First Test

Infobox Book |
name = First Test


image_caption = Original Random House U.S. hardcover of the book featuring the title character.
author = Tamora Pierce
cover_artist = Joyce Patti
country = United States
language = English
series = Protector of the Small
genre = Fantasy novel
publisher = Random House
release_date = 1999
media_type = Print (Hardcover & Paperback)
pages = 240 pp
isbn = ISBN 0679889175
followed_by = Page

First Test, by Tamora Pierce, is the first book in the series "Protector of the Small".

In the realm of Tortall, women are finally legally allowed to train for knighthood. Keladry of Mindelan (Kel) is determined to be the first official female knight. As the only girl in the entire training program, Kel faces many challenges. In this particular book, she is put on a year of probation by her training master, Wyldon of Cavall. She bitterly resents this, but is determined to prove to him that she's as good as any boy.

At the beginning of the year, her only friend is her year-mate and sponsor, Nealan of Queenscove (Neal). She also faces a dangerous enemy, fellow page Joren of Stone Mountain. However, as the year goes on, Kel declares an unofficial war against the hazing of the first year pages. She and Joren's gang often get into fights over hazing, since they have very different opinions as to what is allowed and what is not. As Kel 'rescues' more and more victims, others join her and Neal in fighting and friendship.