This was my first foray into Tamora Pierce and it has been fun, if someone had given it to me to read when I was ten or so I would probably have thought it was the best thing ever. It's so nice to have an awesome, ass kicking girl character without the whole "not like other girls" thing, Alanna likes and respects her own gender, and she doesn't have disdain for traditionally feminine things or those who enjoy them. Also she has a companion cat who talks to her which is automatically awesome. I've enjoyed following Alanna's adventures and will certainly be picking up some more Tamora Pierce in the not too distant future.