How did I miss this series as a kid? I'm not sure I can describe how I feel about this series -- how much I loved the Lioness Quartet. Alanna should be on every list of strong female characters -- outranking Jane Eyre, Hermione Granger, Lisbeth Salander, Eowyn, and ranking with Lady MacBeth, Molly Millions, Viola, Beatrice, and so many more.

Worth a read for any woman looking for a new heroine to admire, and any avid reader of fantasy.