First Test: Book 1 of the Protector of the Small Quartet (Paperback)

by Tamora Pierce (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In the medieval and fantastic realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits females to train for knighthood. But Kel is not a girl to underestimate. . . .
“Part school story . . . part fantasy . . . part animal story . . . this is a splendidly rousing feast.”—Booklist

From the Inside Flap
In the medieval and fantastic realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits females to train for knighthood. But Kel is not a girl to underestimate. . . .
Part school story . . . part fantasy . . . part animal story . . . this is a splendidly rousing feast. Booklist

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 24, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0375829059
• ISBN-13: 978-0375829055
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #377,398 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #10 in	Books > Children's Books > Series > Fantasy & Adventure > Protector of the Small
  #54 in	Books > Teens > Authors, A-Z > ( P ) > Pierce, Tamora

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alex's review, September 16, 2004

A Kid's Review

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful book!!, April 9, 2005

By	Walter Slaven (Arlington, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First of all, I'm a girl posting this review. I was in junior high when I first picked up this book and I haven't put it down. Kel is a spledid character and, in my opinion, the most believable in the Tortall series. She's quiet, thoughtful, energetic, and the only main character in the four series who doesn't have magic. In her stories, Kel represents the ordinary girl trying to accomplish something extraordinary. This one doesn't have the big adventure aspect to it, but make no mistake. With a strong cast of characters, friend and foe, this story is great. Each of the main supporting characters, such as Neal, Roald, Joren, and Wyldon, feel like real people and have a great depth about them. People of all ages trying to fit in with whatever will be able to relate to Kel and her struggles.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a great book, June 1, 2005

By	book fanatic (Hattiesburg, Ms) - See all my reviews

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.