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Daughter of the Lioness #2
Trickster's Queen
The stage is set for revolution...
Aly: no longer just a master spy, but a master of spies. Can she balance her passion for justice and her compassion for others, and at what cost?
Sarai: beautiful, dramatic, and rash - will she fulfill the role chosen for her by destiny?
Dove: she has always stood in Sarai's shadow. Can she prove to the world that she herself is a force to be reckoned with?
Nawat: half crow, half man. He wants Aly for his life mate, but will the revolution make that impossible as they step into new roles to change the future?
Aly: no longer just a master spy, but a master of spies. Can she balance her passion for justice and her compassion for others, and at what cost?
Sarai: beautiful, dramatic, and rash - will she fulfill the role chosen for her by destiny?
Dove: she has always stood in Sarai's shadow. Can she prove to the world that she herself is a force to be reckoned with?
Nawat: half crow, half man. He wants Aly for his life mate, but will the revolution make that impossible as they step into new roles to change the future?
469 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2004
538 people are currently reading
12963 people want to read
About the author
Tamora Pierce
111 books85.1k followersHey, folks! I just discovered that apparently I have given some very popular books single-star ratings--except I haven't. How do I know I haven't? Because I haven't read those books at all. So before you go getting all hacked off at me for trashing your favorites, know that I've written GoodReads to find out what's going on.
I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join groups, I'm going to turn them all down. I just don't have the time to take part, so please don't be offended if I don't join your group or accept an invitation. I'm not snooty--I'm just up to my eyeballs in work and appearances!
Also, don't be alarmed by the number of books I've read. When I get bored, I go through the different lists and rediscover books I've read in the past. It's a very evil way to use up time when I should be doing other things. Obviously, I've read a lot of books in 54 years!
I was born in South Connellsville, PA. My mother wanted to name me "Tamara" but the nurse who filled out my birth certificate misspelled it as "Tamora". When I was 8 my family moved to California, where we lived for 6 years on both sides of the San Francisco peninsula.
I started writing stories in 6th grade. My interest in fantasy and science fiction began when I was introduced to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and so I started to write the kind of books that I was reading. After my parents divorced, my mother took my sisters and me back to Pennsylvania in 1969. There I went to Albert Gallatin Senior High for 2 years and Uniontown Area Senior High School for my senior year.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I wrote the book that became The Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet. I sold some articles and 2 short stories and wrote reviews for a martial arts movie magazine. At last the first book of the quartet, Alanna: The First Adventure was published by Atheneum Books in 1983.
Tim Liebe, who became my Spouse-Creature, and I lived in New York City with assorted cats and two parakeets from 1982 - 2006. In 2006 we moved to Syracuse, New York, where we live now with assorted cats, a number of squirrels, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and woodchucks visiting our very small yard. As of 2011, I have 27 novels in print, one short story collection, one comic book arc ("White Tiger: A Hero's Compulsion") co-written with Tim, and a short story anthology co-editing credit. There's more to come, including a companion book to the Tortall `verse. So stay tuned!
I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join groups, I'm going to turn them all down. I just don't have the time to take part, so please don't be offended if I don't join your group or accept an invitation. I'm not snooty--I'm just up to my eyeballs in work and appearances!
Also, don't be alarmed by the number of books I've read. When I get bored, I go through the different lists and rediscover books I've read in the past. It's a very evil way to use up time when I should be doing other things. Obviously, I've read a lot of books in 54 years!
I was born in South Connellsville, PA. My mother wanted to name me "Tamara" but the nurse who filled out my birth certificate misspelled it as "Tamora". When I was 8 my family moved to California, where we lived for 6 years on both sides of the San Francisco peninsula.
I started writing stories in 6th grade. My interest in fantasy and science fiction began when I was introduced to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and so I started to write the kind of books that I was reading. After my parents divorced, my mother took my sisters and me back to Pennsylvania in 1969. There I went to Albert Gallatin Senior High for 2 years and Uniontown Area Senior High School for my senior year.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I wrote the book that became The Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet. I sold some articles and 2 short stories and wrote reviews for a martial arts movie magazine. At last the first book of the quartet, Alanna: The First Adventure was published by Atheneum Books in 1983.
Tim Liebe, who became my Spouse-Creature, and I lived in New York City with assorted cats and two parakeets from 1982 - 2006. In 2006 we moved to Syracuse, New York, where we live now with assorted cats, a number of squirrels, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and woodchucks visiting our very small yard. As of 2011, I have 27 novels in print, one short story collection, one comic book arc ("White Tiger: A Hero's Compulsion") co-written with Tim, and a short story anthology co-editing credit. There's more to come, including a companion book to the Tortall `verse. So stay tuned!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,197 reviews
November 20, 2017
$1.99 Kindle sale, November 2017. This is the second half of an excellent YA fantasy duology set in the world of Tortall, featuring Aly, the daughter of Alanna (the main character in Tamora Pierce's SONG OF THE LIONESS quartet of books). Aly has managed to keep, well, most of Duke Mequen's family alive while she was their slave. Now she's freed by the family, but still serving them as they leave the remote island where they had been exiled and head back to the main island of the Copper Islands, into high society where conspiracies and intrigue abound.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
December 31, 2012
Well, that was disappointing. I had hoped that the story would evolve from the stage that Pierce had set up in the first book, that the rather non-existant stakes that Aly had faced would become something more substantial once the Balitangs returned to Rajmuat. Somehow things managed to come even easier to Aly than before and while I admired the old-school spy games of the first book they now seem to require little effort, relying on magic and gods' whims to do all the work.
All the villains are cartoon-ish and fumbling. Aly is once again smarter than everyone and everything comes easily. When things don't go according to her plans it usually somehow saves her from a difficult decision that would otherwise have given the story some dimension and the character some grit. Any time Aly's spy-work would fall short despite her best efforts there is some sort of magical creature, power or deus ex machina (often the deus part is literal) that allows her to see and hear all things. I loved the magic of Tortall in the Lioness books, but here it is overused and Aly hardly has to break a sweat when overthrowing a small country. Other characters thank the god for bringing Aly to them in every other chapter, to the point where I really could have stood to see her taken down a peg...or 10.
The only thing that doesn't seem to come easily to Aly is perhaps her romantic pursuits. Nawat changed his disposition since the last book but since it all happened off page it comes across as forced. He is absent for most of the book, and while I really like when character's romantic pursuits are not at the forefront of the story, I felt a little robbed of seeing his character growth that I had so looked forward to. He reappears as a less enjoyable, less original character and we don't even get to find out how he got to that place firsthand. His crow friends also appear less in the story, replaced by jar-jar binks-esque little glob creatures I seriously could have done without.
We were told Aly grew as a character, the same way we're told she was a bit frivolous before the pirate raid, though there is a lot of telling and less showing. Without Aly's wager with the Trickster the narrative arc just lost it's compass.
All the villains are cartoon-ish and fumbling. Aly is once again smarter than everyone and everything comes easily. When things don't go according to her plans it usually somehow saves her from a difficult decision that would otherwise have given the story some dimension and the character some grit. Any time Aly's spy-work would fall short despite her best efforts there is some sort of magical creature, power or deus ex machina (often the deus part is literal) that allows her to see and hear all things. I loved the magic of Tortall in the Lioness books, but here it is overused and Aly hardly has to break a sweat when overthrowing a small country. Other characters thank the god for bringing Aly to them in every other chapter, to the point where I really could have stood to see her taken down a peg...or 10.
The only thing that doesn't seem to come easily to Aly is perhaps her romantic pursuits. Nawat changed his disposition since the last book but since it all happened off page it comes across as forced. He is absent for most of the book, and while I really like when character's romantic pursuits are not at the forefront of the story, I felt a little robbed of seeing his character growth that I had so looked forward to. He reappears as a less enjoyable, less original character and we don't even get to find out how he got to that place firsthand. His crow friends also appear less in the story, replaced by jar-jar binks-esque little glob creatures I seriously could have done without.
We were told Aly grew as a character, the same way we're told she was a bit frivolous before the pirate raid, though there is a lot of telling and less showing. Without Aly's wager with the Trickster the narrative arc just lost it's compass.
May 16, 2016
The first half of the book is considerably slower than book one and seemed much more political, but I loved the inclusion of the Darkings (FUN!) and once things finally picked up, they didn't stop until the end. I have to say the entire story arc of this duology is one of my favorites of the Tortallverse -- seriously, a realm where power is passed down through the women? HECK YES. Gimme that all day long. Dove is probably in my top 5 favorite characters to ever come out of the Tortall world; I would LOVE a book about her after the events of the Trickster books, or even a prequel describing how she and Sarai grew up. Everything about this world is so intricate and fascinating to me.
July 14, 2010
This is the sequel to Trickster's Choice, beginning six months or so after the events in that novel. Alianne Cooper, daughter of Alanna the Lioness and George (Tortallan spymaster) has won her wager with the god Kyprioth and kept Sarai and Dove (the two elder daughters of the Balitangs) alive, but she has elected to stay in the Copper Isles and see the half-blood Queen crowned.
We begin the novel with the Balitang family arriving back in the city of Rajmuat, plunging themselves into political intrigue and gaining the attention of the Rittevon royal family, who suspect the Balitangs of having intentions towards the throne. While this is occurring, Aly and the other raka conspirators create civil unrest in the city in order to push the populace into rebellion against the ruling monarchs.
Aly spends a great deal of time desk-bound, reading reports, or visiting with the other conspirators - and this is where I feel the novel really lacked sparkle. The book reads like an account of someone doing a job - recruiting, reading reports, attending meetings. It just isn't all that exciting.
Tamora Pierce confesses in her acknowledgements that she has delighted in following J K Rowling's lead in writing larger books for children. This is all very well, but I think Pierce writes better in a shorter format. Her original quartets about Tortall were strong, snappy and fast-paced. The larger books suffer from bloating and, here, too many tedious details about the reports Aly reads and visits to the palace were included. Two of the early chapters in the novel concern Sarai and Dove visiting the palace, and I found it extremely hard to push through those - I've never had such trouble with Pierce's books before.
I also found that Sarai became a pretty dislikeable character - spoilt, headstrong, and only thinking of herself. I was thankful when we reached the fate Pierce gave to her, and Dove came to the forefront. While speaking about the characters, one of my favourites from Trickster's Choice - Nawat Crow - was absent for much of this novel, and his loss removed a lot of the gentle humour that delighted me so in the first book.
Another complaint I have is the "MacGuffin" of the darking characters. Sure, they're pretty cute - although they do have a tendency to come across in a childish manner with their lack of adult speech - but they do make Aly's job enormously easy when she is spying on the palace. It is a very lazy plot device and leads Aly to suffer no real peril or cause her to have to really think through obtaining information.
Since we're on the subject of peril, none of these characters seem in any real danger. Yes, a few of them die but this almost seems as though Pierce is going through a checklist and ticking off "necessary death of beloved character to generate scenes of mourning". I never felt that any of the main characters were in any danger of not surviving.
I did enjoy some parts of the book - the kudarung (winged horses of all sizes and colours) were a nice addition; Nawat's return was very welcome; and the epilogue did a neat job of showing a few nice details of Aly's life some months after the end of the revolution - but overall I was disappointed. This seemed Pierce-by-the-numbers, and it came across that she didn't have much fun writing the story. In her Notes at the end, Tamora Pierce encourages those interested to seek out historical sources of actual revolution and conquest - it is a shame that, in this case, those sources would be more exciting.
We begin the novel with the Balitang family arriving back in the city of Rajmuat, plunging themselves into political intrigue and gaining the attention of the Rittevon royal family, who suspect the Balitangs of having intentions towards the throne. While this is occurring, Aly and the other raka conspirators create civil unrest in the city in order to push the populace into rebellion against the ruling monarchs.
Aly spends a great deal of time desk-bound, reading reports, or visiting with the other conspirators - and this is where I feel the novel really lacked sparkle. The book reads like an account of someone doing a job - recruiting, reading reports, attending meetings. It just isn't all that exciting.
Tamora Pierce confesses in her acknowledgements that she has delighted in following J K Rowling's lead in writing larger books for children. This is all very well, but I think Pierce writes better in a shorter format. Her original quartets about Tortall were strong, snappy and fast-paced. The larger books suffer from bloating and, here, too many tedious details about the reports Aly reads and visits to the palace were included. Two of the early chapters in the novel concern Sarai and Dove visiting the palace, and I found it extremely hard to push through those - I've never had such trouble with Pierce's books before.
I also found that Sarai became a pretty dislikeable character - spoilt, headstrong, and only thinking of herself. I was thankful when we reached the fate Pierce gave to her, and Dove came to the forefront. While speaking about the characters, one of my favourites from Trickster's Choice - Nawat Crow - was absent for much of this novel, and his loss removed a lot of the gentle humour that delighted me so in the first book.
Another complaint I have is the "MacGuffin" of the darking characters. Sure, they're pretty cute - although they do have a tendency to come across in a childish manner with their lack of adult speech - but they do make Aly's job enormously easy when she is spying on the palace. It is a very lazy plot device and leads Aly to suffer no real peril or cause her to have to really think through obtaining information.
Since we're on the subject of peril, none of these characters seem in any real danger. Yes, a few of them die but this almost seems as though Pierce is going through a checklist and ticking off "necessary death of beloved character to generate scenes of mourning". I never felt that any of the main characters were in any danger of not surviving.
I did enjoy some parts of the book - the kudarung (winged horses of all sizes and colours) were a nice addition; Nawat's return was very welcome; and the epilogue did a neat job of showing a few nice details of Aly's life some months after the end of the revolution - but overall I was disappointed. This seemed Pierce-by-the-numbers, and it came across that she didn't have much fun writing the story. In her Notes at the end, Tamora Pierce encourages those interested to seek out historical sources of actual revolution and conquest - it is a shame that, in this case, those sources would be more exciting.
April 10, 2012
Tamora Pierce was part of my literary diet when I was growing up. The combination of Western fantasy with Western science fiction means that even now I picture the fantasy city with wide boulevards, low-gabled houses, and amber sunlight dappling the warm streets.
Malheureusement, growing up one comes to perceive the limitations of such a treatment of the genre.
Trickster’s Queen, then, is a painful reread because I approach it this time with a new clarity of vision. It is a story, essentially, about colonialism.
I mentioned to a friend how the Daughter of the Lioness stories distinctly map onto the USAmerican presence in the Philippines.
Pierce’s Tortall is a place where dogs are trained in Malay, after all – if Pierce can come up with faux-foreign vocabulary for all the other regions of her world, I find it shameless to simply grab Malay wholesale.
But, to return to this book: in Trickster’s Queen, the white woman convinces the indigenous peoples to support a mestizo regime because she and only she knows what will save them. She is kingmaker, power-broker, saviour all in one. In the Trickster’s Queen universe, this is unquestionably a righteous happening; Aly is vindicated by the appearance of demigods who hail her for her political and military intervention in the Copper Isles.
I find it remarkable how the parallel of the novel’s plot with historical and contemporary USAmerican influences in Southeast Asia could fail to escape readers. The book’s and author’s politics – Pierce has written, for example, short stories whose plot boils down to ‘save the niqabis from themselves’ – are distasteful enough that, if I ever have a nostalgic craving for the Summersea quartets, it’ll be heigh ho, heigh ho to the library instead.
Malheureusement, growing up one comes to perceive the limitations of such a treatment of the genre.
Trickster’s Queen, then, is a painful reread because I approach it this time with a new clarity of vision. It is a story, essentially, about colonialism.
I mentioned to a friend how the Daughter of the Lioness stories distinctly map onto the USAmerican presence in the Philippines.
Pierce’s Tortall is a place where dogs are trained in Malay, after all – if Pierce can come up with faux-foreign vocabulary for all the other regions of her world, I find it shameless to simply grab Malay wholesale.
But, to return to this book: in Trickster’s Queen, the white woman convinces the indigenous peoples to support a mestizo regime because she and only she knows what will save them. She is kingmaker, power-broker, saviour all in one. In the Trickster’s Queen universe, this is unquestionably a righteous happening; Aly is vindicated by the appearance of demigods who hail her for her political and military intervention in the Copper Isles.
I find it remarkable how the parallel of the novel’s plot with historical and contemporary USAmerican influences in Southeast Asia could fail to escape readers. The book’s and author’s politics – Pierce has written, for example, short stories whose plot boils down to ‘save the niqabis from themselves’ – are distasteful enough that, if I ever have a nostalgic craving for the Summersea quartets, it’ll be heigh ho, heigh ho to the library instead.
May 1, 2024
4.5/5.0
This is a fabulous book, and duology, if one enjoys the world of spys, intrigue and what goes on behind the scenes of a revolution! I had honestly never thought much about the subject before, but Ms. Pierce tells such a riveting story that one can’t help but get hooked! I especially love the fact that the author centers on the characters and allows the reader to get to know and soon love each and every one. That genius also explains the reasons why so many of her series focus on characters from previous series (don’t worry, all are completely standalone series. I haven’t even read the series that began it all and still love every single one I pick up). We truly do invest so fully in them that we ache to know each and every story!
And, of course, as the plot of both books is creating a revolution that will overturn an unjust and awful monarchy, this second installment slowly and methodically works toward that climax. It is never boring, however (it’s all that delicious spy stuff that keeps one turning the pages!) The only thing in the entire duo that I was disappointed in was the way Aly’s family and roots were handled. I was SO anxious to read the big “reveal”, especially given both Sarai and Dove were so enamored with the Lioness, her exploits and example in the first book. I could hardly wait until they found out the truth! Sadly, it didn’t turn out the way I so desperately hoped (with all the awe and excitement accompanying the “TADA!” moment). Sadly, it was rather milk toast *sigh*. It was a grave injustice to my expectations, I’ll admit.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed and relished the entire experience. THIS is what fantasy fiction is meant to be!
This is a fabulous book, and duology, if one enjoys the world of spys, intrigue and what goes on behind the scenes of a revolution! I had honestly never thought much about the subject before, but Ms. Pierce tells such a riveting story that one can’t help but get hooked! I especially love the fact that the author centers on the characters and allows the reader to get to know and soon love each and every one. That genius also explains the reasons why so many of her series focus on characters from previous series (don’t worry, all are completely standalone series. I haven’t even read the series that began it all and still love every single one I pick up). We truly do invest so fully in them that we ache to know each and every story!
And, of course, as the plot of both books is creating a revolution that will overturn an unjust and awful monarchy, this second installment slowly and methodically works toward that climax. It is never boring, however (it’s all that delicious spy stuff that keeps one turning the pages!) The only thing in the entire duo that I was disappointed in was the way Aly’s family and roots were handled. I was SO anxious to read the big “reveal”, especially given both Sarai and Dove were so enamored with the Lioness, her exploits and example in the first book. I could hardly wait until they found out the truth! Sadly, it didn’t turn out the way I so desperately hoped (with all the awe and excitement accompanying the “TADA!” moment). Sadly, it was rather milk toast *sigh*. It was a grave injustice to my expectations, I’ll admit.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed and relished the entire experience. THIS is what fantasy fiction is meant to be!
August 27, 2016
In Trickster's Queen, Aly's role has slowly turned into Spy Master. Yes, she's… what, 18 at this point? And she's working with raka people who have been planing this for generations. But, she has the talent and the skills to be an amazing spy master, and the raka aren't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Unfortunately for us as a reader, this means Aly spend a lot of time reading reports and attending meetings. But Pierce doesn't make this dull or boring. While Aly might not be directly involved in all the events shaping the impending revolution, she is obviously pulling the strings. What I love most about this is when characters who don't know Aly are introduced to her as a spy master, they all guffaw. But Aly proves herself every time. It's lovely.
As I said, this wasn't as strong a book as the first. I love how everything resolved and how not everything went Aly's way. Yet…
The Darkings. I adore how they are characterized. They are small and adventuresome and just looking for "Fun!". I listened to the audiobook, and they were depicted with adorable tiny, squeeky voices. It was perfect. And yet it was such an easy way for Aly to get everything she needed. It felt a bit like cheating at spying, honestly. I would have enjoyed them more if they had been fed lies that trapped Aly, or if more of them had been caught.
Also-- our Royal Baddies were incompetent. They couldn't get their stuff together no matter what. It was weird. The first Rittevon king just dies of old age. Okay, I can forgive that. The next Rittevon king dies from gluttony, which he more or less does to himself in a strange suicide because he doesn't want to be King. ...Weird. So, we get to the newest Rittevon king, a five-year-old boy. Obviously, his mother and father become Regents and they are completely incompetent. Which blows my mind. Rubinyan has schemed and plotted his whole life trying to get to this point. Yet, suddenly with the power of the throne around him, everything falls apart. And Imajane seems to have inherited the kingly line of lunacy. So, one regent is going crazy and doing all sorts of crazy things to make the kingdom fear and distrust her, while Rubinyan is just trying to keep her in line. What? It just makes everything so much easier for Aly and the conspirators.
That said, I didn't dislike this book. I was enraptured with the story Pierce wove. Now that they are so close to putting the Twice Royal Queen on the throne, we really get to know the raka conspirators much better. They have grown to trust Aly. We watch they relationships develop and deepen within their ranks, as well as with the other members of the Balitang household. A few characters even took turns I wasn't expecting, and I found that some of my favorite characters by the end of the book were unexpected.
In the end, I loved how intelligent this duology is. The relationships, plots, and politics are all well crafted. I even found it exciting, which I didn't expect! The plot had a fluidity that felt real since things couldn’t always go as planned for our conspirators. In the end, this was a great tale and I hope many of you are willing to explore the story. After all, we have a bratty 16-year-old who turns into a strong female spy master. Aly's transformation is remarkable and completely realistic. What is there not to like?
As I said, this wasn't as strong a book as the first. I love how everything resolved and how not everything went Aly's way. Yet…
The Darkings. I adore how they are characterized. They are small and adventuresome and just looking for "Fun!". I listened to the audiobook, and they were depicted with adorable tiny, squeeky voices. It was perfect. And yet it was such an easy way for Aly to get everything she needed. It felt a bit like cheating at spying, honestly. I would have enjoyed them more if they had been fed lies that trapped Aly, or if more of them had been caught.
Also-- our Royal Baddies were incompetent. They couldn't get their stuff together no matter what. It was weird. The first Rittevon king just dies of old age. Okay, I can forgive that. The next Rittevon king dies from gluttony, which he more or less does to himself in a strange suicide because he doesn't want to be King. ...Weird. So, we get to the newest Rittevon king, a five-year-old boy. Obviously, his mother and father become Regents and they are completely incompetent. Which blows my mind. Rubinyan has schemed and plotted his whole life trying to get to this point. Yet, suddenly with the power of the throne around him, everything falls apart. And Imajane seems to have inherited the kingly line of lunacy. So, one regent is going crazy and doing all sorts of crazy things to make the kingdom fear and distrust her, while Rubinyan is just trying to keep her in line. What? It just makes everything so much easier for Aly and the conspirators.
That said, I didn't dislike this book. I was enraptured with the story Pierce wove. Now that they are so close to putting the Twice Royal Queen on the throne, we really get to know the raka conspirators much better. They have grown to trust Aly. We watch they relationships develop and deepen within their ranks, as well as with the other members of the Balitang household. A few characters even took turns I wasn't expecting, and I found that some of my favorite characters by the end of the book were unexpected.
In the end, I loved how intelligent this duology is. The relationships, plots, and politics are all well crafted. I even found it exciting, which I didn't expect! The plot had a fluidity that felt real since things couldn’t always go as planned for our conspirators. In the end, this was a great tale and I hope many of you are willing to explore the story. After all, we have a bratty 16-year-old who turns into a strong female spy master. Aly's transformation is remarkable and completely realistic. What is there not to like?
April 17, 2013
I have to say I did not like this one as well as the first. My reasons for thus are as follow: 1. the plot wasn't as structured as the first. 2. The villains are so incompetent Aly glides through the plot easily. 3. Things that 'go wrong' are actually helpful for the heroes. 4. Aly's relationship with Nawat feels off. Still a book worth reading but not as good as the first.
First my beef with the plot. The story begins with Aly and the Balitangs returning to the capital from their place in the country. The ultimate goal being to overturn the Rittevons and install Sarah as the new monarch, who would then end the slavery of the raka and make the Copper Islands a nice place to live for everyone. After that, though, it kind of muddles along without any kind of climbing action. Aly does her spy thing, Sarah does her social butterfly thing, the Rittevons show off how oppressive they are, and suddenly there's this big battle where the standing government more or less implodes. The first book had this steady progression toward the end of summer where "Aly would win or lose her wage" with the god Kyprioth but this book lacks any sense of progression.
Second is the incompetent villains. The first villain, the Rittevon king, dies of old age. His son from gluttony. Neither does anything. The king's daughter is just cold and ruthless and almost a single existence with her husband. They rarely act apart so its hard to see them as two characters. Their spymaster (Aly's counterpart) is old and arrogant and, in a word, decayed. Aly mentally lists all the things he's doing wrong, while he sloppily interogates her, and at the end decides he won't be a threat. While this could have been a bluff to get her overconfident, he really isn't a threat and is later executed by the Rittevons for being so useless. His replacement is worse and never gets their own scene. The ONE person smart enough to figure out that Aly is a spy (possibly a spymaster) for the Raka rebels, and could therefore do a lot of damage to their network, is an anti-villain who really cares for nothing but the harmless puppet king controlled by his older and eviler relatives.
Third is the lack of resistance. In addition to the harmless villains Aly doesn't have any other problems except her relationship with Nawat. There are two occasions where she is outwitted or out manuvered but both of them help her cause. Not a HUGE problem as Aly points out how the first one is better than what they had planned and that the second one is unfortunately necessary but still, the fact that these are the only problems with her revolt weaken the drama and the sense of victory at the end.
Four is Aly's relationship with Nawat. At the end of book 1 she isn't interested in Nawat's offer of a relationship. At the start of book 2 she's accepted and somehow the tables are turned: she's the one that likes their relationship and Nawat's the one that's pulling away. It's because he wants a serious relationship instead of a casual one but its still weird. It could be seen as a sign of Aly's character development as she didn't want to get too involved with anything (a problem that started off the first book) but seeing her suddenly love sick is too weird.
Bottom line is: if you liked the first book than you should give this one a try.
First my beef with the plot. The story begins with Aly and the Balitangs returning to the capital from their place in the country. The ultimate goal being to overturn the Rittevons and install Sarah as the new monarch, who would then end the slavery of the raka and make the Copper Islands a nice place to live for everyone. After that, though, it kind of muddles along without any kind of climbing action. Aly does her spy thing, Sarah does her social butterfly thing, the Rittevons show off how oppressive they are, and suddenly there's this big battle where the standing government more or less implodes. The first book had this steady progression toward the end of summer where "Aly would win or lose her wage" with the god Kyprioth but this book lacks any sense of progression.
Second is the incompetent villains. The first villain, the Rittevon king, dies of old age. His son from gluttony. Neither does anything. The king's daughter is just cold and ruthless and almost a single existence with her husband. They rarely act apart so its hard to see them as two characters. Their spymaster (Aly's counterpart) is old and arrogant and, in a word, decayed. Aly mentally lists all the things he's doing wrong, while he sloppily interogates her, and at the end decides he won't be a threat. While this could have been a bluff to get her overconfident, he really isn't a threat and is later executed by the Rittevons for being so useless. His replacement is worse and never gets their own scene. The ONE person smart enough to figure out that Aly is a spy (possibly a spymaster) for the Raka rebels, and could therefore do a lot of damage to their network, is an anti-villain who really cares for nothing but the harmless puppet king controlled by his older and eviler relatives.
Third is the lack of resistance. In addition to the harmless villains Aly doesn't have any other problems except her relationship with Nawat. There are two occasions where she is outwitted or out manuvered but both of them help her cause. Not a HUGE problem as Aly points out how the first one is better than what they had planned and that the second one is unfortunately necessary but still, the fact that these are the only problems with her revolt weaken the drama and the sense of victory at the end.
Four is Aly's relationship with Nawat. At the end of book 1 she isn't interested in Nawat's offer of a relationship. At the start of book 2 she's accepted and somehow the tables are turned: she's the one that likes their relationship and Nawat's the one that's pulling away. It's because he wants a serious relationship instead of a casual one but its still weird. It could be seen as a sign of Aly's character development as she didn't want to get too involved with anything (a problem that started off the first book) but seeing her suddenly love sick is too weird.
Bottom line is: if you liked the first book than you should give this one a try.
December 20, 2015
I tripped and fell down a Tamora Pierce rabbit hole this weekend.
Here's the thing: Aly was never a compelling character for me. The first book of this duology was weak because it felt purely like setup. This book was weak because everything was so easy. That said, I always liked the final confrontation and I still found it exciting on this reread.
Here's what stood out to me this particular time around.
1. Man, Aly's parents and godparents are stupid. Why would you teach a really bright young woman all the many ways she can manipulate people, lie, and disappear, and then allow her no way to make use of this talent? Nature abhors a vacuum! Of course she was going to take her talents somewhere they could be used, even if she got there - creatively! And now she's the spymaster for a rival country you aren't officially allied with, while knowing everything about the Tortallan spy system. And you all saunter in to visit like you're okay with that?
(I seem to be of the Megan Whalen Turner "we can't have have a treaty without a marriage" school of thought. Marriage to Nawat doesn't count.)
2. I liked the minor characters a lot more on this reread. I'd have liked more on Taybur Sibigat! Who is this guy? Why is he so loyal to his baby king? Why do he and Aly have so much more in common than Aly and Nawat? And Ochobu is great, especially when she points out the storm was caused by luarin magic - "That is to say, Crown magic, because any other mage with sense learns how we work. Why do you think Zaimid Hetnim came here? It wasn't to be called 'brown dog' behind his back by the regents." Often Ochobu simply feels like the mage they need instead of a character in her own right, but when she's pointing out key information that rounds out the worldbuilding, she feels much more vital. I like all her contributions about raka magic; I think they quietly demonstrate a lot of important information that descriptions of brute force don't convey as powerfully.
3. I can't decide how I feel about Pierce's obvious slavery/race parallels. They're there, and sometimes they're interesting, and sometimes they're problematic, and overall I'm confused.
4. I did really like the idea that the rebels were planning to crown the older, more charismatic, much less suitable sister while totally blind to how much better a candidate Dove was - even after Sarai absconded.
5. Uh, I don't really like Aly. Or how easily things come to her, or how charming and successful she is. She fails ONCE, and even that ends up being for the best.
6. Tamora Pierce is one of the only authors I know who's actually successful at creating a second generation of characters in the same world. And when I say that, I mean the Kel books. The Aly books feel like third generation, and I don't think they're as successful. All these insipid third generation characters spreading out and interacting (Jon and Thayet's daughter along with Sarai in Carthak, for example) don't matter to me. Jon and Raoul and Gary and Alanna, and Kel and Neal and Merric and Seaver and Co., feel so much more alive and important. When the best moments of the Trickster books are the ones where I got to see Jon interact with Alanna, and Kel duel with Alanna - well, the series starts to feel even weaker.
Here's the thing: Aly was never a compelling character for me. The first book of this duology was weak because it felt purely like setup. This book was weak because everything was so easy. That said, I always liked the final confrontation and I still found it exciting on this reread.
Here's what stood out to me this particular time around.
1. Man, Aly's parents and godparents are stupid. Why would you teach a really bright young woman all the many ways she can manipulate people, lie, and disappear, and then allow her no way to make use of this talent? Nature abhors a vacuum! Of course she was going to take her talents somewhere they could be used, even if she got there - creatively! And now she's the spymaster for a rival country you aren't officially allied with, while knowing everything about the Tortallan spy system. And you all saunter in to visit like you're okay with that?
(I seem to be of the Megan Whalen Turner "we can't have have a treaty without a marriage" school of thought. Marriage to Nawat doesn't count.)
2. I liked the minor characters a lot more on this reread. I'd have liked more on Taybur Sibigat! Who is this guy? Why is he so loyal to his baby king? Why do he and Aly have so much more in common than Aly and Nawat? And Ochobu is great, especially when she points out the storm was caused by luarin magic - "That is to say, Crown magic, because any other mage with sense learns how we work. Why do you think Zaimid Hetnim came here? It wasn't to be called 'brown dog' behind his back by the regents." Often Ochobu simply feels like the mage they need instead of a character in her own right, but when she's pointing out key information that rounds out the worldbuilding, she feels much more vital. I like all her contributions about raka magic; I think they quietly demonstrate a lot of important information that descriptions of brute force don't convey as powerfully.
3. I can't decide how I feel about Pierce's obvious slavery/race parallels. They're there, and sometimes they're interesting, and sometimes they're problematic, and overall I'm confused.
4. I did really like the idea that the rebels were planning to crown the older, more charismatic, much less suitable sister while totally blind to how much better a candidate Dove was - even after Sarai absconded.
5. Uh, I don't really like Aly. Or how easily things come to her, or how charming and successful she is. She fails ONCE, and even that ends up being for the best.
6. Tamora Pierce is one of the only authors I know who's actually successful at creating a second generation of characters in the same world. And when I say that, I mean the Kel books. The Aly books feel like third generation, and I don't think they're as successful. All these insipid third generation characters spreading out and interacting (Jon and Thayet's daughter along with Sarai in Carthak, for example) don't matter to me. Jon and Raoul and Gary and Alanna, and Kel and Neal and Merric and Seaver and Co., feel so much more alive and important. When the best moments of the Trickster books are the ones where I got to see Jon interact with Alanna, and Kel duel with Alanna - well, the series starts to feel even weaker.
February 2, 2015
My main problem with the book was the main character- Aly. I thought she'd improve from the first book, but if anything, she got worse.
Aly is arrogant, annoying, patronizing- the list goes on and on. Everything she does is right, everything she thinks turns out to be true, and absolutely nothing catches her off-guard. No matter what happens, she knows what to do (a teenager with no field experience) and she's not at all upset. I won't give spoilers with specific examples, but it is incredibly annoying.
There's also the way that she just comes into a country and takes over the oppressed nation's rebellion. A sixteen year old servant, and she just waltzes in and takes over. Never mind that we repeatedly see that there were far more qualified leaders of the rebellion (who for some reason have no problem handing over control to someone they hardly know) who are putting much better plans into place without her (not that she's willing to learn from anyone else, of course)- Aly's in charge. Why? Because...uh...um...well, it was necessary for the plot. Best answer I can come up with.
Then there's her arrogance and the way she patronizes everyone (including a god... the book would have been so much better if he'd taught her the lesson she desperately needed). Aly is... what, eighteen at most? Yet she goes around calling everyone "my dear" or something equally ridiculous, and she keeps patting everyone on the cheek. Everyone, of course, doesn't mind at all, and at several points says "what a horribly arrogant and innapropriate thing to do, but it's YOU, Aly"... all I could think was "THE Captain James Tiberius Kirk?".
Aly is also painfully aware of her body (okay, she's pretty. Okay, she has curves. Okay, everyone she meets falls in love with her. Okay, her character is completely perfect (despite not being anything close to it). Okay- no, wait, nothing about this is okay. News flash, Tamora Pierce- I COULDN'T CARE LESS HOW PERFECT YOUR CHARACTER IS. Good main characters have FLAWS). She's always showing it off and flirting with boys, often instead of concentrating on her work (which reminds me... Nawat, the one character I liked, goes off on some spiritual journey and comes back completely cleansed of all of his likeable traits). I think at some point she even spends a page or so detailing how she couldn't bear to tease boys anymore and she regards flirting for fun as mean and couldn't possibly do it... a scene or two later, she's back to her old tricks, maybe even worse than before.
What happened? Where did Alanna go? She was a normal person. Kel was a normal person (aside from unimaginable degrees of awesomeness, but hey, anything's possible). Daine was a normal person. So where did Aly come from, with examples like this? How did this happen? Yes, she could theoretically exist... but only if she CHANGES. There is no character development, making this book painful to read. It doesn't matter about everything else, all I wanted was for someone to smack some sense into Aly.
The plot also left something to be desired, but it's been a while and I don't remember exactly. Hopefully an update to follow when I have more time to think about this clearly and can write comprehensively on the plot.
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February 7, 2024
And after a year, I finally finished my Tortall reread! Huzzah!
November 24, 2014
It's amazing that a writer can produce books as breathtaking as the first two quartets in the Tortall-verse, and also books as terrible as the Daughter of the Lioness-books.
What I love about Pierce's writing is the action, the magic, the diverse universe, and the way that you get to really know the characters.
None of that happened here. As someone else already phrased it in another review, "The book reads like an account of someone doing a job - recruiting, reading reports, attending meetings. It just isn't all that exciting."
I remarked many times throughout my status updates that this book, and its predecessor, had too many characters. There was no way to keep of all those names - which meant that I didn't grieve for them when they died, and thus, the climax felt flat. The only characters I felt I had really connected to were Dove and Aly.
Ah, Aly. Speaking of her: What in the world was going on there? I normally applaud Pierce for her fleshed-out, strong heroines with great character development. But not Aly. I think it's safe to say that the poor girl didn't go through any major changes, from the first page of Trickster's Choice, to the last page of Trickster's Queen. It's true that we were told how she lacked motivation before the whole ordeal, but we only got to see if for a few chapters before she was shipped off to the Copper Isles, and from then on she more or less just took charge. Everything seemed to come to her easily: she already knew how to be a spy, she had the help of a god, and when Sarai eloped, we had another, better suited heir for the throne! The children (Elsren and Dunevon) were killed in a storm by the antagonists, so Aly didn't have to worry about what to do about them either, although she worried about it a lot. Last but not least, Rubinyan was KIA against someone Not-Aly, and Imajane committed suicide before any sort of confrontation could happen. Congratulations, Aly.
Only two of the chapters were interesting and had any real action; the climax. Everything else was honestly a struggle to get through.
I am personally fearing for the time where I sit down with the Beka Cooper-books, because in my opinion, the Tortall-verse keeps getting worse instead of better. Maybe I'll just huddle with the Song of the Lioness, Wild Magic and Protector of the Small quartets and try to forget that any of this happened.
What I love about Pierce's writing is the action, the magic, the diverse universe, and the way that you get to really know the characters.
None of that happened here. As someone else already phrased it in another review, "The book reads like an account of someone doing a job - recruiting, reading reports, attending meetings. It just isn't all that exciting."
I remarked many times throughout my status updates that this book, and its predecessor, had too many characters. There was no way to keep of all those names - which meant that I didn't grieve for them when they died, and thus, the climax felt flat. The only characters I felt I had really connected to were Dove and Aly.
Ah, Aly. Speaking of her: What in the world was going on there? I normally applaud Pierce for her fleshed-out, strong heroines with great character development. But not Aly. I think it's safe to say that the poor girl didn't go through any major changes, from the first page of Trickster's Choice, to the last page of Trickster's Queen. It's true that we were told how she lacked motivation before the whole ordeal, but we only got to see if for a few chapters before she was shipped off to the Copper Isles, and from then on she more or less just took charge. Everything seemed to come to her easily: she already knew how to be a spy, she had the help of a god, and when Sarai eloped, we had another, better suited heir for the throne! The children (Elsren and Dunevon) were killed in a storm by the antagonists, so Aly didn't have to worry about what to do about them either, although she worried about it a lot. Last but not least, Rubinyan was KIA against someone Not-Aly, and Imajane committed suicide before any sort of confrontation could happen. Congratulations, Aly.
Only two of the chapters were interesting and had any real action; the climax. Everything else was honestly a struggle to get through.
I am personally fearing for the time where I sit down with the Beka Cooper-books, because in my opinion, the Tortall-verse keeps getting worse instead of better. Maybe I'll just huddle with the Song of the Lioness, Wild Magic and Protector of the Small quartets and try to forget that any of this happened.
March 20, 2025
Aly is one of my all-time favorite heroines to hail from Tortall. That she uses her intelligence and quick wit to accomplish everything that she does in astonishing. I love getting lost in the dark and twisty place that is the spy world of the Copper Isles. I've read these books so many times and will continue to do so - I just can't get enough. Highly recommended to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
April 4, 2020
Ugh. This one did not age well.
I read it as a young teenager and absolutely adored it the first time around, like I did all of Tamora Pierce's books. I really wanted to be Aly. Of all the main characters in the Tortall universe she was the one I identified with the most - famous mostly because of her mind, not her strength, but she was way cooler than I was.
To be fair, there's still a lot of things about this book. The worldbuilding is still exquisite. I find all of the side characters really compelling. And Nawat. Oh, sweet, sweet Nawat. We also see Aly's character grow and mature somewhat from the first book, which is good since she was getting on my nerves.
I had issues with some of the character development, namely, that of Dove and Sarai. And here there be spoilers:
However, none of this was enough to salvage it from the incredibly ham-handed treatment of race and colonization.
This book would not be able to get published in 2020.
Every time Aly thinks about the rebellion, she thinks about how she has to stop the raka rebels from murdering all the luarin, including people who are part raka and part luarin, in a bloody frenzy. Not only is it incredibly myopic for her to not be able to understand why a people who have been under brutal colonial rule for centuries would maybe want a bit of revenge, it's insulting that she thinks they are all bloodthirsty. And she doesn't spend half as much time worrying about raka being killed by luarin soldiers during the rebellion, or during their normal lives in a brutal settler colonial slave state.
She's not the only one. When Aly brings Dove into the conspiracy, Dove's first thought is that she is worried about bloodshed. No, not the thousands of raka who will inevitably die under a government that's already proven to be super violent. She's worried about the luarin nobles and landlords who will be killed as revenge. Seriously? We're expected to believe that this kind half-raka queen-to-be, sensitive to injustice, will think of the nobles of the colonizing class first?
At one point Aly even says that she explained to the rebels (all raka or part raka except for her) why they can't be super violent AS IF THEY WERE CHILDREN. Yes, she explicitly says she talks to them as if they were children. That line stood out to me given the history of considering POC in our world as child-like, without the intellect and agency adult humans have, and always needing a white person to guide them.
The real kicker for me was at the end when planning the final push on the rebellion, the luarin nobles are assured that they will all get to keep their huge estates unless they were mean to the raka. That solves none of the underlying issues in this society, which is that these arrivals from foreign lands took all the land, displaced the people who lived on it, and forced them to work for them. I know this is a quasi-medieval world but ugh, that just means The Copper Isles will have another rebellion in a couple of decades.
It's clear that Tamora Pierce wanted to try something new and explore the topics of colonialism, but more nuance, research and empathy was needed. It left a sour taste in my mouth
I read it as a young teenager and absolutely adored it the first time around, like I did all of Tamora Pierce's books. I really wanted to be Aly. Of all the main characters in the Tortall universe she was the one I identified with the most - famous mostly because of her mind, not her strength, but she was way cooler than I was.
To be fair, there's still a lot of things about this book. The worldbuilding is still exquisite. I find all of the side characters really compelling. And Nawat. Oh, sweet, sweet Nawat. We also see Aly's character grow and mature somewhat from the first book, which is good since she was getting on my nerves.
I had issues with some of the character development, namely, that of Dove and Sarai. And here there be spoilers:
However, none of this was enough to salvage it from the incredibly ham-handed treatment of race and colonization.
This book would not be able to get published in 2020.
Every time Aly thinks about the rebellion, she thinks about how she has to stop the raka rebels from murdering all the luarin, including people who are part raka and part luarin, in a bloody frenzy. Not only is it incredibly myopic for her to not be able to understand why a people who have been under brutal colonial rule for centuries would maybe want a bit of revenge, it's insulting that she thinks they are all bloodthirsty. And she doesn't spend half as much time worrying about raka being killed by luarin soldiers during the rebellion, or during their normal lives in a brutal settler colonial slave state.
She's not the only one. When Aly brings Dove into the conspiracy, Dove's first thought is that she is worried about bloodshed. No, not the thousands of raka who will inevitably die under a government that's already proven to be super violent. She's worried about the luarin nobles and landlords who will be killed as revenge. Seriously? We're expected to believe that this kind half-raka queen-to-be, sensitive to injustice, will think of the nobles of the colonizing class first?
At one point Aly even says that she explained to the rebels (all raka or part raka except for her) why they can't be super violent AS IF THEY WERE CHILDREN. Yes, she explicitly says she talks to them as if they were children. That line stood out to me given the history of considering POC in our world as child-like, without the intellect and agency adult humans have, and always needing a white person to guide them.
The real kicker for me was at the end when planning the final push on the rebellion, the luarin nobles are assured that they will all get to keep their huge estates unless they were mean to the raka. That solves none of the underlying issues in this society, which is that these arrivals from foreign lands took all the land, displaced the people who lived on it, and forced them to work for them. I know this is a quasi-medieval world but ugh, that just means The Copper Isles will have another rebellion in a couple of decades.
It's clear that Tamora Pierce wanted to try something new and explore the topics of colonialism, but more nuance, research and empathy was needed. It left a sour taste in my mouth
September 20, 2008
I would have read this book right after finishing Trickster's Choice but I'm always afraid there'll be too much rehashing of previous events etc., which gets really annoying. Instead, there's very very little, and what there is is slipped in there naturally. I was rather surprised at the things I'd forgotten, like about Duke Mequen! That was pretty significant, I'm surprised I'd forgotten that.
The Balitang family return to the capital of Rajmuat where the formidable matriarch of the family, Aunt Niritin, has things well in hand. The conspiracy amongst the Raka and the household servants, with Aly as spymaster, has some serious clout and Dove on their side. The Regents of the Rittevon boy-king, Dunevon, are suspicious, prickly, unloved and reactive; it doesn't take much from Aly to aggravate their worst points and turn the populace against them, though they certainly didn't need much help for that. Nawat, the crow-man, leaves Aly to help the rebels on other islands and to grow into himself. Gifts from Aly's home make things really interesting.
The relationships and politics in this particular volume are handled very well - never boring, even the plotting is exciting. What Pierce did with Sarai and Dove I absolutely love - she's not an author to be boxed in but allows for change and fluidity, and it worked out better than the original plan. I adored the darkings, which were very original and fresh and entertaining. While I did find that Aly's personal thoughts and feelings weren't delved into enough, especially in relation to Nawat, had I been reading this at 14, say, I would have been very satisfied. Probably my imagination was more active at the time and needed less direction?
There's great intelligence and craftiness in this duology, as well as enjoyable characters and unique fantasy elements. Highly recommended; just don't be distracted by a few cringe-inducing past tense verbs - "treaded" is NOT a word, the past tense of "tread" is "trod". Grrr.
The Balitang family return to the capital of Rajmuat where the formidable matriarch of the family, Aunt Niritin, has things well in hand. The conspiracy amongst the Raka and the household servants, with Aly as spymaster, has some serious clout and Dove on their side. The Regents of the Rittevon boy-king, Dunevon, are suspicious, prickly, unloved and reactive; it doesn't take much from Aly to aggravate their worst points and turn the populace against them, though they certainly didn't need much help for that. Nawat, the crow-man, leaves Aly to help the rebels on other islands and to grow into himself. Gifts from Aly's home make things really interesting.
The relationships and politics in this particular volume are handled very well - never boring, even the plotting is exciting. What Pierce did with Sarai and Dove I absolutely love - she's not an author to be boxed in but allows for change and fluidity, and it worked out better than the original plan. I adored the darkings, which were very original and fresh and entertaining. While I did find that Aly's personal thoughts and feelings weren't delved into enough, especially in relation to Nawat, had I been reading this at 14, say, I would have been very satisfied. Probably my imagination was more active at the time and needed less direction?
There's great intelligence and craftiness in this duology, as well as enjoyable characters and unique fantasy elements. Highly recommended; just don't be distracted by a few cringe-inducing past tense verbs - "treaded" is NOT a word, the past tense of "tread" is "trod". Grrr.
June 10, 2018
5 star read easily (also, ALL THE STARS for being exactly what I needed when I was home sick).
This was such a brilliant read from start to finish, and I really loved how different the "fighting" was from all the previous Tortall books that I'd read. The guerrilla were such a brilliant and unique take on things after having two main characters that were knights (...or trainee knights), and one that was a magic user that was still very upfront about everything. Having a main character in this duology that prefers to stay in the shadows and work as more of a spy and saboteur than as a warrior was such a refreshing change of pace that I had no idea I needed until I read this and Trickster's Choice.
The relationships between all the different characters in this novel were so incredibly well done, from
Probably my only gripe with this book is that but that's more of a personal issue than any issue with the writing - I mean .
I am so unbelievably happy though that
Honestly, that was just such a satisfying book from beginning to end and it was exactly what I needed when sick. ALL THE STARS for this book <3
This was such a brilliant read from start to finish, and I really loved how different the "fighting" was from all the previous Tortall books that I'd read. The guerrilla were such a brilliant and unique take on things after having two main characters that were knights (...or trainee knights), and one that was a magic user that was still very upfront about everything. Having a main character in this duology that prefers to stay in the shadows and work as more of a spy and saboteur than as a warrior was such a refreshing change of pace that I had no idea I needed until I read this and Trickster's Choice.
The relationships between all the different characters in this novel were so incredibly well done, from
Probably my only gripe with this book is that but that's more of a personal issue than any issue with the writing - I mean .
I am so unbelievably happy though that
Honestly, that was just such a satisfying book from beginning to end and it was exactly what I needed when sick. ALL THE STARS for this book <3
October 6, 2008
Grades: 7 to 10 Genre: Fantasy
No longer a slave, Aly’s life is still far from simple as she has become part of the plot to place a Raka queen on the throne of the Copper Isles. Over the winter she has become a master of spies for the rebellion. Another complication in her life is her relationship with the half man, half crow Nawat. He wants to solidify their relationship and can’t understand Aly’s hesitation. The family Aly serves is moving back to the city to become part of the court there. Hoping to use the Balitangs return to favor to further the rebellion, Aly makes new contact in the city and starts to move the plot forward. While at first it appears that Sarai, the oldest Balitang daughter, is the one of which the prophecy speaks of, but time makes it apparent that it is indeed Dove who will become the new queen. Aly’s charm and wit continue to make this book enjoyable. The quick moving plot and sudden turns will keep readers interested.
No longer a slave, Aly’s life is still far from simple as she has become part of the plot to place a Raka queen on the throne of the Copper Isles. Over the winter she has become a master of spies for the rebellion. Another complication in her life is her relationship with the half man, half crow Nawat. He wants to solidify their relationship and can’t understand Aly’s hesitation. The family Aly serves is moving back to the city to become part of the court there. Hoping to use the Balitangs return to favor to further the rebellion, Aly makes new contact in the city and starts to move the plot forward. While at first it appears that Sarai, the oldest Balitang daughter, is the one of which the prophecy speaks of, but time makes it apparent that it is indeed Dove who will become the new queen. Aly’s charm and wit continue to make this book enjoyable. The quick moving plot and sudden turns will keep readers interested.
June 7, 2018
Random thing: they audio narrator pronounced Aly more like "Ali" and it threw me off 😂😂 It could be because I listen at 2x speed but it was weird lmao.
I loved this book even more than the first one! I swear this book broke my heart even more, but managed to put the pieces back together in the end. Aly is in her prime with this installation. She acts like a true spymaster and I absolutely fucking loved it. It was so great!! I loved her tricks, plotting and how she schemed to take down the regents.
Dove was a gem in this too. She's like 12/13 years old but she's so much more mature than other girls or boys her age. She's definitely more mature than Sarai and
The epilogue in this was perfect! I need an extended version of that where I see all of my favorite characters from the Tortall lands. I literally love these characters so damn much I want to cry. I'm really sad this is the last book set in this time period of Tortall with these characters because I loved seeing the cameos and the other characters all grown up.
I loved this book even more than the first one! I swear this book broke my heart even more, but managed to put the pieces back together in the end. Aly is in her prime with this installation. She acts like a true spymaster and I absolutely fucking loved it. It was so great!! I loved her tricks, plotting and how she schemed to take down the regents.
Dove was a gem in this too. She's like 12/13 years old but she's so much more mature than other girls or boys her age. She's definitely more mature than Sarai and
The epilogue in this was perfect! I need an extended version of that where I see all of my favorite characters from the Tortall lands. I literally love these characters so damn much I want to cry. I'm really sad this is the last book set in this time period of Tortall with these characters because I loved seeing the cameos and the other characters all grown up.
November 6, 2021
3.5 stars
I liked this, but it was quite slow. So many people died though!
I was a little surprised when Aly decided
I liked this, but it was quite slow. So many people died though!
I was a little surprised when Aly decided
January 3, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
January 16, 2022
I had high hopes after the elaborate setup of
Trickster's Choice
that
Trickster's Queen
would be an intricate network of spies executing complicated plans to bring about a revolution and a new way of life for the raka and luarin of the Copper Isles. Unfortunately, what actually happened was a shallow story of coincidences and lucky breaks.
I wanted brilliant plans that only Aly and her collaborators would be able to execute, alliances formed with important connections through espionage, coercion, and blackmail. I was looking forward to how the rebellion was going to make tough decisions, especially those regarding the suitability of Sarai as a leader and the politics of Elsren's claim to the throne. Lucky for them, every tough decision was made for them, and always in their favour! No one had to dirty their hands outside of what they were willing to do, they were handed incredible advantages with no effort, and their brilliant plans consisted of high school gossip and petty graffiti.
Nawat and Dove, my two favourites, were largely absent as well. When they did make appearances they were wonderful, as expected. Nawat matured and became a bit more human, and Dove flourished in her role. I know there are a lot of people who are opposed to the romantic storyline involving basically a newborn human who just happens to be an adult male who previously lived as a crow. And sure, I get it's a bit sticky, but he's the one bright spot in this story who adds a little levity and charm, don't try to take him away. A new addition to the cast, Taybur Sibigat is the commander of the King's Guard and he seemed promising. Smart and caring, he was competent at his job and seemed to be on to Aly from the beginning. I just wish he had been utilised more; he could've played several roles well, working for or against the rebellion. But that seems to be the curse of Trickster's Queen ; lots of potential, no follow-through.
Yes, the story was enjoyable, I like the characters so spending more time with them wasn't terrible, and any mention of Tortall and our old friends is always wonderful. This was by no means a terrible book, it was just a little boring and commonplace when I was expecting exciting and original.
Other books in the Daughter of the Lioness series:
#1: Trickster's Choice ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Other books in the Tortall Universe:
#1: Alanna: The First Adventure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#2: In the Hand of the Goddess ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#3: The Woman Who Rides Like a Man ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#4: Lioness Rampant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5: Wild Magic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#6: Wolf-speaker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#7: Emperor Mage ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#8: The Realms of the Gods ⭐⭐⭐
#9: First Test ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#10: Page ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#11: Squire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#12: Lady Knight ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#13: Trickster's Choice ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#15: Terrier ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#16: Bloodhound ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#17: Mastiff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#18: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#19: Tortall: A Spy's Guide ⭐⭐⭐
#20: Tempests and Slaughter ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I wanted brilliant plans that only Aly and her collaborators would be able to execute, alliances formed with important connections through espionage, coercion, and blackmail. I was looking forward to how the rebellion was going to make tough decisions, especially those regarding the suitability of Sarai as a leader and the politics of Elsren's claim to the throne. Lucky for them, every tough decision was made for them, and always in their favour! No one had to dirty their hands outside of what they were willing to do, they were handed incredible advantages with no effort, and their brilliant plans consisted of high school gossip and petty graffiti.
Nawat and Dove, my two favourites, were largely absent as well. When they did make appearances they were wonderful, as expected. Nawat matured and became a bit more human, and Dove flourished in her role. I know there are a lot of people who are opposed to the romantic storyline involving basically a newborn human who just happens to be an adult male who previously lived as a crow. And sure, I get it's a bit sticky, but he's the one bright spot in this story who adds a little levity and charm, don't try to take him away. A new addition to the cast, Taybur Sibigat is the commander of the King's Guard and he seemed promising. Smart and caring, he was competent at his job and seemed to be on to Aly from the beginning. I just wish he had been utilised more; he could've played several roles well, working for or against the rebellion. But that seems to be the curse of Trickster's Queen ; lots of potential, no follow-through.
Yes, the story was enjoyable, I like the characters so spending more time with them wasn't terrible, and any mention of Tortall and our old friends is always wonderful. This was by no means a terrible book, it was just a little boring and commonplace when I was expecting exciting and original.
Other books in the Daughter of the Lioness series:
#1: Trickster's Choice ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Other books in the Tortall Universe:
#1: Alanna: The First Adventure ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#2: In the Hand of the Goddess ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#3: The Woman Who Rides Like a Man ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#4: Lioness Rampant ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#5: Wild Magic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#6: Wolf-speaker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#7: Emperor Mage ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#8: The Realms of the Gods ⭐⭐⭐
#9: First Test ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#10: Page ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#11: Squire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#12: Lady Knight ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#13: Trickster's Choice ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#15: Terrier ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#16: Bloodhound ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#17: Mastiff ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#18: Tortall and Other Lands: A Collection of Tales ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#19: Tortall: A Spy's Guide ⭐⭐⭐
#20: Tempests and Slaughter ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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November 22, 2016
This book is a very effective demonstration of why the Alanna-series works so well. It simply ignores most of what made Tamora Pierce's original series so awesome.
The Adventure
Alanna's adventures always happen in a very immediate way, with our heroine struggling for the very success of the single pursuit. Maybe the world feels a bit small, as you only get to see what she sees; show not tell. Which is good.
Aly, our protagonist in this book, almost never engages in direct conflict. In the first novel, Trickster's Choice, this was somewhat better, as Aly was less omnipotent. But here, we just have our heroine as the spider at the centre of a giant web of information (basically cheap exposition). She is coordinating this giant revolution scheme, which is trying for a sort of game-of-thrones-y feeling with a lot of conspiracies and relativized morals. I appreciate Tamora Pierce trying something different, but we lose the authentic, empathic over-the-shoulder-feeling we had with Alanna and instead get a half-assed, convoluted spy story.
The Suspense and the Stakes
The Alanna series lives from a very overwhelming world with forces bigger than our heroine. She is very skillful and intelligent, but she has things restricting her, her discomfort of magic, her conflict with her femininity, her constraints as a women in this predominantly male world. The series also has powerful and charismatic antagonists, at most times very personally connected to Alanna.
Aly has nothing of all that. She is literally omnipotent. She is intelligent. She knows how to conduct herself socially towards everybody. She controls all the spies of the country and has powerful Dei ex machinae at her bidding. She is even a good physical fighter, even if allegedly, she's oh so different from her mother.
She literally doesn't have an antagonist who gets more than a couple of lines in a public setting. Most of the revolution happens in the episodic, boring shenanigans she sets up, mostly attacks on places, stealing stuff, raising public attention. But there are never any stakes since the people who execute those plan's are just named pieces on a chessboard and you can't feel anxious for them.
The Personal Drama
If you liked Jonathan, George, Myles etc. or not, they always felt like people. The friendships and romantic relationships are natural and heart-warming.
Here's the one point I like about this. Our love interest, Nawat, (just one, NO love triangle! In a YA book!) is okay. His and Aly's story is very subtle and the book handles the relationship and sexuality very maturely and calmly.
The rest of the relationships are so boring and flat. Sarai and Dove are built just so the story can progress the way it will. (Sarai's the annoying and useless one who's annoyingly the first-born, so the reader can root for the nearly Aly-levels-omnipotent younger sister Dove.) It's bad if the final conclusion of the book is basically reflected in the characterisation.
I guess this could make a better movie than a book. You could get rid of Aly's stream of consciousness, both too long and removing all the tension. And you could shorten this thing radically.
The Adventure
Alanna's adventures always happen in a very immediate way, with our heroine struggling for the very success of the single pursuit. Maybe the world feels a bit small, as you only get to see what she sees; show not tell. Which is good.
Aly, our protagonist in this book, almost never engages in direct conflict. In the first novel, Trickster's Choice, this was somewhat better, as Aly was less omnipotent. But here, we just have our heroine as the spider at the centre of a giant web of information (basically cheap exposition). She is coordinating this giant revolution scheme, which is trying for a sort of game-of-thrones-y feeling with a lot of conspiracies and relativized morals. I appreciate Tamora Pierce trying something different, but we lose the authentic, empathic over-the-shoulder-feeling we had with Alanna and instead get a half-assed, convoluted spy story.
The Suspense and the Stakes
The Alanna series lives from a very overwhelming world with forces bigger than our heroine. She is very skillful and intelligent, but she has things restricting her, her discomfort of magic, her conflict with her femininity, her constraints as a women in this predominantly male world. The series also has powerful and charismatic antagonists, at most times very personally connected to Alanna.
Aly has nothing of all that. She is literally omnipotent. She is intelligent. She knows how to conduct herself socially towards everybody. She controls all the spies of the country and has powerful Dei ex machinae at her bidding. She is even a good physical fighter, even if allegedly, she's oh so different from her mother.
She literally doesn't have an antagonist who gets more than a couple of lines in a public setting. Most of the revolution happens in the episodic, boring shenanigans she sets up, mostly attacks on places, stealing stuff, raising public attention. But there are never any stakes since the people who execute those plan's are just named pieces on a chessboard and you can't feel anxious for them.
The Personal Drama
If you liked Jonathan, George, Myles etc. or not, they always felt like people. The friendships and romantic relationships are natural and heart-warming.
Here's the one point I like about this. Our love interest, Nawat, (just one, NO love triangle! In a YA book!) is okay. His and Aly's story is very subtle and the book handles the relationship and sexuality very maturely and calmly.
The rest of the relationships are so boring and flat. Sarai and Dove are built just so the story can progress the way it will. (Sarai's the annoying and useless one who's annoyingly the first-born, so the reader can root for the nearly Aly-levels-omnipotent younger sister Dove.) It's bad if the final conclusion of the book is basically reflected in the characterisation.
I guess this could make a better movie than a book. You could get rid of Aly's stream of consciousness, both too long and removing all the tension. And you could shorten this thing radically.
September 11, 2017
More reviews available at my blog, Beauty and the Bookworm.
I wasn't actually planning on reading Trickster's Queen so soon after reading Trickster's Choice, but after a few books that were just "meh," I found myself in a bit of a reading slump. And when I'm in a reading slump, I like to go back to books that I know I enjoy to get me out of it.
What struck me immediately upon re-reading Trickster's Queen is its great disconnect from the first book. It picks up several months and much character development after Choice, which Pierce tries to bridge with a couple pages of prologue that is essentially all info-dump about what the characters have been doing in the interim. However, the effect of this is that it feels like this is the third book in a trilogy in which the second book is missing. Most of the development of Aly's relationship with Nawat, which was so sweet and charming in the first book, is just skipped over; so is Aly's building of her position as spymaster for the growing rebellion.
On the whole, however, this book has less infodumping than the first one. The prologue is the vast majority of it, and the narrative itself is less interrupted with intermittent infodumps than Choice was. Additionally, I think this one does a better job of building the environment, culture, and overall feel of the Copper Isles. Aly also really has room to come into her own and show off her skills in this book, rather than scampering to use them while also hiding them as she had to in the first book. Tensions come to a head regarding Sarai, and the twist that's hinted at all along finally actually happens. Dove continues to be an excellent character, far wiser than her years, and the integration of many of the side characters is done very well. The other minor flaw that comes to mind is that the end does feel a bit rushed; Pierce lists off a list of casualties, one of which was a major-minor character (if that makes sense) in the first book and then was just brushed aside in the second and then written off as a sacrifice of the rebellion. With all of the build-up to the rebellion, it just seems to be over in remarkably few pages, and then the epilogue just feels a bit off as well, though I can't quite put my finger on why.
Overall, this is a good book; I definitely enjoyed re-reading it. However, I don't think that it's as good as the first book in the duology. It feels disconnected from the first part of the story, and the ending also feels rushed and off-kilter with the rest of the book. The body has a good feel and good characters and a good plot, but without a strong beginning or end, I don't think it can be stronger than the first book.
4 stars out of 5.
I wasn't actually planning on reading Trickster's Queen so soon after reading Trickster's Choice, but after a few books that were just "meh," I found myself in a bit of a reading slump. And when I'm in a reading slump, I like to go back to books that I know I enjoy to get me out of it.
What struck me immediately upon re-reading Trickster's Queen is its great disconnect from the first book. It picks up several months and much character development after Choice, which Pierce tries to bridge with a couple pages of prologue that is essentially all info-dump about what the characters have been doing in the interim. However, the effect of this is that it feels like this is the third book in a trilogy in which the second book is missing. Most of the development of Aly's relationship with Nawat, which was so sweet and charming in the first book, is just skipped over; so is Aly's building of her position as spymaster for the growing rebellion.
On the whole, however, this book has less infodumping than the first one. The prologue is the vast majority of it, and the narrative itself is less interrupted with intermittent infodumps than Choice was. Additionally, I think this one does a better job of building the environment, culture, and overall feel of the Copper Isles. Aly also really has room to come into her own and show off her skills in this book, rather than scampering to use them while also hiding them as she had to in the first book. Tensions come to a head regarding Sarai, and the twist that's hinted at all along finally actually happens. Dove continues to be an excellent character, far wiser than her years, and the integration of many of the side characters is done very well. The other minor flaw that comes to mind is that the end does feel a bit rushed; Pierce lists off a list of casualties, one of which was a major-minor character (if that makes sense) in the first book and then was just brushed aside in the second and then written off as a sacrifice of the rebellion. With all of the build-up to the rebellion, it just seems to be over in remarkably few pages, and then the epilogue just feels a bit off as well, though I can't quite put my finger on why.
Overall, this is a good book; I definitely enjoyed re-reading it. However, I don't think that it's as good as the first book in the duology. It feels disconnected from the first part of the story, and the ending also feels rushed and off-kilter with the rest of the book. The body has a good feel and good characters and a good plot, but without a strong beginning or end, I don't think it can be stronger than the first book.
4 stars out of 5.
December 19, 2007
I'm a huge Tamora Pierce fan. Her Song of the Lioness and Immortals series both count among my childhood-defining books (I feel secure in crediting Alanna with my strange fascination with girls disguising themselves as boys, and Daine and Numair were likely a part of why I like a good mentor/student relationship). So I was really freaking excited when her new series came out. Pierce is great with character continuity, and she likes to bring characters from former series into her new ones, which I love. Plus, the main character, Aly, is Alanna's daughter, which pretty much guaranteed the girl would kick some ass.
And she did kick some ass. Too much, really.
Alanna and Daine (Pierce's previous protagonists, for the record) were both strong, fully formed characters. They had flaws, and weaknesses, just as they had talents and strengths. Her strong, realistic female characters are a huge part of why I'm such a huge fan.
So when I realized that Aly had inherited all of her mother's talents and powers, a long with her father's, plus she had every important or talented person in the entire kingdom fawning over her and teaching her their skills (all of which she excelled at, of course), I was flat out pissed. It's a long fall down from Pierce's earlier protagonists to Aly, and it was a painful landing.
That said, the book was fun, I appreciate that Pierce at least got Aly out on her own in the world, and Pierce's flat characters are still good characters overall.
And she did kick some ass. Too much, really.
Alanna and Daine (Pierce's previous protagonists, for the record) were both strong, fully formed characters. They had flaws, and weaknesses, just as they had talents and strengths. Her strong, realistic female characters are a huge part of why I'm such a huge fan.
So when I realized that Aly had inherited all of her mother's talents and powers, a long with her father's, plus she had every important or talented person in the entire kingdom fawning over her and teaching her their skills (all of which she excelled at, of course), I was flat out pissed. It's a long fall down from Pierce's earlier protagonists to Aly, and it was a painful landing.
That said, the book was fun, I appreciate that Pierce at least got Aly out on her own in the world, and Pierce's flat characters are still good characters overall.
December 22, 2008
Usually the sequel to a book isn’t nearly as good as the first one, but this was an exception. Possibly I liked this book more than the first one.
Pierce continues in her quest to put a half raka girl on the throne, and take down the current rulers who are mistreating the raka. On the way she endangers and saves and endangers again her creations, making a wonderful story.
Only a few new people are introduced into this tail, but only a few are needed. If possible, I think this sequel is more action-packed than its prequel, and that’s saying a lot.
Pierce even manages to close with a beautiful ending. I’m impressed, because of all the times everyone would get killed and the whole quest is for nothing. But it gets wrapped up marvelously, and everything turns out fine in the end. Of cores, there are a few deaths, but all in all it was great…and a story like that can’t have everyone live. It just wouldn’t be possible.
There is a bit of violence, but not any language that I picked up on, and the gruesome scenes aren’t described in vivid detail, so I think this book can even be for youngsters. Just make sure you read the first one, or you’ll be lost to the very end.
Unlike some books, there aren’t too many reminders of who this is or what that is. You might want to read them close together so that you don’t forget too much.
Pierce continues in her quest to put a half raka girl on the throne, and take down the current rulers who are mistreating the raka. On the way she endangers and saves and endangers again her creations, making a wonderful story.
Only a few new people are introduced into this tail, but only a few are needed. If possible, I think this sequel is more action-packed than its prequel, and that’s saying a lot.
Pierce even manages to close with a beautiful ending. I’m impressed, because of all the times everyone would get killed and the whole quest is for nothing. But it gets wrapped up marvelously, and everything turns out fine in the end. Of cores, there are a few deaths, but all in all it was great…and a story like that can’t have everyone live. It just wouldn’t be possible.
There is a bit of violence, but not any language that I picked up on, and the gruesome scenes aren’t described in vivid detail, so I think this book can even be for youngsters. Just make sure you read the first one, or you’ll be lost to the very end.
Unlike some books, there aren’t too many reminders of who this is or what that is. You might want to read them close together so that you don’t forget too much.
December 9, 2018
Such a let-down. The overall story told in the Daughter of the Lioness books is just not up to the standard of the other Tortall books. I had to force my way through these two books, hoping for a good pay-off in the end. Sadly, the end wasn't really any better than the rest.
December 31, 2023
Second in the Daughter of the Lioness young adult adventure-fantasy series (seventeenth in the overall Tortall series) about Aly Cooper, 16-year-old spy for the raka rebellion. If you're interested, there is a chronological listing of the Tortall books on my website.
My Take
Most of Pierce's stories are written at a children's level. This series is geared more toward young adults simply because of the longer sentence lengths, more sophisticated wording, and the greater reading comprehension required. Do not however let this hold your kids back! This is a fascinating read and much too compelling to put down easily!!
I still disagree with Pierce's placing Ulasim in the role of a footman. In most noble or royal houses, a footman is a lower class of servant. It would have been much, much more appropriate to have made him a butler or steward.
I very much enjoyed Aly's cheeky responses to people. It would be a good skill to acquire and a great way to disarm people who are angry with you.
The Story
The Duchess has freed Aly from slavery and Aly has taken over intelligence operations for the raka rebellion. A position made easier when Kyprioth takes her in hand, for Prince Rubinyan and Princess Imajane are perfectly comfortable with assassination and betrayal.
Fortunately, when the Balitang household returns to Rajmuat from exile, Aunt Nuritin is there to ease their return, but there isn't anything Aunt Nuritin can do about the metaphysical signs of approval.
The danger only increases when the Princess commands the Balitang family to the Palace. For the young Duke Elsren to play with the three-year-old King Dunevon and the ladies of the family to return to Court. Under Princess Imajane's eye. Dangerous for Aly as well when she is dragged before the king's spymaster. Even more dangerous when she discovers how extremely competent Taybur Sibigat is at spycraft.
At first, the regency is without problem but then the betrayals begin, a situation of which Aly takes advantage, pushing for rebellion.
But then Princess Imajane proposes a marriage. A suggestion that sets Lady Sarai off on a dangerous course before a horrible act fans the flames.
The Characters
Alianne "Aly" Cooper was recruited by Kyprioth as a bodyguard. Nawat Crow is a crow shifter who took human form in order to court Aly. Tkaa, a basilisk who is friends with Aly's parents, arrives at Court with gifts for the new king. Darkings are small magical beings which can take on any shape and transmit what they hear and see to each other. Sir Alanna and Baron George Cooper are Aly's parents and have been worried sick about her. Aly's brothers are Thom, the family mage, while Alan, her twin, entered page training over three years ago.
Duchess Winnamine Balitang's son Elsren is next-in-line to the throne after Dunevon; the duke was killed in Trickster's Choice by the betrayer, Prince Bronau. The duke's half-raka daughters from his first marriage, Saraiyu and Dovasary, and his luarin daughter with Winnamine, Petranne, are back in Rajmuat on Kypriang Island amongst the Copper Isles. Aunt Nuritin Balitang is the de facto head of the Balitang household.
Ulasim is the head footman and the commander of the raka rebellion while Chenaol, the family cook, is in charge of weapon procurement for the rebellion. Fesgao is still a man-at-arms and the war leader of the rebel army. Ochobu, a raka healer and mage for the rebels, accompanies the family back from exile along with Junai Dodeka, Ulasim's daughter. Their old healer nursemaid, Rihani, is still with them and a warrior in the raka cause and now Dove's bodyguard. Quedanga, their old housekeeper, comes back to the household and gathers in the gossip and talk of the markets from servants, slaves, artisans, priests, and more. Ysul is the Chain's mage in the Windward District of Rajmuat, Ochobu's equal in power.
In Trickster's Choice, Aly began training selected servants to function as her spies and includes Boulaj, Sarai's maid; Pembery, Winnamane's maid; Atisa and Guchol Libo are sisters; Kioka; Eyun; Rasaj; Jimarn; Yoyox; Fegoro; Olkey; Hiraos; Lokak; Ukali; Gian, Elsren's manservant; Dorilize, Lady Nuritin's maid; Wayan, a house messenger; and, Bacar, a footman in another's house. Then there are the ones whom Aly converts, double agents like Vitorcine Townsend. Vereyu is the head of the raka spy network in the palace while Callyn works for the harbormaster.
Nobles who are looking to rebel against Princess Imajane include Lord and Lady Wesedi, Lady Adona, Lord and Lady Obemaek, and Lord and Lady Lelin. Baron Qovold Engan is the royal astronomer and the Lady Dove's former tutor in cartography and astronomy. Duke Vurquan Nomru, a former commander of the army, is one of Dove's favorite chess partners. Imgehai Qeshi, Winnamine's father, is a priestess of the Black God. Matfrid Fonfala.
Prince Rubinyan Jimajen is married to Princess Imajane, the dead King Oron's half sister. Their three-year-old son, Dunevon, is first-in-line to the throne after King Hazarin. Taybur Sibigat is the new commander of the King's Guard. He also cares very much for the young king. Duke Lohearn Mantawu, a.k.a., Topabaw, is the spymaster for the Copper Isles and a mage. Aly reports her findings to Master Grosbeak. Sevmire Ambau is Rubinyan's private spymaster.
A Catharki, Lord Zaimid Hetnim, is one of the courtiers paying court to Lady Sarai. He is also the youngest mage to become head of the Imperial University's Healers' Wing in Cathark. Count Ferdolin Tomang is a wealthy noble also courting Sarai.
Kyprioth is the Great God, the Trickster, to the raka and ready to re-take the Copper Isles and put a raka queen back on its throne. Mithros is the Great God to the luarin. He and the Great Goddess, Alanna's patroness, are siblings to Kyprioth, but several hundred years ago, they overthrew Kyprioth and the raka. The Graveyard Hag, a lesser trickster, plans a joke on Kyprioth.
The Cover and Title
This cover with its dark brown background displays the left side of Lady Dovasary's face, almost a mirror twin to the cover on Trickster's Choice. Instead of a brown hood, Lady Dove's hair is gathered behind her neck with a copper chiffony light gathered atop her head and trailing behind.
The title is apt as this time the Trickster's Queen is chosen and installed.
My Take
Most of Pierce's stories are written at a children's level. This series is geared more toward young adults simply because of the longer sentence lengths, more sophisticated wording, and the greater reading comprehension required. Do not however let this hold your kids back! This is a fascinating read and much too compelling to put down easily!!
I still disagree with Pierce's placing Ulasim in the role of a footman. In most noble or royal houses, a footman is a lower class of servant. It would have been much, much more appropriate to have made him a butler or steward.
I very much enjoyed Aly's cheeky responses to people. It would be a good skill to acquire and a great way to disarm people who are angry with you.
The Story
The Duchess has freed Aly from slavery and Aly has taken over intelligence operations for the raka rebellion. A position made easier when Kyprioth takes her in hand, for Prince Rubinyan and Princess Imajane are perfectly comfortable with assassination and betrayal.
Fortunately, when the Balitang household returns to Rajmuat from exile, Aunt Nuritin is there to ease their return, but there isn't anything Aunt Nuritin can do about the metaphysical signs of approval.
The danger only increases when the Princess commands the Balitang family to the Palace. For the young Duke Elsren to play with the three-year-old King Dunevon and the ladies of the family to return to Court. Under Princess Imajane's eye. Dangerous for Aly as well when she is dragged before the king's spymaster. Even more dangerous when she discovers how extremely competent Taybur Sibigat is at spycraft.
At first, the regency is without problem but then the betrayals begin, a situation of which Aly takes advantage, pushing for rebellion.
But then Princess Imajane proposes a marriage. A suggestion that sets Lady Sarai off on a dangerous course before a horrible act fans the flames.
The Characters
Alianne "Aly" Cooper was recruited by Kyprioth as a bodyguard. Nawat Crow is a crow shifter who took human form in order to court Aly. Tkaa, a basilisk who is friends with Aly's parents, arrives at Court with gifts for the new king. Darkings are small magical beings which can take on any shape and transmit what they hear and see to each other. Sir Alanna and Baron George Cooper are Aly's parents and have been worried sick about her. Aly's brothers are Thom, the family mage, while Alan, her twin, entered page training over three years ago.
Duchess Winnamine Balitang's son Elsren is next-in-line to the throne after Dunevon; the duke was killed in Trickster's Choice by the betrayer, Prince Bronau. The duke's half-raka daughters from his first marriage, Saraiyu and Dovasary, and his luarin daughter with Winnamine, Petranne, are back in Rajmuat on Kypriang Island amongst the Copper Isles. Aunt Nuritin Balitang is the de facto head of the Balitang household.
Ulasim is the head footman and the commander of the raka rebellion while Chenaol, the family cook, is in charge of weapon procurement for the rebellion. Fesgao is still a man-at-arms and the war leader of the rebel army. Ochobu, a raka healer and mage for the rebels, accompanies the family back from exile along with Junai Dodeka, Ulasim's daughter. Their old healer nursemaid, Rihani, is still with them and a warrior in the raka cause and now Dove's bodyguard. Quedanga, their old housekeeper, comes back to the household and gathers in the gossip and talk of the markets from servants, slaves, artisans, priests, and more. Ysul is the Chain's mage in the Windward District of Rajmuat, Ochobu's equal in power.
In Trickster's Choice, Aly began training selected servants to function as her spies and includes Boulaj, Sarai's maid; Pembery, Winnamane's maid; Atisa and Guchol Libo are sisters; Kioka; Eyun; Rasaj; Jimarn; Yoyox; Fegoro; Olkey; Hiraos; Lokak; Ukali; Gian, Elsren's manservant; Dorilize, Lady Nuritin's maid; Wayan, a house messenger; and, Bacar, a footman in another's house. Then there are the ones whom Aly converts, double agents like Vitorcine Townsend. Vereyu is the head of the raka spy network in the palace while Callyn works for the harbormaster.
Nobles who are looking to rebel against Princess Imajane include Lord and Lady Wesedi, Lady Adona, Lord and Lady Obemaek, and Lord and Lady Lelin. Baron Qovold Engan is the royal astronomer and the Lady Dove's former tutor in cartography and astronomy. Duke Vurquan Nomru, a former commander of the army, is one of Dove's favorite chess partners. Imgehai Qeshi, Winnamine's father, is a priestess of the Black God. Matfrid Fonfala.
Prince Rubinyan Jimajen is married to Princess Imajane, the dead King Oron's half sister. Their three-year-old son, Dunevon, is first-in-line to the throne after King Hazarin. Taybur Sibigat is the new commander of the King's Guard. He also cares very much for the young king. Duke Lohearn Mantawu, a.k.a., Topabaw, is the spymaster for the Copper Isles and a mage. Aly reports her findings to Master Grosbeak. Sevmire Ambau is Rubinyan's private spymaster.
A Catharki, Lord Zaimid Hetnim, is one of the courtiers paying court to Lady Sarai. He is also the youngest mage to become head of the Imperial University's Healers' Wing in Cathark. Count Ferdolin Tomang is a wealthy noble also courting Sarai.
Kyprioth is the Great God, the Trickster, to the raka and ready to re-take the Copper Isles and put a raka queen back on its throne. Mithros is the Great God to the luarin. He and the Great Goddess, Alanna's patroness, are siblings to Kyprioth, but several hundred years ago, they overthrew Kyprioth and the raka. The Graveyard Hag, a lesser trickster, plans a joke on Kyprioth.
The Cover and Title
This cover with its dark brown background displays the left side of Lady Dovasary's face, almost a mirror twin to the cover on Trickster's Choice. Instead of a brown hood, Lady Dove's hair is gathered behind her neck with a copper chiffony light gathered atop her head and trailing behind.
The title is apt as this time the Trickster's Queen is chosen and installed.
October 18, 2020
Man…. The Daughter of the Lioness duology is simply not a good duology, I’m sad to say. I really hoped this book would be better than the first in the duology, but in several parts, I actually found it to be much worse.
This book takes place six months after the events of the first book. Aly is back in Rajmuat with the Balitangs family as she has decided to stay and see what she now feels is her mission to the end; put the twice royal Queen on her rightfull throne.
I’ve decided to break this review up into two parts; what I liked and what I didn’t like. Spoiler; there’ll be way more stuff in the ‘what I didn’t like’ part of the review than in the other. Let’s start off with the positive.
What I liked
- The structure and pacing of this book was great. While I found the first book boring throughout the entirety of the book, this one actually had moments where it was somewhat exciting – some things just prevented the book from ever truly getting exciting, but I’ll get into that later. The plot moved along in a well-paced manner and I found things progressed in a very timely manner. While I liked several aspects of the plot I just felt really disappointed by how they were executed.
- Dove and Taybur. Those were the only great characters in this book. I liked that we got to see more of Dove – I would have preferred if she was the main character in this duology – and I enjoyed what Taybur brought to the story – it wasn’t much, but I found him enjoyable.
- The conclusion was good. I would have preferred certain changes, espcially a more direct confrontation with the villains, but overall in was a good ending.
What I didn’t like
- The villains are all extremely incompetent. The regents make one huge mistake after the other and they just continue to dig their own grave. The Raka rebellion could easily have taken the throne if they just waited and let these two idiots ruin things for themselves all on their own. Even their spymaster, who we only meet once, is an old and arrogant man we are TOLD is a potential danger to the rebellion, but we never actually SEE him be any sort of threat.
- While the Darkings are fun, they just scream “MacGuffin” and I hated it. The only purpose these creatures served was to make it easier for Aly to spy within the royal palace but they make it TOO easy. Things nearly go wrong one time, when one of them is found, but luckily it is found by someone who does nothing with his knowledge so it ultimately has no consequences. Why sound I care, as a reader, when things have no consequences?
- Even when Aly does something wrong, it turns out to be for the best and, once again, there really aren’t any consequences .
- The relationship between Aly and Nawat. I mean.. I just don’t get why they like each other and I seriously don’t understand why Aly went from not really being all that interested to being love sick almost all of the book when Nawat went off to fight. In terms of chemistry I found her and Taybur were a much better match, actually. Also, I cannot get over the fact that he is a crow…
- Aly… I mean, I just don’t care about her. Everything comes so easy to her – even when things go wrong, things go right - and she has every positive attribute under the sun and that’s just makes up an incredibly boring character to follow. She doesn’t grow in any way between the first chapter of the first book and the last chapter of this; she was perfect from the beginning and not once is she forced to look critically at herself or do something questionable for the sake of the mission .
Safe to say I wasn’t impressed with this duology. I think I’ll have to put Pierce on the shelf for some time before I venture into the rest of her series. This one has seriously made me reconsider whether or not it is worth my time.
This book takes place six months after the events of the first book. Aly is back in Rajmuat with the Balitangs family as she has decided to stay and see what she now feels is her mission to the end; put the twice royal Queen on her rightfull throne.
I’ve decided to break this review up into two parts; what I liked and what I didn’t like. Spoiler; there’ll be way more stuff in the ‘what I didn’t like’ part of the review than in the other. Let’s start off with the positive.
What I liked
- The structure and pacing of this book was great. While I found the first book boring throughout the entirety of the book, this one actually had moments where it was somewhat exciting – some things just prevented the book from ever truly getting exciting, but I’ll get into that later. The plot moved along in a well-paced manner and I found things progressed in a very timely manner. While I liked several aspects of the plot I just felt really disappointed by how they were executed.
- Dove and Taybur. Those were the only great characters in this book. I liked that we got to see more of Dove – I would have preferred if she was the main character in this duology – and I enjoyed what Taybur brought to the story – it wasn’t much, but I found him enjoyable.
- The conclusion was good. I would have preferred certain changes, espcially a more direct confrontation with the villains, but overall in was a good ending.
What I didn’t like
- The villains are all extremely incompetent. The regents make one huge mistake after the other and they just continue to dig their own grave. The Raka rebellion could easily have taken the throne if they just waited and let these two idiots ruin things for themselves all on their own. Even their spymaster, who we only meet once, is an old and arrogant man we are TOLD is a potential danger to the rebellion, but we never actually SEE him be any sort of threat.
- While the Darkings are fun, they just scream “MacGuffin” and I hated it. The only purpose these creatures served was to make it easier for Aly to spy within the royal palace but they make it TOO easy. Things nearly go wrong one time, when one of them is found, but luckily it is found by someone who does nothing with his knowledge so it ultimately has no consequences. Why sound I care, as a reader, when things have no consequences?
- Even when Aly does something wrong, it turns out to be for the best and, once again, there really aren’t any consequences .
- The relationship between Aly and Nawat. I mean.. I just don’t get why they like each other and I seriously don’t understand why Aly went from not really being all that interested to being love sick almost all of the book when Nawat went off to fight. In terms of chemistry I found her and Taybur were a much better match, actually. Also, I cannot get over the fact that he is a crow…
- Aly… I mean, I just don’t care about her. Everything comes so easy to her – even when things go wrong, things go right - and she has every positive attribute under the sun and that’s just makes up an incredibly boring character to follow. She doesn’t grow in any way between the first chapter of the first book and the last chapter of this; she was perfect from the beginning and not once is she forced to look critically at herself or do something questionable for the sake of the mission .
Safe to say I wasn’t impressed with this duology. I think I’ll have to put Pierce on the shelf for some time before I venture into the rest of her series. This one has seriously made me reconsider whether or not it is worth my time.
February 10, 2024
I did really love this book & the previous one! It’s a fun adventure. I like that it focuses more on the politics than fighting like the other books in the Tortall series.
HOWEVER my biggest gripe is the ending. Thru a lot of the book Aly is thinking about her family, especially her mom, & how much she misses them. She mentions wanting to go home many times. Yet after winning the war, Dove asks her to stay which leads Aly to announcing to everyone that she is actually Tortalls spy masters & Lionesses daughter. And obviously, they don’t care & want to Aly to stay regardless, only for Aly to agree to stay JUST LIKE THAT without hesitation after spending so much time wishing for home. Only to then get the long awaited “reunion” of Aly & her mother Alanna, after their last conversation before Aly was stolen by pirates was a fight, to fall so flat & emotionless. In the first book we are shown how much Alanna is worried about her MISSING child! Aly thinks about her mother & how much she misses her constantly in both books!!! The conversation Aly has with Alanna at the end is so disappointing. There was such a good opportunity to have a loving moment between mother & daughter while obviously still being faithful to Alanna’s character!
Aly had consistently been very meticulous about the choices she made (for the most part) until the end. To me everything after they won the revolution felt so rushed.
HOWEVER my biggest gripe is the ending. Thru a lot of the book Aly is thinking about her family, especially her mom, & how much she misses them. She mentions wanting to go home many times. Yet after winning the war, Dove asks her to stay which leads Aly to announcing to everyone that she is actually Tortalls spy masters & Lionesses daughter. And obviously, they don’t care & want to Aly to stay regardless, only for Aly to agree to stay JUST LIKE THAT without hesitation after spending so much time wishing for home. Only to then get the long awaited “reunion” of Aly & her mother Alanna, after their last conversation before Aly was stolen by pirates was a fight, to fall so flat & emotionless. In the first book we are shown how much Alanna is worried about her MISSING child! Aly thinks about her mother & how much she misses her constantly in both books!!! The conversation Aly has with Alanna at the end is so disappointing. There was such a good opportunity to have a loving moment between mother & daughter while obviously still being faithful to Alanna’s character!
Aly had consistently been very meticulous about the choices she made (for the most part) until the end. To me everything after they won the revolution felt so rushed.
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