A fantasy series for all ages!
The Immortals series by Tamora Pierce (the first book is Wild Magic) is based in the fantastical realm of Tortall, where women can be knights and a girl can talk to animals. The stories revolve around one such girl, Daine, who possesses an amazing amount of Wild Magic. Orphaned at the age of 12, Daine starts her journey in the small town of Snowsdale and travels to become part of the Queens Riders. Over time, Daine hones her magical skills to help her friends, human and animal alike. As she travels all over the kingdom of Tortall, she visits exciting places and finds that people act a bit differently than those she grew up with. She is drawn into the war that is brewing between different nations in Tortall and encounters many different people and even mythical creatures. These creatures include Stormwings (a nasty combination of human and steel bird), griffins, a basilisk and many others. Throughout her adventures, Daine comes to learn how powerful – and dangerous – her magic can be.
I have read this series numerous times. I first discovered it when I was in middle school and have enjoyed it many more times since. After having read it now that I am older, I found that I have a new perspective on the book. Readers from middle grade to adult can understand and enjoy what is happening in the book. There are some intense situations that take place – war, frightening creatures and death – however the wording and images are never too brutal for younger readers, but are descriptive enough to be captivating for an older audience. I loved the main character. She is strong-willed and interesting and if I had my choice to become a fictional character, she would be the one I choose.
So, check out this series and travel with Daine as she learns how to control her magic and learns about her mysterious lineage.
Books in the series:
Wild Magic (1992; 344 pages)
Wolf-Speaker (1993; 324 pages)
Emperor Mage (1994; 338 pages)
The Realms of the Gods (1996; 314 pages)
Readalikes:
If you liked this series, you may enjoy another of Tamora Pierce’s series, particularly The Song of the Lioness quartet, set in the same world as The Immortals. Start with Alanna: The First Adventure (1997; 216 pages).
You may also try The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin. Start with The Wizard of Earthsea (1968; 224 pages).
— Meghan V.
