Pierce. Little did I know what a wonderful book I was about to read. I fell in love with Alanna instantly. A red head girl who disguses herself as a guy to pursuit her dream, to be a knight. She also possess a magical power called a gift. She over comes obstacles and hardships, and with a lot of hard work her dream becomes true. It is full of laughter and excititment, and you never know what is going to happen next, you can't wait to turn the next page. After I read Alanna I read the rest of the series, and now I own all of Tamora Pierce's books! They are the best books in the world, and if you like fantasy, and a book where a girl does more than her world thinks a girl can, this is a book for you!

If you've ever indulged in fantasy works and never come across Tamora Pierce in your readings... I suggest you get your booty on down to the local bookstore (or the store... god bless them) and check out a copy of this book. To date she's written 10 books in the series (concerning 3 different characters), exploring the country of Tortall and it's surrounding neighbours. It's simply amazing. I'm 18 years old, and have a friend 2nd year university, and we read these books. That's how good they are! The plots can be simplistic... but they're enjoyable and engaging. Once you start one of these books, you simply cannot put it down. One reason I loved this book in particular was that you get to see Alanna as her younger, stubborn self. Please, if you have any joy in reading... go out and buy this book, you won't regret it.

I first saw "Alanna: The First Adventure" in a library, and took it out ( with the others of that series and the Immortals series). After reading it, and the other books, I decided that Tamora Pierce was a genius. "Alanna: The First Adventure" is the best book I've ever read (along with her other books) and I am eagerly awaiting her next series.

Alanna and Thom of Trebond don't like their future's very much, so they kind of switch places. Boys go to the palaces to be knights and girls go tto the convent to be ladies. BUT Alanna goes in disguise to the palace, and Thom gets to go and learn to be a sorcer. Alanna aka Alan has all the typical problems that girls have. She also has bully problems and she also has made an enemy of her friend- Prince Jonathan's cousin. she also saves Jon from the sweating sickness and fights the name-less ones.

I got given this book when I was 11 years old and I'm 14 now, have read all the other books by this author and still enjoy it tremendously. It's different and enjoyable. Many books written about magical lands are for older readers but this was perfect for my reading level. I think that everyone old and young who hasn't read this book is missing a whole world.

This book amazed me. Tamora Pierce certainly has a way with words. Within the first quarter of the book, I knew Alanna. She is a courageous young girl who takes on a chore that no girl has ever faced, and the odds are against her. To see her triumph is very satisfying. I promise to anyone that reads it that they will like it. This marks a beginning of an incredible series that I await very eagerly.

I really enjoyed Tamora Pierce's Alanna:The First Adventure. Out of the quartet, I think that this is the best one! The ideas are original and interesting. It was very well written and is an excellent teen fantasy. I'm 13 and I really loved it. If you enjoy fantasy and adventure, you'll love this book! It's an amazing coming of age story.

I love this first adventure in Alannas' story. I have read it twice and both times I have felt admiration towards her character for the bravery she exhibits. I find it very suspenseful, you are always worried about Alannas' disguise being discovered. Besides Alanna, I enjoy all the other characters as well. The story is interesting and a fun read. Read it!

Since I got this book for my 10th birthday I have loved it! I have read the series far over 20 times. I love the characters and I can quote from the book. The first and second book in the series are my favorites because of the fact that Alanna can let no one know her true identity.This series is the total bomb. A must must must read series. Alanna all the way

As one of Tamora Pierce's first books, I think that this book is really great. When Alanna of Trebond is forced to fake that she is a boy, Alan of Trebond, a whole adventure begins. Of course, she can't swim at all, even on a hot summer's day. From the start, she makes allies with none other than Prince Jonathan of Tortall himself, as well as Jon's best friends. She also makes allies with Sir Myles of Olau, a knight and a teacher to her, as well as the King of Theives, George Cooper, who helps train "Alan" how to fight her first enemy, whom she made upon the first days of her arrival at the palace in Corus. She starts as a page, but even then she encounters great adventures. Overall, I think that this is a great start for an awesome, page-turning novel that'll leave you on the edge of your seat from page one.

I thought this was a good book, this is a big compliment coming from me, who generally isn't too keen on fantasy books! Unlike some of the other reviewers, I thought that the romance parts were good..:o) Nice, without going overboard. Tamora Pierce, PLEASE keep writing! I'm really looking forward to reading First Test, which is about Alanna's daughter!

Before I read the Alanna seris, I read Wild Magic and the following three. I hoped that The Song Of The Lioness Quartet would be as good or better than the Wild Magic books. And guess what, they were better. I really enjoyed how Alanna's and George's relationship went. I knew from the very beginning that George and her were going to get married.

THIS BOOK WAS ABOUT A YOUNG WOMAN WHO DOESN'T WANT TO BE LIKE ALL THE OTHER GIRLS SO SHE SWITCHES PLACES WITH HER TWIN BROTHER,SO SHE DRESSES UP LIKE A BOY AND GOES TO TRAIN AS A KNIGHT...BUT IS IT MORE THAN SHE BARGANED FOR? BETWEEN FITINGS , SCINNY DIPPINGS, BOYS , WOMANHOOD, STUDIES, BULIES, SUSPITIONS, AND HER SELF ASTEEM....CAN SHE HANDLE IT?

If the rates went any higher I really would pick it. Even though I'm enthusiastic about the other books I read, this one is really an amazing piece of writing!!!! You become so absorbed in Allana's life and your just captured in certain moments and it's the world's greatest. If you don't read this you are really missing out on something special.

Everyone else has probably said everything good about "Alanna: The First Adventure," but I'd like to add my two-cents' worth. I think the biggest thing about this book is that it's just plain INTERESTING (now there's a new one!). And hilarious. After reading The Song of the Lioness Quartet, my life seems so dull and ordinary. --Abigail

This is one of the best books I ever read. It takes the idea of a court ruled by men and adds a woman who wants to do what men do. However, she cann't because no one will let her. So, taking matters into her own hands she disguises herself as a boy and begins her training for knight hood as a page. Of course she incounters many difficalties but she continues on and earns many peoples respect. This is one of my favorite books and Tamora Pierce is my favorite author. This book keeps you turning the page and draws you into the story.

Tamora Pierce totally won me over with this book. Her ideas are so fresh and original and are female-oriented. This book is a great one, if a young adult book. Alanna wants to become a knight, but only boys can so...she disguises herself as a boy. It's great to watch Alanna grow over the course of the four books, to see her triumphs and tragedies, and meet her friends and foes. A great fantasy. Try her Immortals quartet once you finish this.

I loved this series! These are the best books I have ever read. I enjoyed reading these books so much that I finished them in about 24 hours! The books starts out when Alanna and her brother Thom switch places. Thom goes to the City of the Gods to become a mage and Alanna goes to the palace disguised as a boy to begin training as a knight of the realm. Alanna has trouble fitting in at first, but then she finds her place. She also becomes friends with the heir to the throne, Prince Jonathon (it turns out in the next book that they become more than just friends)
I was so into the books, I imagined everything that took place! I would recomend these books to everyone and anyone. If you like this book I would suggest reading the Immortals series or the Enchanted Forest Chronicles.

I was put onto the song of the lioness series by a friend. I read Alanna:the first adventure in one night. I loved it. I felt like I was alanna fighting to win my shield. I loved how she worked up to beat Ralon. I love the whole series and it took me 2 years to collect them all as well as the immortal series. I just love the entire series.

I LOVE Tamora's books. I have the Lioness series and the Immortal series. When I read the book, its like stepping into a candy store and you don't know what to you'll get. I also like the book, because it proves that women aren't useless obejects and that we can do anything better or the same as men! Women Rule and so do these books!

Alanna had a spirit that made you stand up and notice her. She made friends quickly at the palace and learned that being a knight wasn't what it cracked up to be. She felt that she had to quit in the first few days but came back to beat up a boy named Ralon. I highly recomend it to anyone and everyone out there! A must have in reading

Hello.
This is a goood book. I think I've read all the books in the series neary three times. I remember reading it first time two years ago and being completely hooked, (not paying much attention in class to the point of my social studies teacher almost taking it - in sixth grade) The series is very enjoyable AND the story continues in the Imortals series (also by Tamora Pierce) only from a different point of view. I've only read the first of those and found my self finishing it in one day..... they are GOOD!
So, if you like fantasy stories I strongly suggest going out to read this book------ It's about a girl who wants to be a knight.... pretty good!

This is one of my favorite books/series of all time. I have re-read it countless times and I recommend reading the four books as one epic story.

The series details a female heroine, a strong but still flawed character, and her magical experiences in the land of Tortall.

The story draws you in as Pierce relates to the reader in very human ways and is never boring. Please read, and pass it on, as Alanna is a great role model with a great story.

If you liked this series, I recommend any by Tamora Pierce, along with The Blue Sword and The Hero and The Crown by Robin Mckinley.

I was given this book by my 7th grade English teacher. I read these books until they fell apart. I am 35 now & I still love this series! Alanna is feisty and witty. She knows what she wants & she goes after it. With this series Tamora created a world that I got lost in & characters that I admire. A great book is like a great song. It draws you in & makes you feel like you are part of the story. It conveys emotion; excitement, anger, sadness, empathy, joy, dispair and fear. This series has it all! What's even better is it is great for all ages.

This is the kind of book you can't put down intill you're finished. Alanna is a bright girl, who loves fighting. Her father decided to send her twin brother, Thom, to be a knight, and Alanna to be a lady. Thom wants to be a sorcerer though, and Alanna wants to be a knight, so they switch places and the adventure begins!

This book is awesome! Alanna and her twin brother Thom switch places so she can be a knight and he can become a sorcerer. THis book is a great beginning to a great series. It has some teenage content but is still a great book. I mean, what a way to tell someone to go for your dreams. No one thought that Alanna/Alan would succeed because he/she was the shortest, skinniest, weakest page in the palace but she turns out the best. THis is a great book!

This is *the best* book I have ever read! It started when I found "Alanna: The First Adventure" in my town's library. It looked like a story with a medeval setting, possibly fantasy, so I borrowed it. That night, I picked it up and read it all. I loved that book so much that I'm going to buy the whole series!

I thought I would hate this book. My mom bought it for me, and I was like, yuk, who would even think of buying it. So I read every other book I had until that was the only one left. So I read it. IT WAS GREAT! I thanked my mom hundreds of times, then got the other 3. The third book dissapointed me. I mean, really, one minute Alanna and Jon are madly in love, then in the 3rd one, the fight pretty much every time they talk. I haven't yet to read the last one but I guess I will. I've also started in the Immortals series. There very good to, but there's no romance, yet anyways. I've read up to the second one. Well, I recomend the Immmortal series, but the Alanna series.........their kind of upsetting. But if you want to you can, it's just my opion. Bye~Kimberly

Teaches great lessons of life. All 4 books are the best. I will miss reading them, because they always kept me intertaind when there was nothing to do. (and when there was) I recamend this book to everyone. Except to those weak at heart or tummy.It tells the story of how girls can do anything they put their minds to.

If you like books about girl heroins and knights you shouldread this book.Its about a girl and she wants to become a knight. Soshe switchs places with her twin brother.she acts like a boy untils she is out of training. But she also has a healing gift. Alanna goes throw many adventuers in the process of becoming a knight.

I used to read all the time, but then i lost interust. A few months ago we were taking the state wide examinations (MCAS) and I asked my friend to bring me a book that I could read. She brought me 'Alanna: The First Adventure' and as soon as i started it i was hooked! Alanna was a true girl herione. If i had lived with her at the time i would have followed her in to the palace! Her adventures were amazing! I finished in 3 days. She then let me borrow 'In The Hand Of The Godess' which was just as good as the first installment. 'The Woman Who Rides Like A Man' was not as good as the first 2 but still better than any other book i had ever read. "Lioness Rampant' was much longer than any other of the books in the series, but a sad and fitting ending. I love these books and i recomend them to everyone!

If you live with your head in the clouds,
If you dream of far off places,
If you wanted an adventure story like none other
this is the book for you.
This is a great story of a young girl who wants nothing
more than to be a knight. With the help of her friends
she gets a pretty good start

Tamora Pierce is my favorite author and she started it all with this book. Alanna the first advebture is the ultimate fantasy book: magic, adventure, fighting, mystery, and a heroine who is just an every day girl. The series goes on to include romance, too. If you like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or Sherwood Smith, you'll adore these books.

Not only are Tamora Pierce's books great, fun, exciting, and full of adventure, her books like very few authors, pull you into the story. You feel as if you were there and experiencing the magical wonders Tamora Pierce presents in her books. I would, like alot of my friends, be glad to read one of her books anyday!

This seies is one of the best I have ever read. Allana starts off training at the palace as a page at the age of ten disguising herself as a boy. This book is compelling, magical, full of suspense and heaps of fun all along the way. I recomend that you read Allana, the first adventure and the whole series.I loved it.

The Song of the Lioness Quartet was the most awesomest series I have ever read. I had never heard of it till my friend lent me her books. The stories were so captivating I couldn't put the book down! I kept reading them for hours on end enjoying all of Alanna's adventures and conquests. I give it two thumbs up :o)

Alanna the First Adventure was an excellent novel. This novel shows a young girls life in a fun and exciting way. Unlike other medieval novels that just tell the information, Alanna the First Adventure made the reader want to read and learn more. It was a very informational book. The novel tells about knighthood, many Medieval cities, and the hardships of being a female in the Middle Ages. This is a novel that allows readers to learn about the past in a different view and make them realize how fortunate they are. I recommend this book to readers that are interested in achieving their goals, no matter what it takes. Clearly, Alanna the First Adventure is a fantastic book that many different types of people would enjoy.

A girl named Alanna and her twin named Thom, decide to trade places so that Alanna can become a knight, and Thom, a sorcerer. During this trade Alanna finds that she has magical powers and also meets two lovers. I thought this was a great story for those who have a romantic mind. Actually for anyone at all!

The first Tamora Pierce book that I ever read, this book grabs you and pulls you in. Alanna is a young girl of noble birth, who doesn't want to become a lady. What she wants is to be a knight of the realm, so she switches places with her twin brother Thom, and goes to the Corus, the capital of Tortall. She must dress, talk and act like a boy to avoid being found out. She must overcome many obstacles, her lacking swordmanship, her fear of her gift, and her changing body. She makes friends and enemies, saves lives and does many amazing things. Alanna is a wonderful heroine because she is so human, she has her flaws and her strengths, a temper, but she is fiery and determined all the way. This is a definite MUST READ!

I read this book just before 6th grade and have been hooked on fantasy ever since. This book helped me in so many ways, I would often think I just have to be string like Alanna. I'm so glad that they are being printed again and I can't wait for more books by Tamora Pierce, she has become my favorite author.

This book was great. A must read. It had a great blend of magic, suspense, secrecy and a girl stopping at nothing to become a knight. Allana captivates the reader. The friends she made were great. Great bad guy too. LOven thye story. You have gotta read it. You just gotta gotta gotta gotta gotta read it. ^^

I first saw this book in my public library when I was around seven years old. I read it, and I adored it. Now, eight years later, I am re-reading the Song of the Lioness Quartet. What is a high school student doing reading a book she read in the second grade, you might ask? I will have to answer you that I am loving it. I have read this series many times and so know most every twist and turn of the plot, but each time I come away with something new along with my happy nostalgia. These characters were throughout my childhood my alternate personae, my imaginary friends, and my key to a different world. I love these books dearly, and hope that people from years to come will, too.

These books are some of my favorites ever. A strong female heroine, adventure, magic and a touch of romance. Alanna is a great idol and someone to look up to for children.

A girl living in medival times wants to become a knight so she switches places with her brother and goes to become a page. Hiding her gender, Alanna finds friends at the palace including George, the king of thieves, and Jon, a prince. Struggling through the duties of pages, Alanna finds herself on a trip with her squire friends were she and Jon fight evil magic with their "gifts".

I recommend reading all these books as well as the rest of Tamora's books and I'll be one of the first to pick up her new book, Trickster's Queen, on September 21.

Okay, who says marijuana is addicting? Well, this book is more addicting than that. When I had to put it down, for the whole day my head was thinking about what was going to happen. When I finished, I wondered what was going to happen in the next. It's great!
Alanna doesnt want to be a lady, and her brother doesn't want to be a knight. So they switch places, and Alanna, newly name Alan fits in. Despite her visions of a Black City, she has fun, until she actually goes to it!!

This book is what got me started reading fantasy. I originally read it for a school competition but I loved it so much that I bugged my dad to buy it for me for about three months before he finally gave in! When I read it again I decided to buy the other books in the series. Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors. My sister also read this book and said that she thought they should make it a movie. If you enjoy a great fantasy book and like a non-stop read you should REALLY buy this book. It is great for any age. I read it in 6th grade and still love it in the 10th. Also if you enjoyed reading the Alanna series then you should try reading Mercedes Lacky's Heralds of Valdemar series. In other words I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!

As soon as I bought this book, i read it in a day- and ran out to by the next in the series! It has all the elements that a young girl- or boy- loves. Adventure, magic, honor, bravery, and a cute leading man! I would love to one day meet Tamora Pierce- and I cannot wait to buy the next book she writes!

I read Tamora Pierce years ago and loved her books. I was so glad to see that she started writing again b/c all of her new books are great. However, her original Alanna series will always remain my favorite b/c the characters are so original and the story is so intriguing.

Alana: The First Adventure is a wonderful read for any fantasy fan! The plot is interesting, exciting, and very original, along with providing a very strong female character. It also leaves a nice opening for the books to come. Anyone who enjoys fantasy at all needs to read this book! Tow thumbs up!

This is a great book, involving sorcery, Knights, Thefs, Gods, and adventures. Alanna is a girl who diguises her self as as boy to become a knight. She learns fighting with swords, spears, lances, and axes. With her teacher Myles she goes to some ancient ruins and finds a magical sword called Lightning.

I first read the Alanna series when I was about 13 years old - I was slow to reading and my school librarian thought this book would do the trick. 16 years later and I haven't looked back. I LOVE these books - they opened up the world of reading to me. I re-read them pretty much every year - I never tire of them! They are my favourite, I plan to give them to my children to read, and my children's children - and I still plan on reading them when I'm 80!! To me, Alanna was a fantastic role model - strong, determined, but still fun :) I loved reading about her growing up, as I was growing up -- as she learns about love and friendship, while being on the most fantastic adventures!!

I've had so many of my friends read the Song of the Lioness Quartet, and everyone has loved it! I think that this series is Tamora Pierce's best, and I would especially recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy or medieval novels. It's a wonderful series, one that can be read many times without getting old!

Despite the fact that "Alanna" had such a common story line (a girl pretending to be a boy so she can be a knight), it was really very different. Parts of it were rather funny, like when Alanna goes nuts because her chest got bigger. I think girls would appreciate "Alanna", as it's more of a girls' book.

This series is the series that got me into fantasy books...LONG LONG ago...I love the books..they're so interesting and just plain wonderful! I've actually read the series 9 times over lol. I'd like to thank Tamara Pierce for these books...This series is deffinitely my favorite series of books.

I am a HUGE fan of Tamora Pierce, especially her Lioness Quartet series. This is the first book in the quartet, and I highly reccomend it to any fantasy lover. Its not written like Tolkien, but has has bits of humor and an interesting story line. Some people say that this series follows the typical storyline; girl becomes first female knight fights villain etc, but I think this is one of the most unique books ever written, and I've been unable to find anything like it! (and believe me, I've looked) Anyway, once you read this book you'll just have to read the other three. Its my all-time favorite series, and has been for 5 yrs!

Do you like magic or knights? If you do,this book is for you! Alanna is a girl who wants to become a knight.One small problem. As you can guess,girls can't become knights.But that doesn't stop Alanna!She and her twin brother Thom switch places.Thom goes to the City of the Gods to become a sorceror,while Alanna goes to the capital city of Corus to become a knight.There Alanna meets up with Raoul,Gary,Alex,and Prince Jonathan.They soon become friends.She also meets Duke Roger,whom she has a bad feeling about.She meets other people,too,and gets in her share of trouble. Set in the imaginary realm of Tortall,Alanna's story will interest readers of all ages.I highly reccomend this book.

Alanna: The First Adventure is one of my favorite books! The rest of that particular series, The Song of the Lionness, are also great. I love how a girl is the hero (actually, heroine) and is great at what she does even though she does have a few weaknesses like everyone else so you feel a bit more...comfortable. Also, Alanna never gives up (well, maybe sometimes!) and is a friendly-if not a bit too bad-tempered-, popular redhead who is an absolutely wonderful heroine. If you've read other books by Tamora Pierce, or even if you haven't, this book is the perfect idea, as well as the others in the series are. So here's my opinion: READ THIS BOOK!!! Thanks!

This is a book I read because one of my friends read it and thoughtit was a great book. At first thought it was just just good not great but now I think it is one of the best books I have ever read. It is exciting and it you fell like you are Alanna. Tamora Pierce is a great writer. Anyway when I finished I loved the book and decided to read the next book in the seris and I loved that one too. I think all of the books in this seris are great.

My Review for The First Adventure.

Allana always wanted to be a knight. In The First Adventure, the 1st in The Song of the Lioness series by Tamora Pierce, she started her journey to knighthood, just not as she thought it would happen. This is a story of friendship, loyalty, & going that extra mile to achieve the impossible. I enjoyed the first adventure very much. It is well thought out & easy to follow. I invite YOU to enjoy it also.
Allana, Prince Jonathan, & Roger, who is the king of thieves, are the main characters of the book. The main part of the story is about Allana the Lioness. She is the main character. The book covers the time Allana the Lioness served as a page, or the first stage of becoming a knight. It also talks about the friends she had met along the way.
Prejudice, friendship, & perseverance are a few of the many themes of the book. Here & there humor is thrown into the book, lightening the overall tone of the book. The themes are all very clear. There are many themes, but the main theme is friendship. All of the different themes make this a fun & enjoyable book.
The story takes place in the Kingdom of Tortall. The time era that this book takes place in, the medieval era, makes the book very interesting & unique. The setting is very accurate. Tamora Pierce makes the setting fun & believable. This makes the book enjoyable to read.
I liked The First Adventure very much. It is fun & exiting, & well thought out & easy to read. If you like stories of adventure, friendship, & perseverance, this book is for you. The First Adventure is very detailed & I hope you enjoy it as much as I had.

I took this book out from the library and once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I looke for the sequels but couldn't find them. After searching for almost a year, I found them...at the store!! For those of you who haven't read it yet, please do! You don't know what you're missing!

This is a great book, involving sorcery, Knights, Thefs, Gods, and adventures. Alanna is a girl who diguises her self as as boy to become a knight. She learns fighting with swords, spears, lances, and axes. With her teacher Myles she goes to some ancient ruins and finds a magical sword called Lightning.

I read this book in third grade and was imediatley hooked and have now read all of Tamora Pierces books but the Circle of Magic. This series is my favorite series ever and I love Alanna and George. Tortall is a world I would love to live in!!!

Alanna: The First Adventure is the best book I have ever read! It is funny, exciting, and just wonderful! I would reccomned this book for 4th graders and older, and more for girls. Boys could read it too, but they might not like it as much. Still, this is an absolutly wonderful book!

This was an awsome book...I love books which have strong female leads. To hear about men all the time just irritates me so I was very pleased to see a woman rock the future!

Alanna was a great book, full of adventure and magic and mystery...I really loved it and I think it is a great book for girls these days because girl need role models who are strong and independant like Alanna...not skanky and trashy like Brittany Spears.

BW~

I first read this book when I was about 12-13 and I just devoured the series. The main character, Alanna is such a great hero. She just intrigued me. I moved away from that library and did not rember the author. I'm so glad I found it here! I'm going to buy them all and pass them on to my girls.

My Mom bought me the series 10 years ago when I was 13... Since then I have read them over and over and over... I find them impossible to tire of and once I start reading I don't want to put it back down... although by now I have half the books memorized.
I started reading these books when I was 13 years old and loved them... now at 23 years old- I still love to read this series.
The Immortals series is excellent as well.

The series of Alanna is absolutely fantastic. They're funny, action-packed, scary, romantic, everthing you can think of. They're about a young girl pretending to be a boy in order to become a knight. The first two books let you experience Alanna growing from a kid to an adult inside the castle of Tortall. Alanna becomes well known for her amazing feats and abilities. She becomes a good friend of the prince, but also an arch enemy of his relative/famous sorceror Duke Roger. These books are very satisfying to read. I could hardly put them down. To pass up these books would be a mistake. I cannot think of one bad thing to say about these books.

Great start to the series

I was looking for a new book to read and I stumbled across this one. It was a very pleasant surprise. The characters are very well developed and you get drawn into the story easily.

I have 3 girls...I'm going to have my oldest read it now. And when the other 2 are old enough, I'm going to have them read it as well. I think it's a great book but I think it's a really great book for young women to read. I want my girls to grow up and be as strong and determine as Alanna is in this book. I hope the rest of the series is as good.

My copy of this book is worn and old because I have read it so many times. I love this story and I don't think I will ever stop reading it. It feels like an old friend. I can always escape into these pages even though some might say I'm too old to be reading it now. I think it will remain my favorite forever. Read it. It will become your favorite, too!

I only gave this book 4 stars because the beginning is sort of boring, but it gets better towards the end! Tamora has created a book full of magic and wonder. A migical world packed with scorcery, warrior princesses, strange creatures, and heart stopping battles with evil spirits. This book will be sure to catch your attention....at least, more towards the end.

This is the best book I have ever read. It is about a girl named Alanna who dresses up as a boy, and goes off and learns to be a knight. This book is her first four years of training. In this book, she makes friends, practices fighting and even saves a life with her magical healing gift. The other books in this series tell about her adventures as a knight. These books are wonderful for anyone who likes fantasy, romance and adventure. I love all of those ingredients, and that is why I just loved this book. Hope you like it!

This book is about Alanna of Trebond and her journey towards becoming a knight. In the kingdom of Tortall only men are allowed to become knights. Alanna disguises herself as a boy and switches places with her brother, Thom, in order to become a page. This book covers the four years that she is a page. You experience Alanna's conflicts,physical, emotional, and mental, since it is told from her point of view. I enjoyed this book very much. The fact that it contained many exciting adventures and that there was a female heroine increased my interest in the book. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy books packed with excitement.

This book about Alanna of Trebond is incredible!! I read It straight through in a Couple of hours. The book tells about determination, courage, and standing up to a bully. It's fantastic. It was wonderful to read about how Alanna disguised as a boy, befriended the prince.

So many reviews already, just wanted to add my rating to the overall score.

I actually read this in high school and it made quite a huge impact on me since it was the first of its kind that I read. Since then, there have been many stories with similar elements. This one is still very good but I prefer the Immortals series which was somehow less gritty and depressing (to me, there is very little humor, but you follow her growth and struggle to reach her dreams in a man's world.)

Alanna,Song of the Lioness,is more than a book.It's a playground for imagination.Tamora Pierce gives the outline-you do the rest without knowing you're doing so.Once you start all your freetime is spent with Alanna,from friendship to sword fighting.A TERRIFIC BOOK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ijust totaly loved these books! This 1 is one of the best i have ever read! i have read all of tamora's books up to the 2nd protector of the small book! if u have not read this book then you have not read a thing! Tamora is the best writer and i wish i could meet her! LET ME TELL U SOMETHING,i waited so long to get these books that when i got them for cristmass i junped up and down screaming! then not using any of my other preasants i started reading them from the 1st to the last of them.(even though i had read them 5 times already) all my friends have read these books and Hopefully so will youAT LEAST GIVE THEM A TRY!
ANOTHER GOOD AUTHER IS PHILIP PULLMAN

When I was 9 I got this book, along with the rest in the quartet, from my mother as a Christmas present. I didn't read it till a few years later when I came across it cleaning. I became addicted and devoured the books as fast as I could. The characters drew me in and I dreamt of running off on an adventure with the dashing Prince of Theives. The story was a perfect mix of adventure and romance for my taste and I wished I had read them much earlier. Parents-If you're looking for a book that your daughter might enjoy I can wholeheartedly recommend this one. I wouldn't be surprised if you yourself might enjoy it. I know I did and I know I still do having purchased the books again years later.

I read this book when I was in 6th grade. I hated reading before I got my hands on T.P.'s books. She can write books that abosorb you totally to the point you don't want to stop reading even if it is 2o'clock in the morning(I'd know!). If people say anything about it being not age approiate for young readers they are wrong. By middle school girls go boy crazy and this book kept me at home not out with the boys doing none age approiate things! I love this book and you will have to read it to find out about the wonderful violet eyed worror witch going though life.

This book has its exciting moments and its boring ones.Alanna, the main character has a never ending determination and is persistant. I enjoyed reading this book as I like books with an old time setting. Alanna, a supposed boy turns out as a girl but only Jonathan and Coram know. I give this book a three star rating.

Alanna, a noble girl of Tortall, knows what to expect from the life of a noble woman: first years of learning to be a Lady, then having a husband chosen for her, and having children. She knows this is not the life she wants! She loves hunting, is good with weapons, and she has the Gift~magical powers. Alanna yearns to be a Knight of Tortall. There is only one problem~no girls are accepted to be pages. She goes instead disguised as a boy! On her first day there, she makes makes new friends and enemies that will last forever. Will Alanna be discovered?? Does she even have what it takes to be a knight?? Find the answers~read the book!

I'm a fan of mideval time and knights. I found out about this book when I was at one of the libraries in my city. The first book I read was In The Hand of The Goddess. I was really sucked into that book. I looked for the first book but couldn't find it. At my school library I found and, boy was I happy. I couldn't belive that I found the first book! When I learned of how Alanna wanted to become a knight and not become a proper lady as she should have, I wished I could have been her. It would have been sooo cool to train to become a knight! If you have a comment about my review, please e-mail me.

I was astounded to see the depth of the character development, and I could not put the book down. I read alot but this is a book that i will always love. I loved all the magic and the words used to name the strange beings. This is a must read for any fantasy fan.

This book has a lot to say about traditional gender roles in a way that can be easily understood by young girls. A number of "why" questions are addressed, and the main character has to be savvy, tough, and accept being a female to boot. Great read!

Good book it shows no matter what or who you are dreams can come true and magic is real. It shows great moral lines and it's just ... just ...CCCCOOOOOOOOLLLL it deserves 30000.123456775432211234567754287878784343465789865321125666 stars. (I'm not kidding!)

This book (the first in its series) was the one that caught my attention and inspired me to read every book Tamora Pierce has written. Beyond the author's vivid descriptions and beautiful use of words, there is a hidden meaning: Girls can do anything boys can. Its a great read!

Alanna is my all time favorite! I love to read, and have read a lot, and nothing tops Alanna. Some other books that you'll like are Ella Enchanted by gail carson levine, and on fournune's wheel by Cynthia Voight. There are no books that beat Alanna though.

I have to say that I didn't want to read this book i luv Tamora Pierce but I just thought this is not going to be a book I like I'm going to hate it! Forget that this book is so good the plot and story is wonderful i totally thought this book along wit the other books in this series were the best books i have ever read in my ehole life ! if u think like I did that u will hate this book i'm sry but that's just stupid I can completley gaurentee that u will just die for this book,when I read it, I could not put it down. So go out and buy a copy !(If I could i would'v gaven it 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,stars !

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! Tamora Pierce is an excellent scene-setter, making vivid discriptions of the places that the hero, Alanna, goes to. Alanna is smuggled into the castle, helped by her friends, George, Coram, and Prince Jonathon. She has a hard time hiding her identity, because she is physically weaker than the others. She learns to fight and forge swords, and things are going great, when the prince's life is thrown into jeopordy. Can she she save the prince, free of discovery, before it's all to late? Set in the middle ages in Old Tortall, Alanna: the first adventure is a great read for all ages!

I read the first alanna book in 5th grade, then i read the rest of that series, wild magic, circle or magic, and i've read the first of her Kel books. They are ALL good, and i have all but two of them. The only bad 'uns are the third alanna book, it's plotless, and, that's about it. these books are really creative, and their universe is totally believeable. i recomend her wild magic books, they're her best overall series.

I personally LOVED this book. It takes place in the medievil ages in mystical lands with magic. The main character is named Alanna. She is a girl that wants to be a knight, but her father wants her to go to the convent and learn to be a lady, like all of the other nobly born girls. Alanna's twin brother, Thom, wanted to be a sorcerer and the convent also taught magic. Thom, an amature forger, forged the letters supposed to go with them and they swiched places. This book is about the courage and strength of will it takes to train to be a Knight,making enemies, keeping friends, and to keep the kind of secret she's got to keep!

This is the best fantasy book I have ever read, I read it for the very first time about six years ago and I still love it! Alanna is my favourite book although the whole quartet is superb. Tamora Pierce brings her world of Tortall to life, when you read the books you are truly there, when the book ends you are left wondering what you are doing in your world rather than Alanna's. The characters are alive, you cry through their sorrows and laugh with their joys. This is a book to treasure, if you haven't read it already take the time, your experience will last a lifetime.

Wow! Tamora Pierce has created a masterpiece series starting with this marvelous novel! All of my comrades had recomended the terrific "Alanna Books" to me. So, I decided to see what all the fuss was about. I soon found how true their statements are. I normally have trouble paying attention to books, but Pierce kept my attention all through the series. In fact, I was so enthralled that I couldn't stop!! Before I relized it I had finished the entire series! I recommend this book to all adolecents. A relatively easy read, Alanna the first Adventure will thrill all, boys and girls.
Happy reading!!

If you like magic and adventure, you'll love this book and the rest of the series. Warning!! If you read this book, you will enjoy it so much, you'll have to buy the entire series, "Alanna series, The Immortals series and Protector of the small series. Excellent author.

As a girl of sixteen, I, like many other girls, realize how cool and spectacular it is to imagine that one could be someone they may not be like a fairy tale. This book brings life into reading, romance is shown, and adventure is excessive and extraordinary. I would recommend this book to anyone no matter what age because it brings out a story I don't believe any author could write. I would have to say the The Lioness Quartet is the best out of all of Tamora Pierce's writings and frequently go back to the books for pleasure.

this story is about a girl who trades places with her twin brother so she can become a knight. she has to hide who she really is. at first she you can say is a little behind everyone else, but soon she becomes practically better than the "boys" all in all this is a great book. it just proves that one you can do whatever you put your mind to, and second that girls can do anything that any boy can.

AC says: "Ok book. Too slow, too much detail. I like the story of the book but don't like how the author wrote it"
AM says: "great book. I like the details, they lead up to the excitement. Good story"
TG says: "very good book. Lots of action. Lots of drama and excitement."
Easy to read for a fifth graders. Might be inapporpriate for younger than a fifth grader.
Has magic, adventure, fighting, immortals, friendship, knights, and lots more.

This is a great book! I am a fifth grader who just read this book over the summer. I do not reccomend this book for girls under 10. One of the reasons I liked it was that it was very believable. This is a great book and I highly recommend it

This a great book for all ages. I am eighteen and I still reread this book all the time. Tamora Pierce is a great author, and I recomend her books to everyone. I am really glad that these books are in print again so I can own them myself.

This a wonderful book!Its up there with Harry Potter and thats gotta be pretty hard to do.Alanna proves that no matter who you are you can bring your dreams to life with effort and hard work.Read this book,infact read all of Mrs.Pierce's books.You'll love them even if you hate reading!!!

This is a book I first read in Middle School and have read again and again over the years. It's a fantastic book, and the series as a whole helped me shape who I am today. I love it and have recommended it many times to friends, and now to friends who have daughters.

I have only loaned this book from the library, but I read it around 8 times, and I am still not tired of it! Tamora Pierce writes in a really realistic manner, and I know that anyone who reads this book will love it as much as me.

I was ten and bored when I bought this book whilst on a vacation. I must have read it 25 times that summer before I found out the other books had already been published. I went out and bought the rest of her that were available. Love the series, love the author and can't get enough.
Alanna is a girl, growing up long before the times when girls were allowed to fight. She switches places with identical twin brother ... The reader is led through a plot of adventure, hardships and good ol' fun. 5 stars to my first ever young adult book.

Alanna is my favorite character, I read through this in twodayswhen I was in 5th grade. I'm not even that much of a book worm. Ican't remember the times that I have read this book, and it's sequels, they're are just uncountable

This book is about a girl, Alanna, and her twin brother, Tom. They switch places and Alanna ends up going to the palace to become a knight, while Tom becomes a soccerer. The book series mostly focus on Alanna and her struggles to become a knight. She makes many friends. Two of these friends are: Jon, the prince of Tortal, and Georage, the king of thives. (He's my favorite.) This book is one of the best and has been in my top 10 favs for 4 years. I recomend this book to girls or adults. I frist read the series in 2nd grade but did'nt understand them til 4th grade.

This was a ausome book! Alanna is so brave and couragous.And is very determind. And I think there is somthing going on between alanna and Jon. And George seems really nice. And Raoul,and Gary seem cute. This is a great book I highly recommend it!

The Song of the Lioness series is one of the 5 incredible series by Tamora Pierce. Alanna is a heroic young girl who lives in a world domminated by males. She disguises herself, and enters a man's world of competition, and adventure. If you like books about girls who don't sit around and wait to be rescued, you'll love these books, and the other series by Tamora Pierce: The Immortals, The Circle of Magic, The Circle Opens, and Protector of the Small. Alanna is brave and practically fearless, and is a role model for girls trying to achieve their dreams everywhere!

when I first picked up this book I had no idea what kind of an adventure I was in for. Allana's life is exciting, wonderful and confusing all at the same time. I loved all of her adventures and know that others will also

Heya ;)
I first read this book when I was 12. Alanna's personality called out to me. She wasn't letting herself be stopped simply because she was a girl. She went out and did what she wanted, and did it well too.
That really struck a chord in me.
Unfortunately, my library didn't carry the other three books NOR would they order them, so I never had a chance to read the rest of the series.
I'm 20. I'm an Alanna junkie.
I WILL get the rest some day. Until then, I will live off my copy of Alanna (I bought it off the library :P)....until it falls apart.
9-12. Bah!

I have read all the books in the Alanna series, and I think this one is my favorite! Alanna swithes places with her brother, Thom, and instead of going to the convent to learn to be a lady, she goes to the palace to learn to be a knight. BUT, she has to pretend to be a girl so they won't send her homw. As she is learning how to be a knight, she makes a few friends, George Cooper,(the thief)Jon(the prince)and a few more. Will she get her shield before she gets cought.... This is a wonderfully written book, and I would reccomend it to people of all ages.

This book was fantastic and always kept me on the edge of my seat. For some reason I could not put it down. It was exciting all throughout the book and never had a dull part. If you are about 11-14 year old girl you are sure to love this book. If this book is as interesting to you as it was to me, you should read the other 3 books in the series. They will keep you interested as well. Once I had read all of the books I was devistated because they were so good and I kept on wanting more. Really, if you are looking for a great series and probably your new, all-time favorite book ever, read this.*****

This is an inspiring book of one girl's struggle to show that she was just as good in fighting, if not better than boys. I enjoyed this book because it has the elements of fantasy that I love. Magic, swordfighting, interesting characters, and a bit of romance. I can't tell you to buy this book, simply because if I did and you hated it... you would get mad at me. But I read this book twice and I rarely read books twice (I read ALOT). So, if you like fantasy, be interested in this book. If fantasy is too freaky for you, go to another section!!

Finally, a female knight! I loved how this book was so unique in it's style. So far it is the only book I have found that stars a female as a knight. Alanna is the type of person that all girls should try to imitate, she's determined, brave, and not afraid of breaking the rules and going for her dreams. I love the plot,( I won't spoil it for you)because it is just one action after another that keeps the reader from being at all bored. I wish that more authors would write stories with the main charecter as a woman, and if they are at all as good as Ms. Pierce's, than they must be worth a long read.

I first read this book when I was in 6th grade, and I re-read it several months ago, and it's just as good now as it was then! I'm still impressed with how well written it was. The plot was impressive, and the characters were great! The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that Alanna jumped right into bed with the prince. I understand why it was in the story, but it was a tad cliche. Although in the end, it did add to the story, and make it even better! So all in all, I loved this book, and recommend it to anyone and everyone!

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I EVER READ I WISH THEY MADE A MOVIE OF IT THOUGH THAT WOULD BE AWESOME! I WOULD RECOMEND IT TO ANY BOY OR GIRL WHO WANTS A GOOD READ!!!!!!!!!!!!IT SHOWS ALANNA'START TO A SEEK OF KNIGHTHOOD

This has got to be the best book I have ever read. I picked up this book when I was five and I didn't read it until I was ten and now I am eagerly awaiting any of her new books whether it be with Alanna, Daine,Sandry,Briar,Trish,Daja,Kell or anyone else I left out.These charecters are so real to me now that I have known them for so long and so many times( I have read each book she has written at least twice! ). I'm sorry I sound so excessive but I really love this book and any other book written by Tamora Pierce. Thank you so much for writing them...

I read this book when I was in 6th grade years ago. I still love it. Alanna's determination inspired me then and still does today. The character's are easy to relate to - they are flawed enough to make them feel real. I've read a variety of Tamora's work and feel this series is her best by far. I think it is appropriate for younger girls - while there is romance I feel that it is tastefully done. A great book and series.

Alanna The First Adventure, the first book in the Song of the Lioness quartet, is a really great book. Alanna of Trebond dreams of becoming a knight while her twin brother Thom would much rather be a sorcerer. They switch places in order to get what they want. Disguised as a boy, Alanna hopes to pursue her dream. This book makes you want to read every other book in the series!!

I first read this at about 8 or 9 and still love it at 21. The story is captivating, Pearce's writing not overly complex but far from dull, and Alanna is perfect headstrong role model for young girls and women alike.

Alanna has a twin brother named Thom who doesn't want to be a knight when Alanna does. She switches places with her brother.On the first day as a page Alanna has already made an enemy and a friend. When the sweating fever hits,Alanna loses a friend when the prince comes down with it. Hovering between life and death Alanna decides to use her gift to heal him. When the squires go to Persopolis in the desert, the prince asked if Alanna can go and one night they ride to the Black City.

Alanna: The First Adventure is a good book, and it was quite entertaining. It's about this young girl, whose name is Alanna. She has a twin that is a boy, and his name is Thom. Alanna has to be sent to a school where they teach magic, which she despises. The young girl wants to be taught to become a knight, just like her brother gets to do, and it's vice versa for Thom. He wants to learn magic instead, so Alanna comes up with a plan to switch. Thom gets to go to magic school, and Alanna, well, she gets to be taught to become a knight.

Disguised as a boy, of course.

I am 16 years old and i flip through this book daily to reread my favorite parts. I had to buy the book twice because my first copy fell apart due to over use. Mrs. Pierce is an excellent author if she is able to write a book like this, i wonder often if Tortall exists and she has visited it. The characters are perfectly described and developed and she even weaves magic into her story without making it seem unreal. I still find myself wondering if i have the Gift... I did not enjoy the Wild Magic Series but all the Alanna books are excellent.

I enjoyed reading it, the way I'd enjoy eating a bag of chips, but it's not very substantial and I wouldn't read it again. It really was a handful of cliches. The female knight: this idea would have gone over better in the 80s when everyone was reading Marion Zimmer Bradley's Darkover series and obsessed with her "Free the stores". I am not sure whether women today have as great a need to identify with "tough as nails" women with swords. (If they do, there are plenty of other heroines to choose from.) The Kingdom of Tortall reads like something copied from a textbook about medieval times with their chivalric system of Page, Squire, Knight. Then there is the cliche of the Noble Thief, who rules over the kingdom of the Rogues, yet becomes friends with the Prince. Although he rules over the pickpockets and other petty thieves of the city, he is somehow noble enough to vie for Alanna's affections.

Alanna was an annoying character--too perfect, like the kid who always gets all A's, yet immature. It is hard for me to empathize with a character that is so one-dimensional. Her ambition is "to become a knight-errant and have Adventures." That sounds like an 8-year old's ambition. An 8-year old from modern times, in fact, who thinks being a knight is all about glory and fun.

Magic is also thrown into this book, because that's what's expected of a fantasy book. (I'm surprised there were no dragons.) In the later books we also meet a desert tribe, who (surprise!) make their women go veiled. The map of this world looks exactly like the Mediterranean and Europe.
I did read through all 4 books, so I am giving it a 3 rating. "It succeeded giving me a few nights' diversion."

The first book in the Song of the Lioness Quartet is great! The book starts off a bit slowly but if you read to about page 70 you will not want to put the book down. If you like the Harry Potter books than these are the books for you. Tamora Pierce has you hooked just as well as J.K. Rowling, though this book may appeal more to girls. Also if you are looking for a good magical fantasy you will love these books. They have all sorts of puzzling events, Magical happenings, and much more. This book is the coolest read!

i have read this book so many times i have it memorized. i have read all the books in the lioness quartet as well as the immortal series. she is a great author and i recomend her for any begining or advanced fantasy reader. there has been only a few books that match up or come close to the excellence of those written by mrs. pierce. the characters are interesting in some way that even i an avid reader can't explain. i cant wait to read what she may have next and i will continue to read her books over and over.

This is a great book, i've read the eintire series over and over again. Tamora really has a gift. As i have read these books time and time again i have realized that they hold more that just a pleasant story. These books have helped me discover more about myself and what kind of a person i should strive to be. The books Tamora has written are great teachers for children of all ages they should be made into movies and more widely advertised. Thank you for writed such remarkable literature!

I follow this book as if it is my bible. I absolutely love little Alanna. She is so brave and tough even though she is a girl. She fits in right away at the palace and soon proves just how great a girl can be. The writer digs into me with her words and I can't put the book down! I read the whole book in about a day on top of my school, homework, and afterschool activities. I think that the people who don't read at least one of Tamora Pierce's books are ignorant. Who could not love Alanna and her really, really, really, really great adventures in this medieval fantasy?

This saga is amazing- before Twilight or Harry Potter there was Alanna! Highly recommend this read for tweens-teens, and re-reads older. I look forward to introducing my daughter to these amazing books!!!!

I thought this book was wonderful I had just gotten it for christmas. It's wonderful I stayed up till two o'clock in the morning reading it(not on christmas eve) because it is such a great book I think many will love this book and I think if you are trying to find a good book for someone you know to read this might be a great idea.

This was the second of Tamora's books that I've ever read, and the minute I opened it I was hooked, I finished in under a day because I never put it down FOR ANYTHING lol, but anyway this is a great book and Alanna is a character you can really relate too, but maybe not in the first book, but the next. The descriptions and adventures as so well written that it feels like you are there experiencing it through Alanna's own eyes. So read the book, you will really enjoy it.

I am a huge Tamora Pierce fan, and I HIGHLY reccomend this book. It deals with real issues of women striving for something more in the world they live in. There is adventure, mystery, and even a little romance. What more can you want from a book that helps you escape reality for a while. It is also a great book to read over and over again. Please read the entire Lioness Quartet, you won't regret it!

If you haven't read this book, you are missing out on a big chunk of the greatest fantasy books out there! In this book Alanna of Trebond avoids going to the convent in an interesting way. She disguises herself as a boy, and studies to become a knight. While at the palace, she meets the Duke Roger of Conte, who is to charming to be good....

This series are my favorite books. Ever. Period. A classic in our own time, if you have a 12 year old daughter, or a daughter who ever was 12, this is THE thing to give her. I got them for my 12th birthday, said "Eww, books," and then actually read them so many times the pages were shredded and the books fell apart. I'm 20 now and I still read them at least twice a year. BUY THEM NOW so that my favorite author can get the recognitions she deserves!

This book, and this series, is the best I've ever read. It tells a tale of a young girl, who wants to be a night, not a lady, but must hide her identity to do so. She goes on adventures, good and bad, fights an evil duke, and befriends a theif. She encounters friends and foe, dealing with them as they come, working harder then any other page, to earn her place as a squre, then as a knight. This series got me hooked on Tamora, and all fantasy books.

Alanna, the first adventure is a great book waction packed with romance and mystery.
A young girl named Alanna is about to be sent off to become a lady, but what Alanna really wants is to be a warrior. So she cuts her hair and switches places with her twin brother and goes off to court to become a knight. Once there, she faces the many difficulties of knight-hood as she struggles to keep her secret safe.

This is an awesome book that draws the reader into its story until you do not want to put it down! I have read the whole series about a billion times and still find it absolutely thrilling. Tamora Pierce is an awesome author, spinning her tale with such skill that it is a must read. It will satisfy raeders from the age of 5 up. I'm a definite admirer!

This book is amazing. I think I first read it when I was 13 and now I'm 17 and I still love these books. So what if they're for middle schoolers? I love the stories, and even though they're not chock full of symbolism or other "intellectual" things, they are so wonderful and inspiring. Truly, truly amazing books. I've read them 4 times, each. But "Alanna" will always be my favorite. Then "In the Hand of the Goddess" that on'es really good too!! Any fantasy reader will love these!

Everyone should take the time to read this book, not because the story is original (It isn't) but because the characters and events will stay with you for the rest of your life. Any time life gets too stressful, I pick up this book and I am transported to Alanna's world, my safe haven. The characters are real and alive, permitting the reader to relate to them personally. You will never forget this book, nor will you regret spending the hour or so it takes you to read it.

(My daughter says:) These books are the best books in the world i've read them all over and over and i never get tired of them! I'm crazed and obessed, i even wish that i could be Alanna or really Kel if i had my way! These books turned me from an average 7th grader into someone who reads 800 page books ( when i'm done with sports that is). These books have changed my life. Yes! I am obsessed!

This is the one of the best books I have ever read. It follows the young girl Alanna through her first years to get her shield, her years as a page. I enjoy both reading and writing and oftentimes I find myself relating books to this one, or writing a story like this one, with the same characters. If you buy one, you must by the other three. The other series, the immortals, is also very good, but not AS good. You will not be disappointed as you follow Alanna through here memorable journeys.

Tamora Pierce's Alanna: The First Adventure is Vol.1 Of the Song of the lioness series. It is wonderfully written, and has been my favorite for quite awhile{I read quite a lot.}Alanna wants to be a knight, and her brother wants to be a great magican. So whats the best thing to do? Well, swap places of corse.This is the account of Alan of trebond's mastery of knighthood. I recomend this book to young and old. You might be surprised by it. It is hilariously funny!!!!!!!!!!!!

What can I say? I love Alanna. She's a great character. This is a great beginning to the rest of the absolutely FABULOUS Song of the Lioness Quartet by the same author. It really has everything a reader needs: sorcery, combat (hehehehe!), romance... if you're looking for a good read where the characters are easy to care about, try the Lioness books. I guarantee your needs will be satisfied.

Hey man this is one of the best books i have ever read. i do like the In the Hand of the Goddess better but still you guys should read it. Ms. Pierce describes each of the characters as if they were real and by the time you are done with the book you feel like you have met everyone in the book and know them like one of your friends.

My favorite part is when Allana and Jonathon fight the Ysandir and Jonathon finds out that Allana is a girl.

A teenage bookworm at you service. millwrk2000

my friends and i were obsessed with all the tamora pierce books in 6th grade. this one started it all, and we still talk about it 4 years later. you must read this one first. also, for you nitpicky people out there, the summary on here is wrong. thom does not disguise himself as a girl since boys are allowed to learn magic. overall, great series

This book (and series) is the best I have ever read in my life. It broke my heart when I had to leave the wonderful adventure in this land Pierce has created. I would recomend this book to anyone that loves adventure. P.S. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO WRITE TO THE AUTHOR??

YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!
it's really good, fantastic and helpful for those who want to improve their english. really good. of course, don't expect me to tell you the story as it'll spoil you're appetite for the book later<i know you're going to read it> if you have an intrest in magic, palace life and knights, not to forget some exciting swordfighting, this book is for you.
no qualms about that.

I really think you should buy this book. Its great to read!! Its all about this girl named Alanna who trains the be a knight disguised as a boy. This book is really great to read, though I don't like how Alanna does not accept being a girl. YOU HAVE TO BUY THE WHOLE SERIES!! :)

This is the greatest book!!All of the charecters are soosoo well done!Even the bullies;I say this because most are the same old bullies.Tamoria adds just the right amount of romancnce,action, comedy,suspence & much more.I know even when I am olded I will always love this series!!All thoe this a book for girls, it is just as good as Harry Potter.Read it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I absoloutly loved this book. It is about a young girl, Alanna, who wants to become a knight. So she disguises herself as a boy named Alan, and goes to the palace to become a page in a knights training. THe most exciting part was when Jonathan took sick with the Sweating Fever. In the next book, she finds out that Duke Roger sends the sickness.
Alanna makes an enemy of Ralon of Malven, who later becomes a Rouge and tries to kill George.
This book is great and I reccomend it to anyone.

When I started reading this book I thought it was the most boring book on the face of the Earth. I gave it a chance anyway. Finally it got to me and I love all of Tamora Pierce's books. Her style is very unique and the way she hooks her books to you is especially great. Ms. Pierce uses adventure and romance to grab you. I personally recommend you to read the entire series and every other book she has written.

This such a great book! Normally all the mighty warriors and hero people are guys, but Ms. Pierce has created a wonderful heroine that isn't a stay-at-home sissy! I think Alanna is the character all girls should take notes on.

As I said in the title... Totally Awesome Nothing Can Change That! And I do mean nothing. My most favorite book (along with the other books of course). But I do think that if your in third grade... I is a bit violent and innapropriate for eight year olds......

This is a great book for people who love girl power stories. Tamora Pierce's world of Tortall is WONDERFUL! I would suggest reading this book before the other Tortall books because it comes first chronologicly, and because it introduces you to that world well. If you have read this book and liked it, I would suggest the Enchanted Forest series, by Patricia Wreade.

I fell in love with Alanna right away. The whole while you'rereading you find yourself in another world. Pierce has written anunbelievable novel with adventure, love, and excitement. Once you read the first Alanna book you have to read the rest! If you buy this book I find it hard to believe that you won't love it!

I have read this book even though I am only 12. This book is a good book. You would like this book if you like magic and fantasy and espesially if you are a girl. When Alanna and her twin brother switch places only one thing can happen-adventure. This book was a pretty easy read but took me to a whole new world.

This is one of the first Tamora Pierce books I have ever read, and one of the best. It shows how women are just as equal as men, and that we should always try to reach our goals, no matter how hard it can be.

I really recommend it to young girls and boys, since among other things it is a great fantasy book.

I am now 21 years old and have been reading this series since they were first published. Each summer I keep thinking that maybe I wil put them away, but I never do. Every year I read the entire series and I am always fascinated by Alanna's adventures. I highly recommend every book of this series. Even if you think that you don't like fantasy these books will keep you hooked.

I absolutely LOVE this series! I read the whole thing in just a few days because I couldn't put them down! This is one of the best series' of fantasy, courage, and even a little romance I have ever read! I think everyone should read this one. And the next series and the one after that. Her books just get better the more you read them!

I was givin this book by my mother... breathtaking! I love this book. I read the whole seiries twice. Tamora Pierce is an amazing author. Her books are rich with imagination. I fell in love with many of her Characters. After I finished this seiries I read every other availiable book by Pierce, but these books remain my favourites. This book is a masterpeice. Well done!

Okay, I have lost count of the number of times I have read this book. Tamora Pierce is my favorite author. I have read all the Song of the Lioness, Immortals, and Circle of Magic books at least three times. I am dying to get my hands of the Protector of the Small and Circle Opens books. Even now, when I have read Alanna over and over again, I can't put it down. It is a timeless classic.

I started reading these when my mom got me wild magic for my birthday then I found out there was a whole series just on Alanna. I finally got my mom to get it for me and I haven't stopped reading it since. I've only had the lioness quartet since Christmas and it looks like I've had them for ten years. I was done with the series by the 27th. I've read every book like six times!!!!!!

Alanna, by Tomaora Pierce, is the best book! i loved it i read the hole thing in one day (though i got in a lot of trouble in English) it's a easy read, but its so good you dont pay attention to that! I LOVED, yes loved this book... Anyways, it was a great book and i highly recomend reading it ( espesually if you like fantasy!)
~Whitney ,14 MD

I recently rediscovered this favorite of my childhood after 12 years of hiatus. What a wonderful discovery to find Alanna's adventures as compelling at 23 as they when I was 11! In these books, Pierce has created a loveable, and perhaps more importantly, a believable character whose adventures and experiences will enthrall young and older readers of both sexes.

First, I must admit that I am 26 years old and I still read Tamora Pierce's books. I started with Alanna 14 years ago. I enjoy reading about Alanna's world and her adventures. The mixture of knighthood and magic is wonderful. I also enjoy watching Alanna grow first as a young page, then squire, and finally as a knight. The transitions and relationships she faces are timeless. This is a great book to a excellent series.

This is one of my all time favourite books it is one of those books that i can read and re-read over and over again. At the last count i had read this book 11 times. Sad i know but their is the truth of it. Tamora pierce is a brilliant writer and i would reccomend her books to anyone, be they old or young.But to me without a doubt "the song of the Lioness" seiries must be the best.

This is a great book about girl power. It shows that you can be anything if you want if you believe in yourself. I have read it over and over and never get tired of it. I recomend the second book in the series 'cause its the best one. It reveals she is a girl to everyone. There are a lot of shocked faces!!!

I love these books mainly because my name is Alanna and my best friend in high school's name was Jon so I basically love these books. They are so vivid and exciting. I plan on asking my parents to buy them for me this Christmas so I can read them again and again. They will always be on my favorite books list.

This book is great! I love how Alanna wants to do something that only men are allowed to do, and does! Tamora Peirce is a great author, if you like her, also read Circle of Magic, the Series, starring Daja, Sandry, Tris and Briar! Back to the book I'm reviewing: It's great! Read it!(reccomended for GIRLS ages 9-16)

I loved it. The plot was wonderful, the leading female was interesting and thought for herself, and Pierce is gifted. I loved Alanna's character and think that she is a wonderful lead for any story. If only more stories were like this.I also liked Jonathan and George. Pierce made every character so real-I mean we ALL hated Ralon.

Alanna is one of the best books I have ever read. It is a book of sorcery and fighting. It is about a girl who wants to become a knight. But before she can be a knight she has to be a paige. Also she has to learn how to become a knight. But worst of all she has to depend on all the boys. Can Alanna and her friends make it to knighthood? Find out in Alanna.

I have read alll but the newest one of Tamora Pierce's books, and this is the best one ever. Alanna is a wonderful hero. I first read this book in 5th or 6th grade and it immediatly became my favorite book. I have been keeping track of all Pierce's new boks and buying them as soon as they come out in paperback, and I'm sure you will be too.

I love fantasy books and was looking for a new one when I found this book. Alanna is so wonderful and I love the magic in this series. This has quickly become one of my favorites.I love the wonderful characters such as Alanna, Jon ,and George. I like Alanna's determination to be as good as the boys if not better. I would love to have been her. Tabbie Stewart

This novel is one of Pierce's best books. It has a good plot and life-like characters. The obstacles that face Alanna are portrayed realistically, and it is satisfying to watch her overcome them, but you must read on through the series to see how she faces Duke Roger. Don't be fooled into thinking its going to be a gory war story. Alanna faces both external and internal conflicts.

This book is so good! It's the first in the LQ Series. Alana knows she can't be a lady and go to convent so she switches places with her brother. She dresses like a boy and trains to be a knight. She makes lots of friends...and enemies. In this series Alanna AKA Alan struggles to go through everything and keep her secret safe. Once you start the book you can't put it down!

In this book, Alanna goes to a school where you learn how to fight, because she wants to become a female warrior. It's a good story, but it got confusing: at some parts in the story, I couldn't tell who was supposed to be talking.And various characters keep going on about how dangerous her secret of being a girl at a boy's school will become, because of how her female body will grow. And that got boring. But all in all, it was a pretty great book.

This is a very good book but I think she Tamora Pierce) made the book take place over to much time for so short of book she left out to many essencial details. It was like one day she was the worst at something and the next she was the best at everything. time just seemed to fly.

THIS BOOK IS THE BEST BOOK U CAN READ!!! When you read this story you learn of the daring and brave Alanna, The cunning George, and the handsome prince. this book is a MUST READ!!! The best part of it is it has 3 other books u get 2 read after it! THIS BOOK is SO GOOD!!!

I love all of the Alanna series. I've probably read it 15-20 times. I think I like it so much because Tamora Pierce creates charecters root for, like Alanna and George and Jon, and those you just hate. It's such a strong series. She weaves together war and magic and frienship and love so well, I wish the series could just go on and on.

Alanna, the First Adventure is great! If I could, I'd give this book more than five stars. I recommend it to everybody, but especially people who like to read about strong, intelligent women. So if you're reading this right now (of course you are) STOP! Buy this book!

Tamora Pierce is the best author ever!!! I love her SONG OF THE LIONESS QUARTET!!! All of her books that i have read are totally unique!!! If you love reading i recommend this series and all the other Tamora Rierce series!!! They are so cool that even if you hate reading you will love these book!!! I sure hope you keep writing Tamora!!!! I love your books!!! Always and Forever!!!

this book has all the things I value in a literary work; humor, an excellent plot, excitement, and action. I like this book not only because it is well written and carefully thought out, but it looks at people's personalities and feelings I rate this book five stars, for very good reasons!

This is a terrific book! I love it! Alanna is a great character. My favorite part is at the end of the book when Alanna and Jonathen battle the Yasindr in the black city. George is a very funny and colorful character, one of my favorites! I look forward to reading the rest of the quartet.