• I just love Kel and her story so much. Maybe my favourite Pierce heroine.
• Third company Kings Own is clearly the place to be.
• The jousting scenes give me life.
• Possibly my favourite of the series.
• 5 ⭐️s every time. ( )

This is the third in a series. Kel has been studying to be a knight for a while now, but many don’t think a girl should become a knight. However, she is determined. She is chosen as a squire to Lord Raoul – that is, she has now finished her education and is training with a real knight.

I listened to the audio, so I do suspect that had a bearing on my rating. It just didn’t hold my attention at some points, though other parts were good. Fighting is one thing that I just don’t find very interesting, especially on audio; I tend to tune out. That being said, I finished it two days ago and sadly, I have already forgotten most of it, unfortunately. However, there is one more book in the series, and I will plan to finish it. ( )

*Review of the series on the last book* ( )

I do enjoy Kel as a main character/heroine but I do not enjoy her books as much as some of Tamora Pierce's others because I feel like the Protector of the Small series doesn't so much end as just sort of stop. Kel is strong and interesting and I love her friends and adventures but I would have liked to read about what happens to her, even if I can guess at the ending. Overall I feel like this particular series is good but not great. ( )

As with all of Tamora Pierce's books I truly enjoyed this one. Why? Because it teaches good principles and models how to deal with all the challenges that come your way. ( )