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!

Love the author and love the series!

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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 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.

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