Here again, we're finally getting back to our "roots" so to speak, here at Raven Queen's Domain. At long last, a Fantasy novel is reviewed! Read on, dear patron, and enjoy. by Tamora Pierce First, let me say, there are possible spoilers here for the previous volume, in this series, Alanna, the First Adventure, previously reviewed here. Read on, at your own risk. If you wish to read this review, or don't care whether or not it might spoil Alanna, the First Adventure for you, then *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* *scroll down* Now then... the review! In this second book in the Song of the Lioness Quartet, we meet again, our charming hero the intrepid Alanna, forging ahead in her quest to become the first female knight in Tortall. But now, she faces bigger challenges. Will she be able to over come them? With her final year of training looming ahead, Alanna must face some rather tough challenges. Worst of all, she has a direct command from the Mother Goddess. Alanna is charged with actually breaking down, and accepting the love of a man! Aside from facing the foes of Tortall, finding the right words to reveal her true identity to her beloved friends at the palace, learning all she can about being a woman, keeping her faithful theif-friend George's hands off her, saving herself from attacks by fellow Squires who may or may not be her friends, and dealing with her hated enemy, Duke Roger. But Alanna, she'd rather just pass the final Ordeal, get her shield and her knighthood, maybe fight a battle or two, if necessary, and head out of Tortall as fast, and as soon, as possible. If she has to be taken prisoner, if she has to lose a few friends to battle, if she has to use herself up in the Healer's tents, fine. Love? Who has the time to consider such a thing? But consider it, she does. Who better to garner her attention, than Prince John himself? She knows it's not the best choice; Royals, after all, need marry within their station, and Noble or not, Alanna doesn't fit the bill. Perhaps George would be a better choice. But a girl can dream, can't she? Or she can, if she has the time. Strange things befall our heroine, and she has myriad threads to untangle, even if it means giving up what she has sought, all these years. Will Alanna fail her final Ordeal? What will become of Tortall? What will pass between she and her friends? She and John? She and Duke Roger? What decisions will she have to make, in order to pass her tests? In order to obey the Goddess? In order to survive? You'll have to read, to find out! In the Hand of the Goddess is a fine sequel to a very fine beginning. If you think all Young Adult fiction is the same, think again. I wonder that Ms. Pierce doesn't find her work placed amongst the regular Fantasy/Science Fiction shelves, for in my opinion, the Song of the Lioness Quartet is as good, or better, than most of those considered more "grown up" in flavor. If you have not tried Tamora Pierce before, start with Alanna, then go on to In the Hand of the Goddess, and their sequels. I am sure you will be quite pleased with the effort. ~Webmistress Back to Reviews Index |