

Cracking open one of her marvelous novels always feels like coming home." She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration. "Tamora Pierce's books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. More timely than ever, the Protector of the Small series is Anti-Bullying 101 while also touching on issues of bravery, friendship, and dealing humanely with refugees against a backdrop of an action-packed fantasy adventure. All the while, Kel prepares for her biggest fear: the infamous “Ordeal,” the last challenge that stands between her and knighthood.

A new romance is blossoming as well, bringing with it the rush of first love and the unexpected challenges of balancing knight work and a relationship. Kel must quickly prove herself up to the task, mastering her fighting and leadership skills while discovering what it takes to be part of the royal guard. When Kel is picked instead by the legendary Lord Raoul, the unexpected honor shocks her enemies across the realm. Keladry of Mindelan dreams of becoming squire to the famous female knight Alanna the Lioness, but she worries that she will not be selected by her hero-perhaps not by any knight master. The path to knighthood is full of surprises. The third book in the New York Times bestselling series from the fantasy author who is a legend herself: TAMORA PIERCE.
