Protector of the Small

Protector of the Small #1-4

by Tamora Pierce

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction, Magic, Adventure, Childrens, Science Fiction Fantasy

791 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Hey, folks! I just discovered that apparently I have given some very popular books single-star ratings--except I haven't. How do I know I haven't? Because I haven't read those books at all. So before you go getting all hacked off at me for trashing your favorites, know that I've written GoodReads to find out what's going on.

I return to my regularly scheduled profile:
Though I would love to join groups, I'm going to turn them all down. I just don't have the time to take part, so please don't be offended if I don't join your group or accept an invitation. I'm not snooty--I'm just up to my eyeballs in work and appearances!

Also, don't be alarmed by the number of books I've read. When I get bored, I go through the different lists and rediscover books I've read in the past. It's a very evil way to use up time when I should be doing other things. Obviously, I've read a lot of books in 54 years!

I was born in South Connellsville, PA. My mother wanted to name me "Tamara" but the nurse who filled out my birth certificate misspelled it as "Tamora". When I was 8 my family moved to California, where we lived for 6 years on both sides of the San Francisco peninsula.

I started writing stories in 6th grade. My interest in fantasy and science fiction began when I was introduced to ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien and so I started to write the kind of books that I was reading. After my parents divorced, my mother took my sisters and me back to Pennsylvania in 1969. There I went to Albert Gallatin Senior High for 2 years and Uniontown Area Senior High School for my senior year.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, I wrote the book that became The Song of the Lioness fantasy quartet. I sold some articles and 2 short stories and wrote reviews for a martial arts movie magazine. At last the first book of the quartet, Alanna: The First Adventure was published by Atheneum Books in 1983.

Tim Liebe, who became my Spouse-Creature, and I lived in New York City with assorted cats and two parakeets from 1982 - 2006. In 2006 we moved to Syracuse, New York, where we live now with assorted cats, a number of squirrels, birds, raccoons, skunks, opossums, and woodchucks visiting our very small yard. As of 2011, I have 27 novels in print, one short story collection, one comic book arc ("White Tiger: A Hero's Compulsion") co-written with Tim, and a short story anthology co-editing credit. There's more to come, including a companion book to the Tortall `verse. So stay tuned!

Reviews

[Mallori · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Holly Echterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Faraday Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on everydayreads.wordpress.com

~

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 also love that the series ended when Kel was still single. Pierce did a fantastic job of writing Kel's relationship with the men in her life, from playful Neal to admiring Cleon. She loved them, but she didn't need them. In particular, her romantic relationships weren't the blazing, all-consuming, "one true love" types we see in a lot of YA, but instead, they gently grew on the basis of mutual respect. She enjoyed being with Cleon, and looked forward to the prospect of being with Dom, but those relationships did not define her.

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

[Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finishing a re-read of these books always makes my heart swell three sizes.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Naomy Lambert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Series was surprisingly “fun” to read.
It’s a light reading. I definitely would recommend for someone who is trying to get into reading but doesn’t want to start with anything too heavy to read or any story with the biggest plots.
In the book you will find :
*strong friendships
*bullying / standing against bullying
*only girl trying to be as good as all the boys
*very very light romance, mostly crushing on guys
*and references to having “girl problems“

I love the Character development through the series. You feel like you witness the kid growing up and it’s pretty cool haha.

[Raisa Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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."

[Ying · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[katayoun Masoodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kel is an amazing heroine - I loved reading about her tenacity and drive to become a knight and stand up for those who need help. I actually didn't realize until I finished the book that this is set in a world Tamora Pierce had already established in previous works. You definitely don't need any background information before you dive right into this set of books; everything is nicely explained and I didn't feel lost at all. If you're not ready to commit to all 800 pages of this series, at least give First Test a try. You'll either be enchanted by Keladry or will know it's not for you (but I'd bet on enchanted!)

[Jane Lindskold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’ve read every novel she’s written, and while some are more to my taste than others, she’s a great writer.

[Kavi · Rating 5 out of 5]

On finishing these books it was my firm belief that Keladry of Mindelan is bisexual. I have since learned that she is aroace which is equally good.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read these for the first time as a kid, and I didn't connect with Kel as much. When I reread them as an adult, that's when I knew Kel would always be my favorite, and the woman she becomes is very much someone I still hope I grow into. Her ability to be fair, her ability to take care of people regardless of status -to see people as people, to care, her ability to be the protector of the small really resonates with me, and sits deep in my heart.

Kel doesn't have magic like Alanna, she isn't meant to necessarily go on these giant quests in the same way the first lady knight we meet does. She isn't bringing in a dominion jewel etc. Her heroics are much more humble but in so many ways so much more important to me, and so much more lasting. Saving her maid, giving up her status, being willing to redo her training year for the right reasons and not giving up... tolerating the bullying and not letting it get to her in that she stands up for herself and finds real friends... and changes the people around her.

While this review could probably stand for the entirety of the series, it was so wonderful to meet her, and to know she would face the ordeal and win. And that she'll always be a wonderful character to revisit even on the worst of days knowing that there are good people who will stand up for others no matter what the cost to themselves.

[W.B. Abdullah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is 4 books in 1, so I more accurately read 7 or 8 books in 2023, not 4 (just to set the record straight). I read the Alanna Lioness series as a child and wanted to see how I’d like Tamora Pierce’s writing as an adult following another girl warrior making her own path and fighting for a place in a man’s world. I enjoyed this series. It was more YA as the stories progressed and kept clean. The main character, Kel, showed ethics throughout in regards to protecting the small and forgotten (the young, poor, maids, servants, refugees, etc). As a character, she’s a people’s champion. Enjoyed and happy I read. I also enjoyed seeing some cameos of Alanna in this series.

Tamora Pierce mentioned that 9/11 took place while she wrote the last in the quartet (Lady Knight), and while throughout the quartet, cultures that inspired the different nations presented in her book based on their names (the Yamani, the Bazhir), people were seen and taken as people. No culture was used as a scapegoat and good and bad were found within all of the fantastical (inspired by real life) cultures and I appreciated that! I might be looking for more Tamora Pierce to read as an adult…

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is possibly my favorite series that Tamora Pierce has written. I love Kel, to me being the first girl trying to train to be a knight takes more courage than parading around as a boy (no offense Alanna, I love you too). I love Neal’s annoying, sarcastic comments. I cannot stress how much I love Raoul, he has been one of my favorite characters since he was first introduced back in Alanna’s books and I was thrilled that he was back with force. I also love Peachblossom, every time I read this series I think about my own mare who is Peachblossom.
This isn’t quite like the other books by Tamora Pierce given Kel doesn’t really have secrets like Alanna or Daine. She is like a normal-ish person. Kel is the ultimate character, she has so much personality which I wasn’t really expecting but by the end of Lady Knight she was the same person she was at the beginning and completely different.
So without all the details I could go into I love this series. It is a collection of books anyone should read.

[Inkdeathinbloom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again, I read Tamora Pierce everything as a kid. Protector of the Small was still a newer series during the height of my obsession and I remember having to wait for first the library books to be available, and then for them to trickle through two older siblings before I got to read them. Overall, I remember at first disliking the series! To my 9 or 10 year old brain, Alanna had fixed the whole sexism thing, so Kel should not have been having problems. Looking back, again, this was a phenomenal and shaping force for me as a kid and as a reader. Things don't just get fixed and lowkey, nothing is ever easy...dare we say, life is a bit more complex and nuanced? For growing her readers, this was a great progression by Pierce. My childhood self rated it kind of low (the betrayal!) but my oldest sibling who read it at 15 super connected with it. Again, 25 year old recommendation? No. But a 13 or 14 year old? Totally.

[Emilye · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Together Now...

POTS1-4

All of Keladry of Mindelan in one place! What a treat. This omnibus pulls it all together, which helps to keep all the players in perspective.

Keladry is the youngest Mindelan. Terrorized by one of her older brothers before he was finally caught and punished, she has a bone deep need to protect and save those weaker than herself. She is also smart enough to know that takes training—in defense and offense.

So she sets herself on the path of seeking for knighthood. This has not been openly done for nearly a century. Males have become quite comfortable with the conclusion that females aren’t suited for the rigors of testing and all that goes into this. Sir Alanna Trebond is an outlier, being a mage and “goddess touched”.

But Keladry is determined and backed by her parents. If she is strong enough to pursue it, they will support her all the way.

Great fun!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I caught the reading bug my sophomore year of high school and these were one the first series that I bought. I will never not recommending this author or this series. Keladry of Mindelan is a strong female that doesn't fit the mold of what women look like being tall and muscular for her age add to the fact that she wants to be the first girl to want to train to be a knight after they allowed females too it makes the perfect recipe for a wonderful role model. By the end of her story she has been through life changes and lessons that make you believe that you too can get through your hard times. I want Keladry as my friend and she pushes me to stand up for what I believe in. The power of a compelling story and a character that you feel in your soul is one of the best things that you can find in a book. 1000/10 will always recommend

[Nick Fagerlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

It turns out that Ruth and I both grew up with Tamora Pierce novels! But since she's a bit younger than me, she had a wider selection at that age when they're the best thing ever. So I read and loved the original Lioness quartet and The Immortals, but by the time this series came out, I was in high school and it was Very Important to not be reading books about 11-year-olds. You know the drill.

Anyway, I liked these a lot as an adult, and if I'd had them as a preteen I'd have been fucking apeshit over them. They're great! Ruth was right about them being much better than the prior two series; those were important and wonderful, but this is just a lot better crafted and more cohesive. An excellent heroic coming-of-age tale.

[Angelica Licari]

Hands-down, this is my favorite of Tamora Pierce's protagonists! Kel is relatable but admirable, and courageous without being reckless. She's the most boldly moral of TP's Tortallan heroines, but in a way that flows with the narrative. Like Alanna before her, she is accompanied by her own helpful pets and loyal friends, but she has a better head on her shoulders.

Pierce also gave Kel a different journey than Alanna. Where Alanna thrives on her own, Kel is a natural leader, and her books reflect that difference. Alanna's early books explore her inward struggle with girlhood; Kel's early books lean more heavily on her desire to enact justice in an unjust world. TP absolutely differentiates their stories and keeps us interested.

[Samantha Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful series for tween/early teen girls especially. Protagonist Kel is an awesome feminist, with quiet respectful strength and unfailing determination.
The writing is easy to digest and perfect for the target age group. Following the series and seeing her progression, her movement into different stages, bodily changes, environments, tasks .etc is so crucial for young adults to resonate with.
If you want a satisfying read with tangible characters (good and bad), then this is a top notch fantasy choice with a dash of age appropriate romance.

[Molly Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tamora Pierce is great. These books tell the story of Kel, the first female knight since Lady Alanna, but her path isn't easy. The characters are vividly drawn and imagined. The conflicts and fights are exciting and scary. Kel is easy to root for and an incredibly dynamic character. You don't have to have read the other series, but if you have, you'll enjoy seeing old characters pop up.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Tamora Pierce's other heroines, Keladry grows up over the course of these excellent books. Each is longer — and deeper — than the one before. I'm not a parent, so I'm not sure at what age the series should be recommended to a child (since now that it's complete, it might be read in one fell swoop), given the mature themes of both war and romance being addressed by the end. However, I do not hesitate to say that Ms. Pierce writes great, realistic role models.

I just acquired the first two as ebooks in a Kindle sale, and couldn't resist starting another reread. See those individual volumes for my reviews. I'm now planning to finish using my SFBC omnibus.

[Midnight Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all the other Tortall series, I simply could not set this down (and even if I did, my mind was still occupied with the story). Go read it, if you want exciting plot, interesting characters and enough suspense to keep you reading until you reach the end :)

[Janet Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my absolute favorite of all Tamora's Tortallan series. I have probably read it about 10 times all the way through. Tamora is an excellent Author. And her works are priceless. I attribute my love of reading primarily to Tamora.

[Erin Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite series of Tamora Pierces Tortall books, and one of my favorite series to read period. They are well written and while a relatively quick read it is an engaging read that makes you love the characters.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Protector of the Small Quartet by Tamora Pierce – Kel is about to give you the hope that even an ordinary girl can be a hero with courage, a weakness for strays, and an uncrushable stubbornness! Happy Reading!

[Melissa Schlafli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Finally, the 4th book delivered. The first 3 books really set everything up and this book was very good, unfortunately, i would not recommend this series. The first 3 books were just not very good. I am glad i finished this series!