Lady Knight Protector of the Small :: Education by Design Store

Customer Reviews

Trading off quality writing for quality story-telling?

2007-06-29
Tamora Pierce's first two books were obviously written by someone who didn't quite know their style yet. The "Lioness" quartet isn't written spectacularly, but the story is interesting and catchy, and the characters and action are enough to keep readers going. While perhaps the second two books of this first quartet weren't as good (slightly slower, unfortunately), they were still enjoyable. The same applies to the better "Immortals" quartet. In the "Immortals" quartet, the writing is better, but the stories are new, original, and interesting. Fun, still.

Then we hit Kel and the "Protector of the Small" quartet of Tortall. All seemed nice and dandy, right? Well, not exactly. "First Test" was reasonable enough, but Kel is an incredibly flat character. What made the Lioness quartet so fun was that Alanna was a kick-[...] character. She felt wholly real, with her temper, her personality, and her MISTAKES. Kel is just bland, flat, and picture-perfect. Pierce created the character she wanted, not the sort of character that would actually exist.

But it was still fun. Enjoyable, that is. "Page" was cool, "Squire" was awesome and incredible, but then we hit the finale. This book, "Lady Knight". Pierce generally falls with her finales. As a general thing, her stories are mostly predictable and run-of-the-mill, and she seems to run out of ideas once she hits the end. Here's an example of that.

I loved "Squire", and then I read this. It was a disappointment, certainly, but not only that. It was boring. It was dull. It's the sort of book that's only worth rereading for the sake of NOT DOING something else. It's not the sort of thing you go back to because you loved the story and the characters. Kel was just as flat, just as predictable, and just plain dull throughout this book. What made "Squire" and "Page" so interesting was everything AROUND Kel - meaning, her friends, her surroundings, her enemies. They were who made the story what it was. Here? It's just slow action that moves at a pace similar to a grandmother turtle.

Obviously, anyone who has read "Squire" and the other books in the "Protector of the Small" series will want to read this to finish it off. Really, I figure this won't actually scare away most of Tamora Pierce's girl-based fanclub, but I figure people should know what they're getting into.

TO SUM THIS UP: "Lady Knight" was where it became clear that while Pierce can now write well, perhaps her imagination is failing her. With nothing interesting here, it seems that she has forsaken quality story-telling for quality writing. This doesn't have a particularly interesting story-line, it moves slowly, and the cool characters from days ago are simply side-men now. This doesn't live up to previous books. In the meantime, I'll go back and reread "In the Hand of the Goddess".

Excellent Tortall series that makes me hunger for more

2007-04-28
My only disappointment with this book is that I have no more Tortall series to read.

I read Allana's & The Immortals series about 5 years ago, and for reason I had decided not to read the Protector of the Small. BIG MISTAKE!!! I've recently bought all the books and litteraly ate them up in a couple days.

I've enjoyed this quartet just as much, if not more, as I enjoyed reading The Long of the Lioness & the Immortals.

P.S. I`m a 30 years old male, these books aren't just for young readers ;P

Excellent book!

2007-04-08
This book is fantastic, for more information, read other reviews. For all you wondering whether this is the last you read of Kel, it sounds like its not. I was at a event in Corvallis, OR, yesterday and Tamora Pierce said that she was considering a book about Kel when she is done with the six or more books currently scheduled. This information will likely change, but it gives us some hope, since there were many people who wanted to hear her response to that question, given the cheers when she announced the idea.

Keladry of Mindelan is now a knight!

2007-04-01
Keladry of Mindelan, having achieved her goal of becoming a knight is disappointed at how things are turning out. The war between Tortall and Scanran is growing and before Kel knows it Lord Wyldon is assigning her to a refugee camp where she will lead it and take charge. Kel doesn't want to at all. She wants to be in the battle where she is truly needed but Wyldon disagrees and in the end Keladry goes to the refugee camp.

But Kel does not want to be there. In her Ordeal, it told her to go after a man named Blayce who is killing children in order to make killing machines that are tearing Tortall apart. What to do?

Read 'Lady Knight'! It's a great ending to a great series.

A rousing finale - Kel is my favorite Tamora Pierce character

2007-01-13
Tamora Pierce just keeps on putting out very readable books! LADY KNIGHT, at over 400 pages, is a rousing climax to the Protector of the Small series. Matter of fact, this is the book where Keladry of Mindelan first begins to be dubbed the Protector of the Small, much to her annoyance. LADY KNIGHT opens with Kel having finally achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a knight. Just in time, too, as things have gotten even more grim for her beloved magical kingdom of Tortall. At the end of SQUIRE, in her time in the Chamber of Ordeal, she was given a vision of her true enemy, the necromancer Blayce, also called the Nothing Man, who toils for Scanra and crafts murderous machines empowered by the souls of slain children. Kel now feels that the disposal of Blayce is her uppermost purpose and resolves to take care of business. But, things are never that simple...especially if you're a dutiful knight.

SPOILERS ALERT. As LADY KNIGHT begins, the kingdom of Tortall is now at full-fledged war with Scanra. The 18-year-old Kel is itching to get into the fray and seek out her quarry Blayce, but she's stymied by Lord Wyldon, her former training master and now her commander, who instead frustratingly assigns her to head up a refugee camp. There, chafing under the collar of duty, Kel faces the tricky challenges of leadership as, from the get-go, she must make an impression and think on her feet. Posted to the same camp are her old friends Neal and Merric, who stand by her, as always. But, still, Kel chafes to get away and find the Nothing Man, feeling that time is running out, even though the Chamber of Ordeal had promised her that, in due time, her path and that of Blayce will cross...

The preceding novel SQUIRE offered up a more serious undercurrent than the first two entries, FIRST TEST and PAGE. LADY KNIGHT's story contains an even bigger scope and is as somber in undertone as in SQUIRE (though there are still ample playful moments); there's a sense of big, significant events encompassing Kel's personal universe. Kel begins her knighthood under the shadow of war, a dark theme from which Tamora Pierce doesn't shirk in realistically depicting (or as realistically possible in a fantasy setting). Really, the maturity level required to navigate thru this story is a bit more advanced than 8 or 9 years of age. Pierce, in the afterword, admits she was influenced somewhat by the events of September 11, as evinced by her grim narration of certain passages chronicling Kel's return to her refugee camp Haven, only to find that the camp had been attacked and her people murdered or taken. Kel is met with difficult adult choices here as she must choose between her orders and doing what's right, between what constitutes proper knightly conduct versus doing one's bit for the war effort, no matter how dishonorable.

LADY KNIGHT does come with plenty of action-packed combat skirmishes, but the first half of the book intriguingly focuses more on Kel's coming to grips with her undesired posting, as well as on her leadership methods and problem solving skills. Throughout this novel, Kel's ability to command is placed at the forefront as she puts to good use all the education she'd received from her training master Lord Wyldon and her knight master Lord Raoul.

Pierce does a good job of fleshing out enough of the refugee camp's populace, so that you do come to care what happens to them. But the most interesting new character introduced here is Tobe, Kel's new squire in effect. Tobe, a formerly mistreated young boy who can communicate with horses and who's imbued with a fierce loyalty and innate common sense, very quickly makes himself indispensable to Kel. Too, Kel's familiar cast of friends show up for the last encore, with an empathic cameo by Numair.

As good as LADY KNIGHT is, I do feel there are two negatives about it. One, Kel's blossoming romance with Cleon (see SQUIRE) is resolved in too abrupt a manner early in the story. Two, events do fall too easily into place for Kel, as several coincidences serve to fortuitously work in her favor (as when Kel decides to go it alone to rescue her kidnapped charges, and her friends, one group after another, manage to shortly conveniently turn up).

Everything else about the book is gold. As I've said, it's action packed. There's enough magical sequences thrown in to satisfy the fantasy fan. In terms of substance and emotional growth, LADY KNIGHT is richer as Kel and company are challenged as never before in the midst of war. This book will read like a flash, thanks to the author's engaging narrative touch and her well-written, straightforward prose. Tamora Pierce simply excels at emphasizing the values of friendship, steadfast loyalty, and unswerving determination. Kel embodies female self-empowerment and exudes a never give up attitude. Simply put, Keladry of Mindelan is a great role model not only for girls but for everyone. I really wish Tamora Pierce would write more stories about her.

Book - not really for 8 year olds.. but good otherwise!!!

2007-01-06
In the final thrilling installment of Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small series ( First Test, Page, and Squire), our sturdy young heroine, Keladry of Mindelan (a.k.a. Kel), has finally been knighted. Never one to rest on her laurels, Kel champs at the bit, ready to tackle the horrific magic killing devices she was shown in the Chamber of the Ordeal during her knighthood initiation. The huge, insectlike machines, "made of iron-coated giants' bones, chains, pulleys, dagger-fingers and -toes, and a long whiplike tail," feed on the souls of dead children and are systematically killing off the citizens and warriors of Tortall.

Thoroughly disgusted to discover that not only is she not going to be assigned a combat post, but she has been placed in charge of a refugee camp instead, Kel, in her usual noble, stoic way, swallows her disappointment and sets out being the best refugee camp commander possible. Of course, destiny has a way of sneaking up on a young woman like Kel, and soon she is fulfilling the ordeal the Chamber set out for her... and then some.

Tamora Pierce once again draws her legions of fans into her story, blending humor, pathos, exhilarating battles, and gripping drama with a very real, very appealing protagonist. It's easy to make war appear black and white, a matter of good versus evil. Pierce finds the shades of gray. (Ages 12 and older) --Emilie Coulter

Not an appropriate book for tween-aged children 2007-01-02
My husband bought this series thinking that it would be a good book for our 8 year-old who is a voracious reader and is very capable of reading this level book. There was no suggested reader age on the back, but after a quick scan of the book and the cover it seemed appropriate. Looks can be deceiving, however. Half way through the third book, my daughter began to ask what it means to "bed a man" after reading:

"Kel visited her mother. They talked about lovers and pregnancy, how these things happened, and how important it was to decide if she wanted children when she chose to bed a man".

There were also refrences to "slum wench" and rape. There were several pages talking about long passionate kisses:

"His grip on her fingers got tighter, the stops in alleys and corners for kisses more frequent, as the afternoon wore on...They found one last doorway. Wrapping their arms around each other, they kissed long and hard. Kel felt Cleon's heart beating against his ribs. She clung to him with all her strength as he clung back. A street boy saw them and chanted obscene rhymes until they seperated..."

Needless to say, our daughter will not be finishing this book, the series or any other Tamora Pierce books. Amazon rates this for 12 years and up, but I think even that is too young. Apparently, we cannot rely on authors to use common sense and good conscience when writing, designing and marketing to children. I think we need children's books to be rated like our movies and records so that parents can make better choices in choosing books for their children.

Excitement galore! 2006-11-26
Some people I've seen on recent reviews have said this book was a disappointing read or that it didn't get them hooked but I really do have to disagree with their opinions. In this book Kelandry of Mindelin has finally achieved her goal and dream of becoming the second lady knight. Tortall is at war with Scanran and things are getting pretty chaotic. Kel despiretley wants to fight in the war with her other friends and defend her country but her former instructor Sir Wyldon has other plans. He wants Kelandry to be head of a fort to help people in need. Most likely there would be no action nor excitement but no matter how hard Kel tries to reason with Wyldon she ends up going anyway. As this is happening to her the chamber of ordeal which she has gotten out of alive recentley has been sending her messages in her sleep of a man with killing devices taking small children. Can Kel break the rules and listen to the Ordeal or will she be a 'good girl' and do her duty. Read LADY KNIGHT!
-Hannah M.

In Between.... 2006-11-07
I can hardly believe this is Tamora Pierce's! What happened to Cleon? Maybe Kel doesn't have to "end up" with someone at eighteen, but it would have been nice to know that she would not have ended up an old maid. I didn't like the violence, partially because it happens too much in OUR world- why stuff it into books, too? But all in all, a good book with a surprising ending, most definitely.

"I Told You She Would Come, the Protector of the Small..." 2006-06-02
Finally, Keladry of Mindelin ("Kel" to her friends) has completed her training and been dubbed Lady Knight of Tortall in this final installment of "The Protector of the Small" quartet. She's conquered bullies, prejudice, kidnappings, skirmishes, the scepticism of Lord Wyldon, and the terrifying Ordeal; the chamber that all squires must endure if they are to be knighted. She's all ready to throw her weight into the Scanran War, especially considering the vision that the Chamber of Ordeal granted her: Kel knows the identity and appearance of the man who is behind the monstrous killing machines that have been plaguing her people. Made from the iron-covered bones of giants and geared by the trapped spirits of children, the terrible machines are creating severe losses for Tortall and Kel is eager to be rid of them once and for all.

But her superiors have other ideas, and Kel has readied herself for battle...only to be told that she is instead the commander of a fort of refugees fleeing the borderlands. Kel is bitterly disappointed (not realising that it is the highest compliment possible for her leadership skills), but in typical Kel style she takes the position with the determination to do the best job possible. Calling her new outpost Haven, she begins the process of leading the people therein with the division of tasks, the resolving of arguments, the training of civilians and the defence of the fort. She's got her work cut out for her, as some are still not convinced that a *female* can properly do the job (though this feminist slant is lessoned in this final installment, and in fact most people seem to contest her youth rather than her gender).

But when disaster strikes, Kel faces her most serious decision yet: to obey orders, or to desert the army in order to save the lives she swore to protect - an act of treason that could have her exiled from Tortall, and an act that will lead her straight to the necromancer behind the torturous war-machines...

As a character, Kel is an interesting specimen - an ordinary girl who does extraordinary things. Unlike Pierce's previous heroines, Kel has no magical powers at her disposal - only her own wit, intelligence and physique. She's not beautiful, nor is she interested in anything beyond performing her duty, and (for me personally) it took me a while to warm up to her throughout the course of the series, and if I was to meet someone like her in real life, I'm not entirely sure we'd become friends. I admired Kel, but I just couldn't like her in the some way I liked Daine or Alanna, nor become as involved in her story as I was with "The Song of the Lioness" and "The Immortals" quartet. However, it is in this utter ordinariness that Kel finds her greatness as a role model and female heroine.

When faced with a crisis, she is calm. When faced with a difficult decision, she does the right thing. And (most importantly) in the face of insult and abuse, she takes it both patiently and stoically. I've read countless stories in which "strong heroines" handle slurs against them by retaliating or withdrawing; but Kel's reactions to other people whether they be friend or foe is undisputedly *right*. Quite simply, she's a fantastic role-model - even more so that Daine and Alanna; what with her commitment, loyalty, discipline, dogged determination, refusal to hold a grudge and seemingly effortless techniques of handling difficult people with courtesy and respect, yet with an iron will behind her polite words. Thank God for Kel.

Once again, loyal readers will be treated to visits from characters that appeared in previous books, both in this series and earlier ones. All of Kel's friends are back: Neal, Dom, Seaver, Owen, Merric, as well as her animal companions Jump and Peachblossom. The protagonists of the previous Pierce quartet, Daine and Numair, have a large part to play in the protection of Haven, and others such as Alanna, Raoul, Buri, and Prince Roald appear briefly. The romance between Kel and Cleon is brought to a bittersweet conclusion, and we get a satisfactory send-off for Lord Wyldon (Kel's first antagonist in her goal to become a Lady Knight), but sadly there is nothing but a quick mention of Kel's gentle maid Lalasa.

To compensate, there is a huge cast of characters to be found in the residents of Haven, whose presence makes up the very core of the book. Kel's dealings with the temperamental refugees and the relationships she forms with them is crucial to the decision she will come to make, and Pierce does an excellent job of creating the small community with all its flaws and endearments. However, I felt that Kel won over the fort's people a little too easily (with only small contestation from a nobleman who garners no respect from anyone around him anyway), especially in the case of convicts. These hardened criminals would seem to be the most daunting challenge for Kel, and yet they offer her no resistance whatsoever - in fact she gets the most grief from a middle-aged commoner woman! The lack of any clear mistrust of the part of the civilians, or chance for Kel to prove herself to them and win their respect was an odd exclusion from the book's plotting.

Also slightly dodgy was Kel's `adoption' of a young boy named Tobe that she frees from slavery and enlists in her own (much more benevolent) service. It is typical Kel-style to pick up strays on her travels, and it's a reoccurring theme throughout her story that once Kel rescues somebody, she is rewarded with their devoted service in gratitude (the sparrows, Lalasa, Jump, Owen). This is something that Kel has experienced without fail in all her dealings with the less-fortunate, but I couldn't help but feel that in real life, not every good deed is rewarded with a new devotee. A change in the system would have been interesting, so although Tobe is a marvellously loveable character, I felt the relationship between him and Kel was a little trite (and I couldn't help but feel that Kel was building up her own fan-club).

A surprising amount of debate has raged over Kel's love interest - or more to the point, her lack thereof. Pierce teases us a little, what with mentions of Kel's attraction to certain members of the opposite sex, but ultimately gives no clear answers on what Kel's love-life has in store. And for this, I applaud her. Kel's main goal throughout the quartet has always focused on her knighthood, with any romantic interludes firmly placed as subplots, a refreshing change from other novels in which a female's adventures are decidedly marked by her love-interest. I wonder why is it so important to so many readers that Kel "end up" with someone by the end of the novel? Kel herself thinks that love and marriage would only get in the way of her true passion: protecting those in need. Girls, you don't need to land a boyfriend in the course of your adventures to make the trip worthwhile.

"Lady Knight" is a fitting end to the "Protector of the Small" quartet, with Kel meeting all her goals for the future, becoming a hero in her own right, and realising that the only person she had to prove herself to was herself.