First Test: Book 1 of the Protector of the Small Quartet
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First Test: Book 1 of the Protector of the Small Quartet Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Tamora Pierce (Author), Bernadette Dunne (Narrator), Listening Library (Publisher)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,593 ratings
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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. Up against the traditional hazing of pages and a grueling schedule, Kel faces only one real roadblock: Lord Wyldon, the training master of pages and squires. He is absolutely against girls becoming knights. So while he is forced to train her, Wyldon puts her on probation for one year. It is a trial period that no male page has ever had to endure and one that separates the good-natured Kel even more from her fellow trainees during the tough first year. But Kel is not a girl to underestimate, as everyone is about to find out.
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  1. Listening Length
    5 hours and 46 minutes
  2. Author
    Tamora Pierce
  3. Narrator
    Bernadette Dunne
  4. Audible release date
    October 18, 2007
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Listening Library
  7. ASIN
    B000Z7FHII
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 5 hours and 46 minutes
Author Tamora Pierce
Narrator Bernadette Dunne
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date October 18, 2007
Publisher Listening Library
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B000Z7FHII
Best Sellers Rank #15,411 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#109 in Education (Audible Books & Originals)
#1,375 in Teen & Young Adult Fantasy
#1,729 in Education & Teaching (Books)

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
1,593 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Rhys
5.0 out of 5 stars Ought to be on the Required Reading List of every school district!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2016
Verified Purchase
I have to admit that I didn't immediately fall in love with this series of Tammy's for some reason, but on every re-read I just end up more head-over-heels with both Kel and her story to the point where I'm really not sure why it didn't click with me the first time; all I know is that now I absolutely adore it and by now I've read it almost as many times as I have the Immortals despite that earlier quartet's head-start. The writing prowess demonstrated has leaped ahead compared to Tammy's by-no-means-paltry talents displayed in the first two Tortall series, part of which must doubtless be attributed to the fact that she's got so much more room in these books to let the story read since the page-count-limits of YA fiction were greatly loosened by this time--and I could kiss J.K.Rowling's feet every day for that result alone, because the Protector of the Small quartet is glorious! The book manages to be both action-packed and thoughtful both in terms of its plot(s) and its heroine; Kel never backs down from a fight but she also insists on thinking things through. She's a wonderful student and a wonderful mentor at the same time, and watching her grow into herself is as fascinating as the burgeoning war, royal marriage, and social upheavals that serve as the foundation of the plot. And then there's the societal aspects, both in terms of Tortall (how has the world changed because Alanna is a knight? what other social changes have Thayet and Jon attempted since taking the crown? what happens when the culture and citizens of the Japan-like Yamani Islands meet the Western European-style kingdom of Tortall?) and our own world. Unfortunately many of the problems that Kel faces as the first known female page in centuries are all-too-realistic and common in our "more modern" world as well, and neither Tammy nor Kel hesitate to address how wrong these things are, whether they impact Kel directly or through her friends. This series tackles weighty issues like sexism, bullying, classism, poverty, crime, and the injustice of law head-on, all while never once sacrificing the suspense and delight of the story itself. I could not possibly love these books more and I truly believe that they ought to be required reading for every girl coming of age--and for every boy, genderqueer kid, and grown-up for that matter! It's never too late to learn, as some of those who initially balk at Kel discover, and the lessons of this quartet are as important as the story itself is engrossing. I'd give it six stars if I could.
11 people found this helpful
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Lourena Phillips
5.0 out of 5 stars I love this Author
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2023
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I love how she writes strong heroines that fight for what is right. I love the interactions and development of characters. I have already bought the next one! Very hard to put down.
2 people found this helpful
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FTLOE
4.0 out of 5 stars A lovely book in the vein of Walk Two Moons, the Hunger Games and Harry Potter!
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
I. The Beginning: Did It Hook Me?

To be honest, yes and no. I mentioned this in previous posts, but I am very new to high fantasy YA. I honestly thought I wouldn't ever read it, but it is now one of my favorite genres. This is hilarious to me since my mother loves high fantasy and I used to tease her for reading them; my have the tables to turned!

I think I would have understood this book better had I read the previous ones. I didn't even know their was a whole "world" to this series. I was curious about Alanna the Lioness and was upset when we didn't learn more about her; after going to Goodreads, I now see that there's a series dedicated to her alone.

And I will be reading it, along with her other books.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

II. The Characters: Could I Related to Them?

Absolutely.

Kel. She is ten years old, but she is wise beyond her years. Her focus is on the task at hand, she stands up for what she believes in and has a special kind of resilience. She would've been too perfect had her fear of heights not been introduce. She was a girl I could root for, the one who ran out the front door instead of up the stairs if she was being chased. I just love her!

Crown. Crown is Kel's bird friend who can't talk or express ideas, but I loved her so much! I liked how she stood by Kel, defended her and helped her in any way she could. I have the nagging suspicion someone in the palace can change into an animal, hence giving a reason for Crown's intelligence, but the jury is still out on that one.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

III. The Plot: Was It Well Paced?

Absolutely. This book was very easy read and didn't have any lagging points. I will say that the action sometimes seems misplaced in the book, though. For instance, the fight with the Spidrens is at the end of the book, but it would've help more worth had it been in the beginning. Kel is trying to prove her way in a male-dominated field; that fight would've been a perfect way to do so.

Some parts of the books seemed slightly rushed, but this didn't happen often. I can honestly say some of the plot twists snuck up on me! I thought I had this whole book figured out, and then BAM something happened! I liked this, since books typically are extremely predictable.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

IV. World Building: Did I "Get" It?

I don't want to say no, but I think reading the previous books will help with this. It's clear the setting of this book is in the past, but when you think of the mutations in the animals, I started thinking maybe this book is set in a post-apocalyptic future.

I still don't understand the role of the trainees and their journey, but I'm learning over time. Their seem to be universal truths when it comes to fantasy, so this may just take time. I didn't have a firm grasp of where events took place or when. This book flows very well, but there really isn't a line of demarcation between "scenes".

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

V. The Ending: Did It Make Sense?

Absolutely, but it could've been stronger. I loved seeing Kel triumph after so much hardwork, but it would've meant more if the writer had played up the drama. So much could've been thrown into the mix, but it wasn't. Maybe that's why I love this book; it's anything but typical.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

VI. Overall

Overall, I truly enjoyed this book. It has many positives and only a few negatives. I would highly recommend this book even to those who aren't into fantasy; it's just that good. There were a few plot holes I'm hoping will be tackled in the next book, but there was nothing terribly amiss.

I recommend this book!
3 people found this helpful
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Noah's Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars ONE OF MY TOP 3 FAVORITE AUTHORS / SERIES OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is the third book in the Protector series that I've read by Tamora Pierce. I believe I started Book One about a week ago, and I have RIPPED through these books. Why? Well first of all they are well written. The story is like butter. It's so smooth you just fall right in. Second... and I may not even do it justice... Pierce has captured a character and a story in ways I have rarely seen before. I liked the main character right off. Within just a few pages of her story I was on her side, routing for her, identifying with her and wanting to see her succeed. Through the series of ups and downs, twists and turns that followed, this only intensified. I'm so impressed by this author and these books that I fully intend to buy and read everything Pierce has ever written. I wish I'd found her sooner, but at the same time I'm glad it took so long so that there's a nice backlog of books that I can look forward to! :D All five stars, for sure. If there were bonus stars, I'd give them. One of my top three in great authors and great reads. Oh yeah. It's that good.
2 people found this helpful
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Bugg
5.0 out of 5 stars Determination
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2022
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And hard work. It is what is needed in her world and ours.
Tamora Pierce's character Kel demonstrates that if you have a goal, that no matter the set back. That you can attain that goal if you keep it (the goal) firm in your mind and continue to work for it. Good work. Kel is an example to me. She may be just a fictional character but Tamora gives her life
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
pradeep
3.0 out of 5 stars Expensive For a Cheap print
Reviewed in India on July 19, 2022
Verified Purchase
Book doesn't look original- cheap print like pirated copy- and it is not worth the price.will update about content soon.
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pradeep
3.0 out of 5 stars Expensive For a Cheap print
Reviewed in India on July 19, 2022
Book doesn't look original- cheap print like pirated copy- and it is not worth the price.will update about content soon.
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N H
4.0 out of 5 stars très bien
Reviewed in France on March 4, 2018
Verified Purchase
Très bon état et livre distrayant. Je n'ai donc rien à ajouter à ce qui a déjà été écrit ici
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TRRob
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on November 14, 2014
Verified Purchase
Love the Tortall books! I have red them all numerous times.
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Eilidh
5.0 out of 5 stars Brillaint
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 20, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is the tale of a girl who wants to be the first openly female page, Squire and finally Knight. It's a brilliantly written book which draws you into the magical world of Tortall where Kel must prove herself worthy to her Training master, the inflexible Lord Wyldol who believes girls should be kept safe.
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Aster
4.0 out of 5 stars シリーズ1作目
Reviewed in Japan on April 15, 2006
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女騎士Alannaの活躍によりトルタルで女子も騎士になることが認められたものの、まだまだ難しい道である。その制度を利用して、ケルは最初の者として、女の子への偏見を克服しなくてはならない。いじめられてもストイックにがんばり続けるケルは、次第に女の子でも十分やっていけることを証明していく。さらには自分が正しくないと思ったことは許せない性格から学校での悪しき習慣をなくさせてしまうほどの行動力。男子ではあるけど、頼れる仲間も得ます。学校を舞台とした話であると同時、ファンタジーで動物も出てきて、なかなか退屈させない話です。
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