The Woman Who Rides Like a Man

 The Woman Who Rides Like a Man by Tamora Pierce 256 Pages

Summary: A knight at last, Alanna of Trebond heads out to seek adventure in the desert of Tortall. Captured by desert tribesmen, she is forced to prove herself in a magical duel to the death. But her real challenge doesn't come until after she wins. As the first female shaman, Alanna must fight to change the ancient traditions of the stubborn desert tribes -- for their own sake and for the sake of all Tortall.

This third book in the Song of the Lioness quartet continues Alanna's saga as she strikes out alone and discovers herself anew.

My Thoughts: I think I enjoy the third book of the series the most. She is at a crossroads where she's had to use her magic and has a hatred for it. She winds up with the Bahzir tribe and has to face what it's like to be a woman among a male dominated area, even stricter than where she resides. I love the grapple she faces between wanting to flee from her magic and wanting to help out a couple of magical children gain control of their powers. This novel is about finding your path while fighting against everyone else to prove your worth.