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smallbluemars's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Perfect conclusion to an awesome adventure.
As we head into war the book contains much darker themes without losing what makes Kel special. She still protects those whom can't protect themselves. Starts off a bit slow but then once things get going they properly get going.
You feel like you are there, living in the fort, traveling on the road, partaking in the battles.
Whole series deserves a 5 star rating!
As we head into war the book contains much darker themes without losing what makes Kel special. She still protects those whom can't protect themselves. Starts off a bit slow but then once things get going they properly get going.
You feel like you are there, living in the fort, traveling on the road, partaking in the battles.
Whole series deserves a 5 star rating!
kathydavie's review
5.0
Fourth (and last) in the Protector of the Small fantasy series for children.
My Take
Well I'm sad that this series has come to an end. And I've already read the Daughter of the Lioness series...since I didn't know that it came after the Protector of the Small series! (Daughter, by the way, is more oriented to a young adult audience with the much more elevated writing Pierce incorporates. An excellent series as are all of Pierce's (that I've read, so far *grin*)).
I love it! When ol' Valestone attempts to browbeat Kel into giving him more than he deserves and begins to insult her simply because she is a woman, Kel has a great response...one that is too true!
The Story
The Chamber is pushing Kel through dreams to ride out on a quest, but it's war between Scanra and Tortall and Kel is ordered out to the northern boundaries with a very unpalatable task. At least she has Peachblossom, Hoshi, Jump, and the sparrows!
It's on their trip to the front that Kel rescues Tobe, a young apprentice who is much abused. Nor will that innkeeper escape punishment when Neal lays one on him. It's a few days later that Kel encounters Cleon and...it's just not the same for Kel anymore. Later they meet up with Owen at Fort Giantkiller (see Squire) where Kel learns her posting.
And a mighty poor posting she considers it. At least she'll be with Neal who will be the camp healer and Merric is the new patrol captain. It's a hard posting with too much paperwork and strife. Kel would do anything to get out, but when raiders attack and carry away most of the camp, Kel discovers the truth about herself and is determined to rescue "her" people with the help of her flock of sparrows, Hoshi, Jump, twelve dogs, and ten cats.
That she's committing treason by going against Wyldon's orders? They're her people!
The Characters
Kelandry of Mindelan is a knight now and must follow the king's orders. Prince Roald, Faleron of King's Reach, Merric of Hollyrose, Seaver of Tasride, Esmond of Nicoline, Quinden of Marti's Hill, Sir Nealan of Queenscove (still in love with Lady Yukimi) are with her at the start. She hasn't seen Sir Cleon of Kennan in over a year, nor have they been able to exchange letters. And now that Kel is a knight, the Lady Alanna can speak to her! Lalasa has her own dressmaking shop in town. Owen of Jesslaw is squire to Lord Wyldon.
Tobeis "Tobe" Boone is being beaten by his innkeeper master when Kel rescues him and installs him as her servant. Even better, he has horse magic. Auld Eulama was the midwife who took him in when he was left on her doorstep.
Sir Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak is still her CO. General Vanget haMinch is the supreme commander of Tortall's northern defenses. Lord Wyldon of Cavall, the former training master, commands at Fort Giantkiller. Duke Baird is the royal healer...and Neal's father. Daine the Wildmage is a real asset with her animal spies, even the camp animals want to help. Prince Roald was supposed to have married Princess Shinkokami, but the war has postponed their wedding. Numair Salmalín arrives at Camp Haven escorting refugees and stays for a bit to add his weight in magic.
Mistress Fanche Weir led her entire village to safety. Now, she's not too impressed with our Kel. Saefas Plowman is a trapper. Gilab Lofts is one of the convicts Kel had captured back in Page. Einur is the cook. The Tirrsmont refugees include a real pain — Master Idrius Valestone who believes he deserves more than he is receiving. HIs wife Olka is much more conciliating. Peliwin Archer is a troublemaker whom Kel soon cuts down to size. Adner is a plowman and grabs Kel for plow duty. A number of the children want to learn to fight: Loesia, Meech will look on, Gydo Elder, Tobe, and Keon.
Domitan of Masbolle is Neal's cousin and a sergeant in the King's Own. A friend of Kel's from her squire days. Kel's very grateful she'll have his expertise as well as Corporals Wolset and Fulcher's for a bit. Captain Elbridge is more impressed with Kel when he learns she's already fought one of the killing devices. Sergeants Connac, Yngvar, Hevlor, Kortus and Aufrec. Her work is cut out for her with some of her men — Sergeants Vidur and Oluf are too hard on the men and harder on the convicts. Numair brings clerks for which Kel is most grateful: Zamiel Fairview of Blue Harbor, Hildurra Ward, and Gragur Marten.
The Vassa are Scanran smugglers, but they owe the Whisper Man and they help Kel and her motley troop across the river into Scanra. Irnai is a very young seer in the village next to Blayce's castle; she offers aid to Kel and her friends. Agrane, Blayce's former cook, draws out the floorplan of the castle. Zerhalm and Morun the picklock provide their aid.
Maggur Rathhausak is a Scanran warlord who has united the other clans and incorporated their raiding bands into one cohesive army. And, he's using mechanical killing devices. Master Blayce Younger of Galla (Kel thinks of him as the Nothing Man) is a warlock using a very black magic to power those devices. Stenmun is the captain of Blayce's guard.
The Cover and Title
The cover is lilacs and a very feminine Kel from her chin to her upper chest lightly swathed in tulle. I'm guessing they're playing up the Lady in the title.
For Kel is now a Lady Knight in the Kingdom of Tortall.
My Take
Well I'm sad that this series has come to an end. And I've already read the Daughter of the Lioness series...since I didn't know that it came after the Protector of the Small series! (Daughter, by the way, is more oriented to a young adult audience with the much more elevated writing Pierce incorporates. An excellent series as are all of Pierce's (that I've read, so far *grin*)).
I love it! When ol' Valestone attempts to browbeat Kel into giving him more than he deserves and begins to insult her simply because she is a woman, Kel has a great response...one that is too true!
'Mistresses, have you ever noticed that when we disagree with a male...or find outselves in a position over males, the first comment they make is always about our reputations or our monthlies?'Oh, you will be so impressed with Kel's people. They keep their heads and create trouble to slow their captors down and Little Meech leaves signs along the trail.
Kel then goes on with 'If I disagree with you, should I place blame on the misworkings of your manhood? Or do I refrain from so serious an insult far more serious, of course, than your hint that I am a whore.'
The Story
The Chamber is pushing Kel through dreams to ride out on a quest, but it's war between Scanra and Tortall and Kel is ordered out to the northern boundaries with a very unpalatable task. At least she has Peachblossom, Hoshi, Jump, and the sparrows!
It's on their trip to the front that Kel rescues Tobe, a young apprentice who is much abused. Nor will that innkeeper escape punishment when Neal lays one on him. It's a few days later that Kel encounters Cleon and...it's just not the same for Kel anymore. Later they meet up with Owen at Fort Giantkiller (see Squire) where Kel learns her posting.
And a mighty poor posting she considers it. At least she'll be with Neal who will be the camp healer and Merric is the new patrol captain. It's a hard posting with too much paperwork and strife. Kel would do anything to get out, but when raiders attack and carry away most of the camp, Kel discovers the truth about herself and is determined to rescue "her" people with the help of her flock of sparrows, Hoshi, Jump, twelve dogs, and ten cats.
That she's committing treason by going against Wyldon's orders? They're her people!
The Characters
Kelandry of Mindelan is a knight now and must follow the king's orders. Prince Roald, Faleron of King's Reach, Merric of Hollyrose, Seaver of Tasride, Esmond of Nicoline, Quinden of Marti's Hill, Sir Nealan of Queenscove (still in love with Lady Yukimi) are with her at the start. She hasn't seen Sir Cleon of Kennan in over a year, nor have they been able to exchange letters. And now that Kel is a knight, the Lady Alanna can speak to her! Lalasa has her own dressmaking shop in town. Owen of Jesslaw is squire to Lord Wyldon.
Tobeis "Tobe" Boone is being beaten by his innkeeper master when Kel rescues him and installs him as her servant. Even better, he has horse magic. Auld Eulama was the midwife who took him in when he was left on her doorstep.
Sir Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak is still her CO. General Vanget haMinch is the supreme commander of Tortall's northern defenses. Lord Wyldon of Cavall, the former training master, commands at Fort Giantkiller. Duke Baird is the royal healer...and Neal's father. Daine the Wildmage is a real asset with her animal spies, even the camp animals want to help. Prince Roald was supposed to have married Princess Shinkokami, but the war has postponed their wedding. Numair Salmalín arrives at Camp Haven escorting refugees and stays for a bit to add his weight in magic.
Mistress Fanche Weir led her entire village to safety. Now, she's not too impressed with our Kel. Saefas Plowman is a trapper. Gilab Lofts is one of the convicts Kel had captured back in Page. Einur is the cook. The Tirrsmont refugees include a real pain — Master Idrius Valestone who believes he deserves more than he is receiving. HIs wife Olka is much more conciliating. Peliwin Archer is a troublemaker whom Kel soon cuts down to size. Adner is a plowman and grabs Kel for plow duty. A number of the children want to learn to fight: Loesia, Meech will look on, Gydo Elder, Tobe, and Keon.
Domitan of Masbolle is Neal's cousin and a sergeant in the King's Own. A friend of Kel's from her squire days. Kel's very grateful she'll have his expertise as well as Corporals Wolset and Fulcher's for a bit. Captain Elbridge is more impressed with Kel when he learns she's already fought one of the killing devices. Sergeants Connac, Yngvar, Hevlor, Kortus and Aufrec. Her work is cut out for her with some of her men — Sergeants Vidur and Oluf are too hard on the men and harder on the convicts. Numair brings clerks for which Kel is most grateful: Zamiel Fairview of Blue Harbor, Hildurra Ward, and Gragur Marten.
The Vassa are Scanran smugglers, but they owe the Whisper Man and they help Kel and her motley troop across the river into Scanra. Irnai is a very young seer in the village next to Blayce's castle; she offers aid to Kel and her friends. Agrane, Blayce's former cook, draws out the floorplan of the castle. Zerhalm and Morun the picklock provide their aid.
Maggur Rathhausak is a Scanran warlord who has united the other clans and incorporated their raiding bands into one cohesive army. And, he's using mechanical killing devices. Master Blayce Younger of Galla (Kel thinks of him as the Nothing Man) is a warlock using a very black magic to power those devices. Stenmun is the captain of Blayce's guard.
The Cover and Title
The cover is lilacs and a very feminine Kel from her chin to her upper chest lightly swathed in tulle. I'm guessing they're playing up the Lady in the title.
For Kel is now a Lady Knight in the Kingdom of Tortall.
beforemyway's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bestbeefarm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
sgreen2307's review
5.0
Amazing!!! Loved it as much as the first two series with Daine and Alanna. Tamora Pierce has done it again with Keladry. Same type of heroin yet as different as can be from Daine and Alanna. I love that she always brings past characters back into her newer books. Awesome!
lfsalden's review against another edition
5.0
Yes!
I will read over and over and I hope to my grandchildren. Delightful maturational story arc, loved the tale, exactly the right kind and number of twists and turns.
Also, the kind of battle I like in which resources used were foreshadowed chapters ago and the small company of Good Guys uses tactics to their advantage instead of frontally assaulting a couple of hundred bad guys.
Beautifully read to us by Bernadette Dunne. I lift my coffee mug to Pierce and her delightful characters.
I will read over and over and I hope to my grandchildren. Delightful maturational story arc, loved the tale, exactly the right kind and number of twists and turns.
Also, the kind of battle I like in which resources used were foreshadowed chapters ago and the small company of Good Guys uses tactics to their advantage instead of frontally assaulting a couple of hundred bad guys.
Beautifully read to us by Bernadette Dunne. I lift my coffee mug to Pierce and her delightful characters.
mkhare's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars. What a journey! My heart rejoices at this kind of grounded, thoroughly detailed and thought-out writing and protagonist.
Kel is not flashy or flamboyant, nor is she imbued with innate magical powers or talents. She is instead extremely hard-working and practical, valuing planning, strategy, forethought, and most of all, human and animal lives. She also gets a lot of backup and support from others, and in turn she tries her hardest to do her best by them, and to remain fair and empathetic. Kel rarely missteps as a character (and her animal friends proved to be immensely useful in this final book), and things generally go as planned, or are at least quickly and rationally addressed. This could've made Kel feel like Alanna in the SotL quartet (who was often annoyingly successful), but Kel's steadfast nature and aforementioned supportive friends and comrades balanced things out very nicely in the end.
P.S. I loved seeing the character growth of Neal, Owen, Wyldon, Raoul etc, and being introduced to Tobe, Fanche and all the Haven crew!
Kel is not flashy or flamboyant, nor is she imbued with innate magical powers or talents. She is instead extremely hard-working and practical, valuing planning, strategy, forethought, and most of all, human and animal lives. She also gets a lot of backup and support from others, and in turn she tries her hardest to do her best by them, and to remain fair and empathetic. Kel rarely missteps as a character (and her animal friends proved to be immensely useful in this final book), and things generally go as planned, or are at least quickly and rationally addressed. This could've made Kel feel like Alanna in the SotL quartet (who was often annoyingly successful), but Kel's steadfast nature and aforementioned supportive friends and comrades balanced things out very nicely in the end.
P.S. I loved seeing the character growth of Neal, Owen, Wyldon, Raoul etc, and being introduced to Tobe, Fanche and all the Haven crew!
kiwitheboss19's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5