Helpful Score: 4
This is the first book in Pierce's "Protector of the Small" quartet. Kel is 10 years old, and ready to begin training to become a knight, inspired by her hero Alanna. (Alanna's story is told in the "Song of the Lioness" quartet.)
Unlike Alanna, who hid the fact that she was a girl while she went through the eight-year training cycle, Kel is the first girl to openly train for knighthood. She faces hardship, prejudice, but earns respect as she works hard to reach her goal.
I liked this quartet better than "Song of the Lioness." It seemed richer, better written, as if Ms. Pierce really hit her stride with this series. I love the fact that Kel is stubborn, determined, and modest. She is a great role model!
Unlike Alanna, who hid the fact that she was a girl while she went through the eight-year training cycle, Kel is the first girl to openly train for knighthood. She faces hardship, prejudice, but earns respect as she works hard to reach her goal.
I liked this quartet better than "Song of the Lioness." It seemed richer, better written, as if Ms. Pierce really hit her stride with this series. I love the fact that Kel is stubborn, determined, and modest. She is a great role model!
Helpful Score: 3
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.
Helpful Score: 3
Even though this series is written with young teens in mind I loved it. My youngest daughter also thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the three others in the series. Now we are both big fans of Tamora Pierce.
Helpful Score: 1
Love the author and love the series!
Helpful Score: 1
This is another series about a heroine, Kel, who encounters the typical sexism showed by males towards females when she first begins her training to become a knight. Later, after being bullied herself, she makes it her business to deal with those who pick on others when she feels that the hazing has gone too far with fellow students.
It's a wonderful story about a girl who finds her way and doesn't take crap but does what she needs in order to succeed despite the obstacles in her way.
It's a wonderful story about a girl who finds her way and doesn't take crap but does what she needs in order to succeed despite the obstacles in her way.
Helpful Score: 1
I have long been a Tamora Pierce fan. I fell in love with her work in the Alanna series, enjoying how she made her characters sweat to win (and not always win) instead of manipulating their way through. Though those books are fine in their own right it tiring seeing women as damsels in distress or in being so weak that they can't win the hard way. I enjoyed Kel's quiet, reserved manner, even though I got frustrated at times with her not speaking up and defending herself, instead of just taking the punishment without compliant when she didn't deserve it. but all in all this book has to be on your shelf soon, its just too good not to read.
Hannah S. (slothmold) -
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful series! I may be all grown up, but this is one of my brain candy books that I always return to when I need a pick-me-up. Kel relies on hard work instead of magic to fight her way through a boy's world. This, along with her reserved personality makes her a much more relatable and believable character than in Pierce's earlier series. Don't miss the Trickster books either!
I enjoyed this book alot and I am a grandfather. This is a great book for 10 year old girls.
can't wait to be able to read the next one. I love Tamora Pierce as a wrighter all her characters jump off the pages of her books
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
Very similar concept to Alanna. Keladry wants to be a knight and must endore all the taunting and tricks of the boys. Alanna The First Adventure was a much better book.
Love it. Really amazing series!
This is a terrific book for young adults, especially girls. It shows that even through the toughest of times if you keep trying your best, you will be able to make a difference and accomplish your goals.
Very good read!
Jackie S. (gmajackie) -
Excellent read for all. Kel is a wonderful example for our young ladies. Enjoyed the entire series.
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 Keladry 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 the fantasy genre. I think it would be perfect for her. (If she hasn't already read it that is...) I'm going to have to check out the second book in the series now.
I only gave it 4 stars because for me while the story was engaging and I like it, it was geared toward a younger audience and wasn't a really show stopping read for me.
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 the fantasy genre. I think it would be perfect for her. (If she hasn't already read it that is...) I'm going to have to check out the second book in the series now.
I only gave it 4 stars because for me while the story was engaging and I like it, it was geared toward a younger audience and wasn't a really show stopping read for me.
Alisa F. (Greycat133) -
Keladry of Mindelan has the ambition to become a knight. Can she make it in a world full of men?
A very excellent first in an excellent series by Tamora Pierce.
Amazing read by a wonderful author. Tamora Pierce fan must read quartet! First book in this quartet!
