December 28, 2002
43. Alanna: The First Adventure, Tamora Pierce
I've been spending my vacation the best way possible so far... The only thing I'm wondering is: where was all this great young adult fantasy when I was a young adult! The one thing all four of these books have in common is a strong female character who avoids stereotypes. I'm both pleased and impressed. And envious of girls who get to read this stuff at the "appropriate" age.
Mer's Christmas present to me were the first two books in this young adult fantasy series. I blazed through the first one on Christmas Eve. Lots of fun: girl dresses as boy to become a knight. The plot isn't tremendously shocking at all, but the characters are fantastic and very likeable. I'm looking forward to reading the second half of this extremely enjoyable quartet.
44. In the Hand of the Goddess, Tamora Pierce
The second book in the "Song of the Lioness" quartet, I blazed through this one in the wee small hours of Christmas morning when I was having trouble sleeping at my parents' house. "Squire Alan's" secret gets discovered with some interesting (if marginally predictable) results. The biggest surprise to me here was how frank the subject of sex came up. There's nothing explicit, obviously, but characters do sleep together and there's nothing oblique about how it's presented. I guess young adult fiction has changed a little. ;)
45. The Hero and the Crown, Robin McKinley
It took me a while to get through this one, mostly because I didn't enjoy it quite as much as The Blue Sword. On the one hand, it was nice to see the legendary figure of Aerin detailed as real, normal person, but on the other hand, not so much. I think I liked Aerin better when she was the mysterious legend who visited Harry and gave her strength.
46. The Perilous Gard, Elizabeth Marie Pope
This one I read mostly today. It's an interesting take on the "fairy folk under the hill" mythos. I liked the historical setting, very much, as well as the characters. Also, the references to Tam Lin win bonus points from me. All in all, not a bad way to spend a winter afternoon.