Book Description

Keladry (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits girls to train for the knighthood. The only thing that can stop her is Lord Wyldon, the training master of pages and squires. He does not think girls should be knights and puts her on probation for one year. It is a trial period that no male page has to endure and one that separates the friendly Kel even more from her fellow trainees. But Kel is not someone to underestimate. . . . ... Read more

Reviews (216)

Different from Alanna, but great anyway
I originally thought that this series would be just a carbon copy of the Alanna books. Well, I was wrong. yes, there are similarities (Kel is good friends with the prince for instance), but on the whole, it is very different.

While the problems Kel faces are similar to the one's Alanna faces, they are quite different. Instead of being as good as the boy pages while pretending to be a boy, Kel has to be as good as the boys right through everyone's sexist ideas.

She is also very unfairly put on probation - and must prove herself extra so she will be able to stay to her seconed year.

Kel's character is also very different from Alanna's and she finds different forms of fighting challenging.

There is a different training master and training to be a knight is considereably different now than before.

Several characters from previous books made short appearances - Daine, Numaire, Roaul and a little bit of Alanna in the beggining of the book.

Although the book doesn't mention it, i do think that Kel may have wild magic - although I don't know why niether Daine or Numair mentioned it to her.

I also would have liked Alanna to be in the book a little more - I really like her. Kel recieves a few anonymouse presents which I think are from Alanna because she was not permitted to talk to Kel. This does hint to the fact that Alanna will have more space in the books to come.

The style of Pierce's writing has changed since Alanna - it's not better or worse, just different. Overall, a good book.

I can't wait for Page to come out in paperback!

Another wonderful Tortallan series
Ten-year-old Keladry wants to be a knight like her hero Alanna the Lioness. After she rescues some kittens from a spidren monster, she becomes more determined than ever to go to knighthood-training school, so she can learn how to protect the weak and small. Kel is the first girl page since Alanna (who was disguised as a boy at the time), and the odds seem to be against her: The training master thinks girls shouldn't be knights; some of the boys play vicious practical jokes on her, trying to get her to drop out. Kel shows her courage when she is the first student to stand up to the school bullies. As always in Tamora Pierce's fantasies, there are plenty of good, likable characters, such as the Shang Wildcat, Daine (who converses with animals), King Jonathan, the mage Numair, good old Sir Myles, Neal of Queenscove, and Lord Raoul. And then there are the animals: Kel's faithful horse, Peachblossom, and the sparrow Crown and her flock, who prove quite dangerous to Kel's enemies. There are some exciting confrontations with immortal monsters. "First Test" is the first book in Ms. Pierce's third Tortallan series, Protector of the Small, and it's just as much fun as the two earlier series. I'm now looking forward to reading the next book, "Page."

Great Book!
When I got this book out of the library, I didn't want to finish it until I could go on to the next book. When Keladry of Mindelan (Kel) goes to Corus to become a Lady Knight, she finds it harder than she expected. Battling against Lord Wyldon, the training master, Kel builds up a reputation for protecting the helpless. Thus, the name for the quartet,"Protector of the Small."

Amazing
I loved this book! She didn't get through it so easily as in most books, she had to fight every step of the way. She had her fear of hieghts to contend with, that's what makes her such a strong character! This is a great book that definetly will inspire and make you read the next in the series!

Nice Idea
(...)There is so much background information about the land of Tortall in the Alanna books that is left out of this book. I guess Ms. Pierce didn't want to repeat herself but someone reading this book first may feel the background is too sketchy.

If you love fantasy and magic (like I do) you may be disappointed in "First Test". This book has almost no magic in it and reads almost like a historical of midevil times. Actually what I thought of when I read this book was what happened at The Citadel (military college) several years ago. When they first opened the school to women there was intense resistance. The poor girl (I have forgotten her name) who was the first female "accepted" was put through absolute hell and was not able to stick it out more than a week. But she paved the way and the next girl was successful. Now a woman going to the Citadel is not even a blip on the media's radar screen.
So it is interesting in "First Test" to see how Keladry makes it through her first year of training to be a knight. The book has relevance to our times too. Even though it is similar to what Alanna goes through, there are some key differences. In fact, the diffences actually bugged me a bit. Why didn't Kel ever seem to go into town? Did Alanna have an older page sponsor? Anyway, I didn't think that was that big a deal. What bothered me much more was how bland this book and Keladry are. Not much seems to happen here so if you're looking for adventure, forget it. And Keladry is about the most boring, stoic heroine you can imagine. Actually, her personality is perfect for the first female knight-in-training but that doesn't make for a very interesting person (or book). Still, I love the way Keladry is changing minds not by talking but by doing.With her amazing courage and fortitude she is a wonderful role model for young women. Actually, a much better role model than Alanna. ... Read more

Book Description

Kel’s hardships continue as she fights the prejudices that come with being a girl while maintaining the rigorous training of a page. Kel’s skills aren’t the only thing that are developing. Her feelings for her best friend Neal are also changing...in a very uncomfortable way. Luckily Kel has some new allies, including an ugly but lovable dog and an abused young woman to whom she teaches self-defense. ... Read more

Reviews (100)

Terrific, fun, great read
"Page" is a great read. Would I give it 5 stars if it wasn't? The main character, Kel, is the first known female knight-in-training in over one hundred years. She goes through many difficulties in this second installment of her training, such as growing from a girl to a young woman, a band of boys who want to make her life miserable, a training master who is either trying to help her or make her quit, and so on. She makes many new friends, such as a torn-up dog, Jump; a new maid, Lalasa; and a plump "jolly" boy, Owen. There is action, adventure, romance (kind of), etc. Kel is a strong heroine any girl can look up to, with hopes, dreams, fears, and so on. She seems very real, and if it wasn't for the mideavil (I can't spell anymore.) setting, Kel would seem like a normal girl who goes to school with you. Well, enough reading this rambling review, GO AND BUY THE BOOK!

What Can I Say?
Ms. Pierce has managed to write yet another absolutly fantastic book. I have read all of the Alanna books; the Immortals quartet; and the circle of magic quartet. I am falling in love with this series, I bought The first test yesterday afternoon and begged my mother to go buy the sequel that night. Today I have read THE PAGE twice and THE FIRST TEST once more. I have fallen for both Neal and Cleon and am looking forward to hopefully something more between one of them and Kel in the next novel. Joren continues to puzzle me and I am dying to see who picks Kel for a squire in the next book. Owen is such a sweet heart, u cant help likeing him! Kel possess's the charm of all Ms. Pirce's other characters plus an sweet personality that makes me want her as my best friend. The only slight complaint I have is that Kel has not yet discovered who her sedret gift giver is...its SO obvious! Anyway it was a wonderful book and I cant wait for the next one!

disappointing...
i totally LOVED Pierce's Song of the Lioness, circle of magic, Immortals, and circle opens quartets, but I have to say that this one left me sorely disappointed. Though the style of writing remained the same, the plot and the characters were lacking. The brilliance of the plots of the first couple quartets seem to be wearing off. I dont like the character of Kel at all. It really bothers me that shes just soo lovesick all the time. Shes supposed to be a strong female character, yet all she does is throw herself at different male characters. She is only 12 years old for heaven's sake. After reading this book, ive stopped reading any more of Ms. Pierce's books, yet mayb ill start the next quartet in hopes that Ms. Pierce's writing has improved.

Brilliant student here
You should really read it. Specially if you have read other Tamora Pierce books in the past. This is not the first book in the series though so I would recomend that you read the first one before reading this one, you dont have to but the background makes the story much more enjoyable. The story is a very captivating one, and it will make you want to read the rest of the series. I had to wait for the fourth one and I nearly died. So, yes, please read it. I love Tamora Pierce and I have converted a number of my friends. This book is just one example of her brilliance, and it will not dissapoint you.

Page
I love this book. This is the second book of the Protector of the Small Series. In this book, Kel hires a shy maid Lalasa, who becomes a very good friend. She trains her to defend herself against attackers. Her also meets a new animal friend, her dog Jump, who is useful in combat. She goes through severel 'firsts'like having her first period and her first crush. Lalasa helps her to deal with it all. She still has to deal with the bully Joren and his cronies being as difficult as ever. At the end of the book, the day of the test to become a squire, Lalasa is kidnapped, and it is up to Kel to rescue her before it is too late. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Awesome Series
These books are amazing. In fact, they are so good that I got really depressed when I finished the series. I'm going to have trouble fining a good book to replace this one. It has all the stuff for teens: adventure, excitement, and most of all, romance. In this series, Alanna of Trebond is determined to be a knight. During her long year training to become a knight and trying to prove herself worthy of being one, she fights the Nameless Ones of the Black City, defeats the evil duke Roger, trains shamans for the Bazhir tribe, the Bllody Hawk, and quests for the Dominion Jewel. Throughout the series Alanna proves herself not only worthy of being the first female page, squire, and knight in a century, but worthy to be the first female King's Champion. This series is an absolute must-read, and I don't think there will ever be a series better than this one!

A magical series that I've read and re-read
This series (Song of the Lioness) is about a sheroe, Alanna, who pretends to be a boy so she can learn to be a knight. Hiding her true identity as girl for around seven years, she faces many hardships on the way to win her shield. This series deals with everything that I could think of about growing up, including puberty, love, bullies, and dealing with life in general. Instead of having a a typical idiot bully who steals lunch money, this one could be real. I found that I've read these books six or seven times, each time getting more from it.

Best series
I think that this is the best series of hers yet.It outshines Immortals and Protector of the small by a landslide. It's about Alanna who goes to the castle to become a knight of the realm.She disguises herself and acts like all the others. She is faced with many challenges from the black city people to duke rodger. she also learns many new things about life, love ,and friendship. This is a superb series so read it.

A great beginning to a wonderful new world!
These books are what got me interested in fantasy. This quartet is the story of Alanna, a headstrong, stubborn, smart, and talented girl who switches places with her brother to become a knight (the first woman to do so in Tortall in 100 years!). The first 2 books are during the eight years of her training, the second 2 after. After reading these (of course I can read them over and over) you feel like you could see these characters on the street and ask how they and their friends are doing. Just do a search on google for Tamora Pierce, you will find she has tons of fans around the world, and for good reason. These books have true exciting adventure, romance :-), magic, great characters, everything a good fantasy book should have. The books in the Song of the Lioness quartet are my favorite of all her books, and maybe overall (including HP). One person who reviewed here said Alanna was "promiscuious" and Tamora Pierce addresses that issue on her website: www.tamora-pierce.com. Check it out! it has info on SOTL and all of her other books! Please read these! The more Tamora Pierce fans in the world-the better! It just makes it a happier place.

Wonderful...Just Wonderful
The Song of the Lioness quartet is awesome. It got me hooked on the first page. The quartet shows that girls can be great too, that girls are just as strong as boys no matter what other people say. The quartet also points out that if you work hard and pratice you can be great. When Alanna first picked up a sword, she--to put it frankly--stunk. She stumbled and tripped, and then she lost. Then she got up every morning before dawn to pratice and then praticed again late at night. At the end of her page years Alanna could fence with the best of them. The story on the whole is great, but Alanna has a lot of love affairs. It's not in graphic detail but it is hinted at through clever words that get you thinking. There is also an enemy that I thought was scary. (Of course I think a lot of things are scary so you don't have to take that comment too seriously) The book is beautifully written and as soon as you put the first book down you got to read the second, than the third, than finally the conclusion. Of course it isn't the conclusion, Tamora Pierce has written quite a few books with Alanna in them as a minor character. (These books don't contain as much romance) The quartet, I thought, was easy to read and only require about 4 hours per book. (It will be one of the best 16 hours of your life!) You should really buy this book. (If it's your first time reading it, you can check it out from the library, but you should save your time and buy it now. Because once you read it, you will want to read it over and over again!) ... Read more

Book Description

In a time when girls are forbidden to be warriors, Alanna of Trebond wants nothing more than to be knight of the realm of Tortall. So she finds a way to switch places with her brother, Thom. Disguised as a boy, Alanna begins her training as a page at the palace of King Roald. The road to knighthood, as she discovers, is not an easy one. Alanna must master weapons, combat, magic -- and also polite behavior, her temper, and even her own heart. With stubbornness, skill, and daring, she wins the admiration of all around her, and the friendship of Prince Jonathan of Tortall himself. But she also makes an enemy of the prince's uncle, the powerful and charming Duke Roger....

Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, Alanna's first adventure begins -- one that will lead to the fulfillment of her dreams and the magical destiny that will make her a legend in her land. ... Read more

Reviews (497)

One of my favorite Fantasy books
The first Tamora Pierce book that I ever read, this book grabs you and pulls you in. Alanna is a young girl of noble birth, who doesn't want to become a lady. What she wants is to be a knight of the realm, so she switches places with her twin brother Thom, and goes to the Corus, the capital of Tortall. She must dress, talk and act like a boy to avoid being found out. She must overcome many obstacles, her lacking swordmanship, her fear of her gift, and her changing body. She makes friends and enemies, saves lives and does many amazing things. Alanna is a wonderful heroine because she is so human, she has her flaws and her strengths, a temper, but she is fiery and determined all the way. This is a definite MUST READ!

A HELPFUL review!
Ambitious, brave, and bold. That is a pretty good description of Alanna of Trebond. Alanna, the heroine of Alanna, The First Adventure,is a ten year old girl with one huge goal: to become a knight of Tortall. There is also one huge problem: girls are not allowed to become knights. Alanna, however, has a plan. Since she is old enough, she is going to be sent to the convent to learn how to be a lady. Her twin brother, Thom, is going to be sent to the palace to be trained as a knight. Thom hates fighting and wants to be a sorcerer. Alanna loves fighting and is scared of magic. So the twins decide to switch places.

Alanna, The First Adventure is a very well written book. The characters are believable, and the book keeps your attention. One of the especially good things about Tamora Pierce's style is that she gives Alanna her weaknesses and fears like the rest of us. She doesn't just have to concentrate on becoming a knight, she also has to face (unlike some other authors' heros) all of the problems that "tweens" and teens have. Setting the scene is another one of Pierce's talents. I can easily picture the kingdom of Tortall ( the land where most of the book takes place). Pierce has created a whole different world that not many writers could create. The only exceptions I can think of are Patricia C. Wrede, Brian Jaques, C. S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling. Alanna, The First Adventure is not too long or short, (though I find The Realms of the Gods, another of Pierce's books in which Alanna appears, a bit tedious). Of all of Pierce's books that I have read, Alanna, The First Adventure is by far the best.

Pierce's book teaches us a lot of things. It really shows that you can accomplish almost anything if you put your mind to it, but that does not mean it's going to be easy. Actually achieving your goal will usually include hard work and challenges. Alanna is a good role model for pre-teen and teenage girls because of her bravery, ambition, and her "I can do it and I won't depend on others" attitude. Alanna, The First Adventure also makes a few good points, such as the fact that there is such thing as an "honorable thief". It shows that sometimes a few friendships can be better than many, most of the time those few people will be by your side no matter what secrets you posses.

My only complaint about Alanna, The First Adventure is that it seems a bit unlikely that Alanna could manage to keep her sex secret while she is a teen. But other then that, Alanna, The First Adventure is a wonderful fantasy book that I believe many people would benefit from reading.

3 reivews by three 5th grade girls
AC says: "Ok book. Too slow, too much detail. I like the story of the book but don't like how the author wrote it"

AM says: "great book. I like the details, they lead up to the excitement. Good story"

TG says: "very good book. Lots of action. Lots of drama and excitement."

Easy to read for a fifth graders. Might be inapporpriate for younger than a fifth grader.

Has magic, adventure, fighting, immortals, friendship, knights, and lots more.

Perfection
The Lioness Quartet is one of the best series of books I have ever read. It goes on my "special bookshelf" with Harry Potter, Gone With the Wind, and Pride and Prejudice. When I first got these books, I bought them in a series from Amazon, I was about eight or nine and I did not put them down until I was done. Since then I have read and re-read them what seems like a hundred times, and they have the marks to show for it (the second in the series is swollen from being dumped in the tub). For any young girl who loves fantasy this is simply a must-have.

The story follows Alanna of Trebond, a twin, and very much opposed to the sort of life a young noblewoman should have. When the story opens, she and her brother, Thom, are eleven and are being sent off to school by their indifferent father so that they may become a lady and a knight respectively. After a few moments of disgruntled reluctance, the two decide that they will switch places, allowing Alanna to disguise herself as a boy and become a knight in her brother's place, while Thom will head to the convent and train to be a sorcerer.

Thus, Alanna becomes Alan, and aided by an old family friend, the manservant Coram, she embarks upon a completely new journey at the palace in Tortall. At first bullied, or hazed, she soon becomes fast friends with the crown prince, Jonathan, and his close friends. While struggling to maintain her classes, which are made more for pushing the pages and squires to their breaking point, she also has to hide her secret from anyone. Fairly soon on in the book, she makes friends with the King of Thieves, George. As she grows up little by little she also meets the Duke Roger, Jonathan's older cousin and second in line for the throne, after Jon, for whom she has no pleasant feelings and distrusts heartily.

The books is filled with magic and intrigue, romance and history. It has good friends and bad ones, it develops every character beautifully and leaves noq uestions unanswered. And the best of it is that there are three more to read after this one, all as beautiful and clever as the first.

This book was so beautiful and good that simply writing about it makes me want to re-read it. Alanna's friends were so well portrayed they came to be my friends. I can see and smell the castle and fell her pain and understand her struggles. This book should be mandatory for any young girl reader.

Impressive at any age!
I first read this book when I was in 6th grade, and I re-read it several months ago, and it's just as good now as it was then! I'm still impressed with how well written it was. The plot was impressive, and the characters were great! The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that Alanna jumped right into bed with the prince. I understand why it was in the story, but it was a tad cliche. Although in the end, it did add to the story, and make it even better! So all in all, I loved this book, and recommend it to anyone and everyone! ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Trini Alvarado
approx. 5 hours
3 cassettes

This third book in the Song of the Lioness quartet continues Alanna's saga as she strikes out alone and discovers herself anew.

A knight at last, Alanna of Trebond heads out to seek adventure in the desert of Tortall. Captured by desert tribesmen, she is forced to prove herself in a magical duel to the death. But her real challenge doesn't come until after she wins. As the first female shaman, Alanna must fight to change the ancient traditions of the stubborn desert tribes -- for their own sake and for the sake of all Tortall. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Woman Who Rides Like a Man
This book is so cool. Tamora Pierce really knows how to write. I stayed up really late trying to finish it! After I did, I kept reading it over & over again, it was that good! I think I'm on my fifth time now. If you love fantasy, you HAVE to read this book!

Good? No, Great!!
i must say that this is one of my Fav books!! Alana is a Knight, and on Travels!! the book is sooooooooooo good! There is sex in it, but, for thoose who complain, it's no more than an implied sentance!! So, anyway, [don't] deprive your chiled of a good book ... ! ... Read more

Book Description

"I'm not sure I want to be a hero anymore."

Having achieved her dream of becoming the first female knight errant, Alanna of Trebond is not sure what to do next. She has triumphed in countless bloody battles, and her adventures are already legendary. Perhaps being a knight errant is not all that Alanna needs....But Alanna must push her uncertainty aside when she is challenged with the impossible. She must recover the Dominion Jewel, a legendary gem with enormous power for good -- but only in the right hands. And she must work fast. Tortall is in great danger, and Alanna's arch-enemy, Duke Roger, is back -- and more powerful than ever. In this final book of the Song of the Lioness quartet, Alanna discovers through fierce combat and ceaseless searching that she indeed has a future worthy of her mythic past -- both as a warrior and as a woman. ... Read more

Reviews (153)

AMAZING! Ends the series with a BANG!
WOW! I mean really! First of all I'd like to say that this is probably the best series of all time. I love the Alanna's. Tamora Pierce creates the perfect combination of romance, comedy, fantasy and girl power in the series. The characters are believable, likeable and you can feel their emotions, as if they're real and you know them. The whole series is great, but this is my favorite book. Alanna still struggles with trying to prove herself worthy of being a knight, but she gets her glory in the end! It has the return of all the old and familiar characters and the debut of some new ones. Although I didn't like that Alanna just kinda blew off George to go romance with Liam. (...) I was extremely happy how Tamora Pierce ended the series after the some-what letdown of The Woman Who Rides Like A Man. A GREAT READ!

To young readers...
One of my favorite books of all time, hands down. Rip-roaring adventure, fascinating new characters, humor, romance, and a dramatic climax. This is a triumphant end to T. Pierce's great series. Most of the merits of this book have already been outlined here, and in greater detail. The real reason for my review is below, and be warned that it contains spoilers.

In Alanna's choice of George, Pierce illustrates a point that is, unfortunately, lost on most young readers. For my part, I know that when I was 13, the fact that Alanna ended up with George disappointed and escaped me. Over time, a few re-readings, and relationships of my own, however, the ending becomes more and more fitting.

For many years I dated a guy whom I loved with all my heart. Slowly however, I realized what a huge piece of myself I'd given to him. He had fallen for an offbeat, punk chick like myself and couldn't wrap his conservative sensibilities around it. Whenever I spoke in confidence with him about my dreams of being a freelance writer, artist, world-traveler, etc., he became very indignant - because it took time away from being with him.Every Christmas, birthday, etc. I received bland clothes and heaps of jewelery. Like Jon's intentions for Alanna, he wanted me to sit idly through life and be queen of his suburbanite castle, while my deep-seated dreams went by the wayside.

George stood by Alanna, never questioned her, always yielded his support for her adventures and who she wanted to be. Interesting how Jon's status as a prince and Alanna's first love will make young fans skim over and ignore his actions and the asinine things he says to her in book three. Jon is an a$s. They are clearly incompatible. Let go of your old fairytale notions, seek your own independence and a companion who will help you along that journey.

My least favorite of the four
Warning - spoilers ahead!!!!!

I'm sure I'm in the minority but this book was my least favorite of the four. Too many things didn't make sense to me. Why did Alanna's brother bring Roger back from the dead? I know he was arrogant but I find it hard to believe he was that stupid. And Alanna is hardly upset at all! And the old king forgives Roger everything?! After almost killing his beloved wife?! I found that whole plot line frustrating and unbelievable. I also couldn't understand how Alanna could just go riding off when George was having problems with the Claw. Why doesn't she stand by him when he's in such danger? And why doesn't george just "take care of" the Claw - he's a thief for goodness sake and I'm sure he's had to "take care of" many other thieves because of his position. And it doesn't make sense to me that George is more honorable than Alanna, Jon, and the Dragon put together but he is the king of thieves. What's up with that?! His mother is a very good person - how did George end up as a thief? I think the thing that bothered me most was that Alanna rides away from George and Jon and their very serious troubles and never gives it a second thought. What kind of friend/lover is she? She meets up with Liam, is attracted to him, and within a week they are sleeping together. I know she hasn't made any committment to George but it still seems pretty sleazy to me. I would have been much more comfortable with this if George and Alanna had talked about how Alanna wasn't ready for a committment and they should see other people for a while and blah, blah, blah. But George and Alanna left everything very open ended and it seemed to me that Alanna betrayed George with Liam. It bothered me the none of this was ever acknowledged in the book and Alanna NEVER thought anything about how George might feel. Unfortunately, I really lost a lot of respect for Alanna and some for George for putting up with it. Finally, I always loved Faithful and yet we NEVER learn anything about who he really is. Maybe we will learn in another series but I really felt Ms. Pierce should have given the explanation in this book. All in all I was frustrated.

Lioness Quartet Disappointing
Tamora Pierce is so often hailed for her use of strong female characters that I simply had to check this one out. I was greatly disapointed. Tamora Pierce needs to learn that character strength and perfection are not one in the same. How is Alanna, beautiful, talented, and nearly flawless, serve as a good role model for young women? She is simply not a realistic character. Yes she can ride and fight and perform magic better than most men, while at the same time being very beautiful, clever, and likeable. However, her dependance on men throughout the quartet is not a good model for girls to follow, and her inaccessability as a character makes it hard for girls to relate to her. Readers in search of strong female characters will find that strength is found not in beauty, perfection, and a volatile temper but in the realistic characters found in books written by Terry Pratchett, or even JK Rowling, a writer often criticized (even by Pierce herself) for neglecting female characters. Rowling and Pratchett's strong females are in women who are far from perfect in the eyes of society, and yet are able to think clearly and bravely in a crisis. Perhaps Hermione, for example, is not stunningly beautiful and can shoot a bow better than any man, but her independance, strength, and intelligence are better role-models for girls than the unrealistic and slightly promiscuous Alanna.

"Lioness Rampant" Very Disappointing Book
"Lioness Rampant" was the final book of the Alanna of Trebond quartet. I would not recommend this book to anyone because I thought that it was very frustrating and disappointing. The plot line in the beginning of this novel was wonderful, and there were many creative characters that seemed to come to life. Unfortunately, the ending ruined everything.
The entire plot line led up to one final scene at the end where the reader would expect Alanna to fight her ultimate enemy in a one on one battle. Instead the enemy is killed in an anticlimactic scene by his own stupidity, and Alanna loses three of her very close friends in battle. To top it all off, she doesn't marry the man that she had been best friends with since she was 11 and romantically involved with during her older years at the knight school, which I found particularly aggravating.
I am the kind of person who likes a happy ending because I believe that novels are read only for enjoyment, so if sad endings do not bother you, you would probably thoroughly enjoy this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Book 3 of Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Smallsequence, 14-year-old Keladry of Mindelan is ready to begin training as asquire after undergoing four grueling years as the first girl to beofficially educated as a page. Disappointed at first that Lady Alanna(whom we first met in the Song of the Lioness Quartet series) does notchoose her, Kel is delighted when gruff, good-natured, down-to-earth LordRaoul takes her on. The next four years prove to be tough but happy, forthe most part, as Raoul and most of the others in the King's Own (a corpsof 300 men--299 now, plus Kel--that enforces the law and helps localnobles deal with problems such as centaur attacks and forest robberies)treat Kel as an equal. Throughout, Kel is physically and mentallypreparing herself for the final test in the Chamber of the Ordeal, inwhich fourth-year squires must successfully face their greatest fearsbefore becoming knights.

In this sequel to FirstTest: Protector of the Small and Page: Protector of theSmall, Kel continues to be an admirable role model: stoutlyloyal, strong, independent, honest, yet very real in her fears andweaknesses. Romance lurks for the budding adolescent as she develops acrush on one fellow and begins a sweet kissing-only relationship withanother, after a very frank discussion about sex with her mother.Although the buildup to the Ordeal is watered down a bit by Kel'speriodic visits to the Chamber door for a taste of what's to come,overall, this latest in Pierce's series is a rousing tale of chivalry andheroism that any reader will be sorely challenged to put down. (Ages 12and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (188)

"He Looked as Though He'd Lost All Hope of Sunrise..."
Keladry of Mindelin (or "Kel" as she's better known) has finally completed her page training, passed her exams and conquered the ongoing bullying that's plagued her since she first sighed up to become a Lady Knight. Now that she is a squire, she's eager to begin her duties under a knight of the realm - and is shocked and awed when Raoul of Goldenlake offers to take her on. Anyone who has read the "Song of the Lioness" quartet knows how much of a legend he is in Tortall. Soon the two are a close knit-team, as Kel accompanies him to bandit-raided villages and centaur populated lands. Soon she's learning through experience, with the grim realities of living rough and dispensing justice to criminals becoming an everyday occurrence - and there's the same old prejudice against a female squire.

As the book progresses, Kel comes up against many varied obstacles, such as becoming a foster-mother for a baby griffin, accompanying the court on a Grand Progress through the kingdom for the benefit of Prince Roald's fiancée Shinkokami, dealing with her romantic interest in fellow-squire Cleon, and jousting with the many men that challenge her to the competitions. And for those readers that are familiar with how squires ultimately become knights, there is the Ordeal waiting for Kel at the end of the year; something that has already destroyed two young squires...

This third instalment in "Protector of the Small" is an interesting enough read, but there are some problems with the structure of the overall series. Though you could argue that Tamora Pierce is simply following a real-life scenario (and is therefore to be recommended), it feels that often certain plot threads and intrigues are forgotten, or brought to empty conclusions. For instance, one growing subplot involving Kel's crush on her best friend Neal is dropped halfway through the novel. Kel's relationships to her two main nemesis's (Wyldon and Joren of Stone Mountain) are ignored, leaving us feeling as through she's never really managed to triumph over them - and Joren in particular comes to a surprising end. A new rivalry with one of Raoul's servants Lerant begins, but again is dropped midway through the book.

But as I said, these could all be taken as natural and realistic conclusions (after all, real life doesn't work out as neatly as books usually do), and with one more book remaining in the series, there is a chance that Pierce could return to them.

But on to the better things: any one knowledgeable about the community of Tortall will be pleased to know that there are plenty of appearances from older characters, especially Daine and Raoul: Raoul in particular takes centre-stage after Kel herself, and there is a surprising twist concerning him and Buri! Peachblossom, Jump, Lalasa, Neal and Kel's sparrows all return, though have considerably less to do this time around. And you finally discover the identity of Kel's anonymous benefactor is (though you've probably long since guessed!)

"Squire" ends on a note of both hope and foreboding, with a vision granted to Kel that will undoubtedly come into play in the forth and final book "Lady Knight"...

Awesome Book!
THis is the best book in the whole world. It's so good that it stinks. I hated it. I like this book so I give it 1 star. It's good, no wait it's very bad.

Excellent!
Squire is one of my favoritebooks of all time. I think that Tamora Pierce, criticized as she may be, went far beyond what was expected in this book. Especially in the parts with the griffin...he was one of my favorite and least-favorite characters rolled into one. Whoever says this book lacks anything is just picking a fight.

Not What I Expected
Maybe I have no right to say what I am going to say because I haven't read the other books in this series...but after reading this one, I don't want to.

I picked the book up for a $1--hardcover brand spankin' new.I got what I paid for!

I knew it was a children's book and thought it would be a light, fun, easy read.It seems that Kel only starts to really gain character at the end of the novel.At times there are certain things that the author seems to just "write in" the book because the situation she's in will make it easier.For example instead of talking about earlier in the story of training birds to read hand signals, when there is a need for the birds to know hand signals it's very convenient that they already possess this ability and of course Kel trained them before...but when did she have time?When you read the book it tells her daily schedule and never mentions bird training at all!There are lots of loose ends like this throughout the book.Also, it's very unrealistic.Not unrealistic in the fantasy sense...even in a fantasy world it wouldn't happen.Want to know why it wouldn't happen?Because the author does not convince me that this could really happen in another world.I am referring to female squires and knights.The Lord of the Rings is believable because Tolkein can convince me that these things are real.Pierce is not believable.Also, she borrowed too many elements from Japanese culture for the Yamani people or whatever Pierce named those people.Just by calling them a different name doesn't make the things she talked about non-Japanese.How about coming up with something original?The book was okay...just okay.If I had it to do over I wouldn't read it.There were also way too many flat characters that I couldn't keep up with.I would need that dictionary in the back to keep them straight because most of them didn't do anything except show up and say hello and then fade away until their next hello.I really think a lot of the characters were unnecessary.And the bird.... too much like a Phoenix for me.

Squire
Kel's third book details her time as a squire, the only stage left before knighthood. This is such a wonderful book, I'd only blubber completely if I tried to say more.

Kel is finally a squire, and to none other than the legendary Lord Raoul, Commander of the King's Own. The conservatives of the realm think he's gone mad, but Kel quickly proves that she can do so much more than what people expect of her. She also proves herself as a wonderful jouster, surprising many of the arrogant men who challenge her, thinking she is weak. Her wonderful performances soon win her the admiration of many, including Alanna the Lioness and her former training master (if you can call his approval admiration). She also wins the love of Cleon, a long-time friend. In the years leading up to her Ordeal, Kel shows the world that she can be both a wonderful warrior and woman. But, as ever, the infamous Ordeal of Knighthood is looming ahead. Will Kel have survived everything only to fail now?

Intense, romantic, and, of course, all-around amazing. ... Read more

Book Description

Merchant's daughter Trisana Chandler is at the center of this second book of Tamora Pierce's wildly popular Circle if Magic quartet. Tris and her friends from Winding Circle Temple are just learning to control their magic; now they must use it to protect the coast of Emelan from a deadly pirate attack. Tamora Pierce—America's bestselling young adult fantasy writer—narrates this exiting and emotionally stunning recording. ... Read more

Reviews (64)

An excellent follow up!
If you thought Sandry's Book was good, you'll love Tris's Book! If anything, it's far better than the first one, with a lot more stuff happening, and the characters well fleshed out. Still, if it's an action filled fantasy thriller you're looking for, you won't find it here. This is a mainly character driven story without a lot of different things going on at once. Anyway, pirates have begun attacking Winding Circle in the aftermath of the devestating earthquake, while Tris's cousin Aymery appears, with a message from the family who rejected and ignored Tris, begging her to return to the side of her dying father. I won't say anything else to avoid spoiling the story, but trust me, this is a great book, good for kids of all ages, particularly the 9 to 12 age range. Older kids may feel a bit cheated reading a book about a bunch of ten year olds, but the author's skill got me over it quickly and I urge any fan of Tamora Pierce, young or old, to give this series a try.

An Excellent Book
Tris' Book is a book about a girl, who has recently discovered that she has powerful mage power, and her 3 close friends. They live at the Winding Circle Temple, which has recently received damage from an Earthquake. Unsettling things begin to happen, and it becomes clear that something is amiss and danger threatens Winding Circle. The danger comes in the form of Pirates, who are taking advantage of Winding Circle's wounded state. A cousin from the Family that cast Tris out shows up, and advises her to return home, but Tris is fiercly determined to fight for and protect the only place that she has ever felt at home, with her equally powerful friends right beside her.

This book has more action than the first book in the Circle of Magic series, and the ending, in my opinion, is more satisfying. This book allows more exploration of the characters, because introductions do not need to be made, allowing for a greater story line. It is definitely worth your while to read, I quite enjoyed it. I would give it about a 4 and one half star rating, but there is no half so I am giving it 4.

A great continuation!
I found this book was even better than the last one! This book is mostly centered on Tris, the weather witch (hence the title). When pirates attack Winding Circle, the four children are very scared. The pirates definitely have an advantage, and things get quite dangerous. This book definitely has a darker air to it, but it also contains more action and a greater understand of Winding Circle and the young mages' magic.

Overall, I think this book is excellent, and even though I had some doubts about this series after reading Sandry's Circle, they have now vanished. I hope Daja's Book will be as good as, if not more, then Tris's Book.

Tris's Book
Tris's book is the second book in the Circle of Magic series. In this book, a powerful earthquake has destroy parts of the Winding Circle's defenses. Although pirates have not dared attack it for years, they can't help but take advantage of its vunerability. The pirates are led by the pirate queen, Pahua, and her mage brother Enahar. The four young mages, Sandry, Tris, Briar, and Daja, are some of those to witness the pirate new and dangerous weapons--boomstones. These stones can explode a large amount of land and kill hundreds of people. All four mages must use their magics to protect the Winding Circle from invasion. Tris also dicovers what she needs most--control over her powers.

brilliant series by a brilliant author
I have enjoyed all of the books by Tamora Pierce-I especially recommend the Tortall ones-they are most peoples favourites I think. I think that it is a wonderful idea to make then into audio tapes. The plotlines of these books are very interesting, and the strong point is definitely the character development. ... Read more

Book Description

Aly’s adventure continues. . . . No longer a slave, Alanna’s daughter is now spying as part of an underground rebellion against the colonial rulers of the Copper Isles. The people in the rebellion believe that a prophecy in which a new queen will rise up to take the throne is about to be realized. Aly is busy keeping the potential teenage queen and her younger siblings safe, while also keeping her in the dark about her future. But Aly, who is usually adept at anticipating danger and changes, is in for a few nasty surprises. ... Read more

Reviews (55)

A must read with fast paced fighting
This looks like a boring book at first glance but it is everything but that it is fast paced from start to finish and once again Tamora Peirce includes a strong heroine. I believe the cover picture is misleading as it made me think of fashion but the inside is much better.

It's the same old stuff
I do not see anything new in Pierce's general plotline. While reading this book, I lost a severe amount of interest in it. The writing didn't impress me, and I was pushing myself to read this. It got a whole lot better towards the end, though. I'd still recommend this book to any one of Tamora Pierce's fans.

Tamora writes her best yet!
Aly is the most real character Tamora has ever created. She is not all-powerful, like her mother Alanna (who is absolutely amazing in both magic and the fighting arts). You can easily relate to her and her strives.

I finished this book while at the public library. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop from crying openly. This book is pure magic. A country in turmoil, secrets and spies, this book has it all! There is also a faltering romance. This is new for Pierce, and I like the idea of a less-than-perfect relationship.

This is an excellent book, and it does justice (to put it lightly) to it's predecessor, Trickster's Choice.

This is a book you'll quickly fall in love with.

Singer's Review
This, and Trickster's Choice, are two of my favorite books of all time. I loved how Tammy finally came up with a smart and sassy heroine.(though Aly's tied with Kel in my book) I loved all her characters, all of which were rich and thoroghly developed, except for the little kids, but hey, since when have little kids been developed? I personally LOVED Dove, Kyprioth, and Nawat sooo much. Though Aly is the main character, this story really is an ensemble cast with different characters taking over at just the right moment. I believe there's a character in this story that everyone can identify with. Mine's Dove.
This story also presents many twists and turns, many expected and unexpected. I've read some reviews that say this book doesn't deal with morals like the others. I must say I disagree with them. This book deals with plenty of morals, some of which you find reading between the lines. One such moral is finding one's true identity. Even though this doesn't apply to Aly, it does apply to Nawat and to Dove. Another such moral, though it's downplay 'cause the raka are supposed to be good guys, is whether it's ok to slaughter the innocent luarin along with the guilty. Some people say that the raka are strictly "good guys" and the luarin are strictly "bad guys." If you look closely, you'll see that isn't true. There are many luarin who feel for the plight of the raka just as there are many raka willing to, and who do, kill luarin just because.
This book does have brief periods of calm, but they are always quickly overwhelmed by serious bouts of action. I think that this, and TC, are wonderful books that should appeal to girls of all ages and personalities because there are so many different types here. Brave and cunning, quiet yet calculating, passionate and moral-driven, those who want to the right thing but are afraid, those with prejudices who eventually overcome them, and silent but deadly. Those who've read the books know who exactly each description refers to and those who don't should pick up the books and find out for yourselves.

CrAzY CoOl
alright this is one of the best books in my oppinion she has written besides ne of the protector of the small Quartet.it's clever,filled w/suspense and curisity....you just can't wait to see what happens next. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Trini Alvarado
approx. 5 hours
3 cassettes

The second book in The Song of the Lioness quartet.

Disguised as a boy, Alanna of Trebond becomes a squire--to none other than the princes of the realm.But Princes jonathan is much more to Alanna; he is her ally, her best friend, and one of the few who knows that she's really a girl.Now it will take all of Alanna's awesome skill, strength, and growing magical powers to protect him from the mysteriousevil sorcerer who is bent on his destruction—and hers.

Trini Alvarado film credits include Meg in the most recent movie version of Little Women and Helen Ruth in The Babe.She has also appeared on television and the stage.Ms. Alvarado also narrated Alanna: The First Adventure for Listening Library. ... Read more

Reviews (204)

My favorite book Of All Time
In this book, the author, Tamora Pierce, creates an intriguing plot, that grabs your attention and doesn't let go. The main character is quirky, and independent; yet is also perfectly believable and easy to relate to as she is often as confused and emotionally unstable as, well, everybody human. This book is not all action either, it has it's share of romance as well.

The end will leave you hoping for a third book, which there is, although not half as satisfying as the 2nd. But don't let that slow you down, for upon finishing the 3rd, there is a 4th!!! Which, to my opinion is nearly as great as the 2nd. After that there is another series (The Immortals), in which Alanna appears occasionally. And then the latest series (Protector of the Small), which also takes place in Tortall, and includes little snippets of Alanna. Oh, and make sure to read all of the books in the correct order for optimum satisfaction!

Great Read and Reread and reread....
I first read the Song of the Lioness quartet when I was twelve or so, and even now, almost six years later, I keep returning to the series, and, in particular, this book.

This book chronicles Alanna's squire years, from the time she's 15 to when she's 18. Tamora Pierce handles the years sensitively, just as she had with the first book, and doesn't skimp on any of the details of the mid to late teenage years. I'm sure many parents might balk at the idea of the romance (yes, and sex) that comes about, but it is all apart of being a teenager and it's handled tastefully.

The sword fighting and sorcery doesn't stop, either. Alanna has to fight for her sheild, and her kingdom; she speaks with the Goddess and gets a magical pet. She grows into all of her abilities and we get to see her use them.

Although not the greatest literary work, In the Hand of the Goddess is entertaining and fresh, and a perfect peice for the suggested age group... And those of us who enjoy revisiting those years.

In the Hands of the Goddess
Tamora Pierce is an excellent writer. She pulls in the desire of young Alanna, who wants to become the first lady knight in a century. It's easy to relate to the story to your own life. It teachs that if you want to become strong or good at something, you need to practice, practice, practice and that's what Alanna did. Alanna fight with her love of adventuring, and the love of three men, the Shang Warrior, The King, and the King of Thieves.

On the Whole Not That Bad
By the time I was eight I read all the books in my school. By the time I was twelve I read almost all the books in the public library. I was forced like some other out there to re-read books. I have read this series many many times. I am now a teacher, and I am looking to find some of these old books to share with my students. I have not read about "Alan" in about ten or more years. But its one of those books that you can remember. Other teachers (and parents) out there, if you have an advanced students or child, and they have a passion for reading. This is one for them. I am talking about the type of child who reads Gone With The Wind in less then two days, at the age of ten. Children know more then what we give them credit for.

For those of you who are worried about mature content, I wouldn't really worry. If they watch TVs "Friends" or "Buffy", they see the same stuff.

It really is a great series, and one of the first forms of entertainment where a female is in the lead. And not a 1950's type of woman either.

On the whole, its really not that bad.

But; I do have to admit, there are better books out there. War and Peace, Utopia, Plato's Republic to name a few. And there are also worse books out there too.

Great book , but people ruined the series by telling the END
First of all i would like to say "I LOVE HOW MUCH PEOPLE RUINED THIS SERIES FOR ME".I mean seriously you don't need to tell me what happens, I can find out for myself thank you very much. If something happens in the book don't put it in your review.This automaticaly ruins it for people who want to read a story and be stunned by the ending of the series.If you are going to leave a review just summarize the book and DON'T GIVE THE ENDING AWAY.

That being said this is a very good book and it is worth your time. Personally I couldnt put this book down. I stayed up till about 4 in the morning, when I had to get up at 6. This is a very good story but don't waste your time on the last 2.

(P.S) ( It might just be that I am biased but I think that all third installments of series totally [STINK]. And thank you again for ruining it for me.) ... Read more

Book Description

Tamora Pierce brings readers another Tortall adventure! Alianne is the teenage daughter of the famed Alanna, the first lady knight in Tortall. Young Aly follows in the quieter footsteps of her father, however, delighting in the art of spying. When she is captured and sold as a slave to an exiled royal family in the faraway Copper Islands, it is this skill that makes a difference in a world filled with political intrigue, murderous conspiracy, and warring gods. This is the first of two books featuring Alianne.


From the Hardcover edition. ... Read more

Reviews (107)

A wonderful addition!
I've loved Tamora Pierce's books about Alanna, the Lady Knight of Tortall for nearly fifteen years, ever since I picked up her first book, "Alanna: The First Adventure" as a sixth grader. Featuring Aly, Alanna's daughter, "Trickster's Choice" is a wonderful addition to the world that first captured my imagination, full of the delightful details and careful plotting that Tamora Pierce is so skilled at. I loved getting to know Aly and her careful, crafty character as she makes her through the dangerous and unfamiliar land of the Copper Isles, Tortall's unstable neighbor. Aly's adventures introduce a host of interesting new characters, as well as catch the reader up with many beloved characters from Tamora Pierce's other books. I enjoyed "Trickster's Choice," and I can hardly wait for its sequel.

Tamora Pierce, at her best
I have been reading Tamora Pierce for years now. I first picked up the Alanna series when I was about eleven or twelve and I absolutely loved them, I have enjoyed all of her books, Totallan or not.

This is the newest installment in her Tortallan books. The other characters from Tortall include: Daine, Alanna, and Kel. I have read about and loved each of these characters. The newest heroine in Trickster's Choice is Aly, Alanna and George's daughter. Unlike the other heriones Aly as a very noticeable sense of humor, she is more real than the other characters. She makes mistakes, she acts cocky, she loves her mother but gets easily annoyed by her. All of these things make Aly endearing to me. She isn't really good at the physical part of things like the other three heroines were, she uses her mind, her wit, and skill. I really liked the god, Kyprioth, he provides a lot of the humor in the book. I loved catching up on our old friends, Alanna and George, Daine and Numair, and Jonathan and Thayet, it's fun knowing what they're doing now.

I didn't really find this book fitting for the nine to twelve catagory that it's placed in. No there is nothing in it that wouldn't be suitable for that age group but I don't know if kids that young could follow the plot. This is a different kind of book than the rest of Ms. Pierce's collection. It is filled with an intricate plot and a lot of political intruige, I find this book more suitable for 12 and up, they would appreciate the plot more than anyone younger than that.

All in all, this is a wonderful book and a fantastic installment to the rest of the Tortallan series. Now... When does Trickster's Queen come out?

Different, but better!
After I read all the other Tortall books, I wanted to read another great book by Tamora Pierce. When Alianne (Aly) of Pirate's Swoop is forbidden by her father, George Copper, and mother, Alanna the Lioness, to become a spy, she goes on a visit. Befor she gets to her target, she is captured and made a slave (you can see the collar on the cover) in the Copper Isles. After she is sold, a god visits her and makes a deal. If she can keep her master's children alive for the summer, the god will transport her home. Aly works hard to meet her end of the deal. Different from the other Tortall books, I think this one is the best.

Same old, same old
At the risk of perpetuating a very old cliche, I have to say that Pierce's early works were much better. When Pierce first came on the scene, her fiesty heroines and more realistic style were a breath of fresh air, but now she seems to have settled in a rut and content to perpetuate a 'winning' formula, but one that has been overused since she first began writing. That being said, this is certainly a light, well-written book, but one that pales in comparison to the Alanna series.

Be careful what you say, or you'll give yourself away...
First of all, I'd like to offer my congratulations to Ms. Pierce. After years and years of simply awful covers that publishers have slapped onto her books, she has finally been given a decent one. I mean, have you see some of her other covers? I'm not talking about these incredibly cool ones like the one for "Trickster's Choice". I'm talking about the ones created for such classic tales as "Wild Magic" or "Alanna: The First Adventure". Ms. Pierce has paid her bad-cover dues. Now she has truly earned a couple beautiful ones. I admit that much of my attraction to this tale was due to its alluring cover illustration. It was just my own good luck that the story inside was wonderfully gripping and well written as well.

This book follows Pierce's "Lioness Quartet", a series of books that centered on the lady knight Alanna. In "Trickster's Choice", Aly (Alanna's daughter) is now the center and focus. Aly is the daughter of a famous knight and a famous spy. Both her parents are fighters by nature, but somehow they just can't get it through their heads that all their sixteen-year-old daughter wants to do is become spy like her dad. When Alanna decides that her daughter has become too bull-headed about the matter, Aly takes off on a small adventure of her own. She gets more than she bargained for, however, when her boat is captured by pirates and she is sold as a slave to a foreign noble family. The fact that she has winded up with this particular group of nobles is no accident, however. The trickster god Kyprioth is determined to use Aly's spy skills to protect the family's children, whatever the cost. Before she knows it, Aly is caught up in court intrigues and a political battle between the dark skinned raka and their white skinned luarin oppressors.

I wanted to read my first Tamora Pierce book without having to read through all her previous novels. So I picked up "Trickster's Choice" and hoped for the best. As it happens, you don't necessarily need to have read its predecessors, though it certainly couldn't hurt. Pierce is fond of explaining all past activities and events in such a way that even a person beginning with this book (like myself) catches up easily. Admittedly, I was disappointed with her decision to continually comment on characters and events that had little to no bearing on the current plot. Still, these moments mostly came at the beginning of the book. If you can get through three chapters of this story you'll be successfully hooked and ready to read on.

As for the book itself, it's excellent. I was amazed to find it a wonderful spy novel. Forget Modesty Blaise and Emma Peal; Aly is the best female spy I've encountered in a long time. Pierce has a way of making her quick on her feet without rendering her perfect or flawless. She is mature for her sixteen years but very much the teenager. She's smart as a whip but incredibly funny and endowed with an excellent sense of humor. Maybe it was this humor that made me greatly prefer her to her well meaning but laughless mother. Tamora Pierce has a website dedicated to, what she calls, "sheroes". Aly is a worthy addition to this particular feminist genre. I even liked her choice of mate. Rarely do I ever understand the male heartthrobs in teen girl novels. But Aly's fella is not only adorable but danged sexy to boot. And I loved that though Aly was a fighter, she was by no means invincible. When Aly fights she does so to the best of her abilities. She's Buffy without the super powers, this one.

I was pleased to see that the sequel to this book, "Trickster's Queen", is available and promises to be just as good. If you've any interest in reading about a gal who outwits nobles and gods and is the companion of crows, this might be just the book for you. It's a great tale and one worth reading again and again. If you're tired of books in which the girls gossip and giggle, cleanse your palate with a little "Trickster's Choice". You're hardly gonna find action, humor, and great writing as easily anywhere else. ... Read more

Book Description

When Daja was cast out of the Trader community, she made her own family with her fellow mages-in-training. But when danger faces the Traders, it is up to Daja to save the people who turned her away. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Spectacular Book
I absoluteley adore this book along with all the other books in this series. I love this one most of all. It is great!

Its pretty good...
Daja's book, by Tamora Peirce, is a series of three books. The other two books to this series are Sandry's Book and Tris's Book. Daja's Book is made for intermediate readers due to magic phrases and terms, which are sometimes hard to understand. This is a story about Daja, her friends, and teachers going to a town to help out. With Daja and her two friends having problems with their magic and the forest fire nearby, they have a handful to deal with. That handful might be just too much for the three teens. Fires blare across the lands and inch closer to what three young teens learn to call home. Droughts cover the land, but yet a glacier, with running water underneath, still thrives close by. How can that be in the magic world? Daja, Tris and Briar, three young teens who are still awaiting their almighty purpose in life, are looking to help out. Their magic, yet separate, works as one. The novel walks the reader through their assignment of helping a village, that for the time being, they learn to call home. The want to go to their real home thrives hard, but the need to help still overpowers.

Yet another excellent addition to the series!
After Winding Circle got rid of the pirates, the four young mages, their teachers, and Duke Vedris (Sandry's uncle), are headed to Gold Ridge. A drought in this part of the country has caused many problems, and grassfires are now burning constantly. While they are there, Daja has been assigned to make nails. However, something goes wrong and she accidentally creates a magical iron vine that grows just like a normal plant. Upon seeing such a creation, one of the Traders wants to buy it off Daja, yet this Trader refuses to speak to Daja because she is Trangshi. During her encounters with Traders at Gold Ridge, Daja starts to yearn for the life she used to have. Finally, she is given a choice: she must either return to Winding Circle with her "new" family, or stay with the Traders.

This book is a very good read and definitely has a lot of action going on. However, I didn't like it as much as Tris's Book because I found some passages about magic confusing. Overall though, I think it is a great read and we get to know more about each character's personality, especially the teachers.

Not too impressed so far...
This is my first book from this author, and I don't know why, but I just didn't like it.I thought that there really wasn't a good "struggle" in this book, the writing was not as descriptive as other authors' writing, and the characters did not seem as developed.Just an opinion.

Daja's Book
In Daja's book, forest fires threaten them all.Daja learns how to make a new kind of metal called living metal.She meets a Trader for the first time after she became a tragshi.This meeting makes her realize just how much of an outcast she is ever since her family drowned.The Traders offer a high price for her to sell them living metal.She decides to sell it to them.When the Traders are trapped by a forest fire, Daja saves them, even though they treated her unfairly.Daja learns to make living metal and realizes who her real family is. ... Read more

Book Description

Unabridged, multi-voiced recording.Read by the author and the Full Cast Family.Briar Moss and his fellow mages-in-training Sandry, Tris, and Daja, have faced earthquakes, pirates, and fire.But their greatest challenge is still ahead.It comes in the unexpected form of a disease, a devestating plague that is ravaging the citizens of Emelan.

Soon the four youngsters are enlisted in the city's desperate attempt to find a cure, an effort that will require all their courage and all their skill, magical, and otherwise. But the source of the plague is stranger than anyone has guessed--and the courage that will be required of Briar before all is ended will be even greater than anyone could have imagined.

Join Tamora Pierce as she leads the Full Cast Family in this thrilling and emotionally stunning recording of the triumphant conclusion to her beloved CIRCLE OF MAGIC quartet. ... Read more

Book Description

Protector of the Small #4

Keladry of Mindelan has finally achieved her life-long dream of being a knight. But it’s not turning out as she imagined at all. With the land of Tortall at war with the Scanrans, she has been assigned to oversee a refugee camp. But Kel has had a vision in the Chamber–a vision of the man behind the horrific battle machines that her fellow knights and friends are now fighting without her. She is torn between a duty she has sworn and a quest that she feels could turn the tide of the war. . . . ... Read more

Reviews (91)

More to come
Okay, so Kel doesn't have a major romance here, and the ending seems a little flat, but the villain is actually more realistic than most. He's a small man that does big (and terrible) things. Most thugs are. And I think there is still another Kel book in the wings. Pierce has hinted as such, and the way this book ends with so much left unanswered seems to promise more in the future. And to be honest, I find I like Kel more and more the more and more I read. She's a very normal girl. Not in the girl-next-door or everyman way touted by Hollywood, but in the sense that she doesn't have any abilities that a normal girl in our world couldn't have. Not to mention she much more personable than Pierce's characters usually are. We love our loners like Alanna and Daine, but a team player like Kel is a nice change. Being a leader instead of a hero isn't exactly the norm for fantasy genre protaganists, and to have that "Captain of the Gaurds" sort of figure as more than an interesting bit character makes for a more "realistic" feel to the storytelling. While there's still plenty of magic and Tortallian references for us old timers, there's also the feeling that with a few tweaks you could put Kel in the Red Cross and have her refugees be from Eastern Europe rather than Norther Tortall without skipping a beat. Classic Pierce with some fresh twists.

Just What I Was Hoping For
I was waiting for what seemed like years for the fourth and final book of Kel's series to finally come out, and when I got it, I read it in two days. It's a thrilling, gripping ending to an amazing series.

Kel has finally gotten her shield, and she's sent with all the knights of the realm to the northern border to fight in the war against Scanra. But she's disappointed when she's put in command of a refugee camp instead of getting to fight and go on her personal quest to find the maker of the horrible machines being sent against Tortall. But she does what she's told, just like the Kel we know.

I was very pleased when Tamora Pierce got rid of Cleon, who I didn't like. I missed her usual romance in this book, but it did seem like Kel to not want a lover. Although I'm thinking about Dom...

I was also happy to find that all the characters that had seemingly been forgotten in the third book appeared again, like Neal, Owen, and her other year-mates. I loved all the new characters in this book, like Kel's servant boy Tobe, and the refugees she had to take care of. There was a lot of adventure and fighting in this book, but just enough to make you love it. And everything was done in a humorous and realistic way.

Kel acted just like herself in this book, which really made up for the mistakes in the third book. This is definitely a worthwhile read. This is my favorite of all of Tamora's series, and she's my favorite author. This is a must-read, and once you pick it up, you can't put it down.

Wierd
I don't get it why Kel dosen't have an inch of magic when Alanna and Daine have it. Daine is a Wilmage. Alanna is in the hand of the Goddess and has the healing gift.

Kel achieved her goal!
This is about the strong believer if her dreams. Kel is the 2nd lady knight that has been through the fantastic adventures of fantasy with Tamora Pierce. Protector of the Smallis a series in which Tamora Pierce creates a girl ( Kelandry of Mindelan)who's biggest dream is to become a Lady Knight. Kel enters the chamber of ordeal which shows her her destiny to save the children of a terrible fate in which Blayce (the nothing man) makes killig devices out of the children's spirits for the Warlord of Scanra (King Maggur)to destroy Tortall. Kel should have married Domitan of Masobelle(Neal's cousin who calls him Meathead because he is so stubborn) because he is nice and has a good sense of humor. Alanna the lioness should have married Jonathan.