I have, over the summer, re-read Tamora Pierce's Tortall novels; Song of the Lioness quartet, The Immortals quartet, and the Protector of the Small quartet. I just finished Trickster's Choice (and I'm currently reading Trickster's Queen.)

I have to say that I believe Pierce is getting better over time. Her novels are gradually becoming more adult-like, richer, fuller and with much more meat to them. Aly, the heroine of Trickster's Choice (and Alanna's daughter) is a different heroine; laid back, easy-going and yet competent in her own right.

It seems that some authors write that first novel, and it is the only good story they have to tell. Their writing goes downhill from there. And then some writers improve with time, improve with every novel written. Tamora Pierce fits into the latter category, in my opinion. This was a wonderful story, and I can't wait to dive into the sequel.

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Tamora Pierce is known for writing quality high fantasy with endearing heroines, and TRICKSTER'S CHOICE is no different. This novel is full of political intrigue, interesting romances, and wonderful characters. I would highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers, boys and girls alike.

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Excellent story. Strong character. The daughter of the Lioness lives up to the name of the Lioness. Fast moving, fun read.

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This is one of my favorite books! It's such a wonderful story with beautifully unique characters.

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I liked this book alot! But this is the worst book I've read by Tamora Pierce. That, of course, isn't saying its terrible because Tamora Pierce is after a WONDERFUL author. This book filled with romance, fast action, and good humor.

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I had a hard time getting into this book because I really didn't get to liking Aly. She was far too cocky and spoiled compared to the heroine's in the previous series of Tortall books. Also, his story was not as instantly captivating for me as the other series that I've read by Pierce.

My favorite character was Nawat, though, who's flirtations from a crow's-view cracked me up several times.

Overall, it was still a good story because I got an update on previous characters from past series.

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I had a hard time getting into this book because I really didn't get to liking Aly. She was far too cocky and spoiled compared to the heroine's in the previous series of Tortall books. Also, his story was not as instantly captivating for me as the other series that I've read by Pierce.

My favorite character was Nawat, though, who's flirtations from a crow's-view cracked me up several times.

Overall, it was still a good story because I got an update on previous characters from past series.

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Trickster's Choice
Trickster's Queen - Tamora Pierce

One story, two books.
These are also actually a follow-up to "The Song of the Lioness" quartet, which I haven't read. They are about the daughter of the heroine of those novels, so these do stand alone - but on the other hand, I felt that I was probably missing some of the world-background that had been drawn in the previous books.
These tell the story of the 16-year-old Aly, who has grown up in her famous mother's shadow, but has also been trained in spycraft by her father. Although she's eager to 'grow up,' her parents don't seem to want her to actually work as a spy (this is really a flaw in the book, from my perspective, because why else would they have trained her to BE a spy from early childhood?) Rebelliously, she runs away, is kidnapped by pirates and sold as a slave - but, luckily, she is Chosen by a Trickster god to become involved in an incipient rebellion on the colonial islands she is sold into. Therefore, he makes sure she is sold to the Nicest Slaveowners EVER, and she is charged with guarding their children, including two half-breed daughters who just happen to be royalty on both sides of the family. Lots of intrigue and action ensues...
Fun story, with some not-too-overbearing commentary on racism, colonialism, etc, as well as some somewhat-too-obvious Advice For Young Women regarding appropriate relationships and self-respect.
However, Aly is just RIDICULOUSLY competent. There's nothing she can't do, seemingly - and if there was a possibility she couldn't do it, her god-patron helps her out. Her romance (and it is a rather sweet one) proceeds without a hint of a problem... (but maybe I objected to that just because I have been feeling rather bitter about romance this month!) Quite a lot of the events are very much idealized and not very believable - but this is pretty much a fairytale, after all...

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