Alanna: The First Adventure
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Alanna: The First Adventure is a fantasy novel authored by Tamora Pierce, initially released in 1983 as the opening installment of the young adult series The Song of the Lioness. Originally conceived as a single novel for adults, Pierce transformed it into a series aimed at younger readers after encountering difficulties with publication. The narrative centers on Alanna of Trebond, who conceals her female identity to pursue knighthood within a culture that prohibits women from such positions.
In 2013, Pierce was honored with the Margaret A. Edwards Award by the American Library Association for her significant contributions through the quartets Song of the Lioness and Protector of the Small. Jamie Watson, chair of the Edwards Committee, highlighted their enduring influence on fantasy enthusiasts and authors alike.
The novel earned a spot on Time magazine’s 2020 compilation of the 100 greatest fantasy books ever written.
Publishing background
Tamora Pierce initially crafted Alanna’s tale as a single adult novel titled The Song of the Lioness, which was over 700 pages long. Composed prior to widespread computer use, this original manuscript has since been lost. Despite submitting it in the late 1970s, Pierce was unable to find a publisher. Acting on advice from a friend who became her first literary agent, she reimagined the story throughout the 1980s as a four-part young adult series. The first volume, Alanna: The First Adventure, was published in 1983 by Atheneum.
Plot introduction
Set within the fictional realm of Tortall, the plot follows Alanna as she masquerades as a boy to undergo knightly training. She acquires skills in swordsmanship, combat techniques, and magic while keeping her true gender hidden. Alongside allies and adversaries among royalty, she navigates court intrigues and faces off against the demonic Ysandir in the southern desert. Prince Jonathan uncovers her secret but chooses to accept her as his squire regardless.
Plot summary
Alanna of Trebond and her twin brother Thom harbor contrasting goals: Alanna strives to become a knight, whereas Thom aspires to master sorcery. Their inattentive father plans to send Alanna into ladyship training and Thom into knighthood—both outcomes they reject. To follow their ambitions, they exchange roles: Alanna assumes the identity "Alan" to train at the royal palace as a knight-in-training, while Thom pursues magical studies.
Supported by their guardians Maude and Coram, Alanna begins her training at court, forging friendships with figures such as Raoul of Goldenlake and Prince Jonathan of Conté. She also earns an adversary in Ralon of Malven, who bullies her until she secretly trains under George Cooper—the King of Thieves—and ultimately overcomes Ralon.
During her time as a page, a lethal Sweating Sickness spreads through Corus, sapping healers' strength. Although Alanna possesses healing talents, she conceals them until Prince Jonathan contracts the illness. By invoking the Great Mother Goddess, she cures him and reveals her true sex to Sir Myles of Olau, her mentor. Shortly thereafter, Duke Roger of Conté arrives to instruct magically gifted pages.
After experiencing her first menstruation, Alanna entrusts George Cooper with her secret; Prince Jonathan discovers it during a squire expedition to Persopolis, homeland of the Bazhir desert tribe. Despite Duke Roger’s warnings to avoid the nearby Black City, Jonathan and Alanna enter it to confront Ysandir demons imprisoning its inhabitants.
In battle, one Ysandir exposes Alanna’s gender by magically stripping away her clothing. Jonathan masks his astonishment as they combine their abilities along with Alanna’s enchanted sword—bestowed by Sir Myles—to defeat the Ysandir. They return unharmed to Persopolis.
The story concludes near an oasis where Jonathan reveals his mission from Duke Roger: to eradicate a great evil—though Roger may not have anticipated Jonathan's survival. Jonathan then knights Alanna as his squire, valuing her prowess above all else.
Characters
- Alanna of Trebond – The central figure who disguises her gender to pursue knighthood.
- Thom of Trebond – Alanna’s twin brother, drawn to sorcery rather than combat; training to become a distinguished mage in the City of the Gods.
- George Cooper, King of Thieves – Head of the Court of the Rogue and an ally to Alanna; the first individual to uncover her secret.
- Coram Smythesson – Alanna’s first swordsmanship tutor and attendant; among the few who know her true identity.
- Jonathan of Conté – The crown prince of Tortall and a close companion of Alanna at court.
- Gareth the Younger of Naxen ("Gary") – Jonathan’s cousin and Alanna’s patron upon her arrival; recognized for his sharp intellect and humor.
- Duke Gareth of Naxen – Responsible for training pages and squires; father to Gary.
- Roger of Conté – A powerful magician and Jonathan’s cousin, second heir to the throne; trusted by Jonathan but regarded with wariness by Alanna.
- Ralon of Malven – A palace antagonist who is overcome by Alanna and subsequently disgraced.
- Moonlight – Alanna’s battle-trained steed, obtained through George at a bargain.
- Sir Myles of Olau – A knight, scholar, and baron; serves as Alanna’s mentor and teaches History and Laws.