Title: In the Hand of the Goddess
Author: Tamora Pierce
First published September 1, 1984
209 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780689853241 (ISBN10: 0689853246)
Rating: 4.23
Overview
“I am not interested in romance, I only seek to become a warrior.” Alanna, still pretending to be a boy, is now a squire to the prince of the realm, Jonathan. Not only is he her liege lord, but he is also her closest confidant, and one of the few individuals who knows her true identity.
When a mysterious sorcerer threatens the prince’s life, Alanna must use all of her strength, skill, and magic to defend him, even if it means revealing her secret. This second installment in Alanna’s adventures is filled with adventure, magic, swords, and sorcery, good, and evil.
Follow Alanna as she chases her dreams and fulfills her magical destiny, becoming a legend in her land.
Editoral Review
In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce is a young adult fantasy novel that was first published on September 1, 1984. Pierce is a prolific author of young adult fantasy novels and is known for her strong female characters and world-building skills.
The novel is the second in the Song of the Lioness quartet, which follows the adventures of Alanna of Trebond, a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to become a knight in the kingdom of Tortall.
The novel is set in a medieval-like world, where magic is real and creatures such as dragons and unicorns exist. Alanna has successfully completed her training as a page and is now a squire to Prince Jonathan, the heir to the throne of Tortall.
While she struggles to prove herself to her male peers, she also has to hide her true identity from the prince and her friends.
Throughout the novel, Alanna faces many challenges, including physical and emotional battles. She must navigate the political landscape of the kingdom, fight in battles, and deal with her growing romantic feelings for Prince Jonathan.
The novel also explores themes such as identity, gender roles, and the responsibilities of power.
Pierce’s writing style is engaging and easy to read, making the novel accessible to young readers. She does an excellent job of creating a vivid and detailed world, filled with interesting characters and unique creatures.
Alanna is a strong and relatable protagonist who readers will root for throughout the novel.
One of the strengths of In the Hand of the Goddess is its exploration of gender roles and identity. Alanna’s struggle to balance her desire to be a knight with her need to keep her true identity hidden is a poignant commentary on the limitations placed on women in society.
The novel also explores the idea that gender is a social construct, rather than a biological one, which is a relevant and important message for readers today.
However, the novel does have some flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and the plot can feel predictable.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters could have been developed more fully.
Overall, In the Hand of the Goddess is an enjoyable and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of young adult fantasy novels. Pierce’s world-building skills and strong female characters make this novel a standout in the genre.
While it has some flaws, the strengths of the novel more than make up for them.
I would recommend this novel to young readers who enjoy fantasy novels and stories with strong female protagonists. It is also a great choice for readers who are interested in exploring themes of gender and identity.
I give In the Hand of the Goddess a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
