Page: Book 2 of the Protector of the Small Quartet

Tamora Pierce writes for young women, sometimes ham-handedly so (when one of her books goes into birth control or periods it can feel a bit "Children's Show Character Says," but I'll not deny it's good that the books go there), and sometimes to the point of hammering the issues in a little too hard. But the stories and characters are fantastic and memorable, and "Page" is a pretty interesting one.This book came out around the time of the Harry Potter craze and the resulting shifts in children's/young-adult literature conventions. The comparison between this and the previous book are pretty stark as a result: "Page" reads much more like a traditional novel, whereas "First Test" was still hovering in that middle-ground between episodic writing and chapter-by-chapter story progression. As a result, "Page"—and all of the books that follow—spreads its wings more in terms of what it does with its storytelling, how it approaches the-story-growing-with-the-reader and what that means for the subject matter."Protector of the Small" as a series, however, is far less bombastic in its fantasy-adventure elements than the earlier Tortall books. Oh, all of that stuff is *there,* but the focus is much more down-to-earth, with Keladry of Mindelan being a more down-to-earth protagonist to fit the tone. This makes it, I feel, as easy to appreciate as a grown reader as a young one: the themes and subject matter are quite mature even if the characters aren't always. Schoolyard villain Joren of Stone Mountain is nicely contrasted in his hateful bigotry from the inflexible yet sensible conservatism of the ultimately-honorable Wyldon of Cavall, and while the series has previously involved world-shaking events and quests to determine the fate of the world, this series keeps it real with the focus being on the concept of nobility and how different nobles treat those of "lesser" station, and the realities of political conflict in the setting. It's a very low-key counterpoint to the relatively bombastic "Song of the Lioness" in that way.

I almost wrote "for young adults" in the title for this review, because it is a great series for them, but I also think it's a great series for adults. One of the many things that I like about Pierce's characters is their humanity: they have flaws, they work hard to overcome difficulties, and they don't always succeed--at first; but they do learn, they do persist and they do grow. In this series, Kel, has come to the palace to learn how to become a knight. Although there has been one other woman who has succeeded, she still faces many hurdles--often from those who are training her, as well as those training with her. This book covers the second and third years of that preparation, including battles with bandits and with beings from the Immortal Realm who threaten the kingdom. Pierce's writing is great: her characters are vibrant, the plot is exciting, and the setting is marvelous! Grab the first book and read it. Then grab this one and read it too!

Since I gave "First Test" 5 stars, I really need 6 for this one. It's even better! The second book in the Protector of the Small series, "Page" covers Keladry's last three years as a page in knighthood-training school. We meet several new characters: Lalasa, Kel's maid, whom Kel hires in order to protect her from ill treatment by others; Owen, the young page whose favorite word is "jolly"; and a new animal friend (in addition to Kel's cranky yet loyal horse, Peachblossom, and her helpful flock of sparrows), the faithful dog Jump. Kel continues to stand up to bullies and works to conquer her fear of heights. Her mysterious benefactor bestows more gifts on her. Keladry of Mindelan is an admirable and likable heroine, and in this book she shows her courage, resourcefulness and leadership ability. If you haven't read the two previous Tortallan series, The Song of the Lioness Quartet and The Immortals, don't delay! These are all well-written, exciting, fun fantasies that can be enjoyed by both young readers and grown-ups.

Tamora is a great author her books always make me feel as though I am right there in the book

Ein junges Mädchen verfolgt ihren Traum Ritter zu werden und trotzt allen Widrigkeiten.In den Büchern um Kel wirdihre Geschichte und ihr Werdegang zu Ritter begleitet.

So happy with my purchase

Fantastic series, not just for kids. Best read in order

good