trickster's choice

Tamora Pierce brings readers another Tortall adventure! Alianne is the teenage daughter of the famed Alanna, the first lady knight in Tortall. Young Aly follows in the quieter footsteps of her father, however, delighting in the art of spying. When she is captured and sold as a slave to an exiled royal family in the faraway Copper Islands, it is this skill that makes a difference in a world filled with political intrigue, murderous conspiracy, and warring gods. This is the first of two books featuring Alianne (Aly).

book covers

quotes

• I proclaim the shallowness of the world and of fashion. I scorn those who sway before each breeze of taste that dictates what is stylish in one's dress, or face, or hair. I scoff at the hollowness of life. - Aly to her father as a dramatic university student, p. 5
• You try being the daughter of a legend. - Aly to her mother's holsters, p.18
• If you've a story, makre sure it's a whole one, with details close to han. It's the difference between a succesful lie and getting caught. - A Workbook for a Young Spy, p. 51
• You really should have a clean house at home before you start picking at the way your neighbor does the dusting. - Aly to self, p.63
• It's hard, living in the shadow of a respected woman. - Aly to Duchess Winnamine, p. 67
• My heart just stopped dead with anticipation. But no, I cannot leave the goats. They would bleat for me. I would hear their cries with the ears of my heart. - Aly to Sarai, p. 133
• Everybody needs heroes, Aly. Everybody. Even grown women. Even slaves. - Dove to Aly, p. 136
• Is that the boning knife, or a chopping knife? If you press hard and cut down, I should bleed to death quickly. Of course, I'll make a mess. - Aly to Chenaol, p. 165
• Respect is hard to get when you're a trickster. People are so often inclined to think the worst of one. - Kyprioth to Aly, p. 167
• I mean to be sure that she won't murder you when my back is turned. If you kill this spy, I'm not getting you a new one. - Kyprioth to Chenaol, p. 167
• Also, what are your preferred weapons? Can you use any, O child of merchants? - Ulasim to Aly, p. 184
• Why, I'm just as true and honest as dirt. And I'm even more charming than dirt. - Aly, p. 186
• Would you like a grub? I got it just for you. - Nawat to Aly, p. 201