Though junior or perhaps young adult fiction and a series that I first read 10+ years ago, this re-read has been almost as enjoyable as the first read. It’s not the plot that draws you in, though that’s also quite engaging, but the moments that make up Kel’s life as she goes through her journey in becoming a female warrior in very male-dominant world. Amazing. Tamora Pierce This year I revisited Kel for the first time in many years. Of all Tamora Pierce's heroine's she perhaps sticks out the least for me, especially when compared to Beka Cooper, my soul mate? Spirit animal? That's a different story for another review however.
It's incredibly interesting how life experience colors what we read at different times in our life. I have always been a fan of Pierce, the kick ass woman troupe always a welcome one to me. The same elements that I loved were still there. Kel is an incredibly empathic girl/woman who truly lives up to her title of Protector of the Small. Whether it be others in her class, commoners, or even animals, Kel fights for justice and those who cannot fight for themselves. This combination of attitude and actions doesn't bring EVERYONE around to the idea of a female knight (this is realistic) she manages to impress the people who matter. Extra life experience has left me considering parts of these books I might previously have struggled with (such as the religious angle and the characters views on love and sex) with more understanding and appreciation.
The scope of this series is perhaps slightly less impressive and flashy compared to the other heroines in Tortall, but I don't think this means that Kel should be overlooked. While individually I rated most of these books in the four star range I would put the series at a whole up at five stars, absolutely worth revisiting from time to time. Tamora Pierce perfet series, most enjoyable and though i read the four books seperately, i did read them one after another and i think this bundle is the best way to enjoy the series, i really did want to read them all together. Tamora Pierce The experience I had reading these girl power books to my daughters was simply magical. For me, these will always be favorites both for the memories I have of reading them on my own and feeling empowered as a young adult and the memories of reading them now with my girls. Tamora Pierce I've been shot at. I can bear it. I'm crying because my friend is unhappy and everything is changing.
Is that what you're supposed to do? Tobe asked. Cry for your friends, though they ain't dead? Cry when things change?
If the changes are hard ones, Kel replied. If they take away the things you knew were good.
I haven't read much of Tamora Pierce's works before, only a book with Daine (the name I cannot remember at the moment) for a school project when I was in elementary school. With my constant complaints about certain tropes of YA to my friend, I was given the Protector of the Small quartet by my friend Rokan to have a taste of what she refers to as good literature. And with my friends, I never doubt their judgment with books, as they never doubt mine.
Protector of the Small is what I would like to call timeless literature. Of course, I feel like the effect would have been more impacting had I read this series as I grew up - to mirror Kel's growth and maturity. Perhaps I would have been a different woman had I read these books back then. But these books have affected me nonetheless.
Keladry of Mindelan wants to be the first Lady Knight in the kingdom of Tortall following Alanna's appointment as the King's Champion. This proves to be a difficult task, because of the stigma that surrounds girls becoming knights. To many, girls are the weaker sex, and knighthood is barred from them. Alanna herself cannot aid Kel, because it will be seen as favoritism.
In First Test, Kel undergoes her probationary year - if she passes her first year, Lord Wyldon will continue to let her train. This is the year Kel learns to face her fears, and her enemies. She befriends Nealan of Queenscove, or Neal and deals with bullying from Joren of Stone Mountain. She passes her first year, after taking command and saving her friends from spidrens during a week-long training session in the woods.
In Page, Kel continues her training as a page, for four years, until she can take the test to become a squire. She also develops a crush on her friend Neal, and hires a maid, Lalasa. She teaches Lalasa how to defend herself, and in the end, must decide between saving her or taking her exam.
In Squire, Kel is under Lord Raoul of Goldenlake's tutelage, where she spends 4 years training with him and his army, learning skills of jousting and command. At the end of her 4th year as a squire, she enters the Chamber of Ordeals in order to become a knight. Having survived the chamber, Kel is officially the first lady-knight in the realm after Alanna.
In Lady Knight, the last of the quartet, Kel and her friends have to fight in the Scanran War. Kel is left to command a refugee camp near the border, but when her camp is left destroyed and its children taken, its up to her to cross over the border to Scanra to save them from becoming a part of the killing devices plaguing Tortall.
Throughout the series, Kel has been shown a great deal of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. She knows that because she is a girl, she will be treated as though she is some weak and fragile thing. But she proves them wrong, proves that despite being female, she still is just as strong and even stronger than her male counterparts. Time and time again, Kel is shown with a power to lead and take charge, but also, with a humble and modest heart, hence why she is Protector of the Small. She saves baby griffins, protects her servants, and treats everyone with a sense of equality. Kel is a role model to everyone, and her own courage inspires in me a sense of strength.
Kel also goes through many of the ups and downs of teenager-hood and girl-hood and the way Tamora Pierce describes it - why can't other YAs be like that? Broaching topics of periods and pregnancy with such an openness. Kel had crushes and a boyfriend, but she knew in the end what she wanted, and I loved her for that.
Tamora Pierce writes timeless works that can be read over and over again, to inspire everyone to chase what they believe in, but also to not forget the people who are helping us get there.
Gods all bless, Lady Knight. Tamora Pierce
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Ten-year-old Keladry of Mindalen, daughter of nobles, serves as a page but must prove herself to the males around her if she is ever to fulfill her dream of becoming a knight.
Omnibus edition, collecting First Test, Page, Squire, and Lady Knight. Protector of the Small (Protector of the Small, #1-4)
I do not usually write reviews, but I felt this was important.
Some forums have condemned the morality of the characters in this book, but I could not disagree more. Ms. Pierce does not shy away from issues that face many young adults nor does she presume to make decisions for her readers. Her message comes through Kel's mother during a turning point in the story: No matter what you decide, you should approach the issue with personal responsibility. In her time of confusion, Kel acts with care and she continually makes decisions that are right for her, building her confidence and solidifying the values that are important to her. Her mother's support and unconditional love certainly shape Kel in a positive manner during this time and throughout the stories.
Authors and Critics often talk about showing, not telling when writing. I think some readers get caught up in what Kel is telling them. She considers her confusion over issues with internal monologue, focusing some readers on Kel's confusion because a character's thoughts are usually a direct avenue to the dramatic question. In this case, it is Kel's actions that show us the true meaning that Ms. Pierce is trying to convey. Kel always acts with integrity.
Personally, I found Kel's unilateral bravery and empathy a beautiful reminder that each of us has the power influence the world for good. You don't need to be the biggest or the strongest to create meaning or foster idealism. If you act fairly and with compassion, then others will take notice and follow suit. In essence, lead by example, and Kel is truly a great knight.
Protector of the Small is a wonderful book with excellent writing; full of nuances and themes that layer upon each other to add thoughtful meaning to character development and active plot. I recommend these stories with the highest praise. Tamora Pierce Originally published on everydayreads.wordpress.com
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I first stumbled across Kel's story when I was just a shy, awkward eleven year old girl lacking in both a spine and a voice - though not in curiosity. It was 2010, and my local library had just ordered copies of the Protector of the Small Quartet and brazenly laid the glossy-covered books out on display. As a sheltered child kept strictly unaware of the Feminist Agenda, the closest I had ever come to reading about a strong female character were pamphlets about obedient daughters who sacrificed their independence for the Greater Good. I was curious, and eagerly snuck the books home to read under the covers.
It didn't take long for Keladry of Mindelan to become my hero. I practically worshipped her. She was my age, my gender, and my temperament, but she showed me that youth, femininity, and shyness do not have to prevent you from being brave. Not only did these attributes not hinder her, in many cases she used them to her advantage. Her introversion allowed her to quietly observe a situation and make astute connections, and her role as the underdog made her compassionate.
I love that she wasn't feisty, like so many strong female characters are today. She wasn't a femme fatale. She wasn't gorgeous. She wasn't manipulative. Her femaleness wasn't her defining attribute, and Pierce didn't rely on lazy stereotypes to develop Kel's strength. She made the girl sweat for every single victory, but that is what made her so compelling. Her self-control, her work ethic, her ability to remain stoic... I could go on and on about her attributes.
I honestly think every young girl should read this book (and so should every grown woman who missed it during her childhood). Pierce imparts so many valuable lessons on relationships, feminism, and sex. Now that I'm in my late teens, it was such a pleasure to go back and revisit the girl who was, in many ways, my childhood best friend.
Keladry, it was a pleasure to grow up with you.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Favorite Quote: I'm sick of this. Call me what you like, say I'm without honor, I don't care. I'm not getting on any more horses to whack you people with a stick. - Lady Knight
~ Faye Tamora Pierce Finishing a re-read of these books always makes my heart swell three sizes. Tamora Pierce This is my favorite of Tamora Pierce's Tortall series, the one I re-read when I want a book that I know will make me happy. I really love Keladry and her friends. I love that, and it's said in the book, while Alanna from the Lioness series of books had magic and the hand of the goddess on her, Keladry is just a determined girl who wants to right injustices.
This series is exciting and engaging, with suspense and victories that the reader can rejoice in. When I was reading this series, I hated to put it down. You are rooting for Keladry. Even when I re-read these books, though I already know what's going to happen, I still get drawn in and want to keep going, and that's a sign of a good book.
Pierce really expands on the world of Tortall that was introduced in the previous two series. 10 years have passed since Lady Alanna won her spurs in the first Tortall series, and while the King has declared it legal for girls to become knights, Keladry is the first girl in the 10 years to attempt it.
Throughout all 4 books of this series, Keladry faces hazing and bullying, people who insult her and look down on her for pursuing this un-ladylike and unconventional career-path. But I love that she doesn't let that stop her. Yes, she finds some of their insults and behavior hurtful, but she looks to herself and those she respects for approval and affirmation. I love that message for young girls.
As opposed to something like Twilight, these books really deliver a message of empowerment and show a great role model for girls. Kelardy's example encourages girls to make well thought out decisions for themselves, to see the hurtful side of bullying, and that with enough determination, anything is possible. That just because something is the way it's always been, doesn't mean that is how it should be.
These books were written in the late 90's, but I feel like Keladry's anti-bully stance is really relevant to today.
I also like that, while Keladry has various love-insterests through the series, these books are not about romance. These books are Keladry's journey, and yes, there are moments of romance as boys come into her life, but the point is not that she gets married and lives happily ever after. The point of this story is that Keladry set's out to become a knight and she does it! She wanted her spurs so that when she sees something wrong, she can do something about it, and she accomplishes that goal. That's the happily ever after. Tamora Pierce Another omnibus adventure in the kingdom of Tortall, this one follows young Keladry of Mindelan as she becomes the first girl to openly enroll as a page, in hopes of becoming the newest Lady Knight like the famous Alanna The Lioness.
How would Kel handle the rough and tumble world she was about to enter? Would the training master even allow her to stay? Or was he trying extra hard to get her to drop out? And the other pages? How would she deal with their bullying? Would she be able to prove that she deserved her destiny?
A rousing adventure tale full of battles, magical animals, monsters, and knights in shining armor, this book kept me reading past my bedtime more than once.
I already miss Tortall. I won't let so many years pass before the next time I visit. Tamora Pierce