The first time I read this book, I was in elementary school. Once I had finished, I begged my mother to buy me the next book because I had absolutely loved it. I was afraid that I wouldn't enjoy it as much again because I was no longer in the target audience, as with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but I was glad to see that it was still an enjoyable read.

Reading it now, after so many years, I found that I understood a lot more than I did back then. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to enjoy a book the same way as I did the first time I read it because I can no longer discover it; having a faulty memory did help with the reread, though. It makes me sad to think that if I had read it for the first time now, I could've enjoyed it that much more because nothing beats exploring a book for the first time (and understanding everything in it on the first go).

The beginning is what made me feel as though the plot would move too quickly and be without depth (which is typical of children's books), but after a few chapters I was able to immerse myself into the world and the pacing settled down perfectly - although that doesn't mean that I had an easy time putting the book down. The ending, while not abrupt, felt as though it could've done with more of a lead up, though, but it was a good one (although not so good at the same time since I remembered it differently).

The characters are absolutely wonderful, too. It took me a while to remember characters since many of them were introduced in groups, however seeing them a few times helped make them memorable since they all behaved in their own special ways. Neal is my absolute favourite; his sarcasm and his joking attitude always make me smile, and I became fond of him really quickly. Cleon was another fun character, and even Merric became memorable. They all act in such ways that help keep them apart, and it makes it that much more of an enjoyable experience to have such a colourful cast of characters guiding me through the story.

The Tortall universe is amazing. The different cultures are distinct and interesting, and magic (including mythical, and other, creatures) fits seamlessly. Having also read other series in the Tortall universe, it's also nice to see familiar faces every now and then (like Alanna and Daine); this is only with my second run through, as the Protector of the Small series was my first introduction to Tamora Pierce's writing.

Things were explained well, and it showed that the author researched a lot all while only giving the readers what they needed to know. The path to becoming a knight, with all the adventures along the way, was explained without overdoing it, and showing how Kel learned her skills through various methods was believable.

It was interesting how feminism was approached in this novel. It didn't beat me over the head with equal rights even though it is a major theme, and it wasn't too minor of a thing that made it a passing plot problem. Having Kel want to make sure people remember that she's female is interesting, and she doesn't think herself any less or better for being so - she just does what's necessary to become a knight, and refuses to let anyone's beliefs get in the way of her own. It might be a tiny bit overplayed at times, but considering the whole point of the book is that she's trying to prove that even she as a female can become a knight, then it's understandable.

The end was different than I remember, but that may be because I'm remembering the end of the second book instead (or so I think). I wish it would've been a more overwhelming action that caused Lord Wyldon to have her pass her probationary period, but it was still a good end. The only problem is that I could have sworn that the probationary period was in addition to her four years as a page, but then again I may not be paying attention after all - it doesn't affect my view of the story, it just annoys me to remember one thing and have it happen another way.

I'm glad I decided to reread the series again. I did enjoy reading it as a preteen, and now as an adult I know that I'm still going to enjoy the series because of how well the author presents everything. Following Kel's adventures, with a fun cast of characters, a vast history, many cultures, and an interesting plot, is definitely worth it, and I know I'll enjoy this series many times more in the future.