Wild Magic: The Immortals by Tamora Pierce

First of all, this is by far my favorite series written by Tamora Pierce. There's just so much about it that makes me happy. Second of all, ANIMALS!! I firmly believe there are people in this world who have wild magic, but it is not to the extent of Diana's. More like Onua's. Also, Onua is completely my spirit sister. I like animals more than people, too.

Like I said, there is a lot to like about this series. First there is Diana, who is a young woman bound and determined to make it on her own. She has this secret magical ability that she didn't even know about, but was quite obvious. However, she is becoming an adult with all the nasty adultness that that includes. She's strong, hardheaded, but sensible. She is a very relatable character. Not the least of all is her wild magic abilities. I mean, come on, who doesn't want to talk to animals?!

Then there's the immortals, which is the whole point of the story. Diana fights many of them, but she also talks to them too. There is a wide spectrum of interaction. Pierce doesn't just write about the fighting or the bad guys versus the good guys (though there is plenty of that). She also writes about the grey areas. Giving the reader a different take on why a village might be scared of a griffin, and a griffin scared of a village. My favorite is obviously the Griffins, but the Dragons are right up there as well. I can't decide if I would want to live in the Dragonlands, or if I could get Diana to convince the Griffins to let me hang out with them. However, nothing on God's green earth, heaven, or hell will get me to like a Spidren. I don't like spiders in this world, I sure as hell do not like them with some creepy human heads. KILL ALL THE SPIDRENS!!!

The human elements of the story are also important. In each of Tamora Pierce's novels, she gives a smack to the face that family is what you make it. I think it's the biggest reasons I love her books. It's not just the ones that are blood, it's whomever you want in your circle. Numair is exactly what Diana needs, because he is so calm. Her life has been a sporadic mess. And with powers she doesn't understand, Numair, who has dedicated his life to magical academics, is the best teacher outside of a parent. He brings her clarity and doesn't get angry with late night talks or questions. There is one scene but it was necessary.

Overall, 5 out of 5 stars. When my niece gets older and (hopefully) with my own children, Tamora Pierce will be the start of an education of strong, capable women.