Page

Page tells the story of Keladry of Mindelan during her years as a page in the realm of Tortall. As the first openly female page in over a century, she faces opposition from both fellow students and instructors while pursuing her dream of becoming a knight. Kel's daily life consists of combat training, academic studies, and navigating complex social dynamics within the palace. She builds a loyal circle of friends among the other pages and takes on new responsibilities, including caring for a maidservant named Lalasa and various animals who come under her protection. The training becomes more intense as Kel progresses through her page years, testing both her physical abilities and leadership skills. She must prove herself in multiple disciplines including archery, jousting, and tactical command while facing continued resistance from those who oppose female knights. The novel explores themes of perseverance, justice, and the gradual breaking down of gender barriers in a traditional society. Through Kel's experiences, the story examines how dedication and moral conviction can overcome institutional prejudice.

Readers describe Page as a solid continuation of Keladry's story, noting it maintains the pacing and character development from First Test. Reviewers highlight how it deals with real issues like bullying, sexism, and the challenge of proving oneself. Readers appreciate: - The realistic depiction of physical training and hard work - Kel's stubborn determination and growth - Supporting characters like Neal and Jump - The lack of romance focus Main criticisms: - Some find the training sequences repetitive - A few say the plot is predictable - Complaints about less action than other Pierce books Ratings: Goodreads: 4.26/5 (39,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings) Multiple readers note it's darker than First Test. One reviewer states: "Shows how persistence and hard work are more important than natural talent." Another writes: "The details of page training get tedious, but Kel's character development makes up for it."

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🏰 The character of Keladry was partly inspired by historical female warriors like Joan of Arc and Khutulun, a Mongolian princess who would only marry a man who could defeat her in wrestling. 📚 Tamora Pierce wrote the first draft of her debut novel at age 13, though she wouldn't be published until she was 26. ⚔️ The detailed combat training sequences in the book are based on actual medieval training practices for knights, which Pierce extensively researched at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 🐦 The use of sparrows as helpers in the story reflects medieval falconry practices, where birds were trained for both hunting and military purposes. 🌟 Page is part of the Protector of the Small series, which was written as a deliberate contrast to Pierce's earlier Alanna series - showing a girl openly training as a knight rather than in disguise.