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.

This was 100% a nostalgia read for me - and I love that young readers are going to be experience Pierce's Tortall series in graphic form. First Test is the beginning of the Protector of the Small series which centers the life of Keladry of Mindelan who wants to become a knight of the realm. She will be the first female to train as a knight due to the King's decree. Upon arrival, she is put on probation by the training master simply because she is a girl. She excels in training, so her fellow trainees find ways to bully and sabotage her, but she does not take any of it sitting down. Her perseverance pays off as other trainees begin to stand with her against the bullies. I liked the art and it was a decent adaptation of the novel. The only quibble - why was there not map? I think the reader will benefit from map and while some might say they should start with The Song of the Lioness series, this series was my introduction to the world of Tortall - it is a great fantasy world and not difficult to understand. I would recommend to any fantasy readers or readers that just love their reads to be in graphic form. I hope adaptations of the rest of the series are in our future.

This First Test by Tamora Pierce Graphic novel is a lovely adaptation for one of my childhood favorites. This is a perfect read both for long time fans looking to recapture some of the magic of Pierce's worlds and for readers new to the series looking for a good entry point. I will for sure be grabbing a physical copy as soon as it hits the store shelves.

As a late-adopter (but still huge fan) of Pierce's Tortall books (which I originally read horribly out of order), I will always have a soft spot for Kel, whose calm and unwavering spirit in the face of every obstacle leads her not only to knighthood, but to essentially reforming the path to it for all who come after. The graphic novel version does lose quite a few details (like, you have no idea that Kel is only 10 years old until a throwaway comment from Neal near the end) and the whole story seems to come and go in a whirlwind. HOWEVER, it cuts to the heart of the story, which is Kel's personality and desire to always protect the small from larger and tougher enemies, her trust in herself and her friends, her dedication and hard work, and the principles she wishes to carry forth into knighthood.

Reading this makes me want to drop everything and tear through all the Tortall books again.

I am a huge fan of the novel version, which was of my favorite works as a teenager. I was really excited to learn that there is going to be a graphic novel adaptation! I have to say that this graphic novel does not disappoint! The artwork is truly amazing and was very faithful to the novel! I really enjoyed the format, and hope that there will be more graphic novel of adaptations of Tamora Pierce’s other works! Thus, this graphic novel is a must-read for Tamora Pierce’s fans! A more detailed review to come closer to publication date!

As a huge (HUGE) fan of the Protector of the Small quartet, I felt equal parts joy and trepidation when I saw it was being adapted as a graphic novel. As it turns out, the trepidation was unnecessary! This was a delightful adaptation that captures the spirit of each character. I forgot how much I hated Joren until I read this. It would be fantastic if all of the Tortall books got graphic novel adaptations (hint hint)!