Page

Protector of the Small: 2

ISBN: 0-679-88915-9 Order from: Amazon.com

A conventional theme of an outcast in a military school is continued with much deftness, well-drawn characters, and tight pacing.

Reviewed by David on February 11, 2001 (rev. 1)

Genre: Fantasy (Juvenile, Coming of Age)

Synopsis: In the Kingdom of Tortall, female heroes are not unknown. In fact Alanna, the heroine of the "Song of the Lioness" quartet Alanna: The First Adventure, is the King's champion. However, the traditional knightly training—page school to squire to knighthood—has always been preserved for men. Fiercely traditional aristocracy is dubious about the ability of girls to go through the rigorous military training. Thus, despite the King's proclamation that girls are welcome, the social resistance to a girl page is very high.

Kel was the first girl to brave the famous page school. Without any magic talent, but propelled by the family tradition of service and military training, she entered the school. After surviving her probation period, she is accepted as a Page—a squire candidate. But her enemies are more determined than ever to stop her, and her own fears may prove her biggest challenge.

Full Review: This novel is a middle one in a series, providing a modicum of plot development. Kel learns new things, and becomes more than she was before, while improving the world around her. Kel, and supporting characters are sympathetic enough to draw the reader in, despite predictability of the plot. Kel deals with tougher challenges, including real, deadly combat and well-organized malice. Her unselfish, honorable attitude seems appropriate to knighthood, and her humble nature, and ocassional glints of humor (not frequent enough) save her from being too boring.

The nature of the heroine invotes comparisons with Moon's Paksenarrion. Romantic inclinations start to appear, and following the conventions of juvenile fiction, are lightly sketched.

This is another enjoyable novel. While offering little novelty, the quality of the narrative, and the sympathetic characters make this fantasy an enjoyable treat. This book is succeeded by Squire.

Universe: Tortall

Overall: 6; Plot: 5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 5.5; Originality: 4.5;

ISBN: 0-679-88915-9 Order from: Amazon.com