First Test

By: Tamora Pierce

Narrated by: Bernadette Dunne

Length: 5 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

In the medieval and fantastic realm of Tortall, Keladry of Mindelan (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits females to train for knighthood. Up against the traditional hazing of pages and a grueling schedule, Kel faces only one real roadblock: Lord Wyldon, the training master of pages and squires. He is absolutely against girls becoming knights. So while he is forced to train her, Wyldon puts her on probation for one year. It is a trial period that no male page has ever had to endure and one that separates the good-natured Kel even more from her fellow trainees during the tough first year. But Kel is not a girl to underestimate, as everyone is about to find out.

©1999 Tamora Pierce (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic Reviews

"A splendidly rousing feast." ( Booklist)
"This is smooth storytelling and a satisfying read." ( School Library Journal)

interesting story

The story itself was very well written.

but having read the book before it took me a while to get used to the narrators voice for the characters, especially Kel's.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Narration does not fit the story

If you've never read the books, the narration might not be too bad. If you have read the books, her depiction of Kel is jarring. She almost makes Kel sound whiny, which is far from how Tamora Pierce portrays the character. I love this story, hate the narration.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

good

The narrator kept changing the pronunciation of the names. By the end she got it right.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Bernadette

If you could sum up First Test in three words, what would they be?

Where does First Test rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This story is a wonderful contribution to the Tortall universe, and an amazing call back to my still beloved Alanna series. However I have to say Bernadette doesn't do it justice. Numair and many other "adult" characters either have a raspy voice, or a full blown "old man" croak. all the boys speak in the came voice, and Kel herself sounds exactly like one of the extra boy voices. TL;DR: Bernadette has ONE voice, and it's her own. Long live Trini Avarado.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Bernadette Dunne?

Unfortunately she does this entire quartlet. so I kind of have to.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Loved it

I loved all the charactors in the book. Found myself listening to it twice because I tend to miss areas while working. I purchased the second in the series as soon as I was done, and I'm now on the forth in the series.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

one of my favorites from Tamora Peirce

I loved this series as a young woman and was still able to appreciate the struggles of this exceptional heroin as an adult.

I love this book and this series!

I really enjoy this series and all of the Tortal books. Kel is one of my favorite heroines. I live her straight forward common sense and her interactions with her friends.

The Best

This series is the best for young adults. It keeps your attention and you want Kel to get her shield. You feel part of the action. I highly recommend this book for all ages from young to old adults.

Reading was choppy.

The story itself is great. In the performance many words are skipped and it sounds like an old record skipping seconds of the peice at a time.

Kel is my favorite heroine of Tortall

Amazing book about working for your dreams no matter the obstacles. #genderdiversity #socialjustice #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Great book

Tamora Pierce continues to be fantastic reading for pre-teen and teen girls everywhere. Bernadette Dunn has an American accent but is clear to listen to. Can we have more of the back catalogue of Pierce's books soon, please?

2 of 2 people found this review helpful