ashtreereally's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
notthemonalisa's review against another edition
4.0
The justice payout was huge. I am really glad to have this series in my arsenal and can't wait to introduce my kids to these.
isabelgb's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
hilse's review
3.0
"More Raoul is nice. While the romance added a bit to what Kel experiences, I felt it was sort of extraneous. I wish Pierce would stop attaching every 'cool' female. What about singles?"
theletterdee's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
mysticforestcrafts's review against another edition
4.0
Pros:
This book truly shows growth, development and the hard work that an “average” person must put in to do the impossible and force change in the world around them. I love that it was done without changing the core of our heroine. She sees injustice and strives to change it only. It is so rare and so very important.
I love that Alanna and Kel finally got their moment together and while I will always wish that it was more, it was right for them.
Cons:
I understand that as a King, Jonathon must make more compromises than he would like and has to balance the needs of all. It is however disappointing to see that he has fallen apart from his friends of old like Alanna and Raoul. I know why he did with Alanna, but he can’t be just himself and his queen and be happy and healthy. I wish Kel would see that and urge change there too.
This book truly shows growth, development and the hard work that an “average” person must put in to do the impossible and force change in the world around them. I love that it was done without changing the core of our heroine. She sees injustice and strives to change it only. It is so rare and so very important.
I love that Alanna and Kel finally got their moment together and while I will always wish that it was more, it was right for them.
Cons:
I understand that as a King, Jonathon must make more compromises than he would like and has to balance the needs of all. It is however disappointing to see that he has fallen apart from his friends of old like Alanna and Raoul. I know why he did with Alanna, but he can’t be just himself and his queen and be happy and healthy. I wish Kel would see that and urge change there too.
phantaseus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
lucrezi's review against another edition
5.0
Despite being the third book of the quartet, Squire feels like the true second book. Maybe because the first 2 books are about being a page? Whatever though, this is my review so I'll treat this book how I would like it to be.
A Schafrillas video states that there are certain criteria in judging the perfect sequel, and Squire fits the bill:
1. Expands the universe of the first [book] in meaningful ways: We're finally introduced to the Yamani people, and Kel and everyone else trudge across the lands because the country is now in the middle of a war. We get our first taste of totally fucked up wizardry that's completely unheard of from the enemy's side.
2. Continues the story in a new, compelling way: As a squire, Kel travels with her knight-master Raoul of Goldenlake for months on end. He starts training her to lead others.
3. Introduces new, compelling themes or expands on the themes of the original
4. Leaves an undeniable impact on the [series] (in a positive way)
These last two are what I feel most strongly about. An important theme is the systemic bias towards nobles. Previously, Kel's maid Lalasa was kidnapped. The perpetrators are later found and punished. The theme had already been covered when Lalasa had said that reporting assault would favor the noble, but a new point was added in the form of Joren of Stone Mountain receiving a meager fine, whereas the commoners he hired to get their hands dirty were given over a decade of hard labor. Kel is infuriated that the root hadn't been pruned as it should, and pushes King Jonathan and Queen Thayet to change the laws. There's your undeniable impact!
As for sexual harassment: Vinson, the who sexually assaulted Lalasa in the previous book is found guilty of raping other women. It's a victory, but a bittersweet one because of this new addition to the whole "debate" about reporting vs. not reporting:
It further elaborates the complications that come with reporting sexual harassment. Yes, reporting it might bring negative attention to the survivor, but it could keep other women safe from the abuser. It's not quite morally gray, but it's enough to give anyone in the situation pause. But as Buri said, in the end, we need to see the bigger picture and do what we can despite the hopelessness of the situation. We can't let our guilt about the past prevent us from taking action for the future people we want to help.
---
SHALLOW BREAK
PRAISE!!!! Kel's first romance is not with big-brother-figure Neal, but with Cleon who is only a couple of years older, and they are cute. I'm happy there's no unnecessary drama keeping them from being together. Only their duties keep them apart. Otherwise, they're surprisingly mature for teenagers.
I have no critique.
---
Raoul grooming Kel into becoming a commander of the troops is the perfect next step! Alanna the hero works alone (or if she's with others, she doesn't manage them). Raoul is right; we need more commanders. It suits Kel. Thank goodness for her Yamani and Mindelan upbringing, right? And of course, the climax fits this new character development perfectly: Kel takes over the command of one of the groups when its designated leader is out of commission.
Kel and Alanna finally meet after Kel is finally dubbed lady knight. It is here that Tamora Pierce's voice comes through, and it's not unwelcome since she addresses possible "Chosen One" critique that might've been lobbed at the Song of the Lioness quartet way back when:
It's a great end to the book. If Protector of the Small had ended here, I'd honestly be fine despite the enemies still being a mystery and despite Kel not yet becoming a full-fledged commander, but it was just that good. I love this book.
A Schafrillas video states that there are certain criteria in judging the perfect sequel, and Squire fits the bill:
1. Expands the universe of the first [book] in meaningful ways: We're finally introduced to the Yamani people, and Kel and everyone else trudge across the lands because the country is now in the middle of a war. We get our first taste of totally fucked up wizardry that's completely unheard of from the enemy's side.
2. Continues the story in a new, compelling way: As a squire, Kel travels with her knight-master Raoul of Goldenlake for months on end. He starts training her to lead others.
3. Introduces new, compelling themes or expands on the themes of the original
4. Leaves an undeniable impact on the [series] (in a positive way)
These last two are what I feel most strongly about. An important theme is the systemic bias towards nobles. Previously, Kel's maid Lalasa was kidnapped. The perpetrators are later found and punished. The theme had already been covered when Lalasa had said that reporting assault would favor the noble, but a new point was added in the form of Joren of Stone Mountain receiving a meager fine, whereas the commoners he hired to get their hands dirty were given over a decade of hard labor. Kel is infuriated that the root hadn't been pruned as it should, and pushes King Jonathan and Queen Thayet to change the laws. There's your undeniable impact!
As for sexual harassment: Vinson, the who sexually assaulted Lalasa in the previous book is found guilty of raping other women. It's a victory, but a bittersweet one because of this new addition to the whole "debate" about reporting vs. not reporting:
[Lalasa]’s eyes burned with a fierce light; there was a triumphant smile on her lips. She doesn’t realize it, Kel thought, feeling sick. She hasn’t seen that if we’d reported his attack on her, he might not have hurt those girls. She begged me not to—but I knew it wasn’t right. And I kept my mouth shut anyway.
[...]
"You're an idealist, Kel. See, I try to beat idealism out of Rider trainees. It just ruins their abilities to give a fair report. So long as there are nobles and commoners, the wealthy and the poor, those with power will be heard, and those without ignored. That's the world."
"I don't accept that," Kel said grimly.
"I didn't say you should," Buri replied. "Three nights a week your Lalasa closes her shop early. She teaches city girls - commoners - holds, blows, and kicks that will help them to escape and attacker She learned all that somewhere. And it does the girls more good than your courting frostbite to shoot a bow you don't even like. There's now a demand for arms teachers for young noblewomen. Seven female Riders this year asked me for references to get them such posts. And may I remind you that a particular law is being revised right now because you had the nerve to tell King Jonathan it should be changed?"
"I still should have reported Vinson at the Temple of the Goddess," Kel said stubbornly.
"Very well, you should have done," Buri agreed, her face sober. "Next time, you will. [...] The world is imperfect, Kel. But you do more than your share to set things right. Next time, report it. Even if nothing is done because the one reported is too powerful, a record will be made. And when he does it again, the record will show he won't stop."
It further elaborates the complications that come with reporting sexual harassment. Yes, reporting it might bring negative attention to the survivor, but it could keep other women safe from the abuser. It's not quite morally gray, but it's enough to give anyone in the situation pause. But as Buri said, in the end, we need to see the bigger picture and do what we can despite the hopelessness of the situation. We can't let our guilt about the past prevent us from taking action for the future people we want to help.
---
SHALLOW BREAK
PRAISE!!!! Kel's first romance is not with big-brother-figure Neal, but with Cleon who is only a couple of years older, and they are cute. I'm happy there's no unnecessary drama keeping them from being together. Only their duties keep them apart. Otherwise, they're surprisingly mature for teenagers.
Kel’s mouth popped open when she read her [jousting] opponent’s name. “You’d better see the coffin maker and order me a box,” she told Cleon.
He straightened, confused, and read the name she pointed to: Wyldon of Cavall.
“Gods protect me, you’re going to die a virgin,” he whispered. “What say we find a nice private haystack and take care of that?”
[...]
On came Wyldon as Kel’s focus narrowed to his shield. She barely felt Peachblossom under her, barely noticed Wyldon or his mount, just his shield as she rose, balanced, and hit. Again a splintering crash: Kel’s lance went to pieces; a third of Wyldon’s snapped off. They returned to their start points for new lances.
I’m doomed, Kel thought. I should have bedded Cleon before I died.
I have no critique.
---
Raoul grooming Kel into becoming a commander of the troops is the perfect next step! Alanna the hero works alone (or if she's with others, she doesn't manage them). Raoul is right; we need more commanders. It suits Kel. Thank goodness for her Yamani and Mindelan upbringing, right? And of course, the climax fits this new character development perfectly: Kel takes over the command of one of the groups when its designated leader is out of commission.
Kel and Alanna finally meet after Kel is finally dubbed lady knight. It is here that Tamora Pierce's voice comes through, and it's not unwelcome since she addresses possible "Chosen One" critique that might've been lobbed at the Song of the Lioness quartet way back when:
“I had the magic, don’t you see, and the hand of the Goddess on me. Everyone could and did say I was a freak, one of those once-a-century people. No one else needs to strive for what I did, because they couldn’t reach it.” Alanna smiled crookedly. “But you, bless you, you are real. Those girls watched you, and talked about your style in the saddle, and the things you did. They swore they’d take up archery, or riding, or Shang combat, because you had shown them it was all right. I was so proud.”
It's a great end to the book. If Protector of the Small had ended here, I'd honestly be fine despite the enemies still being a mystery and despite Kel not yet becoming a full-fledged commander, but it was just that good. I love this book.
jtryckman's review against another edition
5.0
Boy howdy this book is great.
Squire takes things up a notch from its predecessors in Kel’s series. Kel experiences some major character growth, her relationship with Raul is fantastic, and the ending sets up the next book and makes me *incredibly* excited to finish this series.
Squire takes things up a notch from its predecessors in Kel’s series. Kel experiences some major character growth, her relationship with Raul is fantastic, and the ending sets up the next book and makes me *incredibly* excited to finish this series.