Lady Knight

I originally read the Protector of the Small series years ago and it wasn't my favourite of the Tortall sub-series, but this time around I appreciated it a whole lot more. For one, Kel is an awesome character.

She isn't special in any way – no magic, no special link with the gods – and earns everything she gets through hard work and common sense. Sure, she started learning her weapons at the ripe old age of 6, but she gets really good at them because she never gives up, even when everything hurts and she could be sleeping in. Plus, she cares. She's compassionate without being a mother-figure (or at least that's how I see it, despite some of the boys calling her “Mother” in jest.)

The other thing I love about this series is that there isn't a love story. Sure, Kel has her crushes and relationships, but she realizes that other things are higher on her priority list that love and/or sex and just gets on with them. How often do you see that in a teen book?