In the Hand of the Goddess

The second book in Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness quartet is a big improvement over the first, though I'm not sure I'd call it great. Part of this may be that it's the first series Pierce ever wrote (I've heard her later work is much better than her earlier work). Part of it is probably that the four books were originally meant to be a single book aimed at adults. But the publisher thought the story was better suited for children and had Pierce divide the book up.

In the Hand of the Goddess is still choppy in places, but it's far more coherent than the first book was. Duke Roger is plotting to kill the king and the prince so he can ascend to the throne and the threat of him hangs over the entire book, providing a solid reason for the various problems Alanna faces. Although it gets frustrating that she never suspects him of being behind the numerous attempts on her life, a reason for this is given in the final chapter.

The main problem I had with this book is the romances. I think it can mostly be chalked up to a sign of the times. But while it may have been considered romantic in the 80s for a 22 year old to tell a 15 year old that he's waiting for her to grow up and realize that she's in love with him, today it comes across as creepy and possessive. I just had a hard time getting on board with the love triangle this book presents. I didn't want Alanna to end up with either of the pushy, entitled guys that she's presented with.

Apart from the romance, this book is largely entertaining. It ends with Alanna becoming a knight, revealing herself as a woman, and leaving the palace behind to find adventure. I'm really excited to see what she encounters away from court (and for her to get away from her "love interests"). Hopefully the next book is even better than this one.

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