First Test

FINALLY! Just when we had given up hope! A new series about Tortall. And just to prove it, the very first word of the book is "Alanna." :)

This book is about the next girl who trains to be a Knight, Keladry of Mendelan. She doesn't have the gift or wild magic, which is kind of a relief. Naturally, when she goes to learn to be a page at the Palace, she has a rough time. In fact, before she can be an actual page she's a "probationer," as Wyldon, the new trainer has entitled her. (Wow this guy is an ass, wish Jon would let Alanna cut his head off.)

The guys at the Palace are, shall we say, less than thrilled that she's there. They play tricks on her, wreck her stuff, etc. etc. But she does make a few friends...Neal, son of Duke Baird - remember him? Anyway, Neal's pretty cool, and so is Roald...that's right, Jon's oldest son!

For veteran Tamora Pierce fans, this is like one big happy reunion. Daine, Numair, Jon, Alanna...basically everyone except Gary and George :( make appearances. And there's no Rikash :( :( :( (He's dead, Gwy, you're gonna have to accept that.)

(Am I talking to myself?)

(Whoa! This has gone too far. Back to the book!)

Best Part: Kel kicks some ass. She does that many, many times in this book, but it's always cool.

Saddest Part: Alanna gets into a fight with Jon at the very beginning of the book. Depressing, since they used to be lovers and all.

Scariest Part: the Spidren who eats kittens. Ugh, those things give me the CREEPS!