First Test Graphic Novel | Review

First Test: Protector of the Small (Boook 1)
By Tamora Pierce
Adapted by Devin Grayson and Becca Farrow
Random House Graphic, July 2024, $24.99
Grades 5-8

Growing up, I never ventured into the world of fantasy. It wasn’t until I read Harry Potter, all those years ago, that I realized how exciting and relatable fantasies were, and I began venturing into the genre. Tamora Pierce was high on the list: A feminist of sorts demonstrating girl power with much imagination and captivating young fantasy readers.

And now Random House Graphic brings Tamora Pierce’s work to a new audience by adapting one of the more popular series into a graphic novel. I hope that young audiences will use the graphic novel as a stepping stone into Pierce’s amazing prose, because while the adaptation did a superb job, it is by no means the same as reading the original works.

Kel will be the first female to train as a knight in the realm of Tortall. Though the conditions aren’t equal to those of men, she can only go on the condition of one year’s probation. She goes anyway. Immediately the hazing begins, and the resistance to a woman on the team is felt, but Kel is determined to succeed. Whatever she can glean about becoming a knight, even if she is sent home, is more than she would have learned if she had not left.

The story does translate well to a graphic novel. There are many exciting scenes drawn, and fantastical figures come to life in the artwork (Spideren – eek!) as Kel learns to battle. The coloring is vibrant and adapts to match the tone of the scene: Bright colors for fights, a bit more muted for the quieter scenes. It does bring the story to life and has made me nostalgic to read Tamora Pierce again.

This is a wonderful adaptation and will bring troves of readers back to an author and stories that are regarded by many as classics.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Reviews