Tamora Pierce is one of the best storytellers around and here are the reasons why: 
- Strong, real, and funny young women protagonists
- Credible world-building
- Animals as characters (looking at you Achoo and Pounce)
- Interesting magic
- Compelling secondary characters
- Exciting plots
- Her books make you cry and laugh at the same time
If you haven’t read Tamora Pierce yet, I suggest starting with Terrier, the first in The Legend of Beka Cooper series.
Happy reading!
The Magic Pen 