Squire

The adventure continues in book three of the New York Times bestselling series from the fantasy author who is a legend herself: Tamora Pierce.

A powerful classic that is more timely than ever, the Protector of the Small series is about smashing the ceilings others place above you.

Being the first is the last thing they expect of you.

Keladry of Mindelan dreams of becoming squire to the legendary female knight Alanna the Lioness, a hero straight out of story. But Kel is chosen instead by Lord Raoul, a leader of men and a strategist – an unexpected honour that shocks her enemies.

Kel must hone her skills and discover what it takes to be part of the royal guard. Part of a team.

With this change comes another: a new romance, bringing with it the rush of first love and the unexpected challenges of balancing duty and love.

All the while, Kel prepares for her biggest challenge: the infamous and terrifying Ordeal – the last challenge standing between her and knighthood.

In a landmark quartet published years before it’s time, Kel must prove herself twice as good as her male peers just to be thought equal. A series that touches on questions of courage, friendship, a humane perspective – told against a backdrop of a magical, action-packed fantasy adventure.

‘I take more comfort from and as great pleasure in Tamora Pierce’s Tortall novels as I do from Game of Thrones’ – Washington Post

Reviews

‘Tamora Pierce didn’t just blaze a trail. Her heroines cut a swath through the fantasy world with wit, strength, and savvy. Pierce is the real lioness, and we’re all just running to keep pace.’
LEIGH BARDUGO, #1 New York Times bestselling author

‘Tamora Pierce creates epic worlds populated by girls and women of bravery, heart, and strength. Her work inspired a generation of writers and continues to inspire us.’
HOLLY BLACK, #1 New York Times bestselling author

‘Tamora Pierce’s books shaped me not only as a young writer but also as a young woman. Her complex, unforgettable heroines and vibrant, intricate worlds blazed a trail for young
adult fantasy—and I get to write what I love today because of the path she forged throughout her career. She is a pillar, an icon, and an inspiration.’
SARAH J. MAAS, #1 New York Times bestselling author

‘I take more comfort from and as great a pleasure in Tamora Pierce's Tortall novels as I do from Game of Thrones.’
Washington Post

About the author

Tamora Pierce is the New York Times bestselling author of the The Song of the Lioness series, The Numair Chronicles, The Immortals series and The Protector of the Small quartet.

Pierce was born in South Connellsville, Pennsylvania and her parents were originally going to call her ‘Tamara’, but the nurse who filled out her birth certificate had never heard of that name before and accidentally misspelled it.

A passionate reader from an early age, devouring encyclopaedias, Dr Seuss books and J.R.R. Tolkien, writing helped Pierce get through her parents’ divorce. In her junior year at college, she sold her first story and went on to publish The Song of the Lioness in 1983: changing the landscape of fantasy fiction forever. An award-winning, multiple New York Times bestselling author whose books have been published all over the world, Pierce lives in New York with her husband.