Wild Magic: a book recommendation

5 out of 5 stars.

It’s terrible that I haven’t recommended a Tamora Pierce book yet, so I shall begin with my very favorite: Wild Magic.

This book literally changed my life.

It was the first series I ever read with a strong female protagonist. I wanted nothing more than to leave my horrible junior high behind and drop into Daine’s shoes–even with all the crud she goes through.  It still seemed a million times better than 7th grade.

Young Daine’s knack with horses gets her a job helping the royal horsemistress drive a herd of ponies to Tortall. Soon it becomes clear that Daine’s talent, as much as she struggles to hide it, is downright magical. Horses and other animals not only obey, but listen to her words. Daine, though, will have to learn to trust humans before she can come to terms with her powers, her past, and herself.

This is an older book (the cover to the right is what I own; the cover to the left is the newer one), so while it might have been YA when I was younger, it would definitely qualify as MG these days.  Don’t let that scare you–there’s still SO much to take from this book and the entire series.

Daine faces here fears, ignores the hurt, and battles on (just like Alanna from the Lioness Quartet, yet in a completely different way).  Daine is a subdued heroine–strong in a quiet way.  Since I was a painfully shy thirteen-year-old, I LOVED Daine’s approach to her problems. I learned so much from her character, and I’m not lying when I say Tamora Pierce and her novels shaped me into the person I am today.

If you like epic fantasy, tough heroines, or magical adventure, be sure to read Tamora Pierce’s Wild Magic.

You tell me: Have you read this series? Or have you read any other books by Tamora Pierce?