When it comes to Reasons I Haven't Read That Book Yet, Tamora Pierce is a regular excuse. As a teen, her books were widely promoted in my library- and I gobbled each up as soon as I got my little hands on them. And it wasn't because she writes books that make me think and wonder (even though she does). It isn't because all of her books feature Strong Female Characters (even though they do).
Mostly, I can't let go of Tamora Pierce's books because of her characters.
First, let's talk about the series that revolves around four children in a world of elemental and academic magic: Emelan.
The Emelan series, to date, consist of the books listed here. They constantly surprise me, even after all these years. I love reading about Briar's struggles to get used to life as a young mage after being a thief on the mean city streets. I love hearing Sandry insist that people do the right thing (and I love even more the results when they don't listen). I love Tris' temper, and the way that she fears even herself. I love Daja's solidity despite her insecurities; her isolation from all she once knew and held dear.
But despite the draw of the kids, I do believe I love "his prissiness" Niklaren Goldeye even more. He's sarcastic, he's impatient at times, he forgets on a regular basis that he's talking to kids, and I would like nothing better than to see him in another book. Or two.
Frankly, I wouldn't object to an entire series revolving around Niko.
But moving past the characters, the world-building is simply delicious. So many little bits and pieces working and flowing so well together to create a familiar and yet alien landscape. Fields of dead plants suffering from a drought (further cooked by a single spark of stray lightning). The simple beauty of fishermen about to set out to sea, watching a solitary figure weave a dance for luck. The quiet moments spent with friends upon a roof, watching the clouds and remembering. Comfort from the flickering light of a crystal. The devastation of a staff with a blank metal cap. Rallying around a poor abused puppy- and the battlefield that resulted from trying to give said puppy a bath.
The words. The scenes. The emotions. The characters. The history. The challenges. The character development. All combining to create a series that I'll be reading again and again and again.
On another Monday, we'll talk about that other wonderful world Tamora Pierce has created: Tortall.
Mostly, I can't let go of Tamora Pierce's books because of her characters.
First, let's talk about the series that revolves around four children in a world of elemental and academic magic: Emelan.
The Emelan series, to date, consist of the books listed here. They constantly surprise me, even after all these years. I love reading about Briar's struggles to get used to life as a young mage after being a thief on the mean city streets. I love hearing Sandry insist that people do the right thing (and I love even more the results when they don't listen). I love Tris' temper, and the way that she fears even herself. I love Daja's solidity despite her insecurities; her isolation from all she once knew and held dear.
But despite the draw of the kids, I do believe I love "his prissiness" Niklaren Goldeye even more. He's sarcastic, he's impatient at times, he forgets on a regular basis that he's talking to kids, and I would like nothing better than to see him in another book. Or two.
Frankly, I wouldn't object to an entire series revolving around Niko.
But moving past the characters, the world-building is simply delicious. So many little bits and pieces working and flowing so well together to create a familiar and yet alien landscape. Fields of dead plants suffering from a drought (further cooked by a single spark of stray lightning). The simple beauty of fishermen about to set out to sea, watching a solitary figure weave a dance for luck. The quiet moments spent with friends upon a roof, watching the clouds and remembering. Comfort from the flickering light of a crystal. The devastation of a staff with a blank metal cap. Rallying around a poor abused puppy- and the battlefield that resulted from trying to give said puppy a bath.
The words. The scenes. The emotions. The characters. The history. The challenges. The character development. All combining to create a series that I'll be reading again and again and again.
On another Monday, we'll talk about that other wonderful world Tamora Pierce has created: Tortall.