The first time I read this book, I was in elementary school. Once I had finished, I begged my mother to buy me the next book because I had absolutely loved it. I was afraid that I wouldn't enjoy it as much again because I was no longer in the target audience, as with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but I was glad to see that it was still an enjoyable read.Reading it now, after so many years, I found that I understood a lot more than I did back then. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to enjoy a book the same way as I did the first time I read it because I can no longer discover it; having a faulty memory did help with the reread, though. It makes me sad to think that if I had read it for the first time now, I could've enjoyed it that much more because nothing beats exploring a book for the first time (and understanding everything in it on the first go).The beginning is what made me feel as though the plot would move too quickly and be without depth (which is typical of children's books), but after a few chapters I was able to immerse myself into the world and the pacing settled down perfectly - although that doesn't mean that I had an easy time putting the book down. The ending, while not abrupt, felt as though it could've done with more of a lead up, though, but it was a good one (although not so good at the same time since I remembered it differently).The characters are absolutely wonderful, too. It took me a while to remember characters since many of them were introduced in groups, however seeing them a few times helped make them memorable since they all behaved in their own special ways. Neal is my absolute favourite; his sarcasm and his joking attitude always make me smile, and I became fond of him really quickly. Cleon was another fun character, and even Merric became memorable. They all act in such ways that help keep them apart, and it makes it that much more of an enjoyable experience to have such a colourful cast of characters guiding me through the story.The Tortall universe is amazing. The different cultures are distinct and interesting, and magic (including mythical, and other, creatures) fits seamlessly. Having also read other series in the Tortall universe, it's also nice to see familiar faces every now and then (like Alanna and Daine); this is only with my second run through, as the Protector of the Small series was my first introduction to Tamora Pierce's writing.Things were explained well, and it showed that the author researched a lot all while only giving the readers what they needed to know. The path to becoming a knight, with all the adventures along the way, was explained without overdoing it, and showing how Kel learned her skills through various methods was believable. It was interesting how feminism was approached in this novel. It didn't beat me over the head with equal rights even though it is a major theme, and it wasn't too minor of a thing that made it a passing plot problem. Having Kel want to make sure people remember that she's female is interesting, and she doesn't think herself any less or better for being so - she just does what's necessary to become a knight, and refuses to let anyone's beliefs get in the way of her own. It might be a tiny bit overplayed at times, but considering the whole point of the book is that she's trying to prove that even she as a female can become a knight, then it's understandable.The end was different than I remember, but that may be because I'm remembering the end of the second book instead (or so I think). I wish it would've been a more overwhelming action that caused Lord Wyldon to have her pass her probationary period, but it was still a good end. The only problem is that I could have sworn that the probationary period was in addition to her four years as a page, but then again I may not be paying attention after all - it doesn't affect my view of the story, it just annoys me to remember one thing and have it happen another way.I'm glad I decided to reread the series again. I did enjoy reading it as a preteen, and now as an adult I know that I'm still going to enjoy the series because of how well the author presents everything. Following Kel's adventures, with a fun cast of characters, a vast history, many cultures, and an interesting plot, is definitely worth it, and I know I'll enjoy this series many times more in the future.
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 of Tamora Pierce's first series, The Lioness Quartet, which features a spunky girl named Alanna who dresses as a boy in order to train as a knight. When I read the books years ago, I loved them, and saw Alanna as a hero, but now, as a college freshman, I see her character a little differently. In my opinion, Alanna chooses to be a knight as an alternative to learning to be a lady. Although she is a tomboy, she does not choose Knighthood because she loves to fight and longs to protect her country- she does it in an attempt to escape. From the start she is helped by the heir to the throne, her manservant (a trained knight in his own right), and the goddess herself. Although she has honor, Alanna is spiteful with a terrible temper, and is able to use her magical gift to help her through the worst of times.In contrast, we have Keladry of Mindalen, who is allowed to apply as a page without concealing her gender. But by being honest about her sex, Keladry makes herself vulnerable to all sorts of sexism and abuse. Because she is a girl, Kel is forced to undergo a one year "probationary period" (which is not required of boy pages) so that she may prove herself. During this first year, Kel is constantly bullied and experiences hazing and abuse the likes of which Alanna never saw. However, Kel quickly proves, against all odds, that she is as good, if not better, than the boys.Unlike Alanna, Kel knows that she wants to fight. She doesn't want glory, thanks or praise, but rather, seeks her shield so that she may protect those who cannot protect themselves. Kel has no real help from her idol, Alanna, no manservant to help her through, and no magical gift to fall back on. Instead, she uses her strength and determination to prove herself to even the most skeptical trainers. After reading this book I realized, with a start, that I absolutely adore Kel. Although some reviews may disagree, I believe that Tamora Pierce has improved upon her Lioness Quartet with the Protector of the Small Series.Hooray for Kel!
What do You think about First Test (2000)?
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 (view spoiler)[slowly began to suspect that he was doing his best to aid Kel, in his strange, twisted way. A back-handed way of making sure that Kel will make it through the years of training AND as a Lady Knight. (hide spoiler)]
—Katie
(re-read on May 26, 2013, the occasion of this review)May I say first that whoever thought this cover (trendily cropped photograph of a conventionally beautiful young woman with her lips parted and wearing some sort of floating veil) was an improvement over this cover (painting of a ten-year-old child with an androgynous haircut, looking out optimistically at the world through her black eye, holding a kitten and surrounded by little birds) should be smacked with their own portfolio?Thank you.All right, despite the two-star rating I'm still awfully fond of Kel. Previously I've read all four books in a blur. I hope that if I read the rest again, I'll enjoy the series overall as much as I have before -- but I wasn't awfully impressed by First Test by itself.Maybe it was just too simplistic for me? Which is a silly problem to have with a short book about a ten-year-old.Kel has to deal with really nasty bullying, sexism from her peers and authority figures, separation from her family, uncertainty about her future, an exhausting daily schedule that would give me a nervous breakdown, and actual peril to her life. She survives all of these triumphantly, thanks to her stubborn determination, unusual skills learned earlier in her childhood, and the right friends.When I put it that way, First Test sounds like a really good book, and yeah, that's why we all read Tamora Pierce to begin with, right?Kel has a much easier time dealing with all of these things than I can imagine myself having. She's also, overall, better at everything than her peers. This makes sense in a lot of ways. Kel wants this life and is well suited for it (unlike imaginary-me-in-Tortall), and the first [x] person to successfully make it through a difficult program that was previously limited to [y] usually does have to be extra amazing at everything.But Kel's extra-amazing advantages distract a lot from what I'd like this book to be. Kel is learning to be a page and I wanted to read about her learning. First Test seems really to be about how Kel is already more than worthy to be a page and how some of the gatekeepers just don't see how special she is.My favorite parts are when we do see Kel learning and applying what she's learned, like when she gets better at (view spoiler)[tilting (hide spoiler)]
—Dorothea
This book changed my childhood. I had read stories about lady knights before--about women dressing as men, fighting the odds, and changing the world. But this story is different. Kel doesn't dress in drag, she doesn't hide herself, she doesn't try to change the world. She just wants to be a knight, and will do whatever it takes to achieve her goal. She is my number one female character in a YA novel, and that has not changed in a long long time.I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. To people who want to feel better about humanity, people who want female characters who are realistic and soulful, or just people who love knighthood, battles, and magic.A+++
—Lucy Ralston
