This series is about Alanna, who wants to become the first Lady Knight. She trades places with her twin brother and sets upon the task with sheer pig headed determination. However, she must hide her identity as girls are not allowed. Throughout the storyline Alanna must not give up her secrets, discover what it is to be female (as all do when growing up), become a knight, and (oh yeah) there;s this pesky Gift. Those with the Gift are taught extra lesson, but along with ignoring her femininity, Alanna is terrified of her Gift and chooses to ignore it. Except ignoring it is impossible when Duke Roger of Conte, the King's nephew, is around. Is it all just a little too much for our heroine or does stubbornness win out?
I like the series because Alanna is such a strong character. She doesn't let anyone, or anything, get in her way. When her body changes, she adapts. When she cannot ignore being female, and wanting feminine things, she seeks a teacher. She explores herself and her being, while also aware of what the potential consequences are. She is not overly rational as she starts as a teenager but she also isn't flighty. She is simply Alanna.
I enjoy the development of her relationships, and how Alanna learns something new in each book. She doesn't abandon her friends, even though she might be far away. She also doesn't abandon her goals, which is something I think many modern people could learn today (myself included). This is obvious in one situation where she could leave, without ever saying a word, but she doesn't.
I firmly believe this is a very coming of age book for young adults. It can teach them to be determined and that there are always obstacles in their path. If they are very imaginative, then it could probably teach them how to use a sword, and dance a waltz, but that might just be wishful thinking. I rate this series 5 out of 5 stars, and hope it never fails to teach me to strive.
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