Books › Squire (Protector of the Small #3)
Squire (Protector of the Small #3)
First published 2001 · 535 pages
A deeply satisfying, grounded fantasy about the grueling, unglamorous, and ultimately triumphant work of becoming a leader.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like watching a masterclass in quiet, stubborn defiance. It trades the chosen-one tropes of high fantasy for the deeply satisfying, grounded reality of sheer hard work, focusing on the sweat, blisters, and tactical study required to become a knight. The atmosphere is a compelling blend of cozy camaraderie and looming peril, wrapping the reader in the warmth of loyal friendships, protective animal companions, and mentors who truly see the protagonist's worth. There is a bittersweet ache to the emotional journey as the heroine navigates the messy realities of first love, systemic prejudice, and the heavy mantle of command. It is an incredibly comforting yet propulsive read that delights anyone who loves watching a fiercely empathetic, hyper-competent young woman force a stubborn world to respect her.
- Mood
- inspiring
- grounded
- triumphant
- cozy-yet-perilous
- Tone
- earnest
- pragmatic
- warm
- determined
- feminist
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- quiet defiance · the burden of leadership · first love and heartbreak · dismantling prejudice · coming of age
- The writing
- Straightforward and accessible, grounding high fantasy in the tactile, everyday realities of armor, sweat, and tactical training.
- The arc
- Moves from the anxious pressure of proving oneself to a bittersweet, hard-won maturity and quiet confidence.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave stories about stubbornly good, hyper-competent heroines who earn their victories through relentless hard work and deep empathy.
Content notes
- fantasy violence
- sexism and misogyny
- bullying
- animal peril
About the book
Fourteen-year-old Keladry of Mindelan is not your average squire. For one thing, she's a girl. For another, she's almost six feet tall. And most important of all, her ability to pass the Ordeal that soon confronts her may determine her kingdom's future.
When Kel is chosen by the legendary Lord Raoul to be his squire, the conservatives of the realm hardly think she’s up to the job. Kel earns respect and admiration among the men, as well as the affection of a fellow squire.
Description from Open Library.
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