Take a photo of a barcode or cover
aklaux 's review for:
In the Hand of the Goddess
by Tamora Pierce
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
In the Hand of the Goddess is the second book in Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness quartet, following Alanna of Trebond as she continues to disguise herself as a boy to train as a knight in the kingdom of Tortall. This installment picks up quickly, throwing readers into the middle of court intrigue, looming war, magical threats, and new emotional territory for Alanna. Now a squire to Prince Jonathan, she must navigate the dangers of the battlefield as well as the complexities of her own identity, particularly as she begins to explore what it means to embrace her femininity while holding on to her strength.
Alanna remains a fantastic protagonist, and her character growth in this book is more in focus. One of the most notable developments is her slow, subtle journey toward accepting her femininity. It’s a meaningful shift for a character who’s spent so long rejecting any type of hint that she’s a girl.
Also…FINALLY, a fantasy novel with a proper cat companion! Faithful the cat is introduced a bit abruptly at the beginning, and I low-key hate his name, but it was the 1980s so I give it a pass. As fantasy reader, I’ve been dying for a series that features a cat sidekick with a bit of personality.
The book is fast-paced and action-packed, though the action never overwhelms the story. There’s a lot packed into a relatively short novel (Alanna ages about three years over the course of the book) but it still feels coherent. The story focuses less on worldbuilding this time and more on Alanna’s personal journey, including her relationships.
Speaking of which—yes, we’ve got ourselves a classic love triangle. And yes, I already know how it ends, which probably influences whose team I’m on. The romance doesn’t overshadow the main plot but is clearly part of Alanna’s coming-of-age. That said, there were a few elements that didn’t age well: some eyebrow-raising age gaps and a couple of moments of kissing without explicit consent. Nothing too egregious, but noticeable through a modern lens.
Despite a few bumps, this was a strong continuation of the series. Alanna’s story is compelling, her struggles relatable, and the fantasy setting still engaging, even if it fades slightly into the background in this volume. I’m excited to continue following her journey…and, of course, Faithful the cat.
Alanna remains a fantastic protagonist, and her character growth in this book is more in focus. One of the most notable developments is her slow, subtle journey toward accepting her femininity. It’s a meaningful shift for a character who’s spent so long rejecting any type of hint that she’s a girl.
Also…FINALLY, a fantasy novel with a proper cat companion! Faithful the cat is introduced a bit abruptly at the beginning, and I low-key hate his name, but it was the 1980s so I give it a pass. As fantasy reader, I’ve been dying for a series that features a cat sidekick with a bit of personality.
The book is fast-paced and action-packed, though the action never overwhelms the story. There’s a lot packed into a relatively short novel (Alanna ages about three years over the course of the book) but it still feels coherent. The story focuses less on worldbuilding this time and more on Alanna’s personal journey, including her relationships.
Speaking of which—yes, we’ve got ourselves a classic love triangle. And yes, I already know how it ends, which probably influences whose team I’m on. The romance doesn’t overshadow the main plot but is clearly part of Alanna’s coming-of-age. That said, there were a few elements that didn’t age well: some eyebrow-raising age gaps and a couple of moments of kissing without explicit consent. Nothing too egregious, but noticeable through a modern lens.
Despite a few bumps, this was a strong continuation of the series. Alanna’s story is compelling, her struggles relatable, and the fantasy setting still engaging, even if it fades slightly into the background in this volume. I’m excited to continue following her journey…and, of course, Faithful the cat.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content