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  • First Test

  • The Protector of the Small Quartet, Book 1
  • By: Tamora Pierce
  • Narrated by: Sarah Ovens
  • Length: 5 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (58 ratings)
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First Test cover art

First Test

By: Tamora Pierce
Narrated by: Sarah Ovens
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Summary

Kel will not allow this first test to be her last.

The adventure begins in the New York Times best-selling series from the fantasy author who is a legend herself: Tamora Pierce.

A powerful classic that is more timely than ever, the Protector of the Small series is about smashing the ceilings others place above you.

Keladry of Mindelan is the first girl who dares to take advantage of the new rule in Tortall that allows females to train for knighthood. After years in the Yamani Islands, she knows that women can be warriors, and now that she’s returned home, Kel is determined to achieve her goal. She believes she is ready for the traditional hazing and grueling schedule of a page. But standing in Kel’s way is Lord Wyldon. The training master is dead set against girls becoming knights. He says she must pass a one-year trial that no male page has ever had to endure. It’s just one more way to separate Kel from her fellow trainees. But she is not to be underestimated. She will fight to succeed, even when the test is unfair.

In a landmark quartet published years before its time, Kel must prove herself twice as good as her male peers just to be thought equal. A series that touches on questions of courage, friendship, a humane perspective - told against a backdrop of a magical, action-packed fantasy adventure.

©2019 Tamora Pierce (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Tamora Pierce didn’t just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Pierce is the real lioness, and we’re all just running to keep pace." (Leigh Bardugo, number one New York Times best-selling author)

"Tamora Pierce creates epic worlds populated by girls and women of bravery, heart, and strength. Her work inspired a generation of writers and continues to inspire us." (Holly Black, number one New York Times best-selling author)

"Tamora Pierce’s books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. Her complex, unforgettable heroines and vibrant, intricate worlds blazed a trail for young adult fantasy - and I get to write what I love today because of the path she forged throughout her career. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration." (Sarah J. Maas, number one New York Times best-selling author) 

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adventure courage and honour for a young lady page

Kel's story follows Daine's as the 1st female noble to enter knight training in Tortall. a super story and read well.

was a childhood favourite of mine, is still a superbly written story. on to the next one! 😊

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4.5/5

An old favourite from my younger days. Follow Keladry of Mindelan as she embarks on her journey to knighthood, encountering monster such as misogyny, sexism and resistance to change.

- My inner child squealed with delight when I started listening to this book. I read this quartet religiously as a kid and teenager and it was always so comforting. Listening to it was like coming home.

- The book is definitely meant for a younger audience but doesn't hold back on the central themes. However, it really portrays well how Kel overcomes the various hurdles in her way and shows that the less trodden path isn't necessarily the wrong one.

- This is the first time I've consumed the book in audiobook form and it was great. My only gripe was occasionally words had slightly different pronunciations from what I had assumed from reading the physical books and it did bring me out of the story.

Great for kids out there who are following paths that challenge gender and social stereotypes. This book and series informed a lot of who I am today and I highly recommend it for kids from about 8-10 years onwards.

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