The Woman Who Rides Like a Man

By Tamora Pierce

Newly knighted, Alanna of Trebond seeks adventure in the vast desert at the edge of Tortall in this third book in Tamora Pierce’s Margaret A. Edwards Award–winning young adult series—now with a new look!

After achieving knighthood, Alanna leaves the capital city to explore the desert near the kingdom’s borders. When the local Bazhir people discover her, they charge her with trespassing and sentence her to a duel to the death. But when Alanna wins, she’s inducted into the tribe—and soon after, she becomes the tribe’s first female shaman.

Still, dire challenges lie ahead. Alanna must convince the Bazhir to change their ancient customs for their sake and for the sake of all Tortall.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
• Release date: Dec 8, 2009
• ISBN: 9781439115145

Tamora Pierce

Beloved author Tamora Pierce has written a great number of books, including the Song of the Lioness quartet, The Immortals quartet, the Circle of Magic quartet, the Protector of the Small quartet, The Circle Opens quartet, the Trickster series, The Will of the Empress, Melting Stones, the Beka Cooper series, and The Numair Chronicles. She lives in upstate New York with various cats, other four-legged animals, and birds who feed in her yard, and can be e-visited at Tamora-Pierce.net.

Book preview

1

THE WOMAN WHO RIDES LIKE A MAN

ALANNA OF TREBOND, THE SOLE woman knight in the realm of Tortall, splashed happily in the waters of an oasis, enjoying her first bath in three days. Hard to believe that it’s winter in the North, she reflected. In the Southern Desert the temperatures were just right, although she objected to so much sand.

Best hurry up, Coram told her. Her burly man-at-arms stood guard on the other side of the bushes that concealed the pool. If this is a Bazhir waterin’ place, we don’t want to wait and find out if they swear for the king or against him.

Alanna stepped out of the water, grabbing her clothes. She had no urge to meet any Bazhir tribesmen, particularly not renegades. She and Coram were bound for Tyra in the south, and coming to battle with the warlike desert men would cut their journey very short.

Drying off, the young knight pulled on a boy’s blue shirt and breeches. Although her femininity was not the secret it had been when she trained in the royal palace, Alanna still preferred the freedom of men’s clothing. It was odd to remember that the last time she bathed in an oasis, she had been a page and Prince Jonathan had just found out she was a girl. Those days—the days in which she bound her chest flat and never went swimming—were gone. She didn’t miss them.

Faithful, her pet cat, was yowling a warning. Alanna! Coram yelled, seconding the cat. We’ve got trouble!

Grabbing her sword, Alanna raced for Coram and the horses. An approaching cloud of dust indicated tribesmen or robbers, and she grimaced as she threw herself into Moonlight’s saddle. She trotted forward to meet Faithful, a small black streak racing toward her across the sand. The cat leaped, landing squarely in front of his mistress before climbing into the leather cup that was his position on her saddle. Alanna’s gentle mare held steady, used to the cat’s abrupt comings and goings.

Let’s try to reach the road! Alanna told Coram.

They rode hard, Alanna crouched low over Moonlight’s pale mane. She looked back to see Coram shaking his head. It’s no good, he was bellowing. They’ve spotted us! Ride on—I’ll hold ’em!

Alanna wheeled and stopped, Lightning glittering in her hand. What sort of friend d’you think I am? We’ll wait for them here.

Coram swore. If ye were my daughter, I’d tan yer hide! Go!

Alanna shook her head stubbornly. She could see their pursuers now: they were hillmen, the worst of the desert raiders. Reaching behind her, she unbuckled her shield from its straps, slipping it over her left arm. Coram was following suit.

Stubborn lass, he grumbled. I’d druther tangle with ten Bazhir tribes than any hillmen.

Alanna nodded. The Bazhir were deadly fighters, but they had a strict code of honor. Hillmen lived for killing and loot.

Renewing her grip on Lightning’s hilt, she settled her shield more firmly on her arm. The hillmen closed rapidly, fanning out in a half circle that would close around Alanna and her companion. Grimly the knight clenched her jaw and ordered, Take them in a charge.

What? yelped Coram.

Alanna charged directly at the hillmen. Coram gulped and followed her, letting out a war cry.

Moonlight reared as they reached the first raiders, striking out with hooves: she had been trained for battle years ago. Alanna slashed about her with Lightning, ignoring her enemies’ yells of fury.

A one-eyed villain closed in, grabbing her sword arm. With an angry yowl Faithful leaped from his cup with his claws unsheathed. The one-eyed hillman screamed and released Alanna, trying to pull the hissing cat away from his face.

Lass! Beware! Coram bellowed, trying to fend off three at once. He yelled in pain as one of them opened a deep gash on his sword arm. He swore and attacked again, dropping his shield and switching his sword to his good left hand.

Warned by her companion, Alanna whirled to face a giant hillman, a grinning mountain with red hair and long braided mustaches. He guided his shaggy pony with his knees, leaving his hands free to grip the hilt of a sword with an odd crystal blade. Alanna eyed its razor-sharp length and gulped, ducking beneath the redheaded man’s first swing. He reversed it, and she blocked it with her shield just in time, yelping at the pain of impact. She struck back with Lightning, only to miss as her attacker darted away.

She refused to follow and fight on his terms. Instead she brought her lioness shield up and waited.

The giant returned, circling her carefully. His pony lunged forward, and Moonlight reared, warning it back with her flailing hooves. Alanna caught another blow from the crystal blade on her shield, feeling the shock through her entire body.

I hope my brother put plenty of magic on this shield, she thought grimly. Otherwise it won’t last through its first battle!

She turned Moonlight as the giant circled her on his nimble pony. With a kick of her heels she urged the gold mare forward, slashing at her opponent. She was a knight of Tortall, and not to be toyed with!

She used every chance to break through his guard. He blocked her time after time, grinning infuriatingly.

Alanna drew back, breathing hard and fighting to keep her control. Now the giant returned the attack, and she blinked sweat from her eyes: She could not afford to make a mistake now! His tactics were different from those of the mounted knights she had fought before; she didn’t know what to expect.

Suddenly the midday sun was directly in her eyes—he had maneuvered her just for this. Only at the last second did she glimpse his sword descending on her. She brought Lightning up hard, slamming her blade hilt-to-hilt with the giant’s sword. There was a ring of clashing metal, and the downward sweep of the crystal edge was stopped.

Then Lightning broke, sheared off near the hilt.

Moonlight darted away, taking Alanna out of the hillman’s range. Her mistress stared at the hilt she still gripped. Lightning had been her sword ever since she had been considered fit to carry one. How could she fight without it in her hand?

Coming out of her daze, Alanna fumbled for her axe. She was trembling with rage; it took all her self-control to keep from losing her temper completely and making a fatal mistake. Axe in hand, she charged the hillman with a yell. She didn’t hear the warning cries of the other hillmen, or Coram’s gleeful whoop; she heard only the wheezing of the giant’s pony and her own choked breath. She swung, swearing as the hillman ducked and pulled out of her range. She was closing with him again when he yelled, seeing something behind her. To her fury, he whirled his pony and fled, calling to the few men he had left. Alanna spurred after him.

Come back, coward! she cried.

The giant turned to laugh and shake his sword at her. His voice was choked off as a black arrow sprouted in his chest. More arrows struck down the hillmen; only two escaped. They rode for all they were worth, pursued by five white-robed tribesmen.

A Bazhir, his white burnoose tied with a scarlet cord, rode toward Alanna as she dismounted. She was staring at the body of the hillman who had wielded the crystal sword. The blade lay beside him, gleaming against the sand. It glimmered and suddenly flashed, blinding her for a short moment. Alanna stared: against the yellow-orange fire that filled her sight was a picture.

A dark finger—or was it a pole?—pointed at a crystal-blue sky. Before it stood a man wearing tattered gray; his eyes were mad. She could smell wood smoke.

Her eyes cleared, and the vision was gone.

Reaching under her shirt, Alanna drew forth the token given to her by the Great Mother Goddess three years before. It had once been a coal in her campfire; now it was covered in clear stone, its fires still flickering under its surface. Alanna knew that if she held it when magic was present, she could see power as a glowing force in the air. She saw magic now as orange light flickered around the sword, and she scowled. Recently she had dealt with magic of this particular shade, and the memory was not pleasant.

The Bazhir who had followed her kicked sand over the sword. It is evil, he said, his quiet voice slightly raspy. Let the desert have it.

Distracted from the magic, Alanna discovered she was crying. It was as if she had lost a companion, not a weapon.

A glint of metal caught her eye and she stopped to pick up Ligtning’s sheared-off blade. Sliding the length of metal into its sheath, she strapped the now-useless hilt in place. Unless she tried to draw the blade, no one would know it was not whole.

Mounting her horse, she settled Faithful before her as Coram brought his gelding to her side. I’m sorry, lass, he told her quietly, putting a hand on her arm. I know what the sword meant to ye. But ye can’t be thinking of that now. These men may be friends or may not be; who knows why they saved our skins. Ye’d best be puttin’ yer mind to talk with ’em.

Alanna nodded, trying to collect her thoughts. Their rescuers formed a loose circle around her and Coram as the man who had covered the crystal sword with sand joined them, guiding a large chestnut stallion with ease. The others gave way to him, letting him approach Alanna and Coram. For a while he said nothing, only stared.

Finally he nodded. I am Halef Seif, headman of the Bloody Hawk tribe, of the people called the Bazhir, he said formally. Those who are dead were trespassers on our sands, riding without leave. You also come here unbidden. Why should we not serve you as we did these others, Woman Who Rides Like a Man?

Alanna rubbed her head tiredly. She felt too tired and dazed for the dance of manners that passed for conversation among the Bazhir. Dealing with these desert warriors was bound to be tricky; luckily she had learned their ways from an expert.

Faithful climbed onto her shoulder, setting up a murmur among the watching tribesmen. Alanna glared up at the cat, knowing he knew he was making the Bazhir nervous. They don’t see black cats with purple eyes often, she thought. You’re getting too big to sit up there, she whispered to her pet.

Never mind that, Faithful told her. His meowing had always made as much sense to Alanna as human speech. Talk to them now.

Suddenly she felt more confident and alert. I hope you will deal with us fairly, Halef Seif of the Bloody Hawk, she replied. We took nothing. We harmed nothing, my friend and I. We are simply riding south. Would you harm a warrior of the king?

Her gamble failed as Halef Seif shrugged. We know no king.

Alanna could hear Coram shifting nervously in his saddle. It might have been easier to deal with men who acknowledged King Roald of Tortall. Renegades would not take kindly to the presence of Roald’s most unusual young knight.

You know no king, but others of the Bazhir do. If they knew you held a Knight of the Realm and her companion, they might counsel you to take care, Alanna warned.

This produced some amusement among the riders. Only their leader remained grim. Is your king so weak he uses women for warriors? We cannot think well of such a king. We cannot think well of a woman so immodest that she puts on the clothes of a man and rides with her face bare.

Alanna pointed to the bodies of the hillmen she and Coram had slain. "They did not think I was a worthy opponent either. Can you say that my friend and I would be dead at the hillmen’s swords if you had not come? They took my sword from me. She swallowed hard and said recklessly, What is a sword? I have my axe, and my dagger, and my spear. I have Coram Smythesson to watch my back, as I watch his."

Big words from a small woman, Halef Seif remarked. There was no way for Alanna to read his expression.

One of the riders, a Bazhir head and shoulders taller than most of his companions, brought his horse forward, peering at Alanna’s face intently. Suddenly he nodded with satisfaction. She is the one! he exclaimed. Halef, she is the Burning-Brightly One!

Speak on, Gammal, Halef ordered.

The huge warrior was bowing as low to Alanna as his saddle would permit. Would you remember me? he asked hopefully. I was at the smallest west gate in the stone village that northerners call Persopolis. It was six rainy seasons ago. Your master, the Blue-Eyed One, bought my silence with a gold coin.

Remembering, Alanna grinned. Of course! And you spat on the coin and bit it.

The big man looked at his chief. She is the one! She came with the Blue-Eyed Prince, the Night One, and they freed us from the Black City! He made the Sign against Evil close to his chest. I let them through the gate that morning!

Halef frowned as he watched Alanna. Is this so?

Alanna shrugged. Prince Jonathan and I went to the Black City, yes, she admitted. And we fought with the Ysandir—the Nameless Ones, she said hurriedly as the men muttered uneasily. And we beat them. It wasn’t easy.

A skinny man wearing the green robes of a Bazhir shaman, or petty wizard, threw back his hood. His scraggly beard thrust forward on a sallow chin. She lies! he cried, putting his horse between Alanna and the tribesmen. The Burning-Brightly One and the Night One rode into the sky in a chariot of fire when the Nameless Ones perished. This all men know!

They rode back to the stone village, on horses, Gammal replied stubbornly. And the mare ridden by the Burning-Brightly One was even as this one now—the color of sand, with a mane and tail like the clouds.

While the Bazhir argued among themselves, Coram drew near his mistress. Now what’ve ye gone an’ done? he asked softly.

I think it’s more a question of what Jon and I did, Alanna whispered back. I told you about going to the Black City, didn’t I? We fought demons there, and Jon found out I was really a girl. It was six years ago.

If I’d known I’d be ridin’ with a legend, I’d’ve thought twice about comin’ along, Coram grumbled.

Silence! Halef ordered them all. He looked at Alanna. For the moment, let us accept that you are a warrior of the Northern king, Woman Who Rides Like a Man. Your shield is proof of that. As headman of the Bloody Hawk, I invite you to share our fire this night.

Alanna eyed the tall Bazhir, wondering, Do I have a choice? Finally she bowed. We are honored by your invitation. Certainly we could not think of refusing.

---

The tent she and Coram were given to share was large and airy, well stocked with comfortable pillows and rugs. Alanna flopped down, thinking of what she had seen of the village itself. A rough count of the tents indicated the Bloody Hawk encompassed at least twenty families. Some of the bachelors would live apart from their parents in a single large tent. The shaman, the man wearing the burnoose tied with a green cord, had vanished into the largest tent in the village; from what her teacher Sir Myles had taught her, his dwelling would double as the tribe’s temple.

Her reverie was interrupted by three young members of the tribe. Two wore the face veil all Bazhir women put on when they began their women’s cycles of monthly bleeding. The taller girl balanced a tray of food and wine.

Reviews for The Woman Who Rides Like a Man

[starknits_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The fist year of Alana's knighthood

[mizchvz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Alanna needs time away from Corus, away from the court. She never imagined she'd become a shaman while on her first adventure as a knight.

[m.akter.tonima · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Spoiler alert


Things i like about this book:
1. Introduction of new culture
2. Alana believing in gender equality and demanding while also making other people demand for its establishment
3. Sutble hint of return of roger

Things i hate about this book:
1. Imperialism mirroring; alana the saviour of tribal people, teaching them "proper" ways like unveiling women (let them be who they wanna be)
2. Alana whining about everything
3. Alana and Jons weird romance. Has even less chemistry than beetlejuice and alec baldwin
4. Jon being a pampered jerk from a modest prince
5. No sign of george until alana needed him as a rebound
6. Evil religious people ( I am agnostic myself, but I found this potrayal to be stereotyping)

Did not forsee this series going so down the hill

[sandyamcpherson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Alanna sojourns in the desert amongst a tribe of the Bahzir, after defeating their shaman. This story appealed to me more than Book 2. The characterizations were lively and the story less contrived with Alanna 'out' as a woman.

[bryndahlquis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I actually like this one a lot because Alanna seems to grow up so much. I also really like the Bazhir, though I'm still not quite sure how the Voice is supposed to work or what he actually does on a day to day basis.Jonathan is freaking annoying, but that's expected.

[Meagan Fischer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

interestingly this book felt somewhat like a regression in this series. I liked it better than the first one but less than the second. There is a fair amount of white savioring which contributed to this feeling. I also have a hard time relating to the romantic relationship threads, at times. At other times they are very relatable. My feeling from the first book returned, that there weren't enough moments of slowing down and really getting to know the characters. So I don't feel like I fully understand their motivations for the things they do. I'm going to keep reading though because I want the conclusion to this quarter and the backstory to Protector of the Small.

[bookstoregirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Will always return to Tamora Pierce's books. They're fantastically immersive. If you like young adult fantasy novels being published from early 2000's on Tamora Pierce is a MUST read.

[linyarai · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read this for the "A Book With A Strong Female Lead" part of my 2019 reading challenge. I love Tamora Pierce, and this is one of my favorite series for sure. I devour her books every time.

[mickyfine · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Alanna spends most of her first year as a knight amongst the Bhazir in the southern deserts, where she becomes more involved than she planned. Plus her entanglements with Prince Jonathan and with George Cooper, King of the Rogues, continue to tie her up in knots no matter how close or far she might be from the two men.Happily, this third book in the series returns the excellent writing quality of the first. The plot is well done, Alanna continues to grow as a person in interesting ways, and the expansion of the world is fascinating. And if I could turn off the critical part of my brain that would be it. But instead, I ended up having squidgy feelings about the book because it's (unintentionally?) a white saviour narrative. Sigh. I'll be finishing the quartet because I want to know how things end up for Alanna but I also don't think I'll be revisiting these books.

[gridcube-504137 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

well, this is not bad, but the feeling of uneasiness that comes with this books tells me that the deeds of the previous book, the ones i praised for being direct and sincere, are to be bring back on an unnecessary forced way.

Things that should have happened before happened after, things that where obvious are more obvious, Alanna is a growing woman now, in a world where grown women are not to be seen. She has more titles now, which i guess is good for a noble. She isn't smarter though, but she is more powerful, from practice and trial.

[jean_sexton-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. While there was much to like with a strong female character who wants life to be good for others, there were some disturbing turns. Jon suddenly turned into a petulant prince, demanding Alanna be who he thinks she should be. There are stronger hints of The Evil Twin. And there were times when Alanna herself sort of came across as the Benevolent Great White Hope bringing her much better ways to the ignorant natives.That said, it was still a good story. Showing people that women can indeed be the equals of men is a good thing. And Alanna's refusing to give up her dreams to become someone she is not is an excellent role model. So with its flaws, I will continue to read the series.Recommended for readers of fantasy.

[Angela · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A book that is really awesome. Loving Alanna and all the other characters.

[themackae · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I

[lavaturtle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent. Alanna was more complicated that I expected, and so were the gender politics of the desert people.

I thought I'd read all 4 of these as a teen, but this didn't quite seem familiar on re-reading.

[sparkleponies · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Alanna's adventures continue, as she leaves Tortall looking for adventure. The characters are well written even and the plot is interesting. This book is slightly slower than the other two I have read, but it is a good enjoyable read.

[capnrandm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

These books get more and more satisfying as the series progresses, can't wait to listen to LIONESS RAMPANT!

[jenj5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've read this a couple of times, but this time I decided to listen to the audio and it was a fun way to "re-read." This is some of the earliest Tamora Pierce and she's just getting comfortable as a writer, but it's still great fun. I cannot stress how much I love her books.

[erincathryn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Re-read.

I don't really have much to say about this book, as it is setting up the final book in the series. The story continues to evolve smoothly and the characters continue to grow.

I never realized there was so much (light) promiscuity in this series. But the relationships are genuine and evolve (and disintigrate) in a genuine manner.

One thing I am noticing more and more is "special abilities" and how they seem to pop up at exactly the right time. There is a shadow over there? Luckily I have JUST the special ability to determine it is a tree and not an ambush.

On to book 4.

[lisamaria_c · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the third book in the Song of the Lioness quartet, so you certainly should have read the first two before reading this one. Alanna finally became a knight at the end of the second book--but she was also revealed to be a woman. Deciding she needs some time away from the court, she goes out into the desert and becomes involved with the Bazhir--a tribal people who seem patterned after the Bedouins of Arabia. Alanna manages to gain the respect of this patriarchal people and for a time acts as their shaman and takes on three apprentices.From what I gather from reviews, people feel mixed on whether this installment is the weakest of the four, or better than the first two. Personally, I'm with the second. I feel Pierce matured as a writer in this novel. It's true, in some ways this is skippable. It feels more like an interlude between the main plot of the quartet. It's also in that sense more self-contained, and it's better paced than the first two books, taking place in the course of a year. Also, I have to cheer at how Pierce handled the entire romance between Jonathan and Alanna--for several reasons. One, because there's an ornery part of me that gets grumpy about the tired heroine gets the prince. But also, especially compared to the message of books like Twilight, Alanna actually thinks it all through, and doesn't just get swept away by her passions. I liked that--it's part of what makes Alanna a distinctive and admirable heroine.

[savvyescapades · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

All I can say is that books change a lot as you grow up. The Alanna series was one of my favorites in middle school, right up there with Ella Enchanted (which also merits being added to the list). When I was younger, this book was my least favorite in the series. Mostly because Alanna’s romantic relationships frustrated me. The heroine is always supposed to end up with the prince! Well, now I am older and wiser and know that real princes show you that they care. The don’t use empty words. They know how you like your coffee, the remember your birthday, they throw a blanket over you when you pass out on the couch so you don’t get cold– and not just so they can win brownie points. They do these things because they actually care about you and want to make you happy. As a grown(ish)-up, Alanna’s logic makes a little more sense.But enough tangential lecturing. First of all, the current edition by Simon Pulse is kind of atrocious. The cover is a pretty purple, but there are glaring typos galore. If you can find an older edition, go with that. The literary critic in me feels that some of the characters, mainly Alanna and Jon, can get a little flat sometimes (particularly during speeches about who they think they are/what they stand for). Still, I find myself sucked into this world. I just finished the book about half an hour ago, and I already want to go find the fourth book because this book left of with a cliff hanger about whether or not the villain is really REALLY dead, and I don’t remember how the story goes. Tamora Pierce writes very clear, simple action sequences (though Scott Westerfeld is still winning my Action-Writer-I’d-Most-Like-To-Emulate Award) and she and Patricia C. Wrede are the only writers that I feel write about magic solidly and effectively (and Wrede uses magic pretty sparingly, if I remember correctly). And yes, before you complain Rowling was on that list, but certain plot-hole filling stunts in Deathly Hallows got her removed from that list.In short? I loved the time I spent reading The Woman Who Rides Like A Man. It was a nice, easy and quick escape from my world of waiting for Law School decisions and Law and Finance midterms. It even sparked a dream that I had about the characters in the book I’m writing, but that, as they say, is for another time.

[nmhale_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Since I've reviewed the first two books in this series, I won't spend a lot of time canvassing old plot material. We all know who Alanna, and Prince Jonathon, and the other important characters are, and the major events that unfolded before this book. Actually, what I want to focus on in this review is why I liked this, the third book in the series, better than the previous two.I've read a lot of Pierce's quartet series. I fell in love with her Immortals saga and The Circle series, and became a renewed fan with the Protector of the Small. When I started reading Alanna, her first foray into the kingdom of Tortall, I was disappointed. I'm not sure why, but the stories just didn't keep my attention the way others had. Maybe because she was a younger writer with a less mature style, or because I already knew the outcomes for all these characters - since we see their future incarnations in later stories, I knew how that romance would turn out, how that character would end up. The first book had bits that were very reminiscent of Kel's story (I know, I know, Kel's story came later and is the one copying, but I read it first after all) and I thought Kel did it better. After not being that attracted to the series, I found this third novel making a better impression on me. Alanna has moved away from the castle and becomes immersed in the world of the desert Bazhir. Pierce explores the Bazhir culture, as well as the dramatic changes that Alanna introduces into the relatively patriarchal world, in greater detail than in other series. It was enjoyable to explore a new aspect of Tortall. I also liked the development in her relationship with Jonathon and George, which became complex. I do like both men, but have to admit that I'm sad how it all resolves (which I already know from other books). It must be the novelty of the setting, the maturity in the characters, and the foreshadowing of things to come that made this book stand out as the best in the series for me. It encourages me to go ahead and finish that quartet, eventually.

[rebeccaann_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Alanna's finally a knight and, after the scandal that she cause when revealing her true gender, she decides it might be better to have a few adventures away from the castle for awhile. While traveling in the desert, she and Coram are attacked by hillmen and rescued by Bhazir. Soon, Alanna finds herself in the unwanted post of shaman of Bloody Hawk Bhazir tribe with three youngsters as her apprentices. Turmoil's happening in her personal life as well. There's the unwanted marriage proposal by Jonathan and the very much desired official adoption of Alanna by Sir Myles, who makes her his heir. And what's going on with Thom? He seems to be becoming more and more like Roger every day.I think this is my favorite book of the series so far (though the first is still a strong contender). There's more action in this book, and more romance. I felt this was definitely more adult than the first two books, as there were many more references to sex (though none explicit). I don't remember these scenes from when I was younger so I'm not too worried about it being over the top. I don't think I would hesitate to give any of these books to a child.George becomes a much more important character in this book which is great, because I love him. He's funny, witty, and definitely cares more about Alanna. That's one thing I do like about these books. With Jon's marriage proposal, Alanna doesn't just say yes. She thinks about and considers whether she's ready for the responsibility. I think it's a nice contrast to other books out there, like Twilight. There's a line, I think Myles says it, in response to Alanna taking time to consider the marriage: "It's easier to change a no into a yes than a yes into a no." I like that these books promote thinking before commit to some huge responsibility, and Pierce does it well without being preachy at all.As for Thom's side story, I don't know what's going on with him but it doesn't seem to be anything good. This book seems to be a set up towards Thom becoming a major bad guy in the fourth book. I guess I'll just have to find out for myself! Off to read it now!

[mmillet_7 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

In book three of the Song of the Lioness series, Alanna has just received her Knight's shield and is anxious to be off on an adventure of her own making. Accompanied by the steady Coram, who trained her as a young page, Alanna feels ready for any eventuality. Heading southward, Alanna and Coram are attacked by murderous desert dwellers and are eventually rescued by the equally enigmatic Bazhir people who offer her two options: fight one of their own warriors and join the tribe or be killed. Wisely, Alanna fights and awes group with her fighting skills and compassion - except for a notable few members of the Bloody Hawk tribe. Despite all the tradition and prejudice against women, Alanna is slowing welcomed by the group, eventually becoming the tribe's newest shaman and training three youngsters to carry on her in place.Even though she has escaped the confines of palace life, Alanna is confronted with the reality of determining her relationship with Prince Jonathan while the ever comforting presence of George, the King of the Thieves, silently keeps watch over her. All of Alanna's friends are wonderful but George has always been a standout for me. This book finally showed a little more personality in Jonathan and, for good or bad, made for a more interesting character.Wherever she goes, Alanna draws attention. It's probably the whole red hair, purple eyes, warrior maiden thing she has going on but it really works for her. I'd probably stop in my tracks if she crossed my way too. That said, I love how she is constantly faced with difficult challenges where there really is no easy answer. Alanna faces each situation with maturity and intelligence that I can't help but admire. But above all, she is loyal to her friends and to the vows she made as a knight and it shows in everything she does. I am so enjoying this series and I can't wait to see what is up next for Alanna in the concluding volume, Lioness Rampant.

[bell7_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The third in the Song of the Lioness trilogy finds Alanna, newly made a knight of the realm, in the south deserts seeking adventure. Events conspire to make her an integral part of a Bazhir tribe, using and teaching the Gift she is so afraid to use.Unlike the second book, this covers only about a year. Though still fast-paced, the second half especially felt like a bit of a set up for the fourth book. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Alanna, George, Jonathan, and all the great characters in this series.

[lateacher_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Woman Who Rides Like a Man is about a girl named Alanna. She wants to learn to be a knight but only boys were allowed back then. Therefore, Alanna dressed up as a boy and called herself Alan. Few people know about her disguise. One day Duke Roger comes to teach the students including Alanna. Alanna knows more about Duke Roger than she should. Check The Woman Who Rides Like a Man out at the library to learn more.

[jwl_11 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another favorite kids book. I love this author, and I'm working an acquiring all of her works.

[bluesalamanders · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After achieving her knighthood and defeating a great enemy, Alanna leaves the palace and all her friends to discover who she is and where she belongs. The third book in this series introduces still more new people and challanges to this growing character. She learns diplomacy and teaching and gains the respect of another race of people. Another good book.

[sdtaylor555 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Even better than the first two in the series!

[crowyhead · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another great installment in the Song of the Lioness quartet.