SONG OF THE LIONESS, BOOK 1: ALANNA: A GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION, by Vita Ayala (adapter), Tamora Pierce (author), Sam Beck (illustrator), Harry N. Abrams, May 13, 2025, Hardcover, $26.99, Paperback, $17.99 (young adult)
Alanna, the first book in Tamora Pierce’s award-winning Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet is now available as a full-color graphic novel.
Meet Alanna of Trebond, a young noblewoman from the kingdom of Tortall.
Alanna isn’t like other girls from noble families—what she really wants is to become a knight and earn her shield, something women definitely aren’t allowed to do.
But Alanna will not be deterred, and she arrives in the capital disguised as a boy to begin training as a page, the first step toward becoming a knight. Despite the tough conditions and grueling work, Alanna’s skills and stubbornness win her friends amongst the nobility and the denizens of the lower city. But not everyone wishes her well . . . —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
I have to admit that while I’ve heard of Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness series, I have not read the books. Published in the 1980s Alanna: The First Adventure (1983), In the Hand of the Goddess (1984), The Woman Who Rides Like a Man (1986) and Lioness Rampant (1988), follow a girl who dreams of becoming the first female knight in centuries in the land of Tortall.
Now, after reading the graphic novel adaptation of the first book, I want to read the series in full. Because, contrary to what a lot of people think, graphic novel adaptations often spark greater interest in source material. And I can only imagine the rich detail from Pierce’s original work.
That’s not to say that adapter Vita Ayala and illustrator Sam Beck’s version doesn’t stand on its own. It does. And it’s beautiful in its own right.
The advance reader copy I received featured black-and-white illustrations (the published version is full color) that range from detailed images to sketches, and it still held my attention throughout. Thoughtful use of layout and expressive artwork move the story forward while text provides context without getting in the way.
Filled with action, adventure and magic, the story moves quickly. And the gorgeous cover has my 11-year-old begging to read it. I won’t have a problem handing it to her, but I know she’ll be asking for the full-color, published version within minutes of reading it. I’ll happily oblige.
*Sensitivity note: The publisher’s suggested reading age is young adult, ages 12 and up. Some of the story discusses Alanna’s struggles to deal with her maturing body — developing breasts and menstruation are both tastefully included.
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