This is one of my favorite authors and stories in the entire world. The graphic novel is a delightful adaptation with beautiful art! This story of a headstrong girl who wants to be a knight is made even more accessible to younger/reluctant readers and is another wonderful form for the casual reader. I am just pleased to pieces to buy this when it comes out! I hope they do the whole series!

"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 Knight’s 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."

Tamora Pierce is a staple of my childhood reading list and I was so excited to finally see a graphic novel adaptation of ANY of her books. Kel's journey in the Protector of the Small series is a great one to start with. The artwork was stellar, the pacing was really well done and I loved how Numair was designed even for the few pages he appeared. I am eager for the whole series to be finished and released so I can introduce more young people to Tamora's work. Well done!

It’s hard to review this for what it is rather than as a constant comparison to the original book, which I read and loved when it first came out. A graphic version needs to cut and simplify a novel in order to fit it into a reasonable length, with the hope is that the new version still tells a compelling story.

I think this managed it? There are certainly some abrupt cuts and characters that lack context, but it covers the main story of the first book well. The art style keeps the action clear and fun. I’d like more of the fun moments and side characters to have a bit more time, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

<i>I’m just trying to justify to myself the fact that the best lesson I ever had on chivalry came from someone five years younger than me.</i>

Devin Grayson’s graphic novel adaptation of Tamora Pierce’s long published book <i>First Test</i> was actually surprisingly difficult to get into at first.

The graphic novel opens up to an argument, the heavy handed discussion on whether or not to admit a young 10-year-old girl into pagehood to become a knight. Dialogue was stilted, the argument felt out of context, and I genuinely felt like I was reading a sequel I shouldn’t have started without having first read the previous story.

This feeling, I’m happy to report, does not last very long.

Kel’s story was one that dragged at first, at least here in this graphic format. For something that was likely very novel during the original book’s publication, we’ve been living in a world where the barring of women and girls from a particular space and story of the first one to eke through is one celebrated simply by virtue of having been first isn’t something that is as lauded as it once was. So, in a weird way, it felt rather contrived at first.

But what’s brilliant about this story and therefore its adaptation is the strength of character that Kel shows in subtle ways as she continues through her path for the single year she’s been given to prove herself. You see foreshadowing for how she will conduct herself, the reasoning behind why made rather clear. And then, despite her initial haughtiness—or perhaps, precisely because of it—she becomes exactly who we need her to be.

I chose to quote <i>First Test</i> at the top of this review for two reasons: first, because of the way in which chivalry is referenced—not as something we offer to women simply because they are women, but rather as something that everyone is entitled to and second, because of the importance of <i>First Test</i> secondary title, <i>Protector of the Small</i>.

This was not the book I was expecting, truth be told. I’d never read the source material of Tamara Pierce’s novel, but I had a general guess as to what would happen in this book. I’m actually quite thrilled at having been wrong. I mean, I certainly picked this up for a reason. But I think the story we would have gotten would have far subceeded the quality of the story we did get.

And I think it all comes back to this lesson—the best lesson, mind—on chivalry.

It is a lesson I shall not soon forget.

Milady Keladry of Mindelan is a page and a knight in training. However, being a lady, many believe she cannot become a knight and should just quit. Yet, soon, she realizes that many knights mistreat the pages. Pages are expected to do whatever a knight commands, but a cruel knight named Joren purposely drops objects, forces pages to clean them, and sometimes even beats them up. Keladry decides to stand up for the pages and try to put an end to the mistreatment. She must face the challenges of being a knight while defending the other pages from abuse.

If you're a medieval-themed book fan, check out this graphic novel! Based on a classic book by Tomar Pierce (that you don't even need to have read, I didn't ;), it features knights, brave female warriors, and a solid motivational message that inspires you.

The main character, Keladry, is an exceptional knight who stands up for others and fights for what's right. Throughout the story, you'll root for her as she faces challenge after challenge. And the art in the graphic novel is top-notch - the illustrations are just as captivating as the story itself.

What sets this book apart, though, is its message. It shows that even in a world filled with horrible people, we can all be the ones who help the victims of their cruelty. It's a powerful reminder that we can make a difference, no matter how small we feel.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be inspired and uplifted. It's perfect for anyone who loves medieval tales, strong female characters, or a motivational story. So please don't wait; oops, yes, you have to wait until July 2 to pick up a copy and get ready to be swept away by the adventures of Keladry and her fellow knights!

Happy Reading, Laly ❤️ 📚

Thank you, @netgalley, @rhkidsgraphic for the complimentary e-ARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As a long-time fan of the Tortall Universe, getting to re-read Kel's story in graphic novel format has been a delight. From the colorful panels, to the dynamic poses during fight scenes, and the (much appreciated) effort to show diverse characters, this first volume delivers a fast-paced and visually entertaining story. Themes of "girl power" and anti-bullying are strongly discussed, since these form the core of what Kel believes in. I really can't wait for the next installments and see how Kel grows through her years at the academy and finally into a full-fledged lady knight!

I haven’t read the novel and imo this one pretty mid but considering this was released more than 2 decades ago, and I bet books like these weren't too many back then, i understand why it’s adapted into a graphic novel now. I hope adaptation will be make for the full series, not just this one.

The Protector of the Small Quartet was the most important series of my life, and I was SO pumped to see the characters I love visually on the page!

I thought this was a beautiful adaptation, definitely a must-read for existing fans of Tamora Pierce!

It was, however, so condensed I feel like it wouldn't necessarily be a good intro to TP and the world of Tortall. I understand that the format means things get cut, but it almost felt painfully short.

Still gorgeous, still worth owning, but slightly unsatisfying.

My Thoughts:

Tamora Pierce is a veteran YA feminist fantasy writer. In this graphic novel, she is trying to bring more readers to her girl power lady knight series. With clean illustrations, a gentle social justice/equity lens and a strong protagonist, this is a good introduction to Pierceʻs books.

The illustrations remind me of a modernized version of the Prince Valiant comics that came to our Sunday paper. This one does not come out until July, 2024, but I can't wait for the next one. As a series, it will keep readers hooked to see how Keladry continues to dominate in her training. Perhaps it will also push readers to the original book First Test: Book 1 of the Protector of the Small Quartet, what the publishers call a Bullying 101 book.

I am interested in the training Kel has from the Yamani Isles and I hope that plays into the second book more prominently.

From the Publisher:
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 Knight’s 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 best-selling 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.
Publication Information:
Author: Tamora Pierce

Illustrator: Becca Farrow

Graphic Novel adaptation: Devin Grayson

Publisher: Random House Graphic (July 2, 2024)

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

This graphic novel adaptation of the first book in Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small Quartet is an engaging and enjoyable read. It brings to life the story of Keladry of Mindelan, the first girl openly training to be a knight after King Jonathan changed the rules to allow females. The illustrations by Craig Phillips wonderfully capture the characters and magical world that Tamora Pierce has created.

Kel's determination and resilience in the face of bullying and discrimination from some of the other pages and squires shine through. You can't help but root for her as she strives to prove herself and achieve her dream of becoming a knight. The illustrations of the fight scenes with the huge metal-killing devices known as the Yamanis are exciting and intense. Overall, the graphic novel format enhances this coming-of-age tale set in a medieval-like fantasy realm.

The story is easy to follow for both old and new fans. It moves along at a brisk pace, balancing action-packed confrontations with quieter character-building moments. Kel's friendships, especially with the mage Numair and warrior training master Lord Raoul, add an extra heart to the story. The illustrations bring fun and vibrancy to Kel's world populated by humans, giants, centaurs, spiders, and storm wings.

For a graphic novel adaptation of a beloved book, this more than delivers. The art is enjoyable and suits the fantasy setting well. It captures the highlights of the original story effectively. Both new readers and established fans should find it equally fun and engaging. I would highly recommend it to any fantasy reader.

4 stars - I knew it would be a shortened version of the book, which is short to begin with. I think it gets the ideas of the book across in a digestive-for-kids method!

A few gripes - Neal is too short! He is not visibly out of place and tall. Where is my gangly boy???
In concert with that, Daine is too adult-looking. They are like one year apart, she's only 16. She should not tower over him.

Likes - The mannerisms of the characters were very well done. Even when their depiction did not match my mental image, I was able to always identify them by the way they acted!

I’ve read only a fraction of Tamora Pierce’s books, but I enjoyed every one of them. This adaptation is no exception! I knew nothing about the Protector of the Small before reading this, but I loved Kel and I loved her moral compass! I absolutely hope to see the rest of these books as graphic novels. I think that this is a fantastic way to bring in new readers! Will highly recommend!

This was a well done graphic novel. I have never read any of the books in the series, so I will admit that I am coming at this from the perspective of someone who doesn't understand the world and so was a little lost at the start because the graphic novel seems to assume you know the world in which it is set well enough to understand all of the roles and people. Once I got past the first few pages, I did find it a lot easier to get into the story and the characters. Keladry is likeable and she figures out a way to fit in without truly fitting in. I did rail against the men who thought that because she was, well, a girl, she could not join the boys in training and fighting. There are definitely challenges that come with being a woman in physical combat, but deciding something is beyond her ability should be her decision and not that of her peers, especially when some of the things would be beyond their abilities either.

The depiction of hazing and the pressure to not speak out is very much relevant to what goes on for people in our time and world, and I feel like it's handled well, albeit in a way that would probably reinforce not talking to adults about bullying. But other than that, the book does a good job of telling an engaging story.

I did want to see more of her relationship with her horse which, as a horse lover, is expected. Also felt like we spent time with the selection of her mount and the mage who can speak to animals but then it kind of fizzles.

Artwork is nice. Some panels were a bit dark, but I was also reading on a phone.

If you are fan of Pierce and her books, especially this series, I'm pretty sure this would appeal. And if you have never read them, then this would likely be a good way into the series. Also a good option for a reader who likes fantasy but doesn't really like novels.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this arc. I thought it was so cute and fun! It makes me want to read the source book.

A delightful romp of a graphic novel. It's faithful to the source material, although it does need to leave portions out that do not translate well to a visual medium. Despite this, it does not suffer from this transition.

The writing remains Pierce's tight, character driven storytelling, brought into greater focus with the fabulous illustration and placement of speech bubbles.

Highly recommend!

I cannot thank Netgalley enough for letting me read this ARC!

First Test is the first book in the Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce. It's a series that has been my favourite since the first time I read it - somewhere around 2010. And to see this being transformed into a graphic novel to reach more readers makes my heart so happy!

The story follows Kel, a girl that wants to train to become a knight. The only issue is that there have not been any other girls that have openly trained before, and she's facing a lot of pushback on the matter. But Kel is determined to not let anyone change her mind. This book chronicles the first year as a trainee and how she manages to find her place in the palace.

Tamora Pierce is a genius when it comes to both characters and creating a magic system that feels familiar and still organic. And this graphic novel depicts the characters quite well. Some things are lost in the transition though. And that was quite sad. The magical elements were especially kept to a minimum. And I did notice some important scenes that were missing.

However, as a graphic novel, I do understand that cutting the original text is needed. And overall the spirit of the story was kept. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to try Tamora Pierce's books, but who aren't sure where to start. This is also quite friendly to younger readers. I'm excited to see how the rest of this series will be adapted

Success of a graphic novel adaptation depends on its ability to inspire nostalgia in longtime fans while being accessible/understandable to new readers. It's a tricky balance — if there's too much worldbuilding and plot, the story is lost in translation. It is simply impossible to fit every plot point of a 300+ page book in a 160 page graphic novel. Thankfully, FIRST TEST threads that needle perfectly. It's completely age-appropriate for younger middle grade readers while not shying away from the monsters and violence in the series. Can't wait for the next installment!

Sidebar: the publisher chose the correct Tortall series to adapt. I know Song of the Lioness and Immortals are more popular, but the orientalism and 😬 relationship dynamics do not hold up well in 2024. Also, why the heck is Raoul a redhead!? He is not!!! This is dark-haired men erasure!!! 😝

(No, but seriously, this graphic novel doesn't come out for another five months. It's not too late to change this crucial error!!)

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't read the original book, but I really enjoyed this graphic novel adaptation!! It was easy to root for the characters, the illustrations were lovely, and I had such a nice afternoon flipping through these pages.

I highly recommend it and would love a physical copy once it's published!

Tamora Pierce’s Tortall fantasy world first began with her Song of the Lioness series in 1983, which quickly became a fan-favorite. Pierce’s Tortall world includes twenty books in six separate book series and is known for its strong female characters. Her book series, Protector of the Small, centers on Keladry (Kel), a young girl who longs to become a knight. First Test Graphic Novel is the new graphic novel adaptation of the first book in Kel’s story, and it’s a great entry into the Tortall world!

Review:

This was my first entry into Tamora Pierce’s Tortall fantasy series, and I was blown away by the depth and heart put into her world. First Test centers on Kel’s journey to become a page, the first step to becoming a knight. Although she’s allowed to join the school/program to train and study, she’s only entered on a probationary basis. As the only girl in the school, Kel has a lot of people against her. Some of the boys in the program are particularly cruel, and even the program’s leader, Lord Wyldon, is against her being there. Kel remains calm under pressure, though, and keeps working hard.

I really loved Kel as the main character. Not only is she tough and strong-willed, but she also has a gentle nature and a lot of sympathy for small creatures and people around her in trouble. While I loved Kel, I loved her friendships with her male peers even more. During her time in training, Kel makes a lot of friends, and they form a study group that works together. The friendships feel realistic, with small realistic disagreements peppered throughout the book. On top of the great characters, the knighthood school in First Test is amazingly cool! Forget magic schools – I want to go here! Think knights-in-training mixed with a military school with a dash of Hogwarts. It really is as incredible as it sounds!

If you like clean fantasy, fierce young women, and tons of platonic male/female friendships in your books, you shouldn’t miss this graphic novel adaptation of First Test. I imagine this would be a huge hit in classrooms and children’s libraries. I, for one, can’t wait to continue on in this graphic novel series.

Art:

I can’t say enough good things about Becca Farrow’s art in this graphic novel. The world is colored beautifully, with sections that are bright and green and others that are dark and a bit tense. The action scenes are well-drawn and aren’t too scary. I loved the way young Kel was depicted. She looks strong and tough but still completely adorable.

Final Thoughts:

This is easily one of the best middle-grade/young-adult graphic novels I’ve read. I highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys fantasy graphic novels.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced review copy. All the above thoughts are my own.

** Review will go live on Back Shelf Books at the following link on June 26, 2024.