Search - First Test (Protector of the Small, Bk 1)

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.

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.

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.

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