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moonspren's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
garnetofeden's review against another edition
4.0
In First Test Tamora Pierce introduces us to Kel. Unlike the previous two publication-order heroines in the Tortall universe, Kel is not gods-touched; she’s more just like everyone else. It’s been years since the law changed to allow girls to try for knighthood again, but Kel is the first one to apply, and for political reasons, the king allows the training master to put her on probation. Despite this discrimination and other obstacles (such as being afraid of heights), Kel exemplifies the knight’s code of chivalry from the get-go. As an example of a fantasy heroine whose story more reflects the ongoing gender inequity of reality, Kel’s story hits close to home but provides an excellent example of perseverance despite unfair obstacles.
Rating reviewed 1/20/2023.
Rating reviewed 1/20/2023.
jesassa's review against another edition
5.0
What a book! These books hold such a special place in my heart. Although I've reread Alanna and Immortals multiple times, I only read Protector the one time, this felt fresh and I got stuff out of it that I'm sure I missed.. I'm looking forward to rereading the series. And of course, eagerly anticipating TEMPESTS. (Nobody makes me miss writing as much as Tamora Pierce. 😍)
deranged_pegasus's review against another edition
5.0
An inspiring tale and excellent addition to the world of Tortall. The handling of certain aspects of female life was excellently done and the characters full of personality.
nhelregel's review against another edition
4.0
Where was this book when I was a preteen girl?!?! I'm in love with this series. It is wonderful and lovely. The main character manages to break through misconceptions and expectations while *also* being herself and not abandoning everything along the way. My *only* criticism would be that this character occasionally seems a bit too wise for her years (although that's also just one of her character traits, so I'm not too mad about it). I'm also really into the mixture of medieval and fantasy/magical elements. Knights and mages and OK on to the next book!
annagoldberg's review against another edition
5.0
Rereading this series for the first time since I was a child. They’re just as good now as they were then!
juliannegern's review against another edition
4.0
The Protector of the Small series was the last one I read by Tamora Pierce. After these, I naturally grew out of reading her new releases. I loved these books and I think she grew as an author to create more nuanced characters and storylines while still writing for a middle-grade audience. As an adult, some of the themes in this book ring true today. These books are really nostalgic for me, so I will always enjoy them.
quinnard21's review against another edition
4.0
I don't remember liking Kel's story as much as Daine's or Alanna's when I read them the first time, but rereading it now I don't understand why. I feel like Tamora Pierce's writing has evolved and the tempo of the story has improved by this story, and it was so enjoyable.
pawikan_reads's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoy stories about girls turning class and gender biases on their heads. When I was younger, I loved Pierce's Lioness Quartet and her daughter's Trickster's Queen Duet.
This first book of the Protector of the Small Quartet seems to be a promising beginning to a similarly-themed series. Keladry (ten years old at the beginning of the tale) is the first girl to legally apply for knighthood training. Predictably, she has a tougher time than Alanna did in the first series as she has to confront sexist attitudes from every turn.
Although more "kiddie" and less action-packed than I am used to (the climax is a hunt for a Spidren, one of the Immortals), this book made me want to read the next three books just to see if Kel is a worthy successor to the Lioness' shield.
This first book of the Protector of the Small Quartet seems to be a promising beginning to a similarly-themed series. Keladry (ten years old at the beginning of the tale) is the first girl to legally apply for knighthood training. Predictably, she has a tougher time than Alanna did in the first series as she has to confront sexist attitudes from every turn.
Although more "kiddie" and less action-packed than I am used to (the climax is a hunt for a Spidren, one of the Immortals), this book made me want to read the next three books just to see if Kel is a worthy successor to the Lioness' shield.
themadmadmadeline's review against another edition
4.0
Kel was a little hard to warm up to in the beginning, but I ended up really enjoying the series.