Alanna: The First Adventure

I was in the mood for a gender bender and I remembered the book I skimmed through in the library when I was 12. For some reason, I never checked it out or finished it. Probably because of the topics I deemed “adult” at that age, like Alanna getting her period which is basically all I remembered every time I thought about reading this book. Now that I'm older, I figured I'd probably like it more. And I did, and I was eager to read the sequels. But being the evil person I am, I read the reviews for those sequels, spoiling it for myself (if there are accessible spoilers, I will read them). And well, even if the series isn't all about the romance, that's one of the main factors that keep me invested in stories, no matter how understated the romance is. In fact, the more understated it is, the more I end up loving it. And the romance in this series just isn't my cup of tea. I like the subtle kinds full of innocence, like in the books by Diana Wynne Jones. So I agree with my 12-year old self on not wanting to continue the series :)

I was worried about re-reading these books, simply because I love them. I was worried they would not hold up to a more critical re-read as an adult, and because of my disappointment with Pierce's latest book [b:Battle Magic 8306725 Battle Magic (Circle Reforged, #3) Tamora Pierce https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1352504621s/8306725.jpg 13155766]. But, having bought Kindle versions (my dead-tree ones are falling apart), I had to justify the money by at least reading them once.The first of the Alanna quartet is pitched at a younger age than the rest, and it's noticeable, especially in light of the other books later written in this world. But, sins are forgiven because I love it, and it's still a quick read, like a comfy blanket of old friends.