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First Test (Protector of the Small #1) by Tamora Pierce

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 Brief synopsis (no spoilers): Keladry of Mindalen is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that girls can train to be Knights in the realm of Tortall. Alana the Lioness became a knight 10 years ago and Kel wants to follow in her footsteps. However, because the training master, Lord Wyldon, doesn't believe girls should be knights, Kel is put on a one year probation, something that no male has ever had imposed on them. In addition, Keladry must deal with the usual hazing and grueling schedule of training for knighthood.    

Category: Juv/YA fic

Why I chose this book: Enjoyed other books by the same author 

My personal opinion: Kel is awesome. I loved going on the journey with her through her probationary year. And I love her title, Protector of the Small. It comes into play from the very beginning of her story. 

Warnings
Movie rating equivalent: PG
Language: None. 
Violence: Kel gets into many fist fights
"Adult" situations: None
Death: None

Protagonist description:  Keladry is a fiery spirit, even at ten years old. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid of the work, the extra work, it might take to get there. She doesn't let what anyone else thinks define her feelings about herself and her reaction to what is going on around her.  

Point of view of story:  Kel's point of view

Book length: Short

Story flow: Fast moving

Grammar and spelling issues: A few weird names, but nothing that interrupts the story flow.

Character connection (no spoilers): Neal

For series:
Independent or integral: Integral as first.

Series review as a whole: I enjoyed the series. 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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