Daughter of the Lioness Series by Tamora Pierce -> Starting June 1st, 2018

[Alaina, Head of Monthly Challenges & Keeper of BR Threads]

Alianne is the teenage daughter of the famed Alanna, the first lady knight in Tortall. Young Aly follows in the quieter footsteps of her father, however, delighting in the art of spying. When she is captured and sold as a slave to an exiled royal family in the faraway Copper Islands, it is this skill that makes a difference in a world filled with political intrigue, murderous conspiracy, and warring gods. This is the first of two books featuring Alianne.

[Natalie]

Started Trickster’s Choice

Chapter one (view spoiler)[
Georgeeeeeee! It’s been so long since you were front and centre in something Tortall-related! I think the last time might’ve been in the Song of the Lioness series o.O
—
Also, seems a bit much to put on a young girl when you put what everyone else in the family is doing that way... king’s champion, king of thieves, half-god, super-powered mage.... a lot to live up to.
—
Seems to be set ~ a year after Lady Knight...
—
OMGAWD IS DAINE PREGNANT?!??
—
Okay seriously, why is it so bad that Aly wants to be a spy? Alanna was the first female in a long time to be a knight, then Kel helped to ‘break the mold’ so other females could also be knights... I don’t understand what’s so bad about Aly wanting to be a spy and help the realm out that way.
—
Well that trip went badly. She’s now been captured as a slave ._.
—
Making herself as unattractive as possible in order to minimise the chance of being used as a ‘bed warmer’ is a good idea. I hope she doesn’t end up with awful ‘owners’ though ._. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 3: (view spoiler)[
So the whole ‘Trickster’s Choice’ title refers to the choice Aly was given by the trickster god? I wonder what’s so important about this family that he would ensure she stays with hem to keep the young children safe...
—
Well so far Aly seems to be doing pretty well as what is essentially a glorified babysitter for the younger children ;D
And she gets on well with the two older daughters, which is a good sign.
—
Curious about why all the Raka were so interested in the two older daughters though... are ‘mixed race’ children really so rare? O.o
—
What secret is being hidden here? Was the duke’s first wife perhaps Raka royalty, and her daughters therefore heirs? That’s the only thing I can think of at the moment that might explain this... (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[Wait... what? Nawat the crow is now Nawat the HUMAN male? Is he some kind of crow version of Daine? Did the Trickster god do something? WHAT’S GOING ON.
—
...in Tortall, ALL crows can turn human? WHAT.
—
Aly likes himmmm. She likes Nawatttttt.
(hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter Nine: (view spoiler)[
Nawat’s attempts to make Aly his mate are adorable XD and it’s pretty intriguing that the Raka people are potentially crows that turned human and then never turned back into their crow forms, born from the ‘crow goddess’ herself o.O
—
The prince is wayyyy to interesting in Sarai, especially considering how his letters hint that he’s about to come into a LOT of money... what is his end goal here?
—
Whoot! Go Aly! Clearly your knife training was NOT slacked on ;D
—
Ulasim’s mother is the mage? O.o
—
Oh jeez... I’m glad that Daine’s mother was able to get the baby to pick a shape and stick with it. I can’t imagine trying to care for a baby that constantly changes species XD
(hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 12: (view spoiler)[
Finally, Bronau’s leaving! Did NOT like him, such a douche D:
—
Fighting miniature flying horses is a GREAT way to make an impression on a cranky old lady mage ;D
—
Aly’s job as a ‘slave’ seems to change so often it’s amazing she can keep up with it all XD
—
I have a feeling that Ochobu is going to be come somewhat of a crotchety old grandma go Aly... and I really hope I’m right :| (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapter 16/Complete (view spoiler)[
I KNEW IT. I KNEW BRONAU WAS A DIRTY, GOD-FOR-NOTHING SNAKE. POWER HUNGRY SHIT> TURNING ON HIS SO-CALLED “FRIENDS” LIKE THAT.
—
...and now the Duke’s dead. shit.
—
Lokeiji is dead too? ;-;
—
On the bright side, I think the relationship between Nawat and Aly might go somewhere ;D
They clearly like each other, she’s just been too stubborn up until now :P
—
GEORGE IS THERE.
—
And now I’m crying. The reunion between Aly and George is PERFECTION ;-; ❤️❤️
(hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Started Trickster’s Queen...

Chapter 1-2:
(view spoiler)[Okay, firstly can I just say how much I love the fact that all of Aly’s new ‘minions’ call her boss-lady? Because that is GREAT.
—
And I love how she is using the disappearance of the ‘examples’ to undermine the power of the corrupt leaders, good idea :|
—
Aunt Nuritin seems great. She reminds me a little of McGonagall honestly, which I’m hoping continues in the rest of this book :|
—
Awwww 💕
Nawat is the most adorable person/crow in this so far and I love him. I 100% ship him and Aly (...and considering how well the last ship with Kel went, this one better succeed dammit!)
—
I think if Aly goes back to Tortall at the end of this book, Dove could make a good potential replacement as a spy-master. She certainly seems to have the right temperament and aptitude for it.
—
...I wonder if Dove might be the prophecised royal, rather than her older sister... (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Started Trickster’s Choice

Chapter one
[spoilers removed]

(view spoiler)[ YES OMG DAINE PREGNANT!!! I hope we see the baby in this series!!!! Yeah I was not a fan of George and Alanna striking down the idea of Aly being a spy. She could totally do it. I think it's more of a "we don't want our daughter in danger we can't get her out of" fear than Aly being a girl. Still frustrating! (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 3:
[spoilers removed]."

(view spoiler)[ Yeah I think it has something to do with the fact that their father is related to the current Luarin king and their mother was Raka royalty. Maybe the girls will lead a rebellion?? (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Ch. 3 (view spoiler)[ Enjoying this so far. I like Aly and I love that she wants to be a spy. I think she could definitely do it. I can't wait for her to prove her parents wrong too. Seeing Alanna and George in a parenting role is weird but I also love it!? Especially George--he's the best dad ever omg. There's definitely something special about Sarai and Dove. I don't know what yet but I can feel it. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Started Trickster’s Choice

Chapter one
[spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Yesssss. I totally want to see Daine and Numair in parent-mode :|

That definitely makes sense... I suppose with her wanting to be a spy, spy = not in Tortall, and they'd be pretty limited in how much they could help when she's away from their influence. Plus, with so many high profile people in the family, if an enemy could get hold of her she'd be a useful hostage ._. I mean...

Spymaster father and grandfather
"Lioness" mother
King and queen for one set of godparents
Half goddess (and shapeshifter) and a super-powered mage for other set of godparents

...though looking at the list, you'd have to be really idiotic or really desperate to take her for a hostage and piss off THAT list of people ._. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Started Trickster’s Choice

Chapter one
[spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]"

[spoiler removed].."

Hell I want someone to try to kidnap Aly just so I can see the wrath of that group come alive XD

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Started Trickster’s Choice

Chapter one
[spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]"

[spoiler removed].."

Hell I want someone to try to kidnap Aly just ..."

HECK YES. That would make an AMAZING one shot! :D

[Natalie]

Chapter 5: (view spoiler)[
“Aly, just once, forego your love of drama and spill whatever surprise you have.”
HA. Have you MET Aly? XD
—
Why are they taking such measurements of the docks? Are they planning to blow them sky high? O.o
—
I really love the motherly relationship that Aly has with a lot of the Raka, despite being so young herself XD
—
Nawat’s left to do other things? Away from Aly! Noooooo ;-; I need my Nawat/Aly moments!
(hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Started Trickster’s Choice

Chapter one
[spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]"

[spoiler removed].."

Hell I want someone to try to k..."

I need this now omg

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Ch. 6 (view spoiler)[ So far I'm really enjoying this. The scene at Frasrlund really got to me, and I feel emotional. I wish Alanna could go after Aly, but what Jon said made sense. I love Nawat!! And he's human now omg this is exciting! I wonder when/if someone will go after Dove or Sarai. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Ch. 10 (view spoiler)[ Things are getting real!! Wow the assassins coming in was crazy and I love how Aly and the raka came up with a solid plan. Aly shouldn't be too hard on herself, none the family died which was good. But omfg Nawat is literally so awesome--I love him and how he's trying to incorporate Aly into his flock. I wonder how the raka plan to overthrow the other Luarin?? Also Bronau is totally up to shit and I don't like it (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter 6: [spoilers removed]

(view spoiler)[ Enter love interest lmao that's all I have to say (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Chapter Nine: [spoilers removed]..."

YES I LOVE NAWAT!! (view spoiler)[ Omg Daine's baby was so precious and I loved that whole scene, especially when Sarra got that baby to stop shifting. I was laughing/crying because I love these characters so much. If only Kell was there. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Ch. 10 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Nawat is the bestttttt and I WILL GO DOWN WITH THIS SHIP. Better turn out more positive than the last one, with Kel and Cleon >.>

Also, if Aly and Nawat DID get together and had children... would their children be crow shapeshifters? o.O (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Chapter 6: [spoilers removed]

[spoilers removed]"

YEP XD

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Chapter Nine: [spoilers removed]..."

YES I LOVE NAWAT!! [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[That would've made it better for sure, but either way I'm glad the baby's grandmother was able to "talk some sense" into it. Being first time parents would be hard... but first time parents to a baby that won't stop shapeshifting? o.O (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Ch. 10 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]..."

ME TOO!! And that's a really good question. Hmmm

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Chapter Nine: [spoilers removed]..."

YES I LOVE NAWAT!! [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

Regular Babies are enough trouble haha

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Ch. 13 (view spoiler)[ I can't believe I'm almost done!! I'm so worried for Aly because I think Bronau is about to try something soon. And George is on his way to Kyprish, he better stay safe or I'm gonna be mad. Also that scene with Kel and Alanna fighting!? OMG SO PERFECT AND NEAL WAS THERE. I just wanna scream because I love these characters way too damn much. (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Ch. 13 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[I NEED MORE NEAL THOUGH. THAT WASN'T ENOUGH DAMMIT. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Finished! (view spoiler)[ Dammit I knew Bronau was up to no good. I'm mad that Mequen was killed, but I think this will help lead to the rebellion the Raka need. Also, I loved the reunion between George and Aly it was perfect. I'm so glad Aly is going to stay in Kyprish to help with the revolt too. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Ch. 13 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

SO TRUE (view spoiler)[ Also not enough Kel or Daine (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapters 9-10 (view spoiler)[
...I reckon Sarai and Zaimid are going to be a couple. They certainly seem to have a certain connection, and honestly if Sarai becomes the Queen he wouldn’t make a bad husband politically either, as a Carthaki ambassador.
—
That was not enough news of Nawat to keep me happy. I need MORE dammit!
—
I realise that Aly is very good at what she does, but it should NOT be that easy. These Luarin monarchs are idiots.
—
Topabaw the spy master is certainly starting to show his nerves...
—
Aly would make a great spymaster to whoever is the monarch at the end of this (provided its one of the ones she’s supporting 😛). Would also be a great way for Tortall and The Copper Isles to have an unofficial alliance through the spy masters ;D (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Im so tired from work - it’s taking ages to get through these despite how much I love them as a result ;-;

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Im so tired from work - it’s taking ages to get through these despite how much I love them as a result ;-;"

I just started Trickster's Queen! I should be done with it today or tomorrow! :D Terrier is still on hold ugh

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Ch. 4 (view spoiler)[ I'm so worried about Imajane and Rubinyan's machinations. I don't trust them at all. Like negative trust. I also don't want Dunveon or Elsren to die for the Raka rebellion. Maybe they could just leave?? I love seeing Aly in more of a spymaster role, it definitely suits her. I find it fascinating she was able to trick the spy for the crown so easily, but then there's the captain of the guard to deal with. Things are going to get interesting really quickly I think (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Ch. 13 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

SO TRUE [spoilers removed]"

No where NEAR enough.

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Ch. 8 (view spoiler)[ Okay can Dove be a spymaster too?? Like that would be great--she's so observant I think she could be just as good as Aly. I really don't like Imajane and I'm glad she's leading to her own destruction along with the other people in the court. I'm sad Nawat left--I hope Aly and him will be okay when he comes back. The slave markets needed to go but Ulasim is right about Aly needing to stay behind. She can't risk herself like that anymore. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Ch. 13 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

SO TRUE [spoilers removed]"

No where NEAR enough."

I need a book about all of these characters just like hanging out and being great

[Natalie]

Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Ch. 13 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

SO TRUE [spoilers removed]"

No where NEAR enough."

I need a book about all of these ..."

That would be amazing. Just some oneshot about (view spoiler)[all these highly powerful and influential people meeting for a "diplomatic summit"... which is really basically a family reunion and barbecue. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Ch. 12 (view spoiler)[ OMFG SARAI RAN AWAY!?! Hmmm does this mean Dove is the One Who Is Promised?? Cause I am so here for that! This might actually work out for the better. Marriage to her 4 yr old second cousin would've been horrible so I'm glad Sarai isn't going to have to do that. Things are getting sooooo good omg (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natalie wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Ch. 13 [spoilers removed]"

[spoilers removed]"

SO TRUE [spoilers removed]"

No where NEAR enough."

I need a book abou..."

Omg I need that

[Natalie]

Chapter 16 (view spoiler)[WHAT?!?! NO. HOW COULD YOU.

Dunevon and Elsren are BOTH DEAD? MY POOR LITTLE BABIES.

Aly, you find whoever did this and you make them (and any allies they have) PAY. They killed four little boys (with one left barely alive) ;-;

...I wouldn’t be surprised if Imajane had something to do with it honestly.

DESTROY HER.

AND KYPRIOTH HELPED TO DETERMINE THAT SHIT? YOU NO GOOD LYING SON OF A BITCH. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Ch. 18 (view spoiler)[ God I'm so distraught! The little boys are dead!



Imajane and Rubinyan will pay for their treachery. Aly will see to it! I'm glad the luarin and raka are working together now. I think this rebellion has a good chance of winning.

AND NAWAT AND ALY ARE A SHIP DAMMIT IM SO HAPPY!! Nothing better happen to either of them in the end of this book or I'm gonna go cry in a corner. (hide spoiler)]

[Andy, Head of Read-a-thons]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Wow what a great ending. I'm sad that Ulasim and Ochobu died before seeing Dove on the throne. But everything worked out pretty well! I had a feeling Dove would be the promised one since halfway through book 1 and I'm glad it's her. She's more suited to it than Sarai. I think this way is better haha. I loved the epilogue, I wish it had been longer with everyone from tortall that I love! (hide spoiler)]

[Natalie]

Chapters 19-21 (view spoiler)[
Okay, I know that this is a very situation with the royals’ soldiers attempting to kill Dove... but I really LOVE the image of the villagers throwing their chamberpots at them :|
—
Whoot! Go Stormcrows! Save the children!
—
...who are the two unknown Raka women? O.o
—
She’s finally revealed the darkings to her allies c:
I’m really glad that Secret gets to go with Dove too - I hope that continues even when they win and she becomes queen ❤️
—
Ochobu’s dead? ;-;
—
Ulasim too? ;-;
...at least he took out Rubinyan with him I guess
—
JUNAI AS WELL? DAMMIT.
—
Imajane killed her self though? That’s honestly a real let-down because it means they never got the chance to confront her :|
—
Aly has finally told them who she is! And of course they accepted her - because why wouldn’t they. I’m mostly just really excited that this means that Aly can do what she’s wanted to do her entire life - spying/being a spymaster! :D
...and I REALLY hope there is a proper reunion with everyone from Tortall in this.
(hide spoiler)]

There was so much I had to comment on, so it all kinda went into one. Oops 8’D

Been in bed all afternoon sick and reading this very slowly as a result.

[Natalie]

Finished
(view spoiler)[OMGAWD YES FAMILY REUNION. WITH BABY SHAPESHIFTER AND BABY NUMBER TWO AND EVERYTHING.

Also - YAY ALY AND NAWAT ARE GONNA HAVE A KID.
(hide spoiler)]