In the medieval and fantastic realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits females to train...
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Jul 18, 2008
Allison
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Recently I decided to reread all of Tamora Pierce's books, because, well, it's been too long since I read them. For her Lioness Quartet, Circle of Magic books, and The Immortals series, I was refreshing my memory, but with the Protector of the Small series, it was almost like reading them for the first time. I read this series only once, when I was a preteen, and I had honestly forgotten just how much I love Kel.
At first glance, the story of Keladry of Mindalen seems like a rewrite o More...
At first glance, the story of Keladry of Mindalen seems like a rewrite o More...
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Aug 07, 2011
Paige
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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 s More...
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 s More...
May 09, 2011
Kat
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I started this series with the thought that it was going to be a do over of Pierce's previous, successful Alanna the Lioness Quartet, which followed a girl (named Alanna, of course) who dressed like a boy and took her twin brother's place in page training while he took her place in magic school (not dressed as a girl). The four books of that quartet follow her progress from page, to squire, to knight and king's champion--with her sex being discovered along the way. I was pleasantly surprised to
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Apr 21, 2008
Stephanie E
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**Full Review 4/22/08**
First Test was about an 11-year-old who wants to be a knight. She gets let into a school that trains people but she was on "probation" because the leader of the school didn't like the idea of having a girl join an all-boys school. Ladies didn't become knights. Almost all of the boys in that school were against having a girl in their presence, so they did things to sabotage her and try to get her kicked out of the school. The older boys made the first- More...
First Test was about an 11-year-old who wants to be a knight. She gets let into a school that trains people but she was on "probation" because the leader of the school didn't like the idea of having a girl join an all-boys school. Ladies didn't become knights. Almost all of the boys in that school were against having a girl in their presence, so they did things to sabotage her and try to get her kicked out of the school. The older boys made the first- More...
Mar 03, 2009
Arrived, she discovered just how horrible some boys could be. All except one didn't give her a chance. Nealan of Queenscove was her best friend from the beginning.
But Kel wasn’t just some little girl, her family lived in the Yamanis Islands for nearly half of her life and the Yamanis' ways were a big part of Kel's culture.
Everywhere she went she used her Yamani skills to ignore the tormentors and keep her going. Her steadiness with her glaive helped her in the training yards and slo More...
But Kel wasn’t just some little girl, her family lived in the Yamanis Islands for nearly half of her life and the Yamanis' ways were a big part of Kel's culture.
Everywhere she went she used her Yamani skills to ignore the tormentors and keep her going. Her steadiness with her glaive helped her in the training yards and slo More...
Jan 13, 2012
Merricart
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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 com More...
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 com More...
Nov 07, 2011
Mark
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This was a bok that i read back when I was still in high school. I was bored of reading the same old thing and went out into the library to find a fantasy series to get into. It had been awhile since I had stopped to look at what was big in fantasy and so I had no idea what I wantd to read. I came across this book by chance, I had vaguely heard about Tamora Pierce (back then that basically meant I had heard her name at some point in my life)I decided to check the book out and over the cours
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Jun 30, 2011
Emily
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I have read this series at least once a year since the first time I got it. Pierce's portrayal of a young girl striving to accomplish a dream while being looked down on by many because of her gender was something that I, although having never personally experienced sexism at that level, understood and appreciated. Keladry is a great heroine and her ability to remain calm in the face of enormous obstacles is inspiring to me each time I read the series. The books aren't perfect, there are a few in
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Apr 22, 2011
Robbie
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This story was really interesting. This particular book by Tamora Pierce is about a girl who wants to become a knight, and is given half a chance to prove herself. I like her headstrong attitude and her die hard will, she really doesn't give up and she can realize what needs to be done. She did not back down on what she thought was right, even when it would have been easier to do. She took the punches thrown her way and dealt a few of her own to those who bullied others.
This book was not as More...
This book was not as More...
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Jan 04, 2011
Kalli
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I was given the opportunity to read this book again, thanks to my boyfriend's sister. I have always been in love with Tamora Pierce's books ever since I was in middle school. I don't do reviews that much, so forgive me if this isn't as well-written as it could be. I need to brush up on this anyhow.
This book is about a girl named Keladry who had decided that she wanted to train into knighthood. Along the road, she deals with problems that she was alerted to before she even took a ste More...
This book is about a girl named Keladry who had decided that she wanted to train into knighthood. Along the road, she deals with problems that she was alerted to before she even took a ste More...
Oct 31, 2010
Allison
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Jul 19, 2010
Rhiannon
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So I'm 1/2 way through the Tortall books (well actually as I write this I’m about 3/4 through them), in the Pursuing the Lioness challenge hosted by Chelle over at Tempting Persephone. I've been particularly looking forward to the last eight books of the series; Protector of the Small series, the two Trickster's books and the two Beka Cooper books.
Protector of the Small books follows Keladry of Midelan, the first girl since Alanna to attempt to become a Knight of the realm. It More...
Protector of the Small books follows Keladry of Midelan, the first girl since Alanna to attempt to become a Knight of the realm. It More...
Apr 27, 2010
Mark
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This book was all right. The characters and things in it were pretty interesting. It was written fairly well. The story didn't seem like anything new, especially after reading the first book of the previous series (I think I preferred that one, although the books do have quite a different character to them).
The narration of the audiobook was good.
That thing about the spider-creature eating kittens seemed a little galling. I mean, why was it doing it? I doubt if it was jus More...
The narration of the audiobook was good.
That thing about the spider-creature eating kittens seemed a little galling. I mean, why was it doing it? I doubt if it was jus More...
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Mar 31, 2010
Cayleigh
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One of the more recent series by Tamora Pierce. I am an avid lover of her books and this one is no exception. First Test is set in the realm of Tortall, same as Song of the Lioness Quartet & The Immortal Series and features many characters from these two series. Keladry is the first girl who has come forward to become a knight since it became legal for girls to do so. She has to contend with many people who think she shouldn't be there from other pages to nobles.
Like most of Pierce's fema More...
Like most of Pierce's fema More...
Feb 15, 2010
Debbie
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The Protector of the Small series is a favorite of mine (an adult) and the 12-year-old girl I mentor. Kel is a determined young woman who stands up for what's right, works hard to achieve her dreams, and uses her strength to protect rather than bully those who can't stand up for themselves. I love this girl, while my mentee mainly talks about all the animals in the book.
First Test is the first book of the series. The pacing and world-building were very good, and the situations were r More...
First Test is the first book of the series. The pacing and world-building were very good, and the situations were r More...
Jul 24, 2009
Lv2readB
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Pierce, T. (1999). Protector of the small: First test. New York: Random House.
Summary:
Ten year-old Keladry of Mindalen has to prove herself worthy of passing the “first test” on her way to reaching her dream of becoming a knight. Surrounded by males, Kel has to be strong enough to withstand their preconceptions, abuses and threats to show everyone that she can do it.
First Test is the first book in the quartet Protector of the Small. All four books are recommended.
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Summary:
Ten year-old Keladry of Mindalen has to prove herself worthy of passing the “first test” on her way to reaching her dream of becoming a knight. Surrounded by males, Kel has to be strong enough to withstand their preconceptions, abuses and threats to show everyone that she can do it.
First Test is the first book in the quartet Protector of the Small. All four books are recommended.
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Sep 25, 2009
Mark
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My word of warning: I'm probably far from Tamora Pierce's intended audience for these books set in the Tortall universe. I read the Alanna quartet a long time ago and rather enjoyed them. Pierce has obviously spend a long time researching medieval combat and society and it shows in her writing. I liked the characters from the Alanna quartet, so when I saw Immortals and Protector of the Small series on the shelves focusing on different characters, it didn't entice me enough to pick them up.
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Oct 14, 2011
Erin
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This felt more like a prologue than a book that could stand for itself. A very long introduction to Keladry, the soon-to-be second lady knight of Tortall, and her contemporaries in this third quartet from Tamora Pierce. We get a moment's glance at Alanna (star of the first quartet) and Daine (star of the second quartet), which pretty much was the high point of this book for me. I have a feeling the rest of this series will be pretty good, but there just wasn't a lot happening in this one outs
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Nov 19, 2010
Jo
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OK I had thought that the Immortals was rather disappointing as a series and I would probably recommend that you skip it except you need to have some of the background for this series - a series which is EXCELLENT and which I highly recommend.
Keladry is the first girl who is enrolling to become a knight. In this, she faces a lot of hostility and general arsehattedness from those around her. It's worse for her and people are more skeptical than they were for Alanna because 1-she's doin More...
Keladry is the first girl who is enrolling to become a knight. In this, she faces a lot of hostility and general arsehattedness from those around her. It's worse for her and people are more skeptical than they were for Alanna because 1-she's doin More...
Nov 07, 2011
C.H.O.M.P
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Kel is a girl from an island that wants to become a knight and is being one ever since Alaana took charge over that. There is Neal who is cocky and is the oldest first year page and others that Kel makes through out the book. Kel had very good stubbornness and didn't complain when you would think she would. Her place as a page wasn't very agreeable since the other pages were guys and didn't believe she was in there. Obviously, there is a bully and Kel stands up to them, more than once in fact.
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Jan 16, 2012
Sara
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The positive: I liked Kel quite a bit more than Alanna (disclaimer: I've only read the first Alanna book and I'm certain I'd like her more later). I liked that the pretend-to-be-a-boy plot wasn't even brought up, and that Kel makes conscious choices to integrate her female identity into her male-dominated life. I liked that Kel was normal in many ways that Alanna didn't seem to be, and I lurved Neal. LURVE.
The negative: I...was uncomfortable with some of the racial touches in this bo More...
The negative: I...was uncomfortable with some of the racial touches in this bo More...
Apr 14, 2009
The book "First Test" by Tamora Pierce would interest readers who like mythical adventure books like the "Eragon" series or the "Harry Potter" books. This book is about a little girl named Keladry or Kel who is fighting all odds in her quest to become a knight. If she succeeds she will only be the second female to become a knight. However, the first female knight had the luxury of hiding her sex until she was done with her initiation. Kel has to face the boys a
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Sep 12, 2010
Amy
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The realm of Tortall is now letting girls train as knights, especially after Alanna has been so successful at it.
Feminist ideals are still a strong theme in this third series that takes place in Tortall. The writing style has matured as well, the books much longer and the plot more stable than those previously written by Tamora Pierce.
Keladry, the protagonist, does not have to try to conceal her gender as Alanna had, but she still has to fight to win her place as an equa More...
Feminist ideals are still a strong theme in this third series that takes place in Tortall. The writing style has matured as well, the books much longer and the plot more stable than those previously written by Tamora Pierce.
Keladry, the protagonist, does not have to try to conceal her gender as Alanna had, but she still has to fight to win her place as an equa More...
Apr 10, 2011
Bt
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Just ok - I've heard a lot of hype about Tamora Pierce, and after reading this, I don't see what all the fuss is about. I'm an extremely frequent reader and maybe just spoiled by all the other really good books I've read. Also, at fifteen, there's a good chance I'm older than the target audience. The feminist themes in the book were a little too strong for my liking, also; I didn't like how most of the boys were portrayed as more cowardly, less skilled, less smart, etc. then the leading girl. Ev
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Oct 27, 2011
Mary Kathryn
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As part of a personal project of mine, I have taken to reading some of my childhood favorites again. Some of them will stand the test of time, while others will be remembered fondly but aren't quite up to par anymore.
I can safely say that First Test has stood the test of time. It is much better than the The Song of the Lioness Quartet. The writing is much improved along with the characters and plot.
For most of the book, I was upset with Lord Wyldon but <spoiler>slo More...
I can safely say that First Test has stood the test of time. It is much better than the The Song of the Lioness Quartet. The writing is much improved along with the characters and plot.
For most of the book, I was upset with Lord Wyldon but <spoiler>slo More...
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Aug 01, 2011
Brittany
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Very much alike to the series with Alanna the Knight, First Test seems like a promising start to the Protector of the Small series. Kel is not quite the strong character Alanna was, not to say she doesn't try. Overall she appears to be a bit weaker and lacking the drive that her inspiration has.
Pierce's writing is engaging and quick, leading the reader through Kel's entire first year in the span of this short novel. Not much of Tortall, in history or geography is covered as much of the book rema More...
Pierce's writing is engaging and quick, leading the reader through Kel's entire first year in the span of this short novel. Not much of Tortall, in history or geography is covered as much of the book rema More...
Feb 10, 2009
Stacey
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I keep looking for a new series like the Ranger's Apprentice because that one was so dang good. This is like a girl version of that series, yet not quite as good. Kelardy is a 10 year old gir l who wants to become a knight. Because of a change in the rules, girls can now enter the program for training. Kel is the first girl to enter the program. Needless to say, she is not entirely welcome into the "boys club". This is a youth fiction book, and the story line seems to move at a p
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Oct 09, 2009
Kristen
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This book was a bit hard for me to put down. I probably would have stayed up all night reading if I had not forced myself to finally get some sleep. While a young adult book, I still found it enjoyable and felt a slight stir of 'girl power' within me while reading it. If I had a daughter of my own, I would definitely give it to her to read. The fantasy setting will stir the imagination and the lessons learned should help to bring some confidence to even the shyest of girls. Unfortunately th
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Aug 31, 2009
Krista
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This was my first foray into Tamora Pierce's work, but I don't think it will be my last. I liked the fact the Keladryn was a successful female in an all male environment and though she suffered through some serious hazing, she conquered it without using magic. She used here wits, fortitude and friendliness to form alliances in many surprising areas.
This if the first book in the series. I was reading it to see if it would be appropriate for my 12 year-old niece that really likes More...
This if the first book in the series. I was reading it to see if it would be appropriate for my 12 year-old niece that really likes More...
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Apr 04, 2011
JoLee
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With First Test I am back in Tortall. It's nice to be back. I just rocketed through this book. Part of the reason for that was that I was sick (I'm better now and not getting through Page as fast), so I was taking lots of naps and not sleeping well at night. My remedy for sleeplessness is always to listen to a book.
I like Kel. She is one feisty girl but very different from Alanna who made friends so easily (of course, no one knew Alanna was really a girl). It's interesting to see how More...
I like Kel. She is one feisty girl but very different from Alanna who made friends so easily (of course, no one knew Alanna was really a girl). It's interesting to see how More...
