First Test (Protector of the Small #1)

I am on book four of this series. In my opinion, it deserves to have the hype and attention given to The Hunger Games and the Harry Potter series, which is not an attempt to denigrate those wonderful stories. I've read them and they are deserving of all the attention given them. That said, let me also say that I have gained more from Protector of the Small Quartet than I have from either of the other series. In spite of the elements of magic, Tamora Pierce has created a flesh and blood character, whose struggles touch us and awaken in us what Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature". Kel is real to me; her world is real to me; her character encourages me, up lifts me, instructs me, inspires me. She is the potential for good in all of us, but she is no super hero. These stories reveal, convincingly, that a good life is a struggle, goals are not attained by slackers, that one must pay the price and earn success, and so many more it would be pointless to name them all. Kel is, by far, the most powerful and positive role model I've come across in fiction in years. She reminds me of Joan of Arc. Her appeal is not just for girls. Boys will love the adventure and, caught up in that excitement, come to appreciate that the prejudiced roles assigned by custom and gender are lies of limitation placed upon us by institutions and customs, which seek to dominate individuals rather than set them free.
Teachers of English (middle school through high school) get copies of this series into the hands of your students. They need to read this; their parents need to read this.
I throw my hands up, Tamora Pierce. You got me, and now that my wonderful time with Keladry is running out, I'll just have to start at the beginning and read your other books.

What I liked:
-Keladry. She was different than normal female characters. She was a little larger than normal girls, and she already had some weapons training on account of her stay in the Yamani Islands with her parents. She was headstrong
-Neal. I really liked that Keladry’s best friend was a boy that was a few years older than her. One that she didn’t have any attraction to. They had a close relationship that wasn’t sexual or romantic in any way, and it was very refreshing. Neal was intelligent, quick-witted, and he was a very sarcastic person. He might have been my favorite character.
-Training. I felt like the training in this book may have gone into more detail than Alanna’s training, and I liked the more in-depth look at the life of a Page. Since this book only focused on Keladry’s first year, everything was more fleshed out and had better detail, giving you more of a feel for the characters and the setting. I wish Tamora Pierce had done this with Alanna’s first adventure.

What I disliked:
-Plot. There wasn’t much of one in this book other than Keladry overcoming the obstacles put in her path. She trained, adjusted to life at the palace, and she made friends. That was about it, and I would have liked a little more. I understand that this book was setting up the rest of the quartet, but I felt like a little more plot could have been added. As it was, the actual plot didn’t kick in until the very end of the book, and I was getting a little bored by that point.
-Lack of bad guy. Joren was pretty much the only bad guy in this story, but he and his friends were nothing more than schoolyard bullies. With Alanna, Ralon wasn’t just a schoolyard bully. He was truly a monster, but Joren just acted like a spoiled brat that didn’t get his way.

Overall, this was a quick, entertaining read from one of my favorite authors. Keladry was a very interesting young girl, and over the course of the next three books, she becomes one of my favorite fantasy heroines, right behind her own hero, Alanna. 4.0

Also appears on The Screaming Nitpicker.

It has been ten years since the decree was made that women could train to become knights in the realm of Tortall and one girl is finally taking advantage of that: Keladry of Mindelan, a ten-year-old girl with three other knights in her family. The chauvinistic Lord Wyldon, who is a fantastic teacher despite his attitude towards Kel's wish to train for knighthood, forces Kel to undergo a one year probationary period to determine whether or not she can keep up with the boys and go on with the rest of her training or go home.

I've heard many good things about Tamora Pierce both through the Internet and through friends that have read her books, but I haven't thought to pick up any of her books until now. I saw First Test in a used bookstore (that I've gotten a lot of my recently-reviewed books from) and curious, I bought it to see what the fuss was about. I see just what everyone was praising and I'm glad I got this book.

I love stories with feminist themes, in which a girl in a male-dominated world is able to become an equal to the men that have been "better than her" for most of her life. First Test and many of Tamora Pierce's other books (according to those good friends of mine and the Internet) has exactly the wonderful feminist themes I was hearing about and hoping for. Kel was a heroine I could relate to and Lord Wyldon was also an interesting character due to his bias towards women becoming knights and how he overcomes that.

I had no idea that this was the third quartet that takes place in Pierce's Tortall realm. I just saw this book, recognized the name, and picked it up. I came into this book with no information whatsoever on the mechanics of the world, but I wasn't confused even once about how it worked. This is certainly a testament to Pierce's talent. If someone can start where I did and not need to read the previous two quartets to understand what is going on, the author is doing something right.

This book is very short- only 206 pages- but it delivers a lot of good material in such a short time. This book is probably longer to others, but I'm so used books that are anywhere from 300 to 850 pages long that this is a quick, short read for me. Better yet, I got through so quickly because I didn't want to put it down to do something else. As the first book of a series, it does a fantastic job of setting up everything within such a short amount of time. She can do in 206 pages what it takes some authors 400 or 500 pages to do with a world that is decidedly less expansive than this one.

I had to stop reading at the beginning because of a scene in which an immortal spider-like monster called a spidren had a bag of kittens and ate two of them. None of you would know this (or do you? I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but my memory is terrible), but I love cats. I have five and I love them all very much. Once I'm able to buy my own cats, I will have as many as the law and decency will allow me to have. The visual imagery of the spidren eating those kittens upset me greatly because cats mean so much to me and I had to put it down for about ten minutes. Form there on, it was smooth sailing, but the image stuck with me and I still get a little queasy about it. This scene had significance--to give Kel another good motivation to become a knight, to make her want to be a "protector of the small" animals and people like kittens--so at least it wasn't gore for the sake of gore like some other authors might do.

I also felt that some of the characters fell a little bit flat. This was mostly applied to the more minor characters like the first-year pages Kel is taught with and the antagonist, Joren of Stone Mountain and his friends. Part of this is due to the short length of the book, leaving less time for development, and partly because they're just that minor. The mystery of who was sending Kel those gifts wasn't much of a mystery either. Before I peeked ahead to confirm my guess (yes, I do that sometimes), I was already sure I knew who it was and I was right.

Cross-posted from my blog, Ashleigh Reads (With a Ukulele), also posted on Goodreads.

Following in the steps of Alana 'the Lioness' is Keladry (Kel) of Mindelan, a 10-year-old is dead-set on becoming a knight like her hero. Unlike Alana though, Kel doesn't have magic to help her. Instead she has greater bulk and height, as well as training from an island where the marshal arts are taught -- think Tai Chi, Judo, Kendo.

The setting is the court of King Jonathan of Tortall. The landscape has changed from that of the Lioness Quartet because of the Immortal Wars wherein magical creatures have been let loose on the world.

The other thing that is different is that much of the forward progress that Alana made has vanished. The new knight trainer, Lord Wyldon, strongly believes women and girls have no place as knights. He's so stubborn that he insists he will quit unless the King a) makes Kel's first year probationary, and b) makes Alana swear that she will not communicate with the girl during that time. And as you can well imagine, such an attitude rubs off on the boys, who are just as mean to Kel as they were to Alana in her own time as a page.

Talking Points:::
It's a pleasure to watch Kel prove herself. She does have her strengths and stoic training which helps her, but so do the boys have their strengths and weaknesses. And, as always, Tamora Pierce's writing is more than competent and entertaining.

It hasn't been but a few weeks since I read the first book in the Alana series. And while the court and the processes of the page's training were similar, I didn't find the books so similar that I wasn't riveted by First Test. Kel and Alana are different people, as are the boys they find themselves amongst.

I don't know honestly what boys think of this series, but Tamora Pierce gives girls strong role models that don't give up, and who are intelligent and compassionate. I highly recommend Pierce to adventure loving girls which this caveat: This FIRST book is not as good as the following books.

Finally, this series is in the 'Juvenile' section of our library, but I found the personal dilemmas that pop up in the subsequent books to be very much like the ones found in Pierce's YA-books. Which is to say that the author includes conversations about puberty, boys and desire.

Pam T~
mom and reviewer at Booksforkids-reviews

First Test is the first book in the Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce.

Keladry wants to be a knight. After the king gave girls the ability to try for their shields, she's decided that she's going to prove to everyone that girls can be knights just like boys. Except, Lord Wydon, trainer of the Pages, doesn't agree. He's put a stipulation that she has a one year probation, something no other page has ever suffered.

Kel won't let this injustice stop her, and soon she's fighting and scrapping along with all the boys. Finding her first friends, she holds him close and together she and Neal must prove that being different doesn't mean being worse.

Kel is a character you can really stand behind. She's stubborn, strong, and determined. She doesn't give up, even when everyone says she should. And she won't let bullies tell her what to do.

Pierce takes us back to the land of Tortall for another roaring adventure. This time we are introduced to Keladry, the first girl to try out knighthood after it became legal to do so.

Previously an all-male institution, the page school doesn't take kindly to a new-comer. Keladry encounters bullying and sexism from both fellow pages and the training master. Time and again people tell her to quit or try to sabotage her training. However, Keladry takes it all on with dignity, and never complains about her situation. Nevertheless, when she sees injustice done to others, she fights to correct it. She becomes the protector of fellow students who are bullied, even though they initially reject her as well.

Keladry is everything one wants in a heroine. She is brave and resourceful, she is compassionate, and she is a champion of justice. If she were real, I'd be honored to know her. The credit goes to the author to create such a relatable character, and to keep her consistent through every situation. Even though this is a fantasy story, the trials Keladry go through is familiar. Even if you've never experienced bullying and discrimination, you've certainly heard of it. The way Kelady deals with it may not apply to everyone (she never complains), but the resilience she displays is certainly inspiring.

I loved this book! A story about a girl being treated differently than the boys and learning how to take her lumps to be taken seriously, this story very much evokes a lot of what I have seen growing up. Girls WERE expected to do more and had to do SO much better than the boys to be recognized. I find that, as time goes on, these gender bounderies are being refuted and changed, but this very much reminds me of growing up in my small town. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

Following the success of her The Song of the Lioness and The Immortals series, Tamora Pierce returns to her magical land of Tortall with the Protector of the Small, her third quartet of books featuring a cool, self-empowered young heroine. This time, Pierce chronicles the trials and adventures of Keladry of Mindelan as she undergoes the required passages en route to becoming a knight. FIRST TEST is the first in this series and is yet another engrossing, coming-of-age story about an underdog heroine who persists in the face of hostility, peril, and gender discrimination.

PLOT SPOILERS: Those who've read The Song of the Lioness books will be familiar with Alanna's story. Alanna became a knight but accomplished the act while passing herself off as a boy. Thereafter, in the wake of her cloudy ascension, a law was passed qualifying females for knighthood, providing they complete and pass all the requisite training. Ten years have elapsed, and, now, ten-year-old Keladry seeks to follow in Alanna's footsteps.

Even though women have already proven themselves to be capable warriors, there is still ample prejudice being harbored by the menfolk of Tortall. Kel, from the start, suffers the scorn and enmity of most of the pages, who very quickly make her feel unwelcome, some of whom even go as far as to actively set themselves against her. But, Kel, having spent much of her life on the Yamani Islands, where women are trained in warrior ways, is calm, cool, and scrappy in the face of hostility and is graced with surprising fighting skills. She suffers their taunts and tricks with quiet and determined aplomb. But her most daunting obstacle may be Lord Wyldon, the implacably doubting training master, who fervently believes that girls are far too weak to be knights. Lord Wyldon convinces the King to place an unheard of mandate on Kel's training: she is placed in a one-year probationary period, which she must pass, in order to become a page, the first step to knighthood. Kel grits her teeth at the unfairness of it all and takes up the challenge.

But she isn't without certain assets. Her time on the Yamani Islands (where displays of emotion are socially abhorred) has lent her a detached disposition which her detractors' jeers and acts of meanness fail to crack. Also, the Islands have taught her mastery of certain weapons, as well as skills in unarmed combat. Kel also makes friends with the ornery gelding Peachblossom and certain friendly sparrows, friendships which turn out to be very handy for her later on in the book. She also meets the impudent Neal, her sponsor who becomes her best friend.

Obviously, Tamora Pierce wrote this product, intending it to be read mostly by teenagers and those even younger. But, her writing is so clear and sophisticatedly accessible that FIRST TEST can be read by anyone of any age, providing the reader has an iota of imagination and a liking for an underdog story. Me, I'm in my late thirties and, personally, I tore thru this book in one sitting. The key to the author's success is that she doesn't condescend to her targeted audience. Her heroine doesn't at all have it easy. Kel struggles mightily as Pierce addresses the dilemma of a plucky young girl determined to compete in a male-dominated venue, where her attempts to match strength and stamina with the boys become something of an issue. Not as physically strong and burdened with a fear of heights, Kel must do more just to stay even. Honestly, she's one of the most rootable protagonists I've ever met. In a lot of ways, Kel reminds me of Menolly, the winning and self-sufficient young heroine of Anne McCaffrey's Harper Hall trilogy. FIRST TEST is a quick, vastly enjoyable read and is highly recommended for readers of ALL ages. Now, just where did I put that second book?

Throughout Tamora Pierce's range of fantasy books, the "Protector of the Small" quartet is unique, mainly because it is not primary a fantasy series, but a school story - more akin to the likes of Enid Blyton's "Naughtiest Girl in the School" or "Mallory Towers." This may seem like an odd thing to say, but on close inspection I think you'll find it's true. Though there are fantasy element present, the main narrative of the book is concerned with topic that you find in other books of the school-story genre (including 'Harry Potter'), including school bullies, malevolent teachers, homework assignments, camaraderie among peers, "hazing" younger students, and even sporting tournaments (though Pierce replaces cricket or Quidditch with jousting and sword fighting).

Ten-year old Keladry of Mindelin (or 'Kel' as she's known to her friends) is the first girl in ten years to apply for training as a knight in the realm of Tortall. Determined to follow in the footsteps of her hero Alanna the Lioness, Kel is eager to begin her training amongst the other young recruits. She seems cut out for the role considering that she's been raised among the stoic, war-like Yamanis.

But things are not so rosy once she gets to Tortall. Her training-master Lord Wyldon is not happy about her presence there and has forced King Jonathan to place Kel under a one-year probation: if she can't keep up with the boys, then she's out. Furthermore, her fellow trainees scorn and mock her, and a few in particular are determined to send her packing.

Kel however, is determined to see her training through to the end, and soon finds things to enjoy about her rigorous program. She befriends the wise-cracking Neal, finds a kindred spirit in her bad-tempered stallion Peachblossom and has an entourage of sparrow companions that come in very handy in a fix. But why is Lady Alanna ignoring her? And will she survive her probation come the end of the year?

"The Protector of the Small" quartet is also different due to the nature of Kel herself. Unlike all of Pierce's previous heroines, Kel does not have any magical gifts that can aid her in her struggles. Unlike Alanna (and other heroines in similar stories) Kel cannot fall back on magical powers or disguises to ease her toils, but must instead work for all that she accomplishes. Pierce is extremely successful in capturing this physicality to Kel's journey: we share every aching muscle, every black eye, every saddle-sore backside.

For those familiar with other 'Tortall' books, there are some nice cameos from several old characters: the most important are from Daine and members of the royal family, but also keep your eyes out for Lindhall Reed, Bonedancer, Tkaa the basilisk, Sir Myles, Stefan and a hilarious episode with an absent-minded Numair.

Despite the differences between this and the other Tortall books by Tamora Pierce, it is an interesting and rewarding read. Look out for the next installments: "Page," "Squire" and "Lady Knight".

Yet another enjoyable series by Tamora Pierce. Also set in the Tortall universe, this series is all about knighthood.

Alanna the Lioness became a knight by pretending to be a boy through training and managed to become such a strong knight that she became the king's champion. The king ruled that girls could now train to be knights if they desired, but for ten long years, no girl ever dared. Until Keladry of Mindelan. But the training master is not thrilled to be training a girl and convinces the king to put Kel on a one year probation (and forbid Alanna to see her). The odds are stacked against her and it doesn't help that the boys aren't happy to have a girl training alongside them. With so little support, can Kel make it through her first year?

Kel is like Beka Cooper, of Pierce's newest Tortall series, determined to protect the innocent, strong and uncompromising. These characteristics serve her well because without them, she would have no chance of making it through her first year, much less the entire training to become a knight. Kel is a fun and admirable character, making her easy to root for in this male-oriented society.

Pierce has shown herself to be an excellent writer and I look forward to the rest of the books I can find by her.

The amazing and wonderful book, Protector of the Small, First Test, by Tamora Pierce is a fantastic book about a tough and kind tomboy named Keladry, who is the main character and heroine of the book, is about to challenge the typical male opinion; `Girls are dainty, fashionable, dumb, and unathletic.' Keladry's goal is to prove that girls are just as strong, brave, capable and clever as boys, (Maybe even more so!) The year Keladry was born the law started to allow females to the famous school for training to become warriors, ride horse, fight, learn magic, and get an education. Ten years later at age ten, Keladry sets off with luggage, many years of training experience from the past, and a heavy heart. She sets off not knowing what magical, amusing, terrifying, entertaining, and wild adventures were waiting to occur. This book has such a fantastic, fascinating, and descriptive plot, writing, and characters that it gets the reader caught up in the book and feeling like they're in it. One reason to read this book is it makes you want to keep reading, and reading, and reading... While one is reading the book they feel like it is up to them to help the characters. There is a great mix of characters. For example, some are peculiar, some are funny, and some are magical. There are some evil characters which make the book attractive, but some are close to being angels though. One quality is that all of the characters do something significant or fun (to read about) in the book. The effects it has on the reader is remarkable. The writing, plot, characters, and book in general has such descriptive and vivid writing that it will make the reader anxious or humiliated for a character in the book The main character is a girl and child, but that doesn't mean that boys and adults won't love it every bit as much as girls and kids in general do. It's the type of book girls and boys, adults and children both enjoy; adventurous, scary, magical, and funny. There are many boy characters in the book. This book is not just for kids, it is appropriate for adults too. This book is for adults or kids, girls and boys. You will enjoy this fantastic book, no matter who you are. I highly recommend this book and whoever reads this book next will also whether they are a girl or boy, adult or child.

This book is a fun quick read. The engaging lead character, Kel, is the first "probationary" page accepted to Tortall's knight training program. She has a great deal of inner strength and more training than most of her colleagues, but she must prove herself to the master of the training program in order to lose her "probationary" status. She must also grapple with the antagonism of most of the other pages. The realistic details of the daily grind of the pages balance out the fantastic (in the literal sense) world they inhabit. Pierce's pacing is excellent. There is a wonderful supporting character, Neal, and there is a lot of depth to Kel's personality, but the other characters are not very deeply drawn. I also found that Kel seems older than 10 years old (at least 12), due to her intense self-control and forethought, and also that the man-eating "Immortals" are a bit dark for a children's book. The final glimpse of the spindren babies is truly grisly. Additionally, there are several references to women needing to protect their chastity and the use of the word "Lover" referring to a woman living with her boyfriend. I found this shelved with middle-grade novels, but it really is more appropriate for kids 12 and older.

This book is one of the best Young Adult books I've read. Kel is the perfect character to continue the in Alanna's footsteps. She is strong, determined, and wise beyond her years. She knows what she believes in, and stands up for herself and others. Because of her upbringing in the Yamani Islands, she has the ability to look at situations calmly and rationally, which helps when she is intimidated by her elders. She knows that if she makes it past her trial year as a page, then there's no stopping other gils from doing the same. In other words, she is a pioneer for girl warriors to come. I also liked the fact that Tamora tied in western ideas into this novel. There was one part where Kel describes Sir Wyldon as a very hard stone, and he needs a lot of water to balance out his ridgedness. This idea of balance is often overlooked in our modern world, and I think it's excellent that Ms. Pierce is incorperating new ideas into her books. I like the fact that her world mirrors ours. The Yamani Islands represents Asia with their stress on honor, their strong belifs in the gods, and the perfect warrior images. Carthak, another country, is very similar to Egypt. They both share the same climate, absolute rulers, and views on slavery (this is in reference to the thrid book in the Immortal series). And Tortall is based on the same ideals that America was founded on. You have ethnic diversity (immigration), free scoholing, and the women's movement for equality (as shown in this book and in the Alanna series) is just beginning. I think that Tamora has created this world so that we may look at our own lives and see if we still have something to learn. In this book she suggests that we have something to learn from the Asian culture. We should broaden our minds, and see what wise people the Asians are. They've got a lot of ideas over there that deserve a good look by all of us. The best part is that Tamora has already introduced us to some of their ideas in this book. This book was great! I say "Hazzuh to Tamora Pierce!" and I'll wait for the next three books!

I won't go over what everyone else has already said. I will just point out that the 4 books in this series change in much the way that Kel is changing.

As others have pointed out, First Test is a book about life in a boarding school. It is similar to Harry Potter. In fact, the school bully reminds me of Malfoy.

There are some scary events in First Test but not too scary.

While First Test would be appropriate for grade school readers, in Page Kel reaches puberty so parents should have talked about that before kids read it, e.g., tell them about periods. The topic is handled tastefully.

I found the scary sections of Page emotionally scarier.

In the 3rd book, Squire, Kel learns that being a knight is not all about having sword fights with bad guys. Not very much exciting happens. That is the point.

In Squire, Kel is definitely having lots of sexual feelings. Parents may want to think about that before starting young readers on the series. (But everything about Kel is always honorable.)

Pierce finished the 4th book, Lady Knight, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, blocks from the still smoldering World Trade Center. She writes that this had an impact on the book. It is much more violent than the first 3. And ugly, e.g., children are murdered and used as weapons of war. The bad guy is a psychopathic monster. There are strong hints that he is a pedophile. In the end, good triumphs, at least temporarily, over evil but at a terrible cost.

This would be an excellent series for a teen or preteen thinking about being a soldier.

In the first book of the Protector of the Small Series, Keladry of Mindelan is the youngest in her wealthy family. She has lived in the Yamani islands, and has mastered how to hide her own feelings. Now, Kel wants to be a knight. She will try to be the second ever in the Tortallan realm (Lady Alanna was the first). However, the king puts her on probation for her first year. This is a tough challenge and no one else has it. Kel thinks it is unfair, but if she wants to be a knight she will have to accept it.

When she arrives at her training school, she finds her room ransacked. It is a total mess. Kel later learns that the older pages did this to her, because they hate her for trying to be a knight. They feel strongly that no girls should be on the battle fields. ( Cruel, but understandable.) This is only the first of many things that will befall Kel in her first year. These same older boys boss around the first years. Kel thinks this is unjust and gets into fist fights with them alot, defending the young ( First step to being protector of the small:)). Kel's trainer, Lord Wyldon,( you guys, he's not THAT cruel to Kel, he's a bit cool actually;) makes her fight and swordplay with the boys and forces her to overcome her fear of heights.

Kel has befriended her sponsor, Sir Nealan and a few animals. She has also earned friends from defending them from the third years. Kel also battles a few gruesome monsters. At the end of the year, Kel is sure that her training master won't let her go on to be a page...

I don't wanna ruin it for the rest of you guys...

You'll have to read it to find out! Tamora Pierce has created a unique book of fantasy that is sure to charm its readers!!!!!!!!!!

Tamora Pierce should be saluted for her many accomplished entries into the world of fantasy, not least of which is her steadfast reliance on capable, motivated, realistic FEMALE lead characters. Modern fantasy readers (especially us girls) have much to be grateful for - until pioneers like Pierce and McCaffrey broke through the 'crystal ceiling' seeing a HEROINE was achingly rare.

Besides her realization that ladies also like to have plucky role models, Pierce remains a talented writer. Fans of the Lioness Quartet will appreciate this "sequel" (but don't expect too much of Alanna - she's forbidden to speak to Kel!). Newcomers to the world of Tortall will find themselves welcomed, and making quick sense of a fairly traditional 'sword and sorcery' realm.

Other raters have noted the relative lightness of the tale, and the easy challenges that Kel must overcome. While I too have the same thoughts, I must remind readers that while these books can be read and enjoyed by ALL age groups, they were ORIGINALLY intended for the pre-teen group.

Personally, thinking back to childhood, the challenges seem quite age-appropriate, and could even relate to modern challenges. Kel sees and handles bullies, thinks about fairness and moral standards, sticks up for the underdog, and also deals with a personal phobia. Not bad for a 12 year old.

Other readers have taken issue with the 'flaws' in the medieval or derivative nature of the book. Even as an adult, however, people relate best to what they understand, and forcing a book for pre-teens into a 'realistic' portrayal of medieval society would be tiresome and BORING. Also, I find the inclusion of the Yamani (Japanese) culture to be refreshing, as it is treated as a source of strength for Kel, as well as a learning experience in dealing with culture differences.

As always, Pierce has done a wonderful job creating a girl-friendly world (even for a 26 year old girl!), written in a refreshing and engaging manner, without dumbing-down or condescending to her audience. Bravo.

** Very conservative parents, or those carefully monitoring their children's reading before "the talk" may wish to read this series (as well as the Alanna quartet, or ANY Pierce book) before letting their children start. As Kel grows older (the later books), her concerns naturally turn to teenage matters, and Pierce does not mince words. I found it still appropriate, and even sweet, but I know people are often careful of such things. Also later in the series, a fleeting mention is made of homosexuality. Finally, the later depictions of magic for defense and healing, and the use of necromancy (by the evil forces) are intense and fairly graphic. It is cruel to allow a child to start a series, then ban it later for containing information you'd rather not deal with. If these things bother you, be aware of them from the start and find other means to entertain your children.

Tamora Pierce is without a doubt one of my favourite authors and I was so excited to learn that there was a third series set in Tortall, a land of magic and now, female knights. After a decree is passed allowing girls to become squires as well as boys, not many are ready to be the first to take the offer. Keladry, nicknamed Kel, is the first who is brave enough to travel to the castle to train. As the first open female squire, she is put on a probation year. A shorter scope of time than most of Pierce's books, she still artfully keeps the story flowing quickly. As a squire, Kel learns to deal with bullies and her crippling fear of heights. By making new friends, animal and human, Kel begins to succeed in her training. Then comes the ultimate test: the call to battle.
I would recommend this book to lovers of fantasy or science fiction. First Test is a book for younger audiences than what Pierce usually writes for, but all ages can enjoy the story. Reading the series before it, Wild Mage and Song of the Lioness, make for a better reading experience, but the books can be enjoyed on their own. This series is my favorite, and I cannot say how many times I have read these books. A great character unto herself, Keladry's books work magic on the reader that has nothing to do with the Gift, because she doesn't have one.

Many years have past since Alanna the Lioness secretly became a night and the King decided to allow girls to become nights, but not a single girl has signed up to be a page. In a way it makes sense, Tortall, although much more accepting, has not been magically reformed, and many people accuse Alanna of getting her shield through magecraft or trickery. When Kel announces that she wants to be a knight, she is shocked at the amount of resistance that she receives. She is to be put on probation for a year to see is she can "handle it" and many of the other pages are insulted that such a change has taken place. Still, she pushes herself through the teasing, the unfairness, and the vandalism using training that she has received in that Yamani islands (think Japan), which teachers her to remain calm and accept pain. Still, there are some things that she cannot accept, and that is the bullying of younger pages. Although she is not outright bullied like Alanna is, she watches as young Page's around her and tortured by the older boys. This is something that she will not stand for.

First test covers a year in time and has many interesting issues. One important one is change. Tortall is going through an immense amount of change, whether it's girls as knights, the presence of the immortals, or the peace treaty with the Yamani islands. There are many people who are accepting of such change, but just as many who are not. They see Kel's presence in the knights as not something new, but a breakdown of beloved traditions that have been in act for years. This, although a very unpleasant reaction, is a very realistic one. Another important issue is Kel's lack of magic. With the last two book series, The Song of the Lioness quartet and The Immortals, each of our heroines were powerful mages. Kel, on the other hand, has a bit of wild magic, but nothing else. This adds a very new element to the book.

Many of our old favorite characters, whether they be Alanna, Jonathan, Daine, or Raoul, make cameos in this book but the focus is on the new characters. All who has unique, fun personalities and are quite likable. Most people will find themselves drawn to Neal, a teenager with an attitude that gets him into trouble, a lot. Kel is a fascinating character as well. As someone who strives to protect others from unfairness she differs from Alanna in the fact that she is calm and quiet. First Test is a wonderful, but short book that Tamora Pierce fans are sure to love.

The story is about a young, ten-year-old girl, named Keladry of Mindelan. She wants to become a knight, just like the King's Champion, Alanna. After having read her letter saying that she would want to train at his school, Lord Wyldon tells Kel that she will have to be on probation during the first year in order to see if she can keep with the other boys'.
As unfair as it is though, Kel is determined to prove to everyone, especially Lord Wyldon, that she could be as good, if not better, than some of the boys'. However, she must surpass many obstacles in order to prove this. Not only does Lord Wyldon not approve of her wanting to become a knight, but Joren, an older boy, seems to do everything that is in his power in order to poison Kel's life and discourage her from becoming a knight.
Kel also starts receiving gifts from a secret benefactor. I think that the person giving Kel those gifts is Alanna, the Lioness, because even though Lord Wyldon said that Alanna was not allowed to ahve any contact with Kel, I have learned that Alanna always gets her way when she wants something bad enough. Sending gifts that will help Kel improve her training is a way for Alanna to tell Kel that she believes that Kel can become a knight.
In this brand new series, many beloved characters return. Among them are Daine, Numair, Alanna and Tkaa, the basilisk. This seems to be a very promising series and fans of Alanna or Daine will not be deceived.

In the Protector of the Small Series, Tamora Pierce once again visits the same atmosphere that made her first and most famous quartet (the Alanna Series). Keladry wants to become a knight, just like the Alanna the Lioness. But when she enters the palace to begin her training she finds that there is more than she bargained for. Not only does she have to go through the normal stressful busy life that is of a Page, but the fact that she is the first official girl adds to the stress. Unlike the boys, she's under probation, because Lord Wyldon doesn't trust has as a Page. Not to mention the fact that half of the older pages seem to want her to quit, and will do anything to make it that way. But Kel does end up making a few friends Neal, a fellow Page, and Sir Myles, one of her professors. Will she survive the first year of her training as a Page?
This book is a thrilling start to a new quartet. Keladry is a great new character who also happens to be a lot different from Alanna (which is great). Sure some of the themes are the same as The First Adventure, which is a bit annoying, but consider the fact that both Kel and Alanna have to go through the same training and considering they're the only girls in the castle, they're going to have some of the same problems. So although this series isn't as good as Alanna (so far) it's still worth reading for any Tamora Pierce fan.

I love Tamora Pierce! The first series I read was the Circle of Magic series, which I liked a ton! Then I read the Song of the Lioness series, which I liked even better! I didn't know that the Immortals series was set in Tortall, so I thought there was no way I was going to like a third series as much as the other two. But really, I had been dying for more Tortall, so I loved it, too. Then I almost cried when I finished Realms of the Gods, because I thought I was done with Tortall forever. But I was looking through a bookstore with my friends at overnight camp one day (they let us go into town), and I found First Test! It had just come out. My friend, who's also a huge Tamora Pierce fan, was just as excited as me. We put our money together and bought one copy. When I read it, I was so happy! I loved the opening scene so much! I agree with a previous reader when he/she said "I felt like the true Alanna was back after a big dissappointment in the Immortals Series." I liked Kel immediately, and especially Neal. I was really surprised Prince Roald had a marriage set up for him, instead of getting a free choice. Anyway, I can't wait until the next three books in the quartet! I hope they describe Joren's shock when Kel comes back. I was so ticked off at Jon! He didn't have to bow to Lord Wyldon's request! I hope Alanna gets even with him. Maybe she can have Daine shapeshift into a big, slimy toad and hide under his pillow. I wonder how Thayet feels about this. And George especially. I missed them. Well, one word of advice: IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE SONG OF THE LIONESS AND IMMORTALS SERIES, READ THEM BEFORE THIS! IF YOU READ THIS FIRST, IT WILL SPOIL THEM!

This is a great book, and the whole quartet is one of my absolute favorites from when I was reading it growing up. It helped cement my love of the Fantasy/Adventure genre. All Tamora Pierce’s books are good, they include magic and adventure, quests and characters learning to have their own code and standards of honor. I also loved how despite being underestimated and belittled, that Kel was able to surpass them (and raise the bar of what was expected), stay true to her character, and become a leader. Wonderful story, I reread them several times after the initial time, and look forward to reading them to my kids someday!

I liked this book - listened to it as an audio book. It was a quick, fast read. I was mostly interested, but the story was entirely predictable. My biggest problem was that Kel is a 10 year old girl, but at no time did she actually act like it. She was way too mature for her age - both in how she acted, her physical abilities and even how she spoke. It was in no way believable that she was a child. My other grip is the ending. I just rolled my eyes the entire time - the idea that the elite kings guard would take along 20 ten year old kids on a dangerous mission is just absurd.

I did really like the Kel's horse, and the message about standing up for other people who are being bullied.

I can mostly let the ending slide, since it is a kids book, and the kids need some kind of heroic ending. I'm not sure if I'll finish with the series. Again - it's not a bad book- I think I would have loved it if I read it when I was 10. I would recommend this one to my 10 year old niece.

PS - this cover is terrible. It makes it look like it's about a fire mage or something

This book is terrific. Even if you've read every other one of Tamora Pierce's books, this one is still great. Sure, it's the same girl-as-page theme, but Keladry has no interest in boys, is not Gifted, is tall...she's almost Alanna's opposite! I would have liked a little more about Daine & Numair & maybe even Alanna (even though she's done a lot) but I think the way Tamora Pierce tells this story is wonderful! Anyone who's ever liked to read should read Tamora Pierce's books. OK...if you haven't read the book, stop reading this review and go get it! This part is a response to other reviews. I don't know why everyone thinks the "mysterious gift-giver" is Alanna! Does she ever say "Goddess bless"? No! But if you read Realms of the Gods (which you should anyway) Numair says, "Goddess bless, my darling" to Daine before he leaves. AND he's really rich, so he'd be able to buy all the gifts. People who think this book is just a spinoff of the Song of the Lioness should definitely reread Tamora Pierce's stuff!

Ten-year-old Keladry wants to be a knight like her hero Alanna the Lioness. After she rescues some kittens from a spidren monster, she becomes more determined than ever to go to knighthood-training school, so she can learn how to protect the weak and small. Kel is the first girl page since Alanna (who was disguised as a boy at the time), and the odds seem to be against her: The training master thinks girls shouldn't be knights; some of the boys play vicious practical jokes on her, trying to get her to drop out. Kel shows her courage when she is the first student to stand up to the school bullies. As always in Tamora Pierce's fantasies, there are plenty of good, likable characters, such as the Shang Wildcat, Daine (who converses with animals), King Jonathan, the mage Numair, good old Sir Myles, Neal of Queenscove, and Lord Raoul. And then there are the animals: Kel's faithful horse, Peachblossom, and the sparrow Crown and her flock, who prove quite dangerous to Kel's enemies. There are some exciting confrontations with immortal monsters. "First Test" is the first book in Ms. Pierce's third Tortallan series, Protector of the Small, and it's just as much fun as the two earlier series. I'm now looking forward to reading the next book, "Page."

Keladry of Mindalen is a ten-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a lady knight like the kings champion Alanna the Lioness. When Kel gets a letter back from the palace that states if she wishes to become a knight she must go on a year probation to prove herself worthy of becoming an actual page. Keladry is of course shocked. The law was made more than ten years ago that girls had the right to become pages. It's just that Keladry was the first one to have the guts to do it. But...Kel is stubborn and accepts the probation and goes to the palace.

"Girls are fragile, more emotional, easier to frighten. They are not as strong in the arms and shoulders as men. They tire easily. The girl would get any warriors who serve with her killed on some dark night." Wyldon, the trainer of the pages said.

Um...yeah, right. Wyldon is going to see right away that Kel is not like that at all! In fact he will be surprised...

Read this enchanting book, FIRST TEST.

Dispite my trepidation in reading this book I found that it was highly enjoyable. I was worried that "The first test" would be writen for younger readers (I'm 16), and that I wouldn't find the book interesting. I was wrong. "The first test" is a book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, young or old. The book is well writen, with interesting characters (new and old), and an interesting plot line. These books are not just a rewriten collecting of the Lioness books either.
Kel is a young Totalian girl brought up in Yamani ( a land where women are tought to fight), and when she returns home decides to become a knight. She is the first girl in Tortal to try after Alana's success 10 years ago, and must prove herself before she is allowed to stay for the full 8 years. She knows it will be hard, and it is. She faces bullies and hard work in her first year as she strives to become a knight, and to become accepted by her fellow pages.

Well, after reading Song of the Lioness, and Immortals (Circleof Magic really sucked!), it's good to be able to return to good-oldTortall, and meet a new heroine, Keladry of Mindelan. Even if she sounds a tad too old for her age (she is only ten), and even though she seems to be the stereotypical nice-girl, I really enjoyed it. (I especially liked Neal, despite his "wicked tongue and dreadful manners." It was also very kind of Tamora Pierce to put Daine and Numair back into the story, just to at least give us a hint of what happened after Realms of the Gods , and it was nice to see other familiar characters, too (welcome back, Sir Myles!). As usual, I sped through the book within half an hour of getting it from the library (I think half the staff there know's my name by now, since I've ordered so many Tamora Pierce books), I enjoyed it, and sincerely look forward to the next in the series. So, um, Ms. Pierce, could you by any chance write faster?

This is the best book in the world!!! I ANYONE thinks otherwise- don't listen to them! I think it was cool that way Tamora Pierce wrote it only like a couple months after The Realms of the Gods. it answered all my Q's about Daine and Numair. The book got me right into it, just the way the Alanna & Daine books did. I felt for Kel. When someone picked on her (As a lot of people did) I wanted to kill them for picking on her. I also love the way Neal acts. He's so nice to her, and I love his sarcasm. It's way funny. (Did I mention his little crush on Daine...?) ************************************ Kel herself was wonderful too. She put up with Lord Wyldon (Is that how you spell his name??) and showed him she was as good as the boys! (I don't mean to sound Spice Girlie-ish when I say...) Girl Power to the max! I only wish that Jonathon took his power and used it. He made it so Alanna had to stay away from Kel even though he knew she would not 'effect' her. Alanna has every right to go see Kel and talk her along the probationary year! I was also glad to see Daine & Numair again. Through the book I was getting worried, but a little before the middle of the book I sorta found out about them! One more thing to add- where IS George????

Kelandry of Mindelan wants to be a knight so she decides to sign up for training. She is the first girl in 10 years to do this and, despite the decree that all girls may train for the knighthood, they don't treat her application as they do the boys. She is put on probation and has one year to prove that she is able to keep up with her fellow students.
Tamora Pierce's writing is given glowing recommendations every time I read something about her so I decided to give it a try and Protector of the Small: First Test did not disappoint me. I liked the school setting of the book and some of the secondary characters were interesting as well. The best part of the book is Kelandry. Her character is more reserved and realistic than most feminist fantasy heroines which was very refreshing. However, she's no pushover and should satisfy fans of [strong]heroines. Based on this book, I'll probably be reading anything by Tamora Pierce I can get my hands on.

Keladry is the first one to take advantage of the proclamation that girls can be knights.She isn't welcome in the palace with Lord Wyldon of Cavall and Joren of Stone Mountain.She is the only page ever to be put on probation.If Lord Wyldon says she isn't good enough at the end of the year, she can't remain a page.JOren and his gang try to make her life miserable.But with the help of her friend Nealan and her animal friends, along with her will of stone, she toughs it out. But everyone say's that Lord Wyldon never changes his mind.
The reason I like Kel more than Alanna and Daine is because she wasn't born with anything special.She doesn't really have the gods looking out for her, she doesn't have the Gift, and she doesn't have Wild Magic.She has to make her own specialness.She also refuses to give up, even when Lord Wyldon and the boys give her a hard time.Will Keladry be allowed to stay?Will Joren drive her out?Find out when you read the book!

Pierce has done it again! another, wonderful, outstanding book (and quartet)! Keladry (Kel) is the first to try and become a knight, after the king change the rules to allow girls to become a kinght. Most of the pages (which are all boys) dont think that girls should do this. Kel's archenemy, the handsome Joren, tries to get her to go home. One of her teachers, Lord Wyldon, put her on probation to see if she can make it. One of her friends (and her sponser), Neal, stand up for her, and joined her patrols at night, seeing if Joren was picking on any first years. Will Kel be able to come back the next year? Will she be able to get rid of the handsome Joren? Will Lord Wyldon trear her fairly? Will Kel ever be treated fairly?
All these questions are easy to answer, and dont take that long to find. All you have to do is read the book. It isnt one of those books that take for ever to read, it took me less than a day! :)
And thank you Mrs. Tamora Pierce

After reading the first three books in the Lionness series and I was sick of waiting to get the fourth from the library,I began to took for more books by this author. I came across this series and brought the first three home. One thing that I stress to everyone is that if you haven't read all of the Lionness series or you are planning on reading it DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! The book is set right after Alanna's adventure so it ends up telling how the last lionness book ends!
The book is about a girl named Kel (Keladry or Mindlan) who is determinded to become a knight. After the discovery that Alanna is a girl they decide that if a girl can keep up with everyone the boys then she has just as much right to be a knight. Unfortunately Kel has been put on probation. She is not an official Page, but if the training master thinks that she is good enough by the end of the year she can become and official Page.
I was slightly sceptical when beginning this book because I did not think that anyother book could measure up to the Lionness Series. Boy was I wrong!

First Test is the first book in Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small quartet, as the reader may already know. The entire quartet is in the same world as Pierce's Song of the Lioness quartet, where a young girl named Alanna becomes a knight. In these books, she is now The King's Champion, or the best knight in the realm of Tortall. A law has been passed since that time that a girl can become a knight without having to hide her identity, as Alanna had to. Finally, a young girl named Keladry of Mindelan comes forward to be the second female knight of her time. And she would be allowed to, on one condition. She would have to go through a year of probation first, before she was actually a page! In the book First Test, we see all the troubles she experiences, from boys to pulling tricks on her to her getting a huge mount to ride and having to use the biggest weapons in training. Will Keladry ever make it out of this place?

This book is literally one of the best I've ever read. Tamora Pierce and her novels sit up on my bookshelf along with JK Rowling, JRR Tolkein, Lemony Snicket, Darren Shan, Nancy Holder, Anne Rice, Stephenie Meyer, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I wasn't really into medieval stories until I picked up this book on whim while buying Nancy Holder's newest series.

I read the tiny orange paperback in less than a day, unable to peel myself from it. As a fifteen-year-old actress, I was already trying to manipulate myself into somehow playing 11-year-old Keladry without destroying the book's message twelve pages in! The second book was ever so exciting as well, seeing as Kel got older and started having a crush on her older friend Neal, so I was better able to relate to her.

I said this book is a feminist's dream, and although I am far from being feminist, it truly is. Kel is put down and down and down time and time again, but she pushes through and proves that girls, even LITTLE girls, can beat the boys (the BIG boys!) After finishing Page, the sequel, I started working out a lot more and building big muscles... simply because Pierce's writings inspired me.

I now own all of the Tortall books except the newest series, and am quickly working my way through them. I am extremely happy that such an exceptional author like Tamora Pierce is still writing books. You know how sad it is when your favorite series finishes and the author made so much dough they just quit? I really wish Rowling, Snicket, and Rice were still workin' the typewriter.

However, I applaud my other favorite authors, Pierce, Shan, and Holder, for still creating new works of art!

And of course, R.I.P. Doyle and Tolkein.

This first book in a series, within a broader series, is quite enjoyable. Borrowing equally from books like Ender's Game (see Orrin's review) and The Deed of Paksenarrion, The Hobbit and Harry Potter (see Orrin's review), Pierce crafts an effective tale of children being trained for warrior life in a fantasy setting. The obvious subtext of female suitability for combat is less compelling. It is only plausible because of Kel's youth. The trainees are portrayed at a moment in life before they are truly sexualized and when many girls can probably whip most boys butts. Thus, the reasons for Wyldon's reluctance to train girls--their physical limitations and effect on unit cohesiveness--are not really implicated and his concerns seem somewhat petty, particularly in light of Kel's obvious competence. At any rate, young folk pining away for the next Harry Potter would definitely enjoy this series and young girls seem likely to love it.
GRADE: B

This is the first in the series "Protector of the Small" featuring the wonderful character of Keladry of Mindelan, the fist girl to take advantage of the decree that permits girls to train for knighthood. She finds that girls are still not universally accepted. The series immediately lives up to its name as Keladry takes upon herself the task of protecting those pages that cannot stand up for themselves.

I enjoy Tamora Pierce's books for several reasons. They are great adventures. The girls are strong and learn how to stand up for themselves and protect others - wonderful role models for my 12 year old daughter. Tamora doesn't shy away from real life! Whether it is dealing with bullies or with their first menstrual period, this is real life with no sugar coating. Kids crave this kind of real story. And finally, there is the magic. In Tamora's worlds, magic is just another aspect of life; rarely showy, and different with each person, much like any other gift or talent that someone has. And as with any other gift or talent, the characters also have to learn control their magic. Keladry does not have the gift of magic, but has many, many other wonderful gifts to share with us all.

There are so many real life lessons in these books that I encourage my daughter to read them all....of course, that's not really selfish...if she reads them, I also get to read them!

I liked this book a lot. I liked the book because I like a strong female character, someone who believes girls can do just as well as boys can. Kel is like me. I can see myself doing the same things as her. The book was exciting so I had a hard time putting it down. This is the first book of a series and I can't wait to read the next book.

In the story Keladry (Kel) of Mindelan is going to train to become a knight. It has been ten years since the law was past that allowed girls to be knights. The King and the training master have given a year probation to see how well she does. As well as training, she does her schoolwork, working hard to be as good as the boys. Only, some boys will make it hard as they can make it for her. She proves herself to others in the end by saving somebody's life.

If you are a girl in fifth grade or up I recommend this book. If you like strong, female characters, fantasy or you're a Tamora Pierce fan you'll love this book.

Following the footsteps of the heroine Alanna, Keladry of Mindelan wants to be a Knight. She is accepted to page's training, but is placed on probation until she can prove that she is just one of the boys. Determined, she begins impressively, but by no means easily. Taught early in the Yamani ways, she is already capable of fighting and working hard, despite what the training master, Lord Wyldon, thinks. Kel fends off the other boys' pranks and teasings knowing she would not succomb; she could not. Her future relies on her perfection.

This is a great intro to the Protector of the Small series. I read "Lady Knight" first, and truthfully, this was not what I was expecting (I definitely wish I'd read them in order). But I was still blown away by the confidence this gives to girls, and the strength of Kel's character. Sure, she is not without flaws, but it's nice to see modern girls have someone to relate to in a fantasy enriched medieval novel about change and perseverance. And I'm not even 12...

I was highly dissapointed in this book. After reading all of Mrs. Pierce's book( Alanna, Daine/Numair,and Circle) I was expecting something as much as exciting, but I was SHOCKED! To see her stories reduced into such dullness was painful.I mean, it's the same background and almost same situation, only this time, Kel get to go around all the tough stuff Alanna had to go through. It dosn't even match up with the title!! First test? what test? Personaly, I think kel is such a stuck up, Yamani island this and that and that. But otherwise I liked her determination and wise over her year. I'm still looking forward to the second one and the Circle Opens sequences. Please write more!!!! P.S- I want to know more about Daine and Numair.I really hope they get married :)!!! Keep'em comming, Mrs. Pierce!!! $;)

I love Pierce's Trickster books, so I was excited to find this one. My excitement didn't last long. This book is flat and unimaginitive. In the two hundred-plus pages, the only real question addressed is whether or not Keladry will be allowed to continue her training the next year. (Keladry also has to figure out how to get along with the boys and stop some bullies, but the bullies' actions have so little effect on her [when they fight, she gets special medical attention; when they mess up her room, the maids take care of it] and making friends with the boys takes so little effort that this is a non-issue.) The focus on the gender issue at the exclusion of everything else makes the plot one-dimensional and Keladry seem whiney.

I won't be reading the rest of this series.

The First Test is the first book in a four book series, geniusely crafted by Tamora Pierce. This book follows the rambunctious ten- year old girl named Kelamdry. She has watched her two brothers and father go on and become knights, which more than anything she longs to do. There is just one problem.... she is a girl. There is only one other girl who has made it on to Knighthood... Alana the Lioness, her hero. After some arguing with the King, Lord Wyldon: The master trainer for the amateur Pages and Squires is forced to train her. He has only one condition...instead of having 4 years to complete the training, he is putting her on probation, which means she will have only one year to prove herself worthy of returning the following year. Kelandry is challenged with every obstacle imaginable: Teasing, Bullying, and worst of all Lord Wyldon picking on her to tears. Then when Spidrens {an evil half spider, half man, creature} invade on a near by town, the pages and squires are sent along with the warriors to fight them. Will Kelandry survive the gruesome battle? Find out in the First Test. I really enjoyed this book; it is filled with real life experiences, along with a suspending plot. This book is a really great book, for anyone who enjoys adventure, suspense and friendship. Anyone will enjoy this series, I know I did.

This book is the first of the protector of the small quartet. It's about a girl named Kelendry trying to become a knight. The law was made that women could become knights but Kel is the first to have the guts to do it. Lord Wyldon who to tell you the truth annoyed me at first talks the king into putting her through a year probation to see if she is truley strong enough and brave enough to become a page. I was very surprised when King Johnathon actually said yes to him because I've read other books with the same character and it didn't seem to fit his personality yet as the book continued I found out why. This is an incredible book that everyone should enjoy! Trust me you won't take your eyes off the pages until it's done!

-Hannah M.

I enjoyed this easy to read style. I especially liked the determination of the main character. I liked that she was not a typical girl protagonist, skinny and pretty, but rather strong and brave. Good work Tamora!

When I first got this book I wondered if it would be as good as the Immortals and the Song of the Lioness quartets.But then when I started reading I couldn't put it down.Kel, the main character is the first girl to start training as a boy since the proclomation had been made ten years ago.Even though she is shunned by most of the boys and put on probation, she works hard and shows everyone that she is just as good.It does not matter that some of the plot is taken from Alanna because it is totally different.It is a very good book and will keep you wandering through the whole thing if she will be allowed to stay and become a page or not.I am an extremely big Tamora Peirce fan and I can't wait for more Tortall books.

I just don't understand what the big fuss was all about. Kel was boring and to humen. We read fantasy to get out of reality, not to be shoved into some pathetic girl's troubls!! Alanna's saga was 20 times better then this. here are my reasons: 1)Kel was cliched 2) no Alanna 3) plot? what plot? From the moment you read the summery you could tell what was going to happen. 4)it skipped around to much, one moment she's new to the palace, the next she' fighting in a battle. 5) What was with that whole ( afraid of hights thing) 6) Man! was she stuck up!! " On the Yaminni Islands we do this,On the Yaminni Islands we do that" I'm suppose to feel sorry for this girl?? 7) and just to rub your nose in it WHERE'S GEORGE???? I'll still continue to read this series if only because I have faith that Tammora will get better. I still think that the Song of the Lioness Quartet is 20 times better, God! even the Circle was better than this!

First Test is one of Tamora Pierce's BEST Tortal books! It's exciting, funny and has lot's of action and fantasy. In a medieval setting, Keladry of Mindelan is one of the first females to take advantage of the new allowance that girls could train to become knights. Under a year of probation, Kel tries to prove herself to her prompt, strict, but honorable headmaster who tries to get rid of keladry in any way possible. Characters include: Kel's best friend, Neal, who is a complete but funny pessimist, A strict training master who teaches them jousting, riding, archery, combat and fencing, and Joren, who is a bully and makes a sport of pushing first years around. This book is NOT ROMANTIC!

I am a huge fan of Tamora Pierce, and I began reading her books when I was younger. Even though I'm a senior in high school now, I still devour her books.
While I loved the Alanna and Daine books, I believe the Protector of the Small series is the best yet. Kel makes a formidable and believeable heroine.
Keladry takes on the challenge of becomming the first female knight since Alanna. Although many do not want her to suceed, Kel proves that she is worthy.
The book contains humor, friendship, a strong female character (who gets into many brawls), and a wonderful message for females.
Definately take the time to read this series - It only gets better as it goes along. But, I advise that you read the Alanna and Daine books first, to get the history and background.

Yeah ok. This book was definalty one of Tammy's best. I noted some simiarities between Kel and Alanna (besides that they both wanted to be female warriors...) like Joren picking on Kel and Ralon picking on 'Alan'? Call me a sucker for romance but I really think that Kel and Neal have a thing. Sure he likes Daine but i'm sure that will change...Yeah he and Kel would be nice together even if he IS 5 yrs older than her. Numair is 14 yrs older than Daine sooo... Well i won't get to into that discussion but i will definatly read the second book 'cause i can't wait to find out what happens with Kel... and Neal... and Merric... and Sever. And if Joren will ever get what should really come to him!

Keladry of Mindelan - only known female page for over one hundred years. Her dream is to become a knight, and now she is of age to become a page, the first step to her dream. But Lord Wyldon, who trains the pages, does not think that she can keep up. So, he gives her unfair treatment and puts her on probation. It almost seems that she cannot keep up because Joren of Stone Mountain resents her being a page, and has been playing nasty tricks on her. And not only that, her worst fear is revealed - her fear of heights. She deals with the unfair treatment from Lord Wyldon and many of the boys and her fear of heights admirably, but there is not a soul who believe that Wyldon will let her stay.

It is a about a girl named Keladry of MIndelan and she is the first girl to train for knighthood. She tries to prove that she is just as good as the boys to Lord Wyldon the training master for pages and squires. Wyldon put her on probation for a year and if she passes she can fulfill her dream of becoming a knight.

While she is there she makes friend with Neal, a page. The other boys try to make life at the palace miserable for her by sabotaging her bedroom, getting her in trouble with Lord Wyldon and beating her up. Keladry realy hates being a "probationer" because she thinks it is unfair becasuse nobody else had to put on probation. But she manages to get helf from people in different places. She likes to remind the boys that she is a girl by wearing a dress during dinner and to show them what they are up against.

The book wasn't what i expected and i was kind of disappointed.To me it was a little boring in some parts. I would recommend this book to people that enjoy fantsy or adventure because it is full of mystical creature, magic, and fighting.This book encourages people to go beyond their limits and to challenge themselves to do new things.

This was a fairly good book, but, I mean, it was a bit boring, but still good! I actually expected more from Tamora Pierce. I mean, it is SOOO unlike Alanna to let what Jonathan says go. I would have expected her to have had secret meetings with Kel at night, a note passing system, messengers, SOMETHING! And personally I think Kel should have been closer to Daine and Numair, something verging upon best friendship, perhaps. If she can't meet Alanna, she might as well get to know the characters of other books better! Plus, Numair ROCKS. I mean, he is awesome. This was a different book from some of the other books that Ms. Pierce has wrote. It's like she changed her writing style in some way...and I think I liked it better the other way. The interesting names and such were still there, but I think she tried to simplify her writing for younger children somewhat, and in doing so lost the talent and wit that made her wonderful in the first place. Don't skip it, though. It was worth it,even if it was a little tedious and monotonous. We should have seen more of Daine and Numair, or maybe gotten a little clearer grip of what was going on between them. Anyhow, read it! P.S. I personally think it was Alanna who sent all those gifts to Kel.

I loved this series. It blew me away. I especially enjoy stories in which a girl is a heroine and not a guy. Although I've read plenty of stories where the girl is the hero, not one has begun to measure up to this one. The First Test is a great beginning to a well-woven, compelling series. This series is a once-in-a-life-time treat! The love story is innocent yet touching and doesn't suffocate the action and twists (of course I'm talking about the series as a whole at this point). Kel is a likeable detirmined heroine who has her priorities straightened out. I highly recomend this series and if you like fantasy, you'll become a lifetime fan to Peirce.

Tamora Pierce writes another quartet that takes place in Tortall. She writes this story about a headstrong girl named Kel. Kel finds her own was of balancing the rules and traditions of being a page with her own moral compass. You also get to see glimpses of other characters from her previous quartets, I love seeing how he other characters are doing. Overall a great book about inner strength and friendship.

This book is very good, the characters are very well portrayed, but it does have a few flaws that keep it from being 5 stars.

First of all, it's a bit boring. It drags on and could have been told in less pages.

Second of all, we didn't need to hear about the nitty-gritty descriptions of her injuries! It made me shudder inside, and I have a very strong stomach.

Third, the story is a bit like Alanna's all over again, except with a more timid character. Also, one other thing I noticed. Although Keladry wears dresses, she is no more 'feminine' than Alanna, the cynic, was. I am by no means a chauvanist (I'm a girl myself!), but Keladry needs to have a less 'prickly' side to her.

Overall impression: 4 out of 5 stars.

This is the first book in Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small. In this book, Keladry of Mindelan, a.k.a. Kel, has arrived from the Yamani Islands and decided to become the first known female knight. But its not easy. As if the endless training weren't enough, she has to deal with bullies and mean pranks, and the fact that the man in charge of the training, Lord Wyldon, seems to hate her. Not to mention the fact that she has to go through 1 year of probation, something none of the boys have to go through. But Kel is determined. She knows that if she passes this year, it proves not only that she can be a Lady Page, but girls can do anything.

It wasn't the best book Tamora Pierce has written, but she can never top the Wild Magic series. It was a good story and there were characters that you liked and those you really hated. The only thing I have to gripe about this book is that there wasn't enough of Daine or Numair in it. They both were in it, but for not to long. I loved the part Numair had and how Kel said Numair was Daine's..."friend". You have to read this book. It's a good read and definatly worthy of being in the Tortallian series. Now if only Tamora Pierce would write a series on Daine and Numair's kids ....... I know we all have a few ideas about that ......

I read the Alanna books several years ago and thought they were ok. A little bit too light for my taste, but clever and funny nonetheless. I tried reading Tamora Pierce's other stuff - the series about Daine and the Circle series, but could never get into them.
So it took me awhile before I convinced myself to give the Protector of the Small series a try. I gotta admit I'm glad I did. I've only read First Test so far and am half way through Page, but am finding that these books are better written than the Alanna series. First, the characters seem more developed. I love Kel. She's a true herione because she is real. She has her insecurities and weaknesses, but is willing to fight through them and do her best. The plot is also thicker in this series. I like the fact that Kel doesn't turn into a Knight for 3 full books. And the book maintains the cleverness, charm, and humor that was abundant in the Alanna series.
Not that the book is perfect. I wish Tamora Pierce would stop creating bad guys who you know are bad from the beginning and who never change or develop. In the Alanna series, it was the Duke. In this series, it is Joren (I think that's his name). I kept wishing and hoping that Joren would grow up into a more sympathetic character. He doesn't have to be a good guy, but just have more shades of grey. But I'm told by someone who has already read the books that Joren remains the same evil badass throughout...
And this is a minor complaint, but what the hell. Why don't Tamora Pierce's characters ever end up with the guy that I like? I loved prince John. Alanna dumps him to be with the other dude. I don't even remember his name. Oh wait...its George I think. And now I bet Kel will go for someone other than Neal. My bet? She'll go for someone way older than her. That seems to be the pattern of Tamora Pirece's heroines. Oh well. Neal is the man. But I look forward to seeing their friendship grow.
Overall, Kudos to Tamora Pierce. She's done a great job...

When I heard about this book it sounded as if it would be the same as the alanna series. I was pleasently surprised when I read it . I liked it alot and cannot wait until the next one comes out. I have read all of the series and I think this one is right up there with the rest! I especially liked the fact that Numair and Diane were in it! I recognized many of the old charactors and was glad that they were in it. I thought that there would be more of Diane and Numair in it though. "The Immortals" was my favorite series and it would be wonderful for a series to come out with them together!

Love all of Pierce's work. She shows perseverance despite adversity, finding the joy in the everyday, strength of multiple points of view, and respect for old and new! Her additions to the Tortall universe are delightful.

Having read Pierce's LADY KNGIHT previous to reading FIRST TEST, I did not enjoy this book quite as much as the last. Here, Kel is just beginning to learn the skills of a page (while proving her worth on probation) and there are few exciting fight passages. However, the book was still very entertaining. Kel, through perseverance and hard work excels in her "first test", though some of the skills she demonstrates seem impossible for any ten-year-old, male or female to attain. Yet, Pierce's writing will have one believing that Kel is a distinctly real person as he/she witnesses her actions and character traits. Visual descriptions (except for Kel's) are somewhat scant in FIRST TEST--most minor characters are defined only by his/her hair color. Despite these minor flaws, FIRST TEST is a book I would recommend to any young adult. It is a true page-turner that will leave you hungry to read the next in the series.

Although I enjoyed this book, I preferred the Alanna quartet. Alanna - I don't know - she got into your head. You felt more that she was living a life beyond the books. Kel doesn't do that. This book is the sort you read when you want something relaxing, when you're feeling ill, or when you don't want to struggle. However Pierce has managed to extend the girls-as-knights idea beyond the Alanna series very well and I liked the Yamani culture. I personally disliked all the animal stuff, but that's just me. And I would still buy the second book, it looks quite interesting.

I was about twelve years old when I discovered -- and fell in love with -- two of the books of the Song of the Lioness Quartet. Back then they were pretty hard to find, and I couldn't find the other two books until six or seven years later.
Since then, I've tried Pierce's other series, and they just don't stand up to an adult's reading. _First Test_, like the Daine series, suffers from a distinct lack of subtlety, and I never felt drawn into the story the way I was with Alanna. Nothing much really *happens* to Keladry in her first year as a page. Which might be okay if we were given a deeper, more subtle look into her feelings, but instead it's mostly a repetitive, "She tried to be stone, like a Yamani." It gets old very fast.
While this book may well charm younger readers, unlike the Harry Potter books or Robin McKinley's body of work, they won't stand up to reading by adults.

As a long time reader of Tamora Pierce, I must say that on the whole, she does excellent work. However, the Protector of the Small series is definitely not on par with her other works. The story was good, but Kel is nowhere near as compelling a character as Alanna or Daine, or even the four children of the Circle of Magic series. She just doesn't interest me that much. Also, I found that the 'new' version of Tortall simply didn't seem to fit with the earlier series. The aura of myth and magic has (with the exception of the immortals) been almost entirely dispelled, and while Kel herself is unGifted, this makes this world that much less interesting. The changes that have taken place, especially in palace life, seem incredible given the time scale. I just can't see things changing that much that quickly. I think it would have been better to set this story at a much later time, perhaps (though I hate to think about it!) some time after Alanna's death.

Tammy is better than ever with this wonderful new series. Kel is, in my opinion, her best heroine yet. Likeable, solid and determined. Neal is BEE-YOO-TI-FULL. Far from being a repeat of the Alanna books, Pierce has created a new set of characters, with the old loveable ones featuring frequently. And no, the royal we love to hate, Jon the Evil, has not yet been assassinated. ...
Look, read the series. They're great books, Kel is a strong likable heroine and role model, and there are worthwhile messages throughout, without Pierce pressing them too hard. A little lightweight like all Pierce's stuff, but she's still my fave author.

It was better than I expected. I esp liked the part of Numair and Daine. However, they were so short (The parts I mean) Maybe in the next book, there would be more appearances. What happened to Kitten? Isn't she always around Daine? Kitten isn't something which could be ignored or forgotten by Neal. It is quite a good read, though the contents seem little, only 206 pages compared to her other books which are 300 odd pages, I wished it was a bit longer. Well, still, the book has intrigued me enough to go and wait in anticipation for the sequel.

Tamora Pierce is one of the BEST writers out there! She brings Kel to life! When i read the book i felt as if i were really there. Right with her as she kicked some Joren butt! I felt like i WAS her! That is something few writers can do with their books and characters! Tamora Pierce has done both! In all of her books, Alanna, Daine, Circle and now this one! I only have one thing to say to all you who DON'T like the book: Find some other writer to ditch on! Tamora Pierce kicks butt with her books! Any way, whens the next one coming out? =)

True Tamora Pierce and magic fans, don't bother with this. It isnt worth buying, so if you REALLY want it get it from a library or second hand bookstore(there are probably a few people who gave it away. Unlike the Lioness Quartet (5 stars all the way! ) and The Immortals (another 5 stars, I love Daine, Numair is WAY too old for her, Neal is right) there is no development of Kel, the main character, or of magic, of which she has none, what happened to a MAGICAL world? There is no REAL antagonist, just everyday simple problems like people hating you. Alanna had the most powerful magic guy to hate her, PLUS some boys, and Daine had all those creepy monsters, Orzone AND the Queen of Chaos and a just a couple full armies. This really isn't worth much for a magic lover and for people that say "I'd love to be Kel's friend" Daine or Alanna would be more fun. Duh.

First Test is the first of the Protector of the Small Quartet which personally I think is OK. First Test I checked out at the library and tried to get into it. I could stick to the first chapters ,but then I got quickly bored. I felt disappointed since I did like the Immortals Quartet and Song of the Lioness very much. I guess First Test really didn't fit me. But if you decide not to read the rest of the series than you are missing out on something. If you want to read some good fantasy by Tamora Pierce and you have already read her other Tortall quartets than just read books 2,3,4, and four of Protector of the Small. (If you think that whoever wrote this review is really stupid, I 'm not. It is okay to skip a book in this quartet unlike the other quartets.)

Every book I have ever read by Tamora Pierce has been well written and interesting. When I read this book I was far from disapointed, in fact I think that it is one of my all time favorites from Tamora. The First Test has all the basic elements of a good action book. There are interesting enemies, awesome main characters, but there are things about this book that make it stand out. Keladry, the main character in this book really comes to life through the writing. The author really makes you understand and feel her struggles. Not only did I get to know Kel well, I came to admire her. In this book and along with the rest of the series, she has to work extremely hard to get where she wants to go. In many books the main character ends up getting breaks when things "magically" fall into place. This isn't the case here though. Kel works her butt off and in the end proves that you can do whatever you set your mind to. This book gets you hooked from the first page and takes you through the story as if you were part of it. I would definately recommend this book to anyone out there looking for a good read!

Before reading this book, I have read all 8 of Tamora Pierce's Tortall books, and I strongly recommend reading them before this. Although it is not crucial understanding 'The First Test', you may feel like you're missing something.
Keladry of Mindelan is the first openly female page to take up training in the realm of Tortall since King Jonathan declared that girls may choose a knight's life. Alanna the Lioness, King's Champion and female knight, is barred from all contact with Page Keladry during her training in the name of fairness. However, Keladry - or Kel, is under one year's probation. She has that long to prove to the training master that she can keep up.
During her first year, she is bullied by a group of older pages who think that first years (Kel and her friends) live to serve them, and that women are no match for men as warriors. But Kel soon proves them wrong - in the best ways. Kel's friends, tall, older Neal of Queenscove, Faleron, Seaver and the others, stand by her as she declares war on hazing.
A number of characters from previous Tortall books also make appearances - Myles of Olau is back, as is Daine the Wildmage, Numair Salamin, and Tkaa the basilik. Immortal creatures also gain mentions, as well as spidrens and Raoul of Goldenlake.

Very good, Tamara. I like Kel's personality, and Neal's. This is a great book for anyone who has read the Immortals and/or the Lioness series. I would've liked to have seen a little more of Daine, but then, I'm all too hooked on her. Where is Princess Kalasin, by the way? Didn't she say she wanted to be a page in Wild Magic? Also, what about Alanna's kids? Anyway, I liked how the author managed to mix fighting and magic and everyday problems like bullies. Stop reading this and start reading the book!

Of all the books I've read, I will still not know what to make of Kel. The highs?
• She is more realistic than Alanna in the sense that she's milder. She is also kind to children and animals, truly living up to her name.
The low?
My BIGGEST problem is that it seemed like everything was done FOR her. Mean boys? Np! She's a Yamani! Hard training? Wait, that isn't hard--she's aYamani. Tense, emotional situations? No trouble for her--a emotionless Yamai.

Tamora Pierce has done it again. I never thought any book could be better than the Alanna Quartet, but this series proved me wrong. First Test, the first book in The Protector of the Small Quartet is about a girl who wants to become a knight. Keladry of Mindelan is put on probation her first year as a test for the training master, Lord Wyldon to decided if she should be able to continue on. This is the first test of many. The rest of the boys play tricks on Kel and try to chase her away. However, time and time again, Keladry proves that she is just as good and better than some of the boys under certain um, circumstances. Kel is a born leader. She saves the lives of her year mates and inevitably earns their respect, if not their friendship...
Tamora Pierce will draw you into this book, making you feel like you're part of the scene too. Tamora brings back a few old characters as well as she introduces new ones. This is a great book!

Well told coming of age tales set in a fantasy world both earthlike and medieval, and quite different. The measure of a really good book is whether one can read it multiple times and still find something new and enjoyable in it with each reading. So far all of her novels meet that test. Strong female characters who embrace their inividuality without losing their feminine aspects. Truly delightful writing, characters and stories wind their way through the entire collection.

After reading Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic and the Circle Opens books, I knew I had to read every single book she hade wirtten. I decided to start with this series, seeing as I got the fourth book for Christmas. It fascinated me. I finished both of the two books in two days, I could never put them down. I neglected my school work often. It is a wonderful and charming tale of Kel; a girl different from most. Though you may find the plot predictable, never before had I seen a book in which the girl training to be a Knight gave up her mornings and afternoons to train her fellows. I had never seen before a girl who would not whine because the boys bullied her. She did not whine. She still maintianed her friendship with animals, even though it is a sign of weakness. Kel also gained many friends during her first year, a predictable plot would be that of she only makes one friend and then together they prove the others wrong. In small, wonderful written book that is tormented from people wh only wish to but a bad name on to a wonderful wirter. Get a life. Your just jealous.

I thought this book was great. Some people have been comlaining about the lack of involvement from charachters in previous books, but them staying in the background helps to make this book original, not just restating previous books. Also, there are some reviewers asking where Kitten is, but they must not have read "In the Realms of the Gods" very carefully, because in it Diamondflame takes her back with him to the dragonlands. The question I agree the most with is, Didn't Princess Kalasin say she wanted to be a kinght? Where is she? Since Roald is an older page and Kally is a year younger, she ought to be a page the same year as Kel, but there's no sign of her. I suppose the author thought it wouldn't be the same if there were two girls, but she still could have offered a reason why Kally wasn't there instead of pretending she doesn't exist. Some people have claimed that there wasn't any excitment. I guess they somehow missed the spidren hunt, the fights, the weighted lance, and other parts. There's also the mystery of the anonymus gift-giver, though I'm pretty sure I know who it is. I won't spoil it for those who haven't, however. I like that Kel is way different from either Alanna or Daine. In fact, she and Alanna are in many respects complete opposites. Of all Ms. Pierce's charachters, I guess she most resembles Daja (of Circle of Magic), or Raoul, Alanna's friend from her days as page and squire. One thing: we really didn't get to know Roald, I suppose because Ms. Pierce didn't want to repeat lady knight/heir of throne friendship. On the whole, this book was a good read, my only real regret being that it was over too soon. I would have liked to read Joren's reaction to the Stump's final desicion. I can't wait for the next one to come out, speaking of which, why is Ms. Pierce starting a new series? That will be wonderful, but finish this one first! Keep up the good work, whichever series, though!

i expected much more of Tamora Pierce. Don't get me wrong - i LOVE her books. I have re-read Alanna and the Immortals over and over again (i DID NOT LIKE Circle of Magic though)- but this new series seems to lack the excitement and suspense that the other had in abundance. After Alanna (which, as i said before, I loved), Daine was something a little different - but just as good. The Tortall theme moved from lady knight with the gift to girl with wild magic - but now it's moved completely away from magic and back to lady knight. I found the whole magic theme through the other series amazing - but now Kel doesn't have it, and her friends don't use it either. "First Test" seems like a repetition of Alanna - but leaving out most of the original and interesting ideas and substituting them with a slow and somewhat boring plot. THERE IS NOTHING NEW - just echoes of the previous series. The plot is also slightly boring - there is no major "villain", and there has been no real show-down even with Joren. Kel hasn't done anything in particular to aid Tortall (such as Daine and Alanna in their first books) and i can't stand her character either. the whole Yamani thing is interesting - but is constantly referred to until it is hard to stand. kel seems arrogant, too old for her age and a major stereotype. Tamora Pierce also seems to have simplified her style in this series to the point that it becomes tedious. Her writing also has lost much of its comedy - no disguises like Alanna. I also have some other problems - why is jon acting so weird - he never seemed to let tradition get in the way of doing what he thinks is right. And why is he marrying Roald off? Where is Princess Kally? - she swore she was going to become a page in "Wild Magic"? Where is Kitten? And I know some people will disagree - but I would like to see more of the old characters. I find it hard to believe that Kel has managed to avoid almost every old character.
HOWEVER - i have faith in Tamora Pierce and think this is only the beginning of the series (it seems to have heaps of potential). READ THIS BOOK because I think the following novels will be great!

I think this book was all right, though not as memorable as the first novel of Ms. Pierce's other series. I agree with what someone said...a central villain is needed...several steps further than the bullies among the pages and the 'Stump.'
However, I strongly disagree with what some readers are saying: that Kel is boring. She isn't boring at all... she just lacks the awful temper and sharp tongue that most of Pierce's previous heroines have. As for how one person said she lacked strength...not at all! It must take a lot of guts to be the only girl among so many boys, and be ridiculed by them. And about Kel being a 'nice girl.' I think Daine is a fairly 'nice girl' (even if she has a temper), and nearly everyone thought she was a great character. I like Kel's more predictable temperement, for a change, and I am very glad that she doesn't have any magic. (Alanna had TOO much magic, in my opinion, for instance.)
Pierce still has her bad habit of elaborating too much on unimportant details. We don't NEED to know exactly what the pages ate for dinner, or every article of clothing that Kel put on for a certain day.
I thought the ways that the bullies thought up of ways to torment Kel was clever, especially the weighted lance.
The plot was a little slow. Kel is still a page at the end of the book, and she'll be a page in the next novel (I suppose, considering the title -Page-.) Maybe Pierce should speed things up a little (though I understand that the author needed to emphasize the trouble Kel went through).
My other complaint is that there are too many names being thrown at the reader. It gets confusing at times. Some of the names we don't even NEED to know.
Overall, -First Test- was a good book, with a solid character and a nice lead.

This is a good book, but it starts out slow, so you have to get through the first few chapters. It is about a girl who goes to the royal academy, and trains to become a knight. There were few girl knights before her, and the general idea was that girls are these pitiful little creatures who stay home and sew all day. But, as we all know, women tend to be on the stubborn end of the gender pool, and so she withstood the boy's taunting and made friends among her fellow first years.
Trevor

If you read the other series in the continuing saga, you'll notice a slightly different twist to this series. You will like it. A great continuing story from the past series (Alanna and The immortals) I enjoyed hearing about some of the characters from the first two series, I just wish there was a little more about Numair and Daine, but this book really isn't about them. This is definately a book worth reading. Keladry is a wonderful, inspiring new character with new friends, new enemies and new adventures.

I read PROTECTOR OF THE SMALL as a follow up to MS. Pierces other series The Imortals {Her first series I read.} Song of the Lioness {the second series I read}and Circle of Magic {I read this Somewere in Between. I find that Tamora's books just get better and Better every tone I read them. I can assur you that Ms. Pieces books hold a spiecal place on my shelf in between Anne McCaffry And K.A. Applegate. Did I mention that I am a very tough book critic?

After all the begs and pleads to get another Tortall series, here it is! The first book! Not very exciting! I still prefer Alanna towards Kel, who was just too...cliched...and was the simple kid who somehow has magical powers with out ever being trained so. How unusual that Kel is the female that tries to be a knight, when she is so weak a character, how unusual, Tamora Pierce has dissapointed me. I hope the following sequels will be much more entertaining.

I really did love this boook. I've read the Alanna Quartet, and I'm getting through Daine's books, and although Alanna will probably remain my favorite forever and always, This was really good! I've always wanted more description of the training, and I've wanted to know more about shang (the 4th Alanna book was a blessing). Although Wyledon (sp?) was into his part a little too much, It was OK. I hope they talk of Sir Myles of Oleau more!

Did I ever doubt it? Certainly Not! Thank you, Ms. Pierce, for another excellent book. I would like to recomend some books to fellow fantasy lovers: All or Tamora Pierce's Books (naturally), Sherwood Smith's Crown and Court Duet, All of Patricia C. Wrede's books, Elizabeth Marie Pope's The Perilous Gard, All of Lloyd Alexander's books (especially the Prydain Cronicles), All of Robin McKinley's books, and All of Anne McCaffery's books

I'm sorry, but it's true. It has the same plot as Alanna, except without Alanna's independent panache. The sentences are too simple--"Alanna the Lionness was in fights as a page." "Kel inhaled." Kel's jokes have no snap, Joren is predictable and made of cardboard. Someone must have told Tamora Pierce upon reading about Keladry, "She has to have a weakness. She's too perfect." Accordingly, Pierce picked a one-dimensional "weakness" for Kel: a fear of heights, and Kel of course has to work to overcome this fear. It's so blatantly done that I didn't like it.

It's been ten years since girls have been allowed to be knights, ever since Allana of Trebond, Olau, The Bloody Hawk and Pirates Swoop tricked everyone in pretending to be a boy and become a knight, but only one person comes forward...
Ten year old Keladry, or Kel, wants to become a knight. King Jonathan IV allows her, but under prohabition. She wants to prove to everyone that she can become a knight, and without magic, since she can't preform it. Only some befriend her, and she is thankful...
Readers will love Kel and her first adveneture. You can't put it down!

This is one of my favorite Tamora Pierce books I liked it better than th Alanna books! I think that the way Tamora Pierce makes it so that everyone knows her, so you can see how much easier it was for Alanna to hide her gender then it would have been not to. I also like the way this book keeps some of the old charachters, like Tkaa, Numair and Daine. This was an amazing book and I am desparate to read the sequel.

It's so good!!!you have to read it.kel is 10 years old and wants to be a knight. Unfortunatly, Lord Wyldon hates female warriors and wants Kel to leave. her sponsor Neal becomes her best friend and they stand together against bullies. kel even gets beaten up a few times. The book is great!!!! AFTER YOU'VE READ THIS BOOK, YOU HAVE TO READ PAGE AND SQUIRE AND EVENTUALLY WHEN IT COMES OUT, LADY KNIGHT. READ IT!!!

I have enjoyed all the Alanna and the Immortal series. Right now I'm reading Saundry's book. Most of my life I have been looking for a book about a girl who want to become a knight and it is placed during the magical medival times. Here I have foung it and much more. I hope the read more about Alanna and George and their children, Tortall, John and Thayet, and their children, and Daine and mage. I hope the series goes on.

When I got this book, I thought that it would be pretty much the same as the Lioness series, but I was proved wrong. While this series has the same theme, about a girl going against the grain, trying to prove girls are just as good as guys, Tamora Pierce managed to make it completely different. The character, Kel, has her own personality, fears, and ambitions. Pierce tied many of her other characters in as well. Alanna the Lioness is what motivates Kel, along with her mother. This series isn't called the Protector of the Small series for nothing! As the story goes, Kel stands up for smaller kids, and ends up getting multiple black eyes, bruises, and trips to the "stump" for her efforts, making both friends, and enemies, along the way.
Over all, this book was funny, warm, and satisfying. I definitely recommend it to girls (and guys!) if your looking for a good read.

The audio version of Protector of Small series is just stellar. Bernadette Dunne's reading is just fabulous! She does multi voices and catches the humor and irony in every sentence and every word!

I listened to part of this while gardening outside, outloud... a bit wary of disturbing my neighbors... but one of them was equally enthralled and wanted to know what it was, cause it was so captivating!!!

This is one of my all time girl power favorites. I had read the Alanna series back in middle school and didn't put it down. Even years later I'll pick it up and start again.
Kel is such a no nonsense type of girl. Not an in your face toughness but a quiet fierceness that will wait you out. It goes to show you that with determination and focus you can achieve your goal despite the majority that wish to see you fail.

I hated it. Why? First, Kel is boring. Second, Yamani is way to much like Japan. Third, it's predictable, rather like the Realms of the Gods.(See 100% junk review.) Fourth, I wanted to scream at the simple grammar and sentences. This book is for third graders. Fifth, I think that the Shang people have itchy feet and would NOT have stayed for a whole year. If I may borrow a line from another review I read about another book, "only slavering fans" will love this.

This was one of my favorite Pierce books. I liked it better than Immortals, but not as much as Alanna(although it was better than the third and worst Alanna book). I liked it that Kel was afraid of heights, it made her human and believable, and it was great that Neal has a crush on Daine!(Although I'm hoping he and Kel will get on with it in a later book) Anyway I like this book

When I got this book out of the library, I didn't want to finish it until I could go on to the next book. When Keladry of Mindelan (Kel) goes to Corus to become a Lady Knight, she finds it harder than she expected. Battling against Lord Wyldon, the training master, Kel builds up a reputation for protecting the helpless. Thus, the name for the quartet,"Protector of the Small."

this is one of the best books ive read by tamora pierce. i think that this is yet another completely cool book. the lioness seirs was on of my favorites ever. I think that this has potential to be even better than that one. I really love First test and if you haven't read it yet you definitly should. im in hs and i hate to read. my aunt gave me these books as a birthday present and I thought bor-ring but I read the first one and had them all finisherd in about a week. thanx tamora for a truly awesome and completely cool read!

This book is really excellent, one of the best I have read. Tamora Pierce goes into details about Kel's training as a knight. We find out all the little things she does in her training, as well as how she feels and what she thinks about the training she is receiving and the treatment from the other boys.
There is a lot of character development in this book, not only on the part of Kel but several of the other main characters. Kel must figure out how to deal with boys who are mean to her. She must figure out how to overcome her weaknesses (I won't reveal them here, but they are not all physical). She takes issue from a moral standpoint with some of the actions of the other boys, and she must figure out what the best course of action is. Meanwhile, partly as a result of Kel's own actions, the other people that she deals with slowly change some of their own attitudes.

I love the book and I love books by Tamora Peirce books. My aunt, gave me the book as a present cause she knew I like books by Tamora Peirce and is one of the best books I have read, and I read a lot. I can finish a book in a day and that book was so good I did not want to put it down and now my aunt wants to read it, and I a friend of mind is now reading loves it so far.

This is a book about a little girl who wants to be a knight. Ms. Pierces's writing style and presentation are too cutesy, too prepackaged. One gets the impression that she tries too hard to impress and to hold the reader's interest with her heavy use flippant humor - which could certainly make it entertaining enough for elementry readers. However, it is a shallow find for those who might have the thirst for subtlety and a more complex, subdued hue.

The plot of this book seemed so impressing and original, so I had expected a good read, put finished the book unfulfilled and wishing I hadn't read it. From the first chapter, you could tell that this was one of those books with "unlyrical" and bad "word" usage on the pages. Sentence forms were dull, there was nothing to use to imagine the green beautiful scenery that was on the cover.

This is my favoite book by Tamora Pierce!!! The things Kel has to deal with, being the first girl page in over a century, is great! She deals with them in her own way (a lot better than how I would!) & makes friends & enimies of the other boys while trying to prove herself & in the end is excepted, sort of! The way Tamora Piece broght in old characters from her other Tortall books is great & they fit in with Kel's story, not just popping up out of nowhere! Kel is a girl other girls can relate to when trying to prove girls can be as good or better than boys! First Test is one of the best books I have ever read & I recamend it to anyone who likes fanticy, magic & anyone who has tried to prove to others what they can do! (I know a great book when I see one even if I can't spell!) It deserves more than simpily 5 stars!

THIS BOOK IS WONDERFULL!!!! I loved it!! I reccomend this book to everyone! I almost cried when their were no more pages to read! I can't wait for the sequel to this. I am not suprised that this book was great, All of her books are good!! My only problem was the heroine was a little young. I wish she was 11 to 14 years old. But otherwise it was perfect.

I was highly dissapointed in this book. After reading all of Mrs. Pierce's book( Alanna, Daine/Numair,and Circle) I was expecting something as much as exciting, but I was SHOCKED! To see her stories reduced into such dullness was painful.I mean, it's the same background and almost same situation, only this time, Kel get to go around all the tough stuff Alanna had to go through. It dosn't even match up with the title!! First test? what test? Personaly, I think kel is such a stuck up, Yamani island this and that and that. But otherwise I liked her determination and wise over her year. I'm still looking forward to the second one and the Circle Opens sequences. Please write more!!!! P.S- I want to know more about Daine and Numair.I really hope they get married :)!!! Keep'em comming, Mrs. Pierce!!! $;)

We've had three generations of women in the same family enjoy this series. The story moves along briskly, and although it is set in the same world as the Lioness quartet and the Immortals, it stands completely on its own, and is targeted to a somewhat younger audience than either the Lioness or Immortals. Keladry is one of Pierce's most engaging and fully fleshed characters. In this series she grows from girl into a young woman, and Pierce hints at birth control and woman's right to choose. I think most young readers will breeze right past this to get to the battle scenes, but if this is an issue for you, stick with Pierce's Magic Circle and Circle Opens series.

Readers who like Keladry will probably also like Van Draanen's Sammy Keyes, another heroine doing battle, although without the fantasy aspects.

The character Kel was a lot like Alanna the lioness in Tamora Pierce's first series only this time you know she's a girl as well as the other characters do. There are your basic 'villans' and 'good guys' only they arn't diobolical scheming killers and supermen. It's basically what would happen to a girl trying to be a knight and not being accepted for it.

Keladry or rather Kel is another awsome and strong female character, another superb making of Tamora Pirerce! I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I'm so happy she came back to Tortal(not that I'm complaining about circle but that's another story) This is another truly outstanding book along with the characters she really makes them seem real.

I think that book is a great first story to this new quartet. I'm glad that we got away from Alanna, I get so tired of her after a while. But I was glad to see Daine and Numair. NEwayz Kel is a cool unique character that helps make this book good. I really wanna see a romance in these books not like the circle of magic which were good but unromantic!

Tamora Pierce is dafinately one of the best young adult novelists I have ever read. Alanna was wonderful and Daine was interesting. Keladry is not exactly either of those though I must say she had great morals. I suggest any of Ms. Pierce's novel to anyone (except the Circle of Magic series because I haven't gotten arnd. to reading them as of yet).

The characters are compelling. Each one has a history, a personality, motives and dreams. The world has magic but it's used tactically and no one is so strong they can wipe the board in a fight. Kel remains as my most favorite female character of all time. I read all four of the series at least once a year.

Overall a decent read. Some of the writing was not as fluid as it could have been, and it was a bit slow to get into. However I loved the strength of the heroine and her determination to overcome society's prejudice to achieve her dreams of becoming a knight. And the sequels do get better.

Tamora Pierce is one of my all time favorite authors who could only improve upon her writing skills by turning out her books a bit faster. This book like most of her books has wonderful characterization and story line. The world she creates is intriguing and everyone in it seems real and fascinating.

Tamora Pierce is one of my all time favorite authors who could only improve upon her writing skills by turning out her books a bit faster. This book like most of her books has wonderful characterization and story line. The world she creates is intriguing and everyone in it seems real and fascinating.

I've read all of Tamora's books, and I think that this is a good start to a good quartet. I actually liked it better than the Alanna books, maybe Tamora is just getting better and better with her books. I liked the whole story about determined Kel trying to become an knight, and I thought it was a good story, but I think what I really want is a change. I love the story, it's one of her most satisfying books, (although Immortals is still my favorite), but I want a change! I liked it when she went from Alanna, wanting to be a knight, to Daine, the girl with Wild Magic. I don't want to see Alanna repeating herself all over again! That's one of the reasons I liked Circle of Magic. I like a change. But, I have to say, it's a good book that I enjoyed reading. I finished it in a few hours, I couldn't put it down! I can't wait to read the second book, which, I assume, will be called the Second Test or something. I seriously hope not. We need a varity in titles! I hope to see a romance in these books too, call me a hopeless romantic, but I like to see a little in books. It's a good book, I don't think a Tamora fan will be dissapointed.

I thought this book was GREAT! I like the way Tamora Pierce makes things happen. When Kel trys to become a page, she meets people who want her to succeed, as well as people who don't. Filled with determination, she endurs hardships, like having to climb a tree every day and she is afraid of hights.I can't wait for the next book!

I admit that this book wasn't too bad. It wasn't as winding and round-about as the Cirlce of Magic series, but I find that I don't like Kel. I can't relate to her at all. The Song of the Lioness and Immortals Quartets were much more entertaining. Nevertheless, I'll probably continue reading in hopes the series will improve.

I love First test! (Protector of the small) Keladry has stregnth of caractor and stands up for what she believes in. She wants to become a knight and no one, not even the biased, unfair, extreeeemely traditional training master or the Group of bullies that are also training to be knights are going to stop her. I read it ten times if I read it at all (So Far).

I loved this book, as I loved all of Tamora Pierce's books. I think my favorite part of her books is their capacity to make me giddy while I read them. For a day or two I'm completely drawn up in the majesty of the royal Tortallan court, the complicated hierarchy that exists within the government, and the wonderful spunkiness of the main characters. This book is great because, unlike Alanna and Daine, Kel has a strong female role model to look up to--her mother-- and Kel has never been forced into doing anything she doesn't want to do in the name of being a lady, and so is free to completely be herself. I would also reccomend Page and Squire--I guarantee you, once you read First Test you won't be able to wait to read the sequels.

Cuz it was that good! I think that anyone who liked the first Alanna book will think this one is just as good. I totally loved all the other Tortall books and this one is no different! The book has a lot of potential for future appearences from Alanna, Daine, and Numair, as well as the Royal Family. Go Tamora, go!!

Another reviewer really hit the nail on the head when they said this book was unoriginal. It was like the whole thing was trying to copy Alanna and Daine's stories, but without any of the fun stuff. Mostly this book and the series just went along Kel's daily life and every now and then one thing would conveniently happen and Kel would save the day. I actually skimmed through some of the Page and Squire books hoping that we would be rewarded in the last book, but sadly I ended up just giving up on that one all together.

Also, I am not really big into romance stuff, but I do enjoy there to be a little something going on.... and really that aspect of this book fell flat too.

The first book in this series is great! But before you read this read the Song of the lioness and the Immortals series. First Test is just as good as all of Tamora Pierce's other books. If you loved the Alanna books this will be a another must read. First Test is the story of this girl Keladry who wants to become a knight. The only way she can even attempt to become a knight is to be put on probation for a year to let the training master see if she has what it takes. Kel meets some unforgetable characters such as her friend Neal, some bullies, and an immortal as a teacher! If you like fantasy books with magic Tamora Pierce is the author for you. All of her books are amazing, you will not want to put them down.

This is a great book that I bought for my Tween-age daughter, it held her interest so well that she went back and re reads them, I read them as well and found even an adult male could enjoy and relate to the characters. I especially like the many life lessons and moral that are weaved through the book they are presented in a non threatening no preachy way, I am not sure that my Daughter new she was being educated while she was entertained. I thought many of the school ( even though it was Knight school) issues that Kel and her friends face were very applicable to a 14 year old about to face High school and in the troughs of a Puberty, with out being too edgy or preachy. Time well spent for anyone.

Lady Keladry is not happy being a lady. There is only one Lady Knight, Alanna, and it's not usual for woman to be knights. But Kel wants to be a knight. She won't be going under disguise as Alanna did, so she knows that it will be hard for her. But Keladry is determined to become a knight - and show the world that it can be done.

I started reading Tamora Pierce's books when "Alanna: The First Adventure" first popped up in my library. Since then, I've seen her work grow and expand. And I've yet to be disappointed. As a writer, I can understand wanting to try new and different things, even when your fans can't seem to comprehend that. Ms. Pierce, hats off to you; you've created another promising, delightful series for us to savor and enjoy. Thank you.

This book is just more run-of-the-mill modern fantasy. Most books have something good about them, but not this one. It's basically Alanna's story (which was only slightly better) told all over again. I could not care less about the characters. I heard there is going to be yet another Tortall Quartet. Please, NO!!!!!

I loved this book. I thought Kel was so brave and I love the way she knew how to fight even when she wasn't supposed to. It was great, I just wish they had more of Numair and Daine. Read it for yourself. Don't listen to the people who didn't like it. After all, they have no taste.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I couldn't put this book down! It's a refreshing approach to empowering the girls in this world, but it's written so well that you don't realize that you're reading. I will be buying this for my daughter when she gets a little older!

I am an avid reader, and this book is great for all ages, and I hope others will pick up this book and many others from this author and see how special it is. I tend to read all kinds of books and only a double handful keeps me in suspences and a smile on my face to the thought what the next book will be like. The First Test was the first book I have read by Ms. Pierce, and because of that I am now hooked.
( for thoughs who want to know I am 19 years old.)

This is one of my favorite books-possibly because of the main female character, the knights, or just because of the excitment.
In this book, a 10 year-old girl requests to become a page after a proclamiton allows women to become knights. However, Lord Wyldon the training master, does not intend to let a girl slip in with the boys. After all, in his words, girls are 'fragile, more emotional, and easier to frighten'. Keladry agrees to probation, and shatters everybody's expectaitions on how good (and strong) a girl can be.

This book is exciting, with constant action and great characters. Kel is a great main character, and is really easy to like. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure and excitement. This a great beginning, and I am anxiously awaiting the next book!

I would have to say that this book is one of my favorite books of all time. Those of you who have read Tamora Pierce's other books that take place in Tortal, you will definetly love this! Alanna, the first lady knight in over a centery had to hide her gender when she was training to become a kight. She soon afterwards perswades the king to make it legal for girls to train for their sheild. Ten years later a girl named Kel who has spent six years of her life in the Yamani Islands (a place where all girls use wepons)decides to try to become a knight. She is put on probation for a year and must prove to the sexis training master that she deserves to be there just as much as the boys.

For awhile, I thought that I was one of the only Tamora Pierce fans! Her books were difficult to find. Now, i see lots of people love her books as well! "First Test" was probably one of my favorite books by this author. It showed that girl's can do anything else that boys do. I ordered "Page" and can't wait for it to get here! One question springs to mind, 'Will there be an upcoming romance with her and Neal?' Considering the age difference of previous couples this is definetly not impossible. I can't wait to see how Kel's character grows in future books!

Tamora Pierce does a good job writting novels. This one was a good start. It needed a little more action, but that will come in the next books. Kel doesn't sound like a person for romance, but then again, neither did Alanna. I wish that Kit was in the book.

I needed a series to keep me busy in between waiting for another series to come out. I really enjoyed it. Its a little younger than I normally read, but I really enjoyed the characters! I read all of the books in a couple of weeks.

Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors and Protector of the Small is an awesome series. First Test is a great piece of writing and I recommend it for young adults. I enjoyed this book a lot and I hope to read the rest of Tamora Pierce's books.

Okay, over all, this book kicked some serious ass. It totallyis the book to pick up the Tortall stories. I just had a few problemswith it, my pet peeves. 1) NO GEORGE! OR Thayet or Buri or anyone like that. EVen in the Immortals... I'll drop it. 2) Jon was portrayed as a pompous ass. He totally ticked ALanna off and got what he deserved. Though, looking at Tammy's web site...and what he did to Kalasin... Well... 3) Kel was a little snobbish. I mean, she said that the Yamanis did it this way, they did it that way. She's not in the Yamani Islands anymore. Ah well. I'll be quiet. It's a good book! It's just, those were my pet peeves. PAGE is gonna be sweet! That's all I'm gonna say. ;-)Hm... Now to look at Tammy's page for updates and a sneak peak at PAGE.

Okay- I've read some of the other reviews, and don't agree with some. This WAS a good book! I was simply glad to see some of the familiar faces-- especially when the pages were fighting outside of Numair's quarters! No, Kel isn't Alanna or Daine, but her softness makes her real. Alanna had to have a different kind of spunk due to her secret. P.S. I'm sure the princesses and Alanna's kids would/will become pages -- when they are old enough! They are still too young, since only a year has passed since the war with the Immortals!

I thought that Kel would be fighting more immortals. And I thought that Kel was a very typical"do-gooder." Complete with all the lectures on morality.That thing about letting the pages get pushed aroung was dumb. As in dumb.As in kill Kel. Have Joren slip poison into Kel's food. Kel's way too naive.

I have not read this book, but i am planning to. I really can't critique it then, except to say that remember the first Alana book was like 100 pages shorter than the last Alana book. That and the book is for "ages 9-12." Don't loose heart!

This book is about Keladry of Mindelan who becomes the first openly known female page. Pierce does a wonderful job in expressing Kel's personality, feelings about her new life, and friends. I couldn't put this book down. Its clean for one thing, it has situations girls can relate to, and is a wonderful introduction to fantasy. Kel is strong minded and has a powerful effect on the reader. Although this book directed towards tweens and teens, I would highly suggest it to anyone.

This is a really great book. It's the first of a 4 book series called Protector of the Small and we think it's Tamora Pierce's best series. It's about a girl who overcomes adversity in the male dominated field of learning to become a knight. There is a lot of information about medieval times as well. I always say the easiest way to learn about things is through reading fiction. My daughter read a lot of Tamora Pierce books a year or two ago and she still say, "they talked about that in such and such Tamora Pierce book."

I've read all of Tamora's books and have many on audio. The "Protector of the Small" series has always been a favorite. I was so glad they finally made an audio version. Its fun to see how the Page training goes when everyone knows she is a girl verses not knowing that Alana was a girl. The story flows quickly and keeps your interest. I like Kel's spunk. Can't wait for book 2 audio to come out.

Well, this is quite an intresting book. It has the main character, the main character's best friend, the high and mighty, and the arch enemy... a very good way to start a book. The story is about a girl, Kel, who strives to be a knight, she unfortunately has to face a probitionary year which doesn't go so well. But, in turn, she meets lots of people including Neal, Roald, Seaver, Merric, and her archenemy Joren! I really enjoyed the book because, I guess I just enjoyed it!

The ages where women were considered fragile are over. I think all of the characters were great.

This story deals with Kel a girl with a plan. If you haven't read this book, you are missing out on the story of a lifetime!

The plot is wonderful and all my friends have enjoyed it.

Once again I'm happy to be back in Tortall. A bit disappointed that Alanna doesn't get a more active role, but this is Kel's book after all. And it was a bit lacking in suspense (about whether or not Kel would get to return for a second year) since there are three books that come after this one. But the book was a quick read and a pleasant distraction from studies.

Not what I expected, I've read her other two Tortall series and this wasn't nearly as good, It had a horrible plot and bad character devolopment, although some of the ideas are good. Tecnicly, shouldn't Princess Kalisen have been the next girl page? And wheres the humor that was present in all the other books? No swordfights, no plot twists, nothing. It's a quick, boring read. Frankly, I miss the Rogue, Gary, Rauol, Alex,and Graerth the Elder. They added a style to the books and I felt I knew them. Kel is just some girl. Her fief isn't even in Tortall. I expected more from the best author in the Universe. I want to see more of Allanna and George(though I can do without Jonathan). If you want to read this book, don't buy it. BRING BACK THE LIONESS!

Okay... I will admit that I haven't fully read this book. I started reading and gave up in disgust. The 'prejudice' that Kel gets seems forced. Tortall has had a 'female' Kings Champion for ten years and the guards to the Mother Goddess are females, so the 'weak female' prejudice doesn't ring true, especially from the man who has to train her. Yes it's a medieval world, yet the queen can fight and so does her bodyguard, the queen's riders are amongst the best fighters in Tortall and many women swell their ranks, so why would people be against female Knights... Surely with the history of Tortall, people would know that some women can fight.

To have a book that focuses solely on kel's desire to be accepted as a knight, by laying the sexist attitudes on her with a trowel, particularly in a world like Tortall, seems wrong. And I couldn't get past the 'no women can become a Knight, they're too weak' attitudes from the council. Particularly given the recent history of Tortall.

I was and I had no clue what the big deal about the minor characters were. 5 stars? You've got to be kidding. The people were boreing, the setting was boreing, so the whole book was boreing. Get another book.

Yesyesyesyesyes! It's Tortall again! Circle of Magic wasdisappointing because it's not in Tortall, but First test was, too, alittle bit. It doesn't have as much action, but this is still a pretty good book, and it's GOOD to be back in Tortall again. Also, I wish Pierce had said more about Daine and Numair.

I thought it was a great book and can't wait for another one! All you people keep comparing it to the Lioness Quartet but it's not about Alanna it's about Keladry! You have to think about from her point of view!! This book takes place when she is only 10. And maybe it isn't as exciting but she doesn't have to hide her sex so somethings are going to be different! Get over Alanna if your going to read this because it's not about her! Jeez.....

It was a good book- in her true style. However, where is George? And Thayet? And where is Kit? And where is Princess Kal? She said that she was going to be a knight. And I think that since all her females so far have had magic, why not Kel? She is a good character, but she needs some spice. This book needs to be a little more consist with the previous series, but I look forward to the second book.

Loved this book just like all of her other books. A great read for girls of all ages. I would even read this book to young children. Most of Pierce's books are centered around a strong female role model and this one follows suit.

in this book of Tamara peirces uniqe writing. Kel (the star)begins her trainig as a knight. As the only female at the school learnig to be a knight, she faces teasings problems difficulties, and more that she has to deal and cope with.however, with her wit, skill and perseverance, Kell gains friends retains them and fights the unkind (notice the black eye) and with that I leave you to READ THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved this book!!It was interesting to have such a different character. Kel was very quiet and thoughtful and had no temper, and I admired the way she handles the boys resentment and the gender remarks. She is a role model. Also, of course, all the boys were funny and just as complex as she, and I love that Prince Roald(that beautiful boy!)and Joren(that beautiful and dangerous boy!!)were in it as well.

I think this is categorized as a
young adults book. As a normal adult,I can say that I enjoyed it thoroughly. it is optimistic without being banal, and includes danger,death and cruelty without being dire or depressing.

I first read this book about 10 years ago while in high school. It was the first book I ever read by this author and I was hooked. I have since purchased many of her books and have read most of them. I always enjoy a book that puts a female in a position where she is not the damsel in distress.

This book was great! I cannot wait for the rest of the series to come out, i think that Kel is a strong character. I like the new characters in this book...Neal is very cool, and funny. I am glad Tamora decided to do another book set in Tortall, i hoped that Alanna would be in it a little more though! I think that it was as good as all the rest of Tamora's books!

This will be a great book.I allready know!I love these books!It shows that girls dont have to be weak as some people say.I take karate and my sister and I are the best in the advanced class and I am only 11!!That is living proof that girls are just as strong and sensable as boys!

I thought this book was great! I was glad to see that some of my favorite characters in the Immortals series and the Lioness Quartet series were in this book. I can't wait for the next two books. For those of you reading this right now make sure you read this book you would be missing out on a great book if you are a Tamora Pierce fan!

I loved this book! She didn't get through it so easily as in most books, she had to fight every step of the way. She had her fear of hieghts to contend with, that's what makes her such a strong character! This is a great book that definetly will inspire and make you read the next in the series!

Keladry is a brave girl who it seems can withstand anything. She soon teaches the boys that she is not someone to be messed with. Soon she gains a chatter box friend named Nealan. She also becomes friends with a horse called Peachblossom. In fact Kel's whole year is an adventure. I'd recommend this book for ages 10 & up.

This book is really neat. Having read most of Ms. Pierce's other books, I liked this because the main character doesn't have any magic. I like that a lot. The cultures and characters in this author's books are really well developed. That is important to me. Thanks for such a great book, Ms. Pierce!

I never really read this book and right now I don't have the time really. But the question I have for all you secretive people who know! What the hec happens to Daine and Numiar its been driving me crazy please tell me! my e-mail is [email protected] I must know

I like Keladry alot and I enojoy hering about the characters from Ms. Pierce's first two quartets. I don't think it's that much like Song of the Lioness books. Mostly I'm just happy Tamora Pierce is back in Tortall.( I did NOT like the circle of magic books at all.) Any how another great book by Ms. Pierce! I can hardly wait for the next one!

Im looking forward to reading this book sooo Much! I've read the Song of the lioness series twice and The Immortals 3 times! I lovvvve how the books all slur together! Im happy to hear that Numair and Dain are together in this book!!! I REALLY hope this book lives up to Tamora's other books!!! :)

I love Tamora Pierce, so of course I'm going to love this new book by her. I'll admit, I didn't like it nearly as much as the Alanna or Daine books, but then I didn't like the first Circle of Magic book much either and ended up liking the rest of the series.

I think it was really good, but it doesn't have the suspense.You know Kel's going to survive the year and come back. Or else whyis she writing a quartet about this? And Yamanis do sound a lot like the Japanese. I am so excited about the sequel! I hope it comes out soon! And Tamora? You go, girl!

This is probably my favorite series from Tortall. Kel is an amazing character and great contrast to the hot headed Alanna.I read this book when I was in middle school and still re-read it every now and again.

I thought this book was awesome. It had great characters and had an interesting plot. Some parts get a little boring but in the end, it's great. I'm looking forward to reading the reast of the quartet. All in all this book was AwEsOmE!