Onua is happy to hire Daine as an assistant to help drive a herd of ponies back to Tortall, especially when she observes the skill and ease with which Daine manages the beasts. Onua soon suspects that the young woman's abilities with animals come from a magical gift, although Daine denies any special powers. But when the two encounter perilous immortal creatures during their journey together, even Daine must admit that Onua may be right in her suspicions. Fans of the author's Song of the Lioness quartet, published by Atheneum (Alanna: The First Adventure, 1983; In the Hand of the Goddess, 1984; The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, 1986; and Lioness Rampant, 1988) will be delighted with this introduction to a new fantasy series set in the Kingdom of Tortall, again featuring strong and independent female characters. (Ages 10-13)

Discover a land of enchantment, legend, and adventure in this first book of the Immortals series, featuring an updated cover for longtime fans and fresh converts alike, and including an all-new afterword from Tamora Pierce.

Thirteen-year-old Daine has always had a special connection with animals, but only when she’s forced to leave home does she realize it’s more than a knack—it’s magic. With this wild magic, not only can Daine speak to animals, but she can also make them obey her. Daine takes a job handling horses for the Queen’s Riders, where she meets the master mage Numair and becomes his student.

Under Numair’s guidance, Daine explores the scope of her magic. But she encounters other beings, too, who are not so gentle. These terrifying creatures, called Immortals, have been imprisoned in the Divine Realms for the past four hundred years—but now someone has broken the barrier. And it’s up to Daine and her friends to defend their world from an Immortal attack.