Alanna: The First Adventure

by Tamora Pierce
Alanna: The First Adventure cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Fantasy, Young Adult
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £10.44
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7832
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781665937412
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2023-09-26
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4

In a world where girls are not expected to become knights, Alanna's determination leads her to disguise herself as a boy and enter the royal court as a page. Her journey is filled with challenges and adventures that test her resolve and teach her valuable lessons about life and herself. /n/n Alanna's story is one of bravery, perseverance, and the struggle against societal norms. As she navigates the dangers and intrigues of the royal court, she proves that courage and skill know no gender.

Reviews
Reddit - Fantasy · 2025-12-18
fun 4.00

Alanna is stubborn and persistent, even though she constantly doubts that her successes are earned. She's willing to go against the regular conventions of her world, making her a compelling protagonist. The story is filled with adventure and intrigue, making it a thrilling read for fans of fantasy.

Alanna is a character who stands out for her stubbornness and persistence, even though she constantly doubts that her successes are earned. She's willing to go against the regular conventions of her world, making her a compelling protagonist. The story is filled with adventure and intrigue, making it a thrilling read for fans of fantasy. The themes of self-discovery and bravery are particularly strong, making Alanna a memorable character. The supporting characters add depth and richness to the narrative, making the world feel alive and vibrant.

Quick quotes

    Alanna is stubborn and persistent, even though she constantly doubts that her successes are earned.

    She's willing to go against the regular conventions of her world, making her a compelling protagonist.

    The story is filled with adventure and intrigue, making it a thrilling read for fans of fantasy.

Fantasy Literature · 2025-12-17
excellent 4.00

The book is a quick, easy read and generally quite fun. It becomes less kid-friendly as the series progresses, appealing to both adults and teenagers.

Fantasy Literature highlights that 'Alanna' is a quick, easy read and generally quite fun. The reviewer appreciates the adventure and intrigue, making it enjoyable for both younger readers and adults. As the series progresses, the material becomes less kid-friendly, which the reviewer sees as a positive, allowing the story to grow with its audience. They note that the book's blend of swords, sorcery, and fun elements makes it a standout in the fantasy genre.

Quick quotes

    Alanna is a quick, easy read, and generally quite fun.

    As the series goes on, the material becomes gradually less kid-friendly, but adults and teenaged fans of fantasy will enjoy it.

    The blend of swords, sorcery, and fun elements makes 'Alanna' a standout in the fantasy genre.

Meghan M Blogs · Meghan M · 2021-10-20
fun 4.50

The plot was fun and full of action; the reader had no idea where the story was going to go. There were so many twists and turns that had them on the edge of their seat. The character development was well-done, and the world-building was immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story. The themes of bravery and self-discovery are particularly strong, making Alanna a memorable protagonist.

The plot was fun and full of action, with so many twists and turns that kept the reader on the edge of their seat. The character development was well-done, and the world-building was immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story. The themes of bravery and self-discovery are particularly strong, making Alanna a memorable protagonist. The reader is taken on a journey of growth and self-discovery, making it a compelling read for anyone who enjoys a good adventure story. The supporting characters add depth and richness to the narrative, making the world feel alive and vibrant.

Quick quotes

    The plot was fun and full of action; the reader had no idea where the story was going to go.

    There were so many twists and turns that had them on the edge of their seat.

    The character development was well-done, and the world-building was immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story.

SFF Book Review · 2021-04-07
brilliant 4.50

The book is filled with adventure, intrigue, and a compelling journey towards Alanna's dreams. It deals with themes of good and evil in a medieval-inspired setting.

SFF Book Review praises 'Alanna' for its rich blend of adventure, intrigue, and a compelling journey towards Alanna's dreams. The reviewer appreciates the book's medieval-inspired setting and its exploration of good and evil. They find the story engaging and well-crafted, making it a memorable read. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to deal with complex themes in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, Alanna's first adventure begins – one that will lead to the fulfillment of her dreams.

    The book exemplifies a good, old-fashioned medieval inspired fantasy.

    Sometimes it's nice to read a fantasy that still has a great cast and complex world.

Appears in Lists