I never put up a review for the final book of the Protector of the Small series because, frankly, Pierce doesn't do so well with her endings. I felt very "meh" about the whole story, and honestly have a hard time remembering details of it. For all of my vivid memories of the other installments, I have to call that a failure, or at least a fall-back from the highs of the series up to this point.
I would not go so far as to not recommend it - it is the finishing point to the series, but by now, Kel is grown, she's overcome her fears completely, she's dutiful to a fault (even in her interior monologue) and the story is stretched much farther than it should have been to cover a hum-drum posting, a crisis of conscience, and a new stray rescued.
Because Kel has developed into such a good well-rounded person, she's not as interesting anymore. Heck, even Alanna is more interesting in her bit parts because she still has her temper! It's hard to root for someone you don't think will ever fail, or ever struggle, or ever show doubt, and has perfect faithful companions and subordinates who would die for them.
So, while the writing and the plotting aren't bad, they are much too flabby, and do very little to disguise a burgeoning Mary Sue, and an uninteresting one at that. Sadly, reading Lady Knight made me glad that this was the last book of the series - I was afraid of what would happen if it went on any further.
Showing posts with label Protector of the Small. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Protector of the Small. Show all posts
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Previously Published Review: Squire, Tamora Pierce (Protector of the Small, Book 3)
If you're reading these reviews, you've either read the previous two books, or are still trying to see if you should. Either way, this book is a very good read on its own, and a decent further look at our heroine Kel.
Sadly, I found it not to the standards of the first two. Firstly, the posting Kel recieves is 'tailor-made' to groom her for further adventures. Nothing as serious as the climax of Page ever happens, which makes it difficult for her character to grow in this installment. Her difficulties now are in reconciling her crushes (in regards to, I'll remind readers of how many boys you were 'in love with' at age 14 through 18, and how many of those crushes lasted past summer vacation, let alone an entire year). She also learns the quiet skill of picking her battles, and there is a sadly anti-climactic result for her long-standing enemy. Fitting, but still anti-climactic.
The world is strangely light-hearted, despite onrushing wartime, Kel is strangely capable in a world she's never directly experienced, and ALL of the men she works with accept her without reservations after only a few months of her arrival. This all contrasts with the mood that Pierce cultivated in the first two installments, and I was strangely sad to see it shattered so easily. This almost felt like an intrusion, or a "rest period" for the character.
The mood changes again towards the end, where the build-up to Lady Knight begins, re-establishing the familiar tension faced by our soon-to-be Lady Knight.
**As I have for previous books, here is my 'cautious parent' warning. This book deals frankly with crushes, and the possible results of acting on them. The character deals with it in a 'family-appropriate' way, by asking her mother, but the simple inclusion of this "big talk" and the other references to kissing and passionate emotions may upset some parents. Please Please Please, if you think this will be a concern for you, or if your child is delicate or easily frightened, please be aware that this book is directed more towards OLDER pre-teens. The character is 18 at the end of the book, and considered an adult from the age of 14 when the book begins.
Finally, the climax scene, while not as challenging for the character, deals with magic and necromancy, and this may disturb some readers (or their parents). Be warned - read it first!
Sadly, I found it not to the standards of the first two. Firstly, the posting Kel recieves is 'tailor-made' to groom her for further adventures. Nothing as serious as the climax of Page ever happens, which makes it difficult for her character to grow in this installment. Her difficulties now are in reconciling her crushes (in regards to, I'll remind readers of how many boys you were 'in love with' at age 14 through 18, and how many of those crushes lasted past summer vacation, let alone an entire year). She also learns the quiet skill of picking her battles, and there is a sadly anti-climactic result for her long-standing enemy. Fitting, but still anti-climactic.
The world is strangely light-hearted, despite onrushing wartime, Kel is strangely capable in a world she's never directly experienced, and ALL of the men she works with accept her without reservations after only a few months of her arrival. This all contrasts with the mood that Pierce cultivated in the first two installments, and I was strangely sad to see it shattered so easily. This almost felt like an intrusion, or a "rest period" for the character.
The mood changes again towards the end, where the build-up to Lady Knight begins, re-establishing the familiar tension faced by our soon-to-be Lady Knight.
**As I have for previous books, here is my 'cautious parent' warning. This book deals frankly with crushes, and the possible results of acting on them. The character deals with it in a 'family-appropriate' way, by asking her mother, but the simple inclusion of this "big talk" and the other references to kissing and passionate emotions may upset some parents. Please Please Please, if you think this will be a concern for you, or if your child is delicate or easily frightened, please be aware that this book is directed more towards OLDER pre-teens. The character is 18 at the end of the book, and considered an adult from the age of 14 when the book begins.
Finally, the climax scene, while not as challenging for the character, deals with magic and necromancy, and this may disturb some readers (or their parents). Be warned - read it first!
Previously Published Review: Page, Tamora Pierce (Protector of the Small, Book 2)
I gave the first of this series 5 stars, and reluctantly subtract one for the execution of her second. The premise is sound - she planned to deal with Kel as a child, a Page, a Squire, and finally as Lady Knight, but the pace and high drama of this book left many things feeling a bit rushed.
Firstly, expect the content to be notably more mature than in First Test. Kel deals with hitting puberty, hitting boys, being hit by boys, and a brutal regimen of forcing down her phobias. This, in addition to intense training, having (and dealing) with crushes on her fellow Pages, and proving over and over and over that she can and will "run with the big boys."
Despite cramming several years worth of experience (literally) into this book, Pierce does an admirable job of containing and streamlining it. The years are well defined, and the individual 'quests' are tightly written and clear. This book also handles the development of Kel's unique abilities in command. Her growing sympathy for commoners and the weak is showcased in a series of growing climaxes. The ending sequence is especially well-done, and younger readers will be very impressed with Kel's maturity and self-sacrifice.
Again, I find that Pierce writes extremely appropraitely for the age-level (estimating by Kel's own age, the pre-teen market) and I find that her focus on morality and strength of conviction in difficult circumstances is fitting for younger readers. I wholeheartedly suggest these books for parents wishing to instil those ideals in their children, in addition to reading them because they are simply VERY nicely crafted books.
**Lastly, as I warned for First Test = Parents who are very careful of the sexual, homosexual, or magical encounters their children have - PLEASE read these books before handing them over to your kids. I personally see nothing wrong with her handling of delicate issues, but you might. And to set your child on a series of entertaining books, and then later ban them for dealing with unfortunate subjects - this makes rebellious and NEEDLESSLY unhappy children. Please, if you are sensitive to sexual references (including a brief mention of homosexuality and extremely frank dealings with rape) and/or the use and presence of magic, please make sure YOU read this first.
Firstly, expect the content to be notably more mature than in First Test. Kel deals with hitting puberty, hitting boys, being hit by boys, and a brutal regimen of forcing down her phobias. This, in addition to intense training, having (and dealing) with crushes on her fellow Pages, and proving over and over and over that she can and will "run with the big boys."
Despite cramming several years worth of experience (literally) into this book, Pierce does an admirable job of containing and streamlining it. The years are well defined, and the individual 'quests' are tightly written and clear. This book also handles the development of Kel's unique abilities in command. Her growing sympathy for commoners and the weak is showcased in a series of growing climaxes. The ending sequence is especially well-done, and younger readers will be very impressed with Kel's maturity and self-sacrifice.
Again, I find that Pierce writes extremely appropraitely for the age-level (estimating by Kel's own age, the pre-teen market) and I find that her focus on morality and strength of conviction in difficult circumstances is fitting for younger readers. I wholeheartedly suggest these books for parents wishing to instil those ideals in their children, in addition to reading them because they are simply VERY nicely crafted books.
**Lastly, as I warned for First Test = Parents who are very careful of the sexual, homosexual, or magical encounters their children have - PLEASE read these books before handing them over to your kids. I personally see nothing wrong with her handling of delicate issues, but you might. And to set your child on a series of entertaining books, and then later ban them for dealing with unfortunate subjects - this makes rebellious and NEEDLESSLY unhappy children. Please, if you are sensitive to sexual references (including a brief mention of homosexuality and extremely frank dealings with rape) and/or the use and presence of magic, please make sure YOU read this first.
Previously Published Review: First Test, Tamora Pierce (Protector of the Small, Book 1)
Tamora Pierce should be saluted for her many accomplished entries into the world of fantasy, not least of which is her steadfast reliance on capable, motivated, realistic FEMALE lead characters. Modern fantasy readers (especially us girls) have much to be grateful for - until pioneers like Pierce and McCaffrey broke through the 'crystal ceiling' seeing a HEROINE was achingly rare.
Besides her realization that ladies also like to have plucky role models, Pierce remains a talented writer. Fans of the Lioness Quartet will appreciate this "sequel" (but don't expect too much of Alanna - she's forbidden to speak to Kel!). Newcomers to the world of Tortall will find themselves welcomed, and making quick sense of a fairly traditional 'sword and sorcery' realm.
Other raters have noted the relative lightness of the tale, and the easy challenges that Kel must overcome. While I too have the same thoughts, I must remind readers that while these books can be read and enjoyed by ALL age groups, they were ORIGINALLY intended for the pre-teen group.
Personally, thinking back to childhood, the challenges seem quite age-appropriate, and could even relate to modern challenges. Kel sees and handles bullies, thinks about fairness and moral standards, sticks up for the underdog, and also deals with a personal phobia. Not bad for a 12 year old.
Other readers have taken issue with the 'flaws' in the medieval or derivative nature of the book. Even as an adult, however, people relate best to what they understand, and forcing a book for pre-teens into a 'realistic' portrayal of medieval society would be tiresome and BORING. Also, I find the inclusion of the Yamani (Japanese) culture to be refreshing, as it is treated as a source of strength for Kel, as well as a learning experience in dealing with culture differences.
As always, Pierce has done a wonderful job creating a girl-friendly world (even for a 26 year old girl!), written in a refreshing and engaging manner, without dumbing-down or condescending to her audience. Bravo.
** Very conservative parents, or those carefully monitoring their children's reading before "the talk" may wish to read this series (as well as the Alanna quartet, or ANY Pierce book) before letting their children start. As Kel grows older (the later books), her concerns naturally turn to teenage matters, and Pierce does not mince words. I found it still appropriate, and even sweet, but I know people are often careful of such things. Also later in the series, a fleeting mention is made of homosexuality. Finally, the later depictions of magic for defense and healing, and the use of necromancy (by the evil forces) are intense and fairly graphic. It is cruel to allow a child to start a series, then ban it later for containing information you'd rather not deal with. If these things bother you, be aware of them from the start and find other means to entertain your children.
Besides her realization that ladies also like to have plucky role models, Pierce remains a talented writer. Fans of the Lioness Quartet will appreciate this "sequel" (but don't expect too much of Alanna - she's forbidden to speak to Kel!). Newcomers to the world of Tortall will find themselves welcomed, and making quick sense of a fairly traditional 'sword and sorcery' realm.
Other raters have noted the relative lightness of the tale, and the easy challenges that Kel must overcome. While I too have the same thoughts, I must remind readers that while these books can be read and enjoyed by ALL age groups, they were ORIGINALLY intended for the pre-teen group.
Personally, thinking back to childhood, the challenges seem quite age-appropriate, and could even relate to modern challenges. Kel sees and handles bullies, thinks about fairness and moral standards, sticks up for the underdog, and also deals with a personal phobia. Not bad for a 12 year old.
Other readers have taken issue with the 'flaws' in the medieval or derivative nature of the book. Even as an adult, however, people relate best to what they understand, and forcing a book for pre-teens into a 'realistic' portrayal of medieval society would be tiresome and BORING. Also, I find the inclusion of the Yamani (Japanese) culture to be refreshing, as it is treated as a source of strength for Kel, as well as a learning experience in dealing with culture differences.
As always, Pierce has done a wonderful job creating a girl-friendly world (even for a 26 year old girl!), written in a refreshing and engaging manner, without dumbing-down or condescending to her audience. Bravo.
** Very conservative parents, or those carefully monitoring their children's reading before "the talk" may wish to read this series (as well as the Alanna quartet, or ANY Pierce book) before letting their children start. As Kel grows older (the later books), her concerns naturally turn to teenage matters, and Pierce does not mince words. I found it still appropriate, and even sweet, but I know people are often careful of such things. Also later in the series, a fleeting mention is made of homosexuality. Finally, the later depictions of magic for defense and healing, and the use of necromancy (by the evil forces) are intense and fairly graphic. It is cruel to allow a child to start a series, then ban it later for containing information you'd rather not deal with. If these things bother you, be aware of them from the start and find other means to entertain your children.
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