This book is absolutely everything I have dreamed it would be and I have been dreaming of a graphic novel adaptation of Tamora Pierce's works and this did not disappoint. The art style is absolutely perfect for an adaptation of Kel's story and I am so thrilled to have yet another way to introduce the next generation of readers to these incredible stories of fierce lady knights. Please publish every single Tortall story in this format!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The original novel of First Test was a Christmas gift from my grandfather that led to a really precious tradition between him and me. I was so excited when I saw it was getting a graphic novel and thrilled when I was approved for an eARC. This did not disappoint. At all.

This is a nearly perfect adaptation of the original First Test, which is still one of my favorite books of all time. The artist did a phenomenal job translating the characters' appearance and movements into static images. The writer was exceptional at putting as much of the book on the page as possible.

I can't call it perfect--there was a background that clashed with the one next to it and a speech bubble that looked like it was going to the wrong person, and some of the combat maneuvers are hard to interpret if you don't know the original text--but it's pretty darn close. I have the physical, final version preordered and it will be here tomorrow and I'm looking forward to reading this all over again. I might have to go reread the original novels now. Can't wait for Page!!

Final rating: 4.99*

The only Tamora Pierce novels I’ve ever read was her Tricksters duology- which is set in the same world as this book. Kel is a ten year old girl who wants to become a knight, even though most knights are male. She is told that she will be on probation her first year, which no male student has ever had to do. Kel is willing to do what it takes to become a knight and protect others. I was a bit confused about a couple of the characters who are probably fleshed out better in the novel. The illustrations are quite good and the story is simple.

Thanks to NetGalley & Random House Children's for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

A very solid adaption of one of Tamora Pierce's excellent books! My only problem was that I wish it was longer and included more of Kel's inner thoughts that you got in the chapter book, but I suppose that's always the issue when "translating" a written story into a visual one.

Kelandry, or Kel, is the first girl to take advantage of the rule allowing women to train for knighthood. Unfortunately, Tortall is not ready for another female knight. There is the traditional hazing, grueling schedule, and the training master dead set against girls becoming knights. Despite everything, Kel is determined to jump through all the hoops and become a lady knight.

During my teenage years and Tamora Pierce kick, Kel and I did not click. I’m not really sure why. Seeing a graphic novel version of The Protector of Small Quartet made me squeal for joy because graphic novels are more digestible and I recognized Kel almost instantly. The artwork for this novel is amazing and suits Kel and her no-nonsense style.

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️s - Loved seeing two of my childhood joys (graphic novels and fantasy novels) combined. I enjoyed reading Kel’s story and seeing her journey to knighthood. The graphic novel gave enough detail to help understand Kel and see her struggle. As I said before, the artwork is beautiful and truly fits the protagonist.

A perfect introduction to the works of Tamora Pierce and the world of Tortall!

The illustrations are delightful and although there is no way to replicate the entire print book in a graphic novel format, the scenes and dialog selected work perfectly to give the reader the sense of the world and the personalities of the characters. Tamora Pierce's works circulate heavily at my library in both the middle grade and young adult collections, and I am thrilled to have a graphic novel version to offer my young patrons who prefer that format to all others. Our summer reading program theme is "adventure beings" and First Test: a graphic novel is a perfect choice to launch that adventure. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc

A well-executed adaptation of a tricky source material. Will open up the series to a new generation of readers.

I was obsessed with Pierce's Tortall universe (specifically Alanna: The First Adventure) as a child, so when I saw they were releasing graphic novel adaptations of First Test, I knew I had to read it. It's been a while since I've read the Protector of the Small books, as they were never my favorite, but I loved seeing this world that I've loved for so much of my life in a visual format. The art was stunning and I thought fit very well with the story. As with most adaptations, you lose some detail from the book, but I think this adaptation made the transition well.

While I still love the Tortall books, and I hope that these adaptations and the recent release of the 40th anniversary editions of the Song of the Lioness Quartet bring new readers to this universe, I also realize that these stories are far less groundbreaking than they were when they were originally being released. That being said, I love that Kel is such a different personality from Alanna. They both want to stand up for the "weak", but where Alanna's temper is famous, Kel is consistently and unfailingly calm and kind.

Overall, I had a really great time reading this and I am looking forward to seeing how they adapt the rest of the series (and if they adapt more books in this universe), but in the meantime, I'll be rereading my beat up mass markets of the rest of the series.

For all of us nostalgic for our Tamora Pierce filled adolescence, this graphic novel brings the same enchantment and adventure to a new generation. I am so excited for the visual journey that our students will be able to embark on, whether that leads to eventually reading Pierece's chapter books or to future graphic novels. We still need the stories of Tortall. We still need Kel's battle to become a knight. Must buy for any elementary school library with graphic novel and/or fantasy lovers.

Tamora Pierce’s "First Test," the first book in the Protector of the Small series, is revitalized in its graphic novel adaptation, offering a fresh take on Keladry of Mindelan’s inspiring journey. Keladry, the first girl to take advantage of a new rule in Tortall allowing women to train for knighthood, faces significant challenges, notably from Lord Wyldon, the training master who opposes girls becoming knights. Wyldon imposes a one-year trial on Kel, a hurdle no male page has had to endure, testing her resilience and determination. The graphic novel format captures the essence of Pierce's original story, with dynamic illustrations bringing the action and emotional depth of Kel’s journey to life.

The artwork vividly depicts Kel's intense training, her confrontations, and the systemic prejudice she faces, enhancing the story's impact. Kel’s tenacity and unwavering belief in herself are powerfully portrayed, making her a compelling protagonist. The graphic novel effectively engages both new readers and long-time fans, presenting the story in a visually captivating manner while staying true to the core themes of resilience, equality, and self-belief. This adaptation earns a four-star rating for its faithful representation of the original narrative, stunning visuals, and its ability to convey powerful themes in an accessible format.

Tamora Pierce remains one of the best authors in the young adult genre and as a fan of her work since the age of 8, I feel extremely qualified to recommend every work of hers (in both the Tortall and the Circle of Magic universes).

First Test is the first installment in the Protector of the Small series within the Tortall Universe (which is the last series in universe but can be read without knowledge of her other books. The work follows Keladry “Kel” of Mindelan, a young girl who is the first in over a century to *legally* to try for Knighthood in Tortall. Kel faces many challenges as she joins the palace as a page, both in the form of misogyny and xenophobia — as Kel grew up in the Yamani Islands (a nearby empire modeled after East Asian cultures) as the daughter of an ambassador.

Kel is determined but knight training can break even the strongest people and Kel faces a greater challenge than anyone else. As the first girl to try for her shield since it was re-legalized, Kel is placed on probation and the sole judge of her worthiness is Lord Wyldon of Cavall, the training master and a staunch conservative.

The graphic novel adaptation is a gorgeous tribute to the original work. Becca Farrow and Devin Grayson bring Pierce’s characters to life in hilarious and terrifying ways. At several points I burst out laughing as Neal (aka Nealan of Queenscove) went off on characteristicly dramatic rants as the illustrators perfectly conveyed the over exaggerated drama visually. I frequently compared his facial expressions and body language to Sokka at his most dramatic from Avatar: The Last Airbender.

First Test Graphic Novel is the perfect entry into the world of Tamora Pierce for fans of the medium or for younger readers. As is necessary for graphic novels, the story is incredibly condensed and you do miss out on wonderful moments that are only in the full novel. Regardless, this is a must read for fantasy lovers and Tamora Pierce fans!

This is charming but like most graphic novel adaptations of good books feels very rushed. I don't think there's really a way around that, and I'm sure fans will enjoy it.

The Protector of the Small series remains one of my all-time favorite series. It follows Kel, a young girl who faces down a series of challenges to fulfill her dream of becoming a knight.

This graphic novel version of the story is nearly perfect (why is Raoul a redhead??). Most importantly, it keeps the heart of the story and lets the characters' personalities shine.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children's for the ARC!

Oh this was a delightful rendering of the original book! I love the Tortall universe and Pierce's writing so much, and this graphic novel was a wonderfully faithful adaption of the first book in the Protector of the Small Quartet. I really found the illustrations to be a delight as well.

I enjoyed reading this graphic novel. I think it would made a great addition to anyone's graphic novel collection.

Once I saw that NetGalley approved me of this book I had to drop everything and read it. So thank you NetGalley for this. Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors and this book is the Graphic Novel version of of the First Test. First Test is about a girl named Kel who decides she is going to be the first girl to take advantage of Tortalls new rule about girls becoming knights. The only thing is she is on a trail run because Lord Wyldon doesn’t think girls can be knights.

This brought back all the love I have for this book and the world of Tortall. I love it because the graphic novel gives you the pictures you imagined when reading the book. I honestly cannot wait for the others and cannot wait for whatever else she gives us. I was so excited to read this and ate it up. If you love the world of. Tortall and want to see it I color read this. You get to go through all her successes and struggles to became a knight.

First test by Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite books. This graphic novel adaptation is quite wonderful. The story follows the book very well. The illustrations are done very nicely. While I do prefer the original book to the graphic novel, I would highly recommend this graphic novel for children and adults who like adventure stories. The original story has more details and creativity of course, but the graphic novel shows Keladry’s story in a new way. Five stars! Excellent!

Was interesting but I didn’t realize how much context would be missing. You would be really confused if you did not read the books.

Loved this graphic novel! I wished I had this growing up since I was always up for a good knight story. I know this was adapted from a novel by Tamora Pierce, and I thought that it really felt alive. The art was well done and the pacing was very consistent and well thought out.

In Tortall, women are officially able to train for knighthood, and Keladry intends to take advantage of it. She expects the usual grueling schedule of a page, along with a little hazing. But Lord Wyldon has different expectations. Especially since he thinks that women shouldn't become knights.

So, it is up to Keladry to prove him wrong. In order to be fully accepted into knighthood training, Keladry has to pass a year of probation. Something no one else has ever had to do. But if Kel wants to eventually become a knight, she has to play by their games.

Thanks to Random House Graphic and NetGalley for an advanced copy of First Test Graphic Novel by Tamora Pierce to review! When I was growing up, Tamora Pierce was definitely a favorite of mine. I was excited to see that it was getting the graphic novel adaptation treatment. And I am happy to say that it didn't disappoint!

Though it's been a long time since I've read these novels, I feel like the adaptation has captured the essence of the story. Tamora Pierce has been writing these kind of girl power stories for as long as I can remember. Reading this definitely makes me want to revisit these books and see if they hold up like I remember them. There's definitely a kind of nostalgia in reading this book, at least for me!

The art style works well for this story; I liked getting to see this world of Tortall come to life. I hope this book does well enough to get some of the other books in the Tortall series, because I'd definitely like to see more of the magic brought to life int his way.

All in all, this is a great adaptation you should have on your radar when it comes out this summer!