I am a huge Tamora Pierce fan and especially love Kel! I was so excited to see that her story was being turned into a graphic novel. While of course some parts of the book don’t make it in, I think the most important parts of Kel’s story were kept.

I really love how Kel’s first adventure is portrayed. Beloved lines of dialogue will be recognizable to readers who have read the original book. The art was beautiful and designed with care. I hope that this book brings even more readers into the Tamora Pierce world and creates even more accessibility. I loved First Test and would highly recommend it to anyone!

Readers who enjoy strong characters determined to fight for what’s right, lovable characters, and adventure need to read this graphic novel. I can’t wait to see the story continue!

Thank you to Tamora Pierce, Random House Graphic, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For publisher: My review will be posted on Goodreads, Instagram, Storygraph, Amazon, Barnes & Noble etc.

This is a super fun piece to add to those that are fond of the classic older series by tamora pierce. It adds this stunning visual effect to the tale many of us grew up with. This can easily be read even if you’ve not read the others before it, but would ideally be preferred for a bit more character context.
The color palettes I wish were more vibrant? But it fits the story best as is so it’s of not a fault just a personal preference.
Can’t wait for the release and to require all these old tales I adored as a preteen so that I can have them for my children as they get older.

As a big fan of Song of the Lioness series, I was thrilled to jump into a graphic novel adaption of The Protector of the Small first installment. Unfortunately, there was a lot of this that fell flat me me and left me which I had read the book instead.

Not having read the novel this was adapted from was a huge mistake. This graphic novel adaption leaves out a lot of details that made it rather confusing at first. I didn't understand exactly what was going on and spent a good portion of the beginning of this playing catch-up.

Despite playing catch-up through a good portion of this story, I did fall in love with Keladry. She has such a fierce determination that manages to shine through this graphic novel. Her determination and personality have left me exciting to find the novel and dive into that.

The art was also incredibly well done. It was clear and there was never any question of what the images were meant to portray.

While I think the graphic novel is a way for the reader to fall in love with Keladry, I think it's at most a confusing introduction. If you've read the novel, this could be a great, quick way to go back and revisit and I do think I would only recommend it if you've read the novel.

First Test Graphic Novel is an adaptation of the first book in the Protectors of the Small Quartet by Tamora Pierce.
Keladry of Mindelan wants nothing more than to be a knight. Lord Wyldon has other ideas however and doesn’t support the decree that women can become knights. She grew up in the Yamani Islands with diplomat parents and learned the ways of their martial arts and diplomacy at a young age. Unfortunately, this sets her apart from the other pages. Not one to back down Keladry is determined to prove the world that there can be more than one lady knight.
I have long been a Tamora Pierce fan. I found the Song of the Lioness Quartet at a book fair in high school and never looked back. Having previously read The Protector of the Small Quartet, I was very excited to see it turned into a graphic novel. I think that this is going to help it reach a new audience and that is amazing. My only qualm is that in making this graphic novel things were left out. I don’t feel how important the sparrows are really translated to the graphic novel and I don’t remember her naming them in it. I would equate it to when a book is made into a movie not everything is in it. Over all it’s a fun read and while not as impactful to me, I think someone who reads mainly graphic novels will love it.
I received an arc and am leaving this review of my volition.

As a long time Tamora Pierce fan, this was a delightful and nostalgic rendering of my favorite character and I am excited for the rest of the series. Kel has been one of my favorite characters in literature for the last twenty years and this does her justice. I don't believe it's as good as the original text, but I doubt any abridged version of the story could be. I really just wish it could be longer to include more detail. First time readers may not enjoy this as thoroughly as prior fans.

First Test is an empowering story about a young girl as she trains to become a knight despite bullies trying to convince her to go home. I really enjoyed the art style, and the story is gripping enough that I want to read book 2.

I received an ARC from Random House Children's | Random House Graphic via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have ALWAYS been a fan of Tamora Pierce, especially growing up with her books and idolizing some of the characters. I am so so happy to see this become a graphic novel for younger generations to enjoy as it tells an excellent story without any sexism and is a treat for kids and adults alike.

Thank you to Random House for approving me for the e-arc of this book! Protector of the Small is such a special series to me and First Test was the first book I read by Tamora Pierce when I was 13 years old. Now as a 33 year old, Tammy is my all time favorite author and to this day Keladry of Mindelan is my moral compass of what is good and just and noble. This was a lovely adaptation, and I found myself weeping throughout to see some of my favorite characters brought to life. I have a few quibbles (Raoul is kind of silly as a red head and Neal should have def been been taller), but overall this was wonderful. I am so looking forward to the rest of the series and hope to see some other Tammy series turned into graphic novels!

(Also what a dreamy character design for Numair!)

I love everything Tamora Pierce!

I absolutely adored this adaptation of First Test. I’ve always wanted some kind of show or movie adaptation of Tammy’s work, but a graphic novel is pretty close!

The story was just as lovable as it was when I was a kid! The art was well done. I hope that this will continue and the whole Tortall universe is adapted into graphic novels!

In the medieval and fantastic realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits females to train for knighthood.

Tamora Pierce is an expert at writing gripping fantasy stories geared toward younger girls and this book is no exception. Very well done!

First Test was a delightful middle grade adventure. I found the art style lovely, the characters were believable, and I am genuinely interested to see where this series goes!

Thank you to Net Galley for this ARC and amazing read! This graphic novel adaptation of 'First Test' is a masterpiece, capturing the original Tamora Pierce's beloved tale with stunning artwork. It's a refreshing twist on the classic knight's journey, following Keladry's quest for knighthood in a world resistant to change. The artwork breathes new life into the story while staying true to the original dialogue and mood. For fans of the Protector of the Small series, this adaptation is a must-read, with action, adventure, and the power of a fantastic new format. I wholeheartedly recommend this book!

As someone who grew up reading the Protector of the Small series as a kid and wanting to be a knight, I can attest that the graphic novel version did total justice to the original story. Kel can be introduced to a whole new generation in this gorgeous art!

Kel is wants to be a knight and everyone expects for her to fail. But she joins as a page, makes friends with misfits and finds herself pushed to her limits and defending others who need someone to help stand up for them.

This is such a cute adaptation. I grew up on Tamora Pierce's books and this series was one of my favorites. So there is a lot of nostalgia in my reading. This is definitely for a younger YA crowd, maybe even more so than the original books, but as a fan of the original, I would've loved for this to be a bit longer to really sink into the stories in the same way. However, the artistry is great and I enjoyed getting to see the story come to life. I love seeing a strong girl in a fantasy graphic novel. Quick, but fun, and I would definitely recommend!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the authors, and illustrator and Random House Childrens for the advanced copy of this book.

A great introduction to Tamora Pierce. The graphic goes by quickly, and while there are details that did not make it from the book, it honors the heart of the story.

This was a fun graphic novel! And it would be perfect for people who are new to the genre...or new to reading! I, however, felt like it was missing a little something. I might have enjoyed it a little bit more if I'd read the original novel and knew a little bit more of the lore, history, and characters.

Overall, I did like it and I was able to finish it in about an hour! I liked the illustrations and the diversity of the included characters. Even though I feel like it was an incomplete story, I'd read the next one to see what happens next!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Tamora Pierce is my favorite author, end statement. The Tortall universe has such a special place in my heart and it's a realm I return to often. So I couldn't wait to get to this ARC!

That said, I did enjoy it, but I missed the extra depth and detail you get from Tamora's writing. The art was good and I enjoyed the graphic novel, I think I just prefer the written form for this world....just because Pierce's writing is already so descriptive and well done I don't like missing things in favor of pictures!

But, I think this is an EXCELLENT introduction for people into the world and it's still a great way to revisit for the veterans. My heart is happy, knowing her work is popular enough to continue being reprinted and adapted.

4.5 stars!!! I love Tortall and all of Tamora Peirce's writing. I am so happy that her series is being adapted into graphic novel form for a new generation to discover and enjoy.

That being said, out of all the different series, Protector of the Small is one of my least favorite. That is mainly to do with the main character of Kel, who I have found also more bland and boring than other Peirce main characters. I know that, in the universe, she was raised not to show emotions and had to be challenged in a world that wanted her to fail, but it does not lend to a character I personally connect well with.

The art of this adaptation is wonderful, and I love the diverse characters shown in this version. I especially think depicting all the bruises and fights was well done. Some of the finer details of the character's thoughts and context were lost, like how old characters were (I forgot how old Kel was and how many years older Neil was) and some details of the world you won't understand if this is your first venture into Tortall.

Overall, I am excited that this book exists and that more people will learn about the beautiful world of Tortall, and I hope some of the finer details get ironed out in the next one!

Tamora Pierce fans, rejoice! Our beloved Protector of the Small is back!

I read "First Test" back in the late 2000s (I think) and have only reread book 4, "Lady Knight" (my favorite), ever since, so I'd forgotten some things and names. But it was easy enough to re-acclimate back to the Tortall universe. I appreciate the inclusion of a cast list of characters and a glossary that's included at the end. Reading "First Test" in graphic novel format was a wondrous experience - I loved it!

Ten-year-old Keladry of Mindelan wants to be a knight and protect others like her mother. There haven't been any female knights for a long time and women haven't been allowed since. But that doorway has opened once again thanks to Alanna the Lioness (read the Song of the Lioness series which predates this one to learn more and for an equally epic adventure).

Kel will be the first female page - an endeavor riddled with bullies, saboteurs, and nay-sayers alike. She is put on probation and has a year to prove to the training master of knights, Lord Wyldon, that she belongs there just as much as anyone else and is worthy of training for knighthood.

Kel's kindness and compassion for people and animals, and her determination to succeed are what I love most about her. She's not afraid to stand up to bullies and defend others from them even when it ends in cuts, bruises, and punishment for her. She already represents not only how a true, honorable knight of Tortall conducts themselves but also what it means to be a true friend and comrade.

Reading "First Test" made my bookish heart oh-so happy - the nostalgia was real! The adapter and illustrator did a great job bringing Kel's story to life. Much of what Kel experiences in "First Test" and beyond is still happening in today's world, unfortunately. Readers will easily be able to connect with and relate to Kel.

I really hope this adaptation continues and gets picked up by a new generation of readers. I can't wait to read the graphic novel version of "Page" (book 2)! It's so good to be back in Tortall!

Thanks again Random House Graphic and NetGalley for the e-arc to read in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Graphics for giving me early access to this book! All opinions are my own.

I grew up reading the Tamora Pierce books. This is such a wonderful addition to her world! I think it’ll make her books so much more accessible to younger kids, and I loved the art style. I cannot wait to see other graphic novels of her stories!