Book 1

First Test

by Tamora Pierce

Published 7 June 1999
Kel will not allow this first test to be her last. Her adventure begins in the New York Times bestselling series from the fantasy author who is a legend herself: TAMORA PIERCE.
 
Keladry of Mindelan is the first girl who dares to take advantage of a new rule in Tortall—one 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.

More timely than ever, the Protector of the Small series is Anti-Bullying 101 while also touching on issues of bravery, friendship, and dealing humanely with refugees against a backdrop of an action-packed fantasy adventure.

"Tamora Pierce's books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration. Cracking open one of her marvelous novels always feels like coming home."
SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Tamora Pierce didn't just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Her stories still lead the vanguard today. Pierce is the real lioness, and we're all just running to keep pace."
LEIGH BARDUGO, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Book 1

First Test Graphic Novel

by Tamora Pierce

Published 2 July 2024
This eagerly awaited graphic novel adaptation of the iconic fantasy novel First Test reimagines the classic knight's tale, but with a twist. In a world not quite ready for her ambition, a determined girl seeks knighthood and finds herself on a mission to prove it.

Keladry is the first girl who dares to take advantage of a new rule in her homeland, Tortall--one that allows women to train for knighthood. She knows she’s ready for the traditional hazing and grueling schedule of a page, but standing in her way is the knights’ training master, Lord Wyldon.

The training master is dead set against girls becoming knights, and in an attempt to further hold Kel back, Lord Wyldon decides that she must pass a one-year trial that no male page has ever had to endure. But she is not to be underestimated. She will fight to succeed, even if the test is purposely unfair.

The Protector of the Small series gets its first graphic novel adaptation, bringing to life Tamora Pierce’s bestselling First Test in an exciting new format. This graphic novel story about believing in yourself and overcoming all odds combines action and adventure in a way that new and old fans of the series will love.

Book 2

Page

by Tamora Pierce

Published 23 May 2000
The second book in the New York Times bestselling series from the fantasy author who is a legend herself: TAMORA PIERCE.

When they think you will fail . . . fail to listen.
 
As the only female page in history to pass the first year of training to become a knight, Keladry of Mindelan is a force to be reckoned with. But even with her loyal circle of friends at her side, Kel’s battle to prove herself isn’t over yet. She is still trying to master her paralyzing fear of heights and keep up with Lord Wyldon’s grueling training schedule. When a group of pages is trapped by bandits, the boys depend on Kel to lead them to safety. The kingdom’s nobles are beginning to wonder if she can succeed far beyond what they imagined. And those who hate the idea of a female knight are getting desperate—they will do anything to thwart her progress.

More timely than ever, the Protector of the Small series is Anti-Bullying 101 while also touching on issues of bravery, friendship, and dealing humanely with refugees against a backdrop of an action-packed fantasy adventure.

"Tamora Pierce's books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration. Cracking open one of her marvelous novels always feels like coming home."
SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Tamora Pierce didn't just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Her stories still lead the vanguard today. Pierce is the real lioness, and we're all just running to keep pace."
LEIGH BARDUGO, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Book 3

Squire

by Tamora Pierce

Published 17 August 2001
Keladry has finally worked her way through her page training, despite the opposition from traditional members of the court, and some of her fellow pages. She is now a Squire, but no knight has come forward to be her sponsor, or Knight-Master. Is she to be stuck at the palace doing desk-work for ever? She's not sure she can stand it-she's spent her years of training preparing to fight, not to be a secretary. A spine-chilling fantasy that has its roots in the real world and real relationships.

Book 4

Lady Knight

by Tamora Pierce

Published 1 January 2002
The final instalment of a magical fantasy adventure. Kel has finally passed all the tests to become a knight-but once again she feels she is being denied her right as a warrior. Shuffled away from the battlefield, and left to command a refugee camp instead of a garrison. But Kel's courage and ability are not to be wasted-for the invaders are coming.

Books 1-4