“Tough Traveling” is a weekly Thursday feature created byΒ Nathan at Review BarnΒ where participants make a new list each week based on The Tough Guide to Fantasyland by Diana Wynne Jones. This hilarious little book cheerfully pokes fun at the most prevalent tropes in fantasy. All are welcome to take part, and there is a link up over at his site. Join in any time!
This week’s trope is KINGS:
KINGS come in four kinds: Puppet Kings, Bad Kings, Good Kings (rare), and Long Lost Kings.
Lookit, a list of entirely Tamora Pierce books! I’ve been waiting for this moment for months now. I tried to get them all in the same duolgoy, but it sadly wasn’t possible. If one of you reads a Tammy book I will consider it a Christmas miracle!
![]() Dunevon comes to the throne of the Copper Isles as a child, and under very tragic circumstances. He is obviously controlled by his regents, Rubinyan and Imajane who are some seriously sinister puppet-masters. While many perceive Rubinyan as the true master (since he’s a man) it is his wife Imajane who is the real threat to both the child king and his subjects. |
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![]() King Jonathan is firmly in the :good king” category since he cares about the people and makes good political decisions for the good of Tortall rather than personal gain. Some characters in the Tortall universe are critical of Jonathan and say that while he is a good king, in his personal life he can be arrogant and haughty. It’s nice to know that even the good kings aren’t perfect! |
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Lisa (@TenaciousReader)
OK, OK!!! My new year’s resolution is to read a Tamora Pierce book! π
Danya @ Fine Print .
YES! Christmas miracle unlocked.
Nathan (@reviewbarn)
As I do with Pratchett so you do with Pierce. I think EVERYONE should pick one author and do a post like this.
Danya @ Fine Print .
It’s surprisingly easy if you pick an author with a massive backlist!
Restiva
Hahahah I knew you would have Jonathan here, didn’t expect an entire Tammy list though! Almost all Tricksters Choice characters too. I think I am… not all that surprised π
Also, yes to the arrogant & haughty. I want to thump Jon over the head ever time I reread the Lionness Quartet.
Danya @ Fine Print .
Hahaha, my love for the Trickster books is well documented. π
Jon is a great king but I wouldn’t want to be buds with him, ya know? Sometimes I don’t know how Alanna does it.
Lynn Williams
I’m with Lisa – I’m reading Tamora at some point in the New Year! Your work here is complete π
Danya @ Fine Print .
*Cries tears of joy* Y’all don’t even know how long I’ve been waiting for this moment!
BiblioSanctum Blog
All hail Tamora Pierce! Queen of kings, it seems! π
~Mogsy
Danya @ Fine Print .
Long live Tamora Pierce! Queen of kings, queen of my heart. π
Kaja
Ok so I just checked – no Tamora Pierce books in our libraries! π Will order soon π
Danya @ Fine Print .
Oh no! Tamora Pierce should definitely be global at this point. π I think you will love her books, Kaja – the perfect mix of girl power, fantasy, and romance.
Tabitha (@Not Yet Read)
Wow Tamora covers them all. I have always meant to get around to reading her books.
Danya @ Fine Print .
DO IT! One of us, one of us… π