Ever since I started writing, people have compared my writing to that of others. Perhaps the most frequent comparison has been to the writing of an American author, Tamora Pierce, and in particular to this Quartet – The Song of the Lioness. Until my escape into the US in August I’d never read any of her work, but I came across all four books in shop in Key West and couldn’t resist. Five days later I had read all four books. They are exactly the sort of fantasy I loved most when I was in my teens.

Song of the Lioness has a wonderful female hero in Alanna, the daughter of a nobleman. She has dreams and ambitions of becoming a knight and travelling the world having adventures. I can now understand why readers of my Imperial books in particular have compared them to this series.

Unlike my Imperial books, however, Tamora includes a very high magical element in her stories. There are some great villains and the gutsy Alanna, who dresses as a boy in order to be accepted into training, has to go through a great deal of pain and anguish, first as a Page, then a Squire, before she eventually reveals her true identity when she finally achieves her dream of becoming a Knight of the Realm of Tortall.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series and recommend it to any who have enjoyed reading my books – particularly to fans of The Darkweaver and Imperial books. Great stuff, Tamora.

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