Reviewed by Lidia H. (age 10)
I think this is a very interesting book, because it shows that girls can do tough things, not just boys. It also shows that girls are tough. I simply adore this book, because it is completely action filled. I had many favorite parts and one of them was when Alanna was in combat with Roger, her enemy. It was my favorite part, because it?s at the end and I love endings. I liked all the characters, but my favorite character was George Cooper of Pirates Swoop. I like his sense of humor and clever personality. Prince Jonathan, whose squire is Alanna, became a little more serious than the first book. The cover illustration is very good and it shows Alanna with her cat , Faithful, around her neck and her horse , Moonlight , in the trees. I think she is coming out of the Ordeal. She wears her emberstone. This book is unique and special, because a lot of books aren?t about heroines. This is not like any book I have ever read, because I have never read a book about medieval times with a girl knight. I have not read any other books by this author, but I know this author writes about heroines. This book is part of a series. It is very similar to its sequel. While I was reading the book I felt calm and then where there was an exciting bit I grew really tense wondering what will happen next. This book made me think about what I would do if I was in Alana?s shoes.
I recommend this book, because it is exciting, funny, and romantic. The kind of audience who would enjoy this book would be girls who like sword fighting and magic.