Mini Review: In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce

Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Song of the Lioness #2
Publisher: Atheneum Books For Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: 1984
Pages: 241
Format/Source: Paperback/Purchased
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Disguised as a boy, Alanna of Trebond becomes a squire, to none other than the prince of the realm. But Prince Jonathan is much more to Alanna; he is her ally, her best friend, and one of the few who knows that she’s really a girl. Now it will take all of Alanna’s awesome skill, strength, and growing magical powers to protect him from the mysterious evil sorcerer who is bent on his destruction, and hers!
Here continues the story of Alanna, a young woman bound for glory who is willing to fight against enormous odds for what she believes in. (Cover and synopsis from Goodreads.)
*Warning: This is the second book in a series. While I really don’t like spoilers, you might find some slight Book 1 spoilers in this review.*
Like with most sequels, I am just going to write a mini review where I share some of my notes:
- I didn’t think about it until I started reading In the Hand of the Goddess, but these are totally feminist books. Yay!
- Love the action and suspense right from the beginning.
- Slut shaming. And coming from the main character, a female. NOT COOL.
- So far, I’m Team George, but Jonathan gained some brownie points for coming to help Alanna when she throws up.
- Several instances of telling instead of showing.
- I like that her brother is super smart at what he does, too, and that he’s not a bad guy. He’s on her side.
- That damn Roger!
- Some crazy parts at the end!

Micheline D
April 29, 2016 at 2:25 pmI am 100% team George too ♥ I didn't clue in at first either but YES these are feminist books! WooHoo! I didn't like this one as much as the first book, though I did like that it was more YA instead of MG :)
Kate Midnight Book Girl
April 30, 2016 at 12:06 pmI have yet to read a Tamora Pierce, but I love this cover!