Runaway Girl, Wild Gift

Veralidaine "Daine" Sarrasri, a young, orphaned girl with an uncanny connection to animals, seeks work at a horse fair. She meets Onua, a horse trader for the Queen's Riders, and impresses her with her skill and empathy for animals. Daine is haunted by trauma—her family was killed by bandits, and she's been on her own since. She's running from a past that includes a mysterious "madness" and a secret about her wild, untrained magic. Onua hires her, and together with Onua's dog Tahoi and Daine's pony Cloud, they set out for Tortall, a land where women can find new roles and possibilities.

Monsters on the Road

As Daine and Onua travel south, rumors of monsters in the wild prove true. They are attacked by Stormwings—creatures with human faces and steel wings, long thought to be only legend. Daine's wild magic allows her to sense the wrongness of these immortals, and she faints after a brutal battle in which animals come to her aid. Onua realizes Daine's abilities are more than a knack; she has a rare, powerful magic. The two bond over shared danger, and Daine's connection to animals deepens, but she remains wary of her own powers and the madness that once overtook her.

The Hawk's Secret

After the Stormwing attack, Daine rescues a strange, black hawk with a broken wing. Onua is desperate to save the bird, and Daine's animal skills are put to the test. The hawk refuses food and seems more intelligent than any animal Daine has met. When the group is joined by the legendary Lady Knight Alanna and her company, the hawk's true nature is revealed: he is Numair Salmalin, a powerful mage and shapechanger, drugged and trapped in animal form. Daine's wild magic helps bring him back, and she is drawn into a world of magic, politics, and new friendships.

Stormwings and Survival

Daine, Onua, and Numair, now restored to human form, face further attacks from immortals—spidrens (giant spiders with human heads) and more Stormwings. Daine's wild magic warns her of danger, and her archery skills save lives. She learns that her magic is not the Gift (the standard human magic) but something older and wilder, tied to animals and nature. The group's survival depends on Daine's growing control over her abilities, and she begins to trust her new companions, even as she fears the madness that once made her lose her humanity.

The Shapechanger Revealed

Numair, now a mentor to Daine, helps her understand her wild magic. He is a fugitive from Carthak, a rival nation, and one of the world's most powerful mages. Daine's lessons begin: she learns to communicate with animals silently, to heal, and to meditate for control. Her power is vast but dangerous—if she loses herself in animal minds, she risks forgetting she is human. Daine's trauma and guilt over her past—when she went mad and hunted with wolves after her family's murder—are revealed, and her friends help her accept and begin to heal.

Spidren Night Attack

The group is attacked at night by spidrens, and Daine's wild magic warns her in time to save lives. Her archery and animal empathy are crucial in the fight. The attack reveals that the immortals—Stormwings, spidrens, griffins, and more—are returning to the mortal world after centuries of imprisonment. The cause is political: Carthak's mages have broken the ancient spells that kept these creatures away, and Tortall is under threat. Daine's role as a bridge between humans and animals becomes more important than ever.

Arrival at the Riders

Daine and Onua reach the Queen's Riders, an elite, mixed-gender force that protects Tortall's borders. Daine is hired as Onua's assistant, helping to train and care for the ponies. She meets Buri, Sarge, and the Queen herself, Thayet, as well as a diverse group of trainees. Daine finds acceptance and purpose, but struggles with her outsider status and fears about her magic. She makes friends—especially with Miri and Evin—and begins to see a future for herself, even as she keeps her darkest secrets hidden.

New Friends, New Home

Daine settles into life at the Rider barracks, learning new skills and teaching others about animals. She is given a place to stay, new clothes, and a sense of belonging. The Queen's Riders are a found family, and Daine's confidence grows. She continues her magical training with Numair, learning to heal animals and to control her power. The threat of immortals looms, but Daine finds hope in her new home and friends, and begins to dream of a future where she is more than just a runaway.

Wild Magic Unleashed

Daine's wild magic grows stronger, and she learns to call and command animals, to heal, and to sense immortals. Her lessons with Numair are challenging, and she fears losing herself to the animal mind. When she finally confesses her past—her family's murder, her madness, and her time running with wolves—her friends support her. Onua helps her see that animals have the right to choose to fight, and Daine learns to use her magic to help, not just to protect. She begins to accept her power and her place in the world.

Siege at Pirate's Swoop

The Riders and their allies travel to Pirate's Swoop, the coastal fortress of Baron George and Lady Alanna. There, they are besieged by a Carthaki fleet, mercenaries, and immortals, led by Stormwings. The attackers demand the surrender of Queen Thayet and her children. Daine's wild magic is crucial: she organizes the animals of the woods to sabotage the enemy, and her friends fight bravely. The defenders are outnumbered and outgunned, and the situation grows desperate as the enemy brings in catapults and magical dampening spells.

The Dragon's Arrival

A dragon, summoned from another world by Carthaki mages, arrives in the midst of the siege. She is confused, angry, and in labor. Daine's wild magic allows her to communicate with the dragon, calm her, and help her give birth. The dragon fights for the defenders, destroying enemy ships and catapults, but is ultimately killed by Stormwings and liquid fire. Daine is devastated by the loss, but her actions have saved many lives and turned the tide of battle.

The Kraken's Bargain

With the siege at its worst, Daine seeks help from the whales, but they refuse to fight. In desperation, she reaches farther with her magic and awakens a kraken, an ancient sea monster. The kraken destroys the enemy fleet, but Daine fears what she has unleashed. The arrival of reinforcements—King's Own soldiers and Lady Alanna—breaks the siege on land, and the defenders are saved. Daine's wild magic has changed the course of the battle, but at great cost.

Aftermath and Belonging

In the aftermath, Daine is exhausted and traumatized, but her friends care for her. The animals she led in battle are tended and honored. The dragon's orphaned kit, Skysong, is found and bonds with Daine. She is offered a home by the Queen, the Riders, and Numair, and realizes she has found a family at last. Daine's journey from lost runaway to hero and healer is complete, and she embraces her wild magic and her place in the world.

A Home for Skysong

Daine adopts Skysong, the dragon kit, and decides to stay with the Riders for the summer, but is welcomed by all her new friends. She has gone from having no home to having too many, and for the first time, she feels she belongs. The immortals are still at large, and the world is changing, but Daine faces the future with hope, courage, and the love of her found family.

Characters

Veralidaine "Daine" Sarrasri

Daine is a young girl marked by loss, trauma, and a unique magical gift. Orphaned by bandits, she survived by running wild with animals, nearly losing her humanity. Her wild magic allows her to communicate with, heal, and command animals, but it also threatens her sense of self. Daine is fiercely loyal, compassionate, and brave, but haunted by guilt and fear of madness. Over the course of the story, she learns to accept her power, trust others, and find a new family. Her journey is one of healing, self-acceptance, and transformation from outsider to hero.

Onua Chamtong

Onua is a tough, experienced horse trader from the K'miri people, responsible for the Queen's Riders' mounts. She recognizes Daine's talent and becomes her employer, mentor, and surrogate older sister. Onua is practical, kind, and fiercely protective, with her own history of hardship. She helps Daine find her place, teaches her about partnership with animals, and provides emotional support. Onua's relationship with Daine is foundational, offering stability and wisdom as Daine navigates her new world.

Numair Salmalin

Numair is one of the world's most powerful mages, a shapechanger, and a fugitive from Carthak. He is both brilliant and approachable, with a playful sense of humor and deep compassion. As Daine's magical mentor, he helps her understand and control her wild magic, guiding her through meditation, healing, and self-discipline. Numair's own past is marked by danger and exile, and he finds in Daine a kindred spirit. Their relationship is built on trust, respect, and mutual growth.

Cloud

Cloud is Daine's pony, fiercely independent and intelligent. She is more than a pet—she is family, confidante, and protector. Cloud's relationship with Daine is marked by humor, stubbornness, and deep loyalty. She often provides practical advice and emotional support, and her presence grounds Daine in her humanity. Cloud's ability to communicate with Daine is a key aspect of the wild magic, and she plays a crucial role in Daine's survival and growth.

Alanna of Trebond (The Lioness)

Alanna is Tortall's first lady knight and the king's champion. She is courageous, skilled, and fiercely independent, serving as a role model for Daine and other young women. Alanna's presence brings hope and inspiration, and her friendship with Daine is marked by mutual respect and support. She is also a powerful mage and healer, and her leadership is vital in the defense of Pirate's Swoop.

Queen Thayet

Thayet is the queen of Tortall, a former refugee and a champion of women's rights. She is wise, compassionate, and pragmatic, balancing royal duties with personal warmth. Thayet welcomes Daine into her circle, offers her a home, and values her unique gifts. Her leadership during the siege and her support for the Riders are crucial to the story's resolution.

George Cooper

George is the Baron of Pirate's Swoop, former King of Thieves, and husband to Alanna. He is shrewd, resourceful, and deeply loyal to his friends and family. George's leadership and strategic mind are vital during the siege, and his acceptance of Daine as part of his extended family helps her feel at home.

Buri (Buriram Tourakom)

Buri is the commander of the Queen's Riders, a formidable warrior and leader. She is practical, no-nonsense, and supportive, helping Daine adjust to life among the Riders. Buri's friendship and mentorship are important in Daine's journey toward confidence and belonging.

Sarge

Sarge is the Riders' chief trainer, a former slave with a tough exterior and a soft heart. He is responsible for the trainees' physical and mental preparation, and his respect for Daine's skills helps her gain acceptance among the Riders.

Skysong

Skysong is the orphaned dragon kit Daine rescues after the siege. She represents hope, new beginnings, and the legacy of the wild magic. Skysong's bond with Daine cements the girl's role as a bridge between worlds and a protector of the magical and the vulnerable.

Plot Devices

Wild Magic

Wild magic is the central plot device, distinguishing Daine from other mages. Unlike the Gift, wild magic is instinctive, emotional, and deeply tied to the natural world. It allows Daine to communicate with, heal, and command animals, but also threatens her identity and sanity. The narrative uses wild magic to explore themes of trauma, belonging, and the balance between power and responsibility. Daine's journey to master her magic mirrors her journey to heal and accept herself.

Immortals' Return

The reappearance of immortals—Stormwings, spidrens, griffins, dragons—signals a world out of balance. Their return is both a political and magical crisis, driven by Carthak's ambitions and ancient spells broken. The immortals serve as both literal and symbolic threats, challenging the characters to adapt, unite, and confront the unknown. Their presence foreshadows further upheaval and sets the stage for future conflicts.

Found Family

Daine's journey is shaped by the people and animals who accept her, teach her, and stand by her. The Riders, Onua, Numair, Alanna, Thayet, and others form a found family that helps Daine heal from trauma and find her place. The narrative structure emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and chosen bonds over blood ties.

Siege and Survival

The siege of Pirate's Swoop is the story's climax, bringing together all the characters and plot threads. The defenders' survival depends on courage, ingenuity, and the willingness to accept help from unexpected sources—animals, dragons, even ancient monsters. The siege tests Daine's magic, the Riders' training, and the strength of their community, highlighting themes of resilience and sacrifice.

Healing and Transformation

Daine's ability to heal—both herself and others—is a key plot device. Her journey from trauma and self-doubt to mastery and acceptance is mirrored in her magical training and her relationships. Healing is both literal (mending wounds) and metaphorical (overcoming grief, guilt, and fear). The story uses transformation—of self, of relationships, of the world—as a central motif.

Analysis

Wild Magic is a coming-of-age fantasy that explores trauma, healing, and the power of connection—both human and nonhuman. Tamora Pierce reimagines the hero's journey through the lens of a girl who is both outsider and bridge, marked by loss but gifted with a rare, ancient magic. The novel interrogates the boundaries between human and animal, self and other, and the responsibilities that come with power. Daine's wild magic is both a blessing and a burden, forcing her to confront her fears, accept help, and ultimately choose to belong. The return of the immortals and the siege of Pirate's Swoop serve as metaphors for change, chaos, and the need for unity in the face of the unknown. The story's enduring lesson is that healing—of self, of community, of the world—requires courage, empathy, and the willingness to embrace both the wild and the human within.

Last updated: May 19, 2025