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Squire (Protector of the Small #3) by Tamora Pierce

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Kel gets a real chance to prove herself in the field as a squire when war breaks out in Tortall. Kel must also prepare for her Ordeal of Knighthood.

 Category: YA


Why I chose this book: Third in the series 


My personal opinion: I continued to enjoy the series. I like the man who is Kel's master and his way of training and teaching her. 


Warnings:
Language: None that I remember

Violence: Fights with fists and weapons, nothing overly gory 
"Adult" situations: As Kel gets older she starts to notice and be interested in boys. She does get into a relationship and while they steal kisses in alleys at the market, it doesn't go anywhere. In fact, Kel talks about how she wants a family eventually, but right now she is working toward her shield. She talks with her Mother about relationships and decides to get a charm from a healer that wards against pregnancy. There is reference to relationships between other characters. As stated before, Pierce does a great job with sensitive issues. They are there and realistic, but not overly dramatic or descriptive. 
Death: In the fights, from both sides


Movie rating equivalent: PG-13


Protagonist description: This book really shows how Kel is maturing into a young woman. She leaves the safety of the palace and must prove her worth to the outside world. She also begins to be interested in romantic relationships. Though she is still headstrong, defiant, and physically strong, she is no longer a 10 year young girl.    


Point of view of story: Kel's perspective 


Book length: Short-medium


Story flow: Slightly more episodic, but still fluid


Grammar and spelling issues: Unfamiliar place and people name, but nothing that disrupts the story flow. 


Character connection (no spoilers): None 




For Series:
Independent or integral: Integral as third. 

Series review as a whole: I enjoyed the whole series. It's worth the read. I will say the first and second are pretty mild, but the violence as well as adult themes get stronger in the third and fourth books as Kel gets older  

If you only have time for one, read: First Test, as first in the series. 

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