In the Hand of the Goddess (Song of the Lioness - Book 2)

The characters in this book are sincere, deep and very funny to read about. Alanna is coragous and daring, but soft and pokable at the same time.
But, despite the really good characters and their personalities, I didn't like this book. The main character seemed bossy, rude and too eager. If you fought in a army, you woundn't jump at the occasion to fight!
But, most of all, there were some...uh...romance in this novel that scared me a little. Well, a lot. The girl dates and makes out with a lot of people in htis book, and more than I have fingers to count.
A good adventure if your desperrate. But, only if all the copies of Harry Potter are gone, I don't recommend this book.

I thought this was an excellent book. I love strong female characters and also some romance. I'm a thirteen year old girl and I have read all of the Lioness and the Immortals books. I think these books are extremely well written and suggest them to anyone who likes adventure. I think In the Hands of the Goddess is the best, hands-down.

This is one of my favorite books. It combines romance, fantasy, and adventure in a well-written page-turner. I have read all the books in the series many times over, especially Hand of The Goddess. When I first finished the series, I was really sad, but then I discovered how re-readable they are.
I really get attached to the characters and get wrapped up in the stories. I am so involved and know Alanna so well that I feel her panic as the spider approaches her during her Ordeal of Knighthood. I feel her embarrassment about George, and I am happy along with her when she overcomes- (you have to read the book!).
does anyone know how to write to Tamora Pierce? I want to ask her to write more Tortall books, even if she's already started a new series about somewhere else....

Wonderful series and great story. My granddaughter and I have enjoyed reading the series very much. The lead character models bravery and ethics while doing great deeds and practicing her magical skills. Recommend the series highly.

I read a lot and I love Tamora's books. I'm in the middle of the third addition of this series. While a good book it just is kinda disapointing after reading such a fantastic book as this one. Its got it all romance action mystery I finished in less than 24 hours I just couldn't put it down seriously!!You have to get it.

Now, if you don't like this book, I suggest you see a psychiatrist, a doctor, or the floor after a 60 foot long drop. This books was filled with action, fun, humor, deep internal questioning (just kidding), and great characters. So there you stupid people! Although I played a small part in this book, I thought I added a great deal of character and enigmatic thoughts. By the way, I have now graduated from the City of the Gods, and you should be able to find me in your locall graveyard. If you need any supernatural help, just call. FAREWELL! (not).

This book, the second in the Lioness series, is in my opinion the best. I first read the series when I was in yr 7 at school [aged about 12] and it instantly captured my interest as I had been reared by my mother on fairy tales and Tolkein as far back as I can remember.
Alanna is in many ways the perfect female role model for young girls; they can identify with her problems and moral situations as well as wish to aspire to be as determined and go-getting as her.
But on a completely different level, these books are FUN!! easy reading for all ages with an enchanting and unashamedly fantastic style; the kind of book you read as a girl and then re-discover 5 years later when clearing out your room. It's like finding an old friend! re-reading the Lioness series is delightfully nostalgic.

Alanna has become Jonathon's squire. she will face her greatest enemy in this book. She will learn how to love and she will face up to her three greatest fears. Alanna will prove to all Tortall that she has earned the shield she set out to conquer.In this book you will read the what Alanna does on her way on becoming a legend.

I have read In the Hand of the Goddess at least five times, and I have yet to tire of it. This one focuses on the conflicts in Alanna's heart. Her three fears are pointed out to her by a goddess. There is a lot of emotion as in all Tamora Pierce books. This one's my favorite of the Song of the Lioness Quartet.

It's been years since I read Pierce's series about Alanna, but I still return to them every so often and reread the entire set. In the Hand of the Goddess is probably the best of them all, I remember staying up incredibly late at 13 just to finish the book. The conflict between Alanna and Duke Roger, which builds throughout the book, is so interesting and a true example of adventure at its finest. Alanna's interaction with the Goddess and with magic is also exciting. And of course, the romantic parts of the book, very satisfying. =) This book is definitely my favorite of the series. I'm trying to find the whole series in 1st edition hardbacks, identical to the copies I read from the library years ago...anyone have any tips? The more recent cover art for the mass market paperbacks really doesn't do the story or the characters justice.

This is the best book in the world. When I got the series for my birthday, I read this one over and over again. I think that it is the best book in the series! I told all my friends about it and they loved it to. Except for one. She wouldn't even try it.I am telling everyone that they should read this series.

I felt the story became more interesting to me in this book. Alanna grows up, achieves her goals and conquers evil. It's a fast read and I have no idea what book 3 will bring....worth reading. Intended for young adults.

This is the best book in the world. I love the charecters(I can't spell at all.)and the plot. I love the way her ripping the cloth in the Chamber of the Ordeal was actually the real vail that was keeping everyone else from noticeing. Faithful is the perfect companion for Alanna. This is the best book!

I read Tamora Pierce years ago and loved her books. I was so glad to see that she started writing again b/c all of her new books are great. However, her original Alanna series will always remain my favorite b/c the characters are so original and the story is so intriguing.

In The Hand of the Goddess is the second, (and best) book in the song of the lioness quartlet. Alanna of Trebond in now a squire to her best friend, Prince Jonathan. She is disquised as a boy, trying to win her sheild and become a knight. But she faces many hardships in the process, such as, trying to hide her true identity, protect her Prince and so on. The book is filled with adventure, magic, fencing, and a little romance too based in a fictional world. I.E, it's the perfect fantasy for girls, teens, and even youlder woman. The whole series is faboulous, be sure to read them in order though, or else you won't understand it. I wish i could say more, but i don't want to give anything big away, so read the books instead.

Okay, this book is sooooo under-rated!
Don't let the other reviews scare you off! This is the greatest book (next to Lioness Rampant) that TP has ever written! I LOVED IT! I didn't put it down once! I was sooo excited that romance FINALLY happened between Alanna and Jon. I don't know what the other peoples are talking about! She didn't jump into bed with him right away! Okay, they were in love for, like, MONTHS before they... you know. It may not be AS action-packed as some of her other books, but Alanna DOES have to have a personallity, here! this is one of the best books I've ever read! It's worth every penny! Those other reviewers don't know what they're talking about.

I loved when Alana went into the ordeal of knighthood and had to face all of her fears. I'd say this book overall was the best book I have ever read. This book was action packed. I couldn't stop reading it. I recommend this book to anybody who likes to read about battles and adventure.

I loved this book! If there is any of Tamora Pierce's books that I read over and over again, it's this one. The sheer enjoyability and good reading in this is comparable to triple fudge chocolate cake. I'm not sure quite how she does it, but she adds a sort of mystical flavour to all her books, and this one in particular is great. When I finished reading this, I felt like I had devoured a really good meal. :) Perhaps not intellectually stimulating... but this book does seem to have a quality to it that is simple, yet intelligent... a lesson in every day people politics.

The only thing that can explain all the five star ratings on this book are that the kids who've read it, haven't read much else. Plus, it's easy reading. Guess that's better than nothing. Now do what your teacher says and read "Les Miserables" or "A Tale of Two Cities." Heck, even "Cold Mountain", "The Hobbit", or "A Separate Peace." Yeah, it's challenging, but, it's real literature. Complete with complex plots and interesting characters. I know, school stuff always sounds so tedious, but in these books are unforgettable characters.
First, the praise: This is the best of the Tamora Pierce novels I've read so far. The plot is more interesting, and the characters are more developed, than in her other books. So bravo for that! This book was really taking the series somewhere. While the protagonist Alanna in the first book ("Alanna: the First Adventure") failed to gain more than my lukewarm sympathy, Alanna finally got it in this one. I was pretty much sold on her character, and finally began to admire her.
Now for the criticism. This book is truly a hair away from a cheap, dime-store Harlequin romance. While I find the language in the book appropriate for 12-year olds (because it's basically on that reading level), the subject matter in the book is NOT. Prince Jonathon teaches her "about love." (GAG me!) Actually, a prince having sex with his cross-dressing squire/knight, while wonderfully titillating to adult fantasy, is neither appropriate material for a 12-year old, nor is it "about love." It is irresponsble to fill 12-year old girls' heads with this kind of romantic RUBBISH! On the contrary, a 17-year old girl having sex with a 20-year old prince is really about SATISFYING HIS OWN PRIMAL URGES-- I don't care whether he's a virtuous prince or not! SHAME on the author for irresponsibly implying otherwise to scores of impressionable, eager-for-love preteen girls! ....Oh yeah, and don't worry about pregnancy, the heroine has a magic charm to ward it off! Well that's convenient, isn't it? I guess Tortall hasn't yet been afflicted with herpes, AIDS, clap, or syphilis-- or maybe the charm wards all that off, as well as all the frat boys eager to pop cherries?
What would have made this story even MORE pro-female, would have been Jonathon taking more responsibility (like a condom) to show her how much he cared for her freedom and well-being. Still, the subject matter would not have been appropriate for preteens.
To summarize:
Reading level: 10-12 year olds.
Plotline and appropriateness: 19 (past high-school age) and up.
I'm giving it 3 stars because the plot line of this one was actually interesting. For children under 17, I would give it zero stars.

Funny, romantic, interesting, suspenseful, magical, fantastic -- what more could you ask for in a book? In my opinion, though, it's not for young readers: they probably know about sex, but that doesn't mean they have to read about it.
P.S. If you like Tamora Pierce, you'll like Robin McKinley. Check her out.

I absolutely love In the Hand of the Goddess! It's a fantastic book! Although some people dislike it because; Alanna slept with Jonathan, and and he tried to "make out" with her. Also George and Jonathan both kissed her. But who cares? Wake up people! I mean you had to see it coming. Come on! Alanna and Jonathan are teenagers,(hormones) and George is probably 22. And he is looking for a wife! Also people say this book is not for 9 year olds, but they should and do know about that stuff! So i say go out there and read this book,I strongly recommend it! so get yourself anice cool pitcher of lemonade, and a lawn chair, and settle down for a nice long read.

is by far the best in the Alanna series. I read it in about 2 days, which is fast for me, it's a real page turner. The one complaint I have is the whole Alanna and Jonathon thing. I mean you don't sleep with a guy just three minutes after realizing you might like him! And I really don't believe in premarital sex so I didn't like that Ms Pierce would even suggest that! But besides that... I LOVED IT!!!
It (unlike the 1st book) has a real plot, not a bunch of lil plots squished together in one book. It's mainly about Alanna growing up and falling in "love" (awww[...] (jk)). And she hasta tell everyone about her being a girl and stuff... But I don't wanna give too much info away so I'll just say buy it, read it, you'll love it.

this bk is most definitely ms pierces best. with jonathan knowing about alanna, she feels as though she has an ally in the palace. and it's really sweet to watch their growing affection for each other. but then again, we musn't forget george, whose feelings for alanna become more and more apparent as the book proceeds. and then there's duke roger - alanna knows he's bad, but how can she prove this to the people who adore him so much around her??? and then, of course, there's the ordeal. this bk is great!! hint* do not read the immortals or protector of the small books first.

In ths book, theres a perfect combination of adventure, courage, romance, bravery, and believing in yourself. In this book, Allana goes through the ordeal of knight hood, and begins seeing different points of view about how it is to love, and be loved. She also meddles with the much loved Duke of Conte, and cures her friend (and love) the prince of the sweating sickness, that even the best healer couldn't fix. Making this book even more unpredictable and exciting is the fact that Allanna is a chosen one, so with that I leave you to READ THIS BOOK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

A brave new warrior that's not a man. Though unusual Alanna really pulls it off. You might call her the fiction Joan of Ark. This book really got my heart to race and not want to put it down. Also for you romance readers it will make you blush in a sense of awe. Go get it!!!!!!!!!

When I read the first one, I was waiting for more. And I got what I asked for. This book was one of the best in the series. I recommend it for ages 11 and up. It has suspense, adventure, thrill, and a little romance tossed in too! Read it! You won't be sorry....

True, my name is definately Alana. But just because my name is almost exactly like Alanna's doesn't mean that's why I like this book...hehe...even though it's part of it. I only read the first book because she had my name (or the other way around) and when I got into it I thought it was really awesome. but my favorite so far has been 2 and 4. I am in total love with George hehe, and I love that it has included my favorite color Purple. Yet it shows that a girl can do anything she puts her mind to. I enjoy the whole love and fight thing going on between them. It makes it intruiging (S/p). I know I enjoyed these books and also The Immortals as soon as I found out that Alanna was in one of them.

This is book is excellent of how Alanna of Trebond is able to become a knight,find out that the two of her closest friends(George King of the Theives and Prince Jonathan) is detemine to be her lovers and how she over comes the evil Duke Roger of Conte. It's the absolute best!

As I have said before, I love strong women...Alanna continues her journey now as one of The Chosen...and Roger becomes more of a threat, and don't get me started on Lady Delia. Alanna is coming into womanhood and already had two, count them, two men trying to win her heart...personally I would chose Jon, but I love the blond haired, fair eyed kind of guy...And since I know what happens in the next 2 books, I won't be reading or reviewing them...

but I will say this *SPOILER*...I am going to be disapointed if I do...because marrying George was a big mistake I'll tell you that

Anyway, the Ordeal is made to be this big huge scary thing all along and while it is hard and scary when she gets to it, it's not nearly as bad as she hypes it up to be...It's a good book, but already you can tell that someone she trusts completely is going the wrong way with sorcery...I'd recomend it but if I were you, I wouldn't read the other 2.

BW~

This book can be noted for it's forwardness and calabar, it's well writen and very moving but has some parts inapropreit for children.
. this book is about Alanna's last years at the palace and how she over comes her three fears, the Ordeal of Knighthood, her fear of love, and her fear of Duke Roger of Conte

I love this book I finished it in two days. I thought this book was great like the rest of the tortallian sets I got into these books by getting the Protector of the small squire. Anywho I thought this book was great especially the part where she meets the Great Mother Godess since it is rare for any one to met a god or godess. If you want a fantasy series that will keep you busy for a while these are it.

A world of mystery and adventure awaits in the sequel to Tamora Pierce's first book Alanna, The First Adventure. This sequel titled In the Hand of the Goddess has plenty of mystery and suspense to keep the reader interested and never bored. Alanna comes to learn that her feelings are changing towards the people she cares about, especially the prince Jonathan who found out that she was a girl. Tamora Pierce did an excellent job in creating this piece of literature. The first book was very exciting and the second book was just as adventurous. This book is great for anyone to read, and I believe it is one of the greatest books of all times.

In the Hand of the Goddess, the second book in the Song of the Lioness quartet, is truly a great book. It was even better than the first. I liked this book because it showed who Alanna really was. The book introduces a lot of new things like more magic, talking cats, love and much more. She earns her shield and finally defeats Duke Roger of Conte, a person she has hated ever since he came to the castle. I just couldn't put this book down.

If you like magic and adventure, you'll love this book and the rest of the series. Warning!! If you read this book, you will enjoy it so much, you'll have to buy the entire series, "Alanna series, The Immortals series and Protector of the small series. Excellent author.

...The story unfolds well, with dramatic twists and turns and a wide range of oppositions. Alanna is a likeable heroine with realistic flaws, and the story fascinated me. I would recommend this book to any girl who enjoys fantasy/sword and sorcery novels, as it's a really good read...an enjoyable story.

I had really enjoyed the first Allana book and liked this book even more! I loved the action and adventure, especially the Ordeal of Knighthood. I really liked the romance between Allana and Jon. =) I can't wait to read the next Allana book.

I really like all of the books in the Song of The Lioness Quartet. This was an excellent book in my oppinion. It had a very good plot. It's all about how Alanna (Alan) is dressing as a boy and trying to win the right to be a knight. In this book I found that it covered a vast amount of things that could happen in war, treachery, along with a touch of romance and other such complications. There was one review where the reviewer mentioned that the romance between Jonathan and Alanna was a bit odd. As she said, you don't just sleep with someone just 3 minutes after you realize you like him. But, as the reveiwer did not add, that's the way Tamora Peirce is, slight hints and then a huge love scene (if you don't believe me, read the last book in the Immortals seires). Anyway, it was a great book and I'd suggest it to anyone.

I loved this book sooooo much! it was by far the best in the Song of the Lioness quartet! The whole series was good, but in this one, she starts to grow into herself, Alanna, not Squire Alan. When the goddess comes to visit her, she tells Alanna her three fears, love, the Ordeal of Knighthood, and Duke Roger of Conte. She eventually comes to terms with all of these fears. This book is a great combination of adventure, fantasy, and romance. Once you read this book, you will find yourself asking for the exciting next book in the series, The Woman Who Rides LIke a Man.

I was dissapointed that the author had to put in the parts where Alanna had sex. What happened to "I promised myself I would never love a man"?! A kiss would have been enough. Parents, think before intoducing this sick material to your children. I hate to think what girls might think if it is all right to have sex when unmarried. Otherwise, this is an wonderful book. I was impressed with the plot. It was well written.

I L-O-V-E this book! I think Gorge should find someboby else to marry and leave Jon and Alanna alone,I hope they get married. It must of been scary to meet a Goddess!I'm glad I have this book set or I'd be in trouble!

I thought 'In the Hand of the Goddess' was the best book in the series, because Alanna more or less 'discovers her real self'. If you love Fantasy, it's definetely going to be a favorite... it is filled with action and suspense. I also thought the characters were well written, and the villain was neat (in my opinion a neat villain makes the hero/heroine more interesting *_*) and all together the descriptions were good and it was very well written. You felt like you were there watching each scene play out and you really felt how the characters did.

First of all i would like to say "I LOVE HOW MUCH PEOPLE RUINED THIS SERIES FOR ME".I mean seriously you don't need to tell me what happens, I can find out for myself thank you very much. If something happens in the book don't put it in your review.This automaticaly ruins it for people who want to read a story and be stunned by the ending of the series.If you are going to leave a review just summarize the book and DON'T GIVE THE ENDING AWAY.
That being said this is a very good book and it is worth your time. Personally I couldnt put this book down. I stayed up till about 4 in the morning, when I had to get up at 6. This is a very good story but don't waste your time on the last 2.
(P.S) ( It might just be that I am biased but I think that all third installments of series totally [STINK]. And thank you again for ruining it for me.)

but I really think what made this book a success, is the diabolical rotten-through-and-through Duke Roger. I mean, we all cheer for the good guy, but it's the bad guy that really leaves an impression. And this book had an awesome villan, who was, ahem, DISPATCHED most effectively. Wonderful book, Ms. Pierce, and my only regret, is that I couldn't kill Roger myself. Future hint to all you aspiring future writers of fantasy, you're gonna have some difficulty beating this one!

This book is probably my favorite out of the three I've read so far. It's very romantic and intellegently written. If you haven't read The Song Of The Lioness series, or the Immortal series, you are missing alot.

You MUST read this book! Alanna is seriously my hero. I first read this book when I was 10 and I that in Alanna, girls especially can find a strong person to look up to. This is my favorite book in the whole Alanna series, and one of my favorite books in general.It is full of action, magic and excitment.I highly recommend it to anyone! Everyone should read this book (especially girls 8-12). It is age appropriate, in terms of content, nothing that a 8 or 9 year couldn't handle. It is a book you will not want to put down. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK! please!

In the second book of the Song of the Lioness series Alanna has been able to maintain her masquerade as a boy to all but a few of her friends. Alanna is also now Prince Jonathan's squire. The book starts out with Alanna having a run in with a goddess who tells her she must face her fears; fighting Duke Roger and falling in love. As if that wasn't enough to fear, during the course of the book a war breaks out and Alanna must survive that as well.
I liked this book about as much as the first one. The characters are enjoyable and the love triangle was quite enthralling as well. The plot is basically a good one but it loses a lot of it's effectiveness through the pacing. The book covers four years and every time I got comfortable with events that were occurring the book would skip ahead a year. Still, the book was an enjoyable quick read and fans of the first one will be pleased with it.

I absolutely adore this book it describes what so many young girls without the girly attitude go through. This book was amazing reading and explains so much of a tomboy's awesome life. I wish I had read this when I was younger would have taught me many lessons.

I bought the entire Alanna series for my 10-year- old daughter after reading a favorable review in a newspaper. What I didn't know is that Alanna sleeps with Jonathan at the end of the book. The Earth Goddess gives Alanna a charm to prevent pregnancy and encourages her to "learn to love." In the next book in the series, Alanna continues to sleep with Jonathan. Jonathan asks Alanna to marry him, but she doesn't want to, and they have a fight. So Alanna goes to see her friend George and ends up sleeping with him. I think that parents should be aware that Alanna is depicted as a heroine who is in charge of her own destiny, and part of that destiny is becoming sexually involved with men. To some this may not be an admirable quality that they want their daughters to emulate.

I first read these books when I was 11. I thought they were WONDERFUL! Although there is sex in it, if the parents did right in teaching there children, they will dismiss it and know what is right and not right.
I would recromend these books to just about anyone, even if they aren't in the reading age. I've read them at least 4 times and love them everytime.

To be frank it wasn`t what i expected at all. It was far more grown up than the 1st in the series, and delt with sex and the relationship between Alanna and Jon with such frankness it was quite shocking compare to The First Adventure.
I did love it though, and would recomend it to anyone. It isn`t as complicated as a lot of the fantasy fiction in the market, and so was easy and enjoyable to read.
definately to one enjoy on a sunday afternoon with a tub of chocolate icecream.

I've read several of Tamora Pierce's books, but had not read the Song of the Lioness quartet and thought it time I start. I enjoyed the first book, Alanna: The First Adventure. I liked Alan, nee Alanna, in her single-minded determinedness and her unawareness of self and the effect she had on others. I liked the supporting characters. It was light, pleasant and fun so I was eager to read the second book, The Hand of the Goddess. I expected Alan to grow up and have to deal with identity issues, romantic issues and other problems that come with becoming a young adult. I expected the book to be less geared to 8-12 year-olds, as the first had been, and more written with teenagers in mind. These are the expectations I had before reading the boook.
I was terribly disappointed.

Alan does grow up and does have to deal with all the problems I had expected. Also, the book is not aimed at the 8-12 year-old set but is also not aimed at anyone over the age of 16. The story is tiresome and riddled with cliche. It was like reading a long-volumed shojo manga without the pictures in that the heroine is now a cute, determined girl whose existence is based on a lie, but those who know the truth love her even more because of her lie. Although she has very little sense of self and almost no discernable personality, she has a strong sense of right and duty and this is how she comes to all her decisions. She is also chosen of the Goddess, who even comes to visit the young heroine, bestowing gifts aplenty. She manages to snare the love of the two most eligible bachelors in the realm and has to choose between the two. In choosing, it's not so much that she makes an informed decision based on her feelings as she defaults to the one who is more available, falling into his bed out of convenience and because everyone keeps telling her she needs to learn to love. What about her makes her so endearing to all these men and one woman?

Furthermore, everything she puts her hand to leads to success. She is instrumental in winning wars, she thwarts attempts made on her life without realizing they were attempts on her life. She is kidnapped but rescued before anything horrible can happen. And all the inconsistencies throughout the book are wrapped up tidily at the end: everyone was acting like an imbecile because there was a spell cast over them all, though there were moments of lucidity when one character or another would have suspicions.

I loved Alan's determination and need to prove herself in the first book, when she was just out of childhood and was developing emotionally and physically. However, in this volume, it comes across as lack of awareness and the inability to react to her environment as a believable, instead relying mostly on luck, her steadfast friends, the Goddess and the writer's love of keeping her character safe.

I was even more disappointed with the continuing villain who is supposedly the most powerful sorcerer around. He's slowly killing the queen, he has everyone under his control, he makes lame attempts on Alan's and Jonathan's lives and he dies easily. So much for powerful sorcery.

I found myself rolling my eyes regularly at Alanna, her situations and the resolutions to all her problems. While many of the supporting characters remain interesting, they're not enough to carry the story. I am hoping this book was just a flimsy bridge to get to Alanna's adult life as a knight and I hope her further adventures prove to be more interesting and I hope she grows as a character, otherwise this is going to become a tedious series.

I read this book last year and I loved it. It's an excellent fantasy novel with plenty of action, suspence, and character development. You even get to see a bit of Alanna getting in touch with her feminine side...If you liked this book, I highly recomend the VHS/DVD Revolutionary Girl Utena series, Slayers series, and Magic Knight Rayearth series.

this was a gr8 book. Its true that some sexual material goes on. BUt its not innapropriat for kids in this generation w/ health in school and learnin bout the birds and the bees. wat r some peeps goin on bout dat she shouldnt do 'it' b4 shes married? being hat really no 1 obides by that anymore y try 2 reinforce it? If u knew alanna's character and read dis thoroughly u'd have understood wat john said bout love and if he talked bout marriage alanna wood run off. Obviously he was right 'cus then she stopped him from talkin more about it

I realy like how Alanna struggles to find herself in this book. I also like how she beat Roger, but didn't do it perfectly. Also i feal that her being the first woman knight plays a big part in me liking the story.

I have to admit that out of BOTH the Alanna and Keladry quartets, this is my favourite book of them all... well, it's pretty closely tied with the 4th book in this series.... This book is amazing. Even though I loved both Alanna and Keladry, Alanna was my favourite. She had a mix of everything.... including her romance with George, which was my favourite part of all. This book is just .. WONDERFUL! It'll make you laugh, scream, smile, and cry! I love it and I know you will too!!!

This book was very well written but i dont think you should read this if your in 5th 6th or 7th grade. You really should NOT be pretty much teaching kids about well... you Know what. It is just someting they dont need to know. But in battels and stuff other than romanse this book would get 5 stars. The battles were well described and it made me want to keep reading this book. All in all this book should not get eithe a thumbs up or a thumbs down.

Alanna is a great heroine. She's smart and nice and interesting, above all else. She is a little paraniod, but considering what she's hiding, she's got a right. The contents of the Chamber of the Ordeal are a great addition, and the token of the Goddess is one of the best talismans I've ever read about. Tamora Pierce is a must-read, Tortall or Emelan. READ ALL HER BOOKS, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES. GET TO YOUR BOOKSTORE OR LIBRARY AND MAKE THEM ORDER IT FOR YOU. YOU WON'T REGRET IT, I SWEAR

THIS AWASOME BOOK IS A REFLECTION OF TAMORA'S GREAT WRITING!SHE IS GREAT, BUT ONE THING IS MISSING-SHE COULD HAVE CHANGED THE VOCABULARY TO MAKE THE MOOD OF THE BOOK MORE LIKE ANCIENT TIMES. ANYWAY THIS BOOK IS THE BOOK WHERE THE KING FINDS OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT ALLANA-A BOY DRESSED AS A GIRL IN ORDER TO BECOME A KNIGHT. HOW DO THEY FIND THIS OUT? WELL, DURING A DUEL(SWORD FIGHT)HER CORSETTE THAT SHE WORE TO FLATTEN HER CHEST FELL DOWN IN FRONT OF EVERYONE! READ THE REST TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS.ENJOY!

I'm 18 now, and have read this series several times. You would think I'd be tired of it, but... I love this book. I discovered it in the local library a few years ago and have since read all of Ms. Pierce's work. Even though her books are written for a young age group, they are still enjoyable. Alanna is one of my favorite heroines ever, and this is my favorite in the series, probably because it was the first I read. Anyways, five stars all the way!

After proving herself as a boy and girl, Alanna has been chosen to be the squire of her best friend and prince, Jonathan.
The second book in The Song of the Lioness series was one of my favorites. It's deals with the hardships romance and the on going romance between Alanna and Jonathan.
Also, the dislike of Jonathan Cousin Roger intensifies and provides successful suspense.
God, this was a good book.

This book is my favorite out of all four of them. An addition to Alanna's interesting adventures in this book, there is also a romance, that is also very interesting. It made it hard for me to put this book down once I started it because it's such a great book! This would be a perfect book for people that love fantasies and adventures along with romance! IT'S A WONDERFUL BOOK! I suggest you read it along with the other 4 in this series to step into Alanna's world!

Alanna's quest for knighthood continues in book two of the Song of the Lioness quartet. Alanna's dream of becoming a knight is drawing closer as she becomes Prince Jonathan's squire. But good news hardly ever comes without bad news, especially in the world of fantasy. There are obstacles facing Alanna. Some of which include the war against Tusaine, capture at Fort Drell, a deul with a friend that turns deadly, and the Ordeal of Knighthood. 'In the Hand of the Goddess' is an exciting continuation of Alanna's story. I love this book.

First of all the hand of the goddess is an enthralling book that will engage all fantasy lovers. In this, the second of the Alanna books, I have found a comforting refuge for when life gets to hard. Alanna is a powerful character with powerful friends to match. I fell like I know her. To everyone who reads this book, enjoy!

With all the terrible YA vampire zombie werwulf stuff out there, I prefer my girls to read all of Tamora Pierce. To be honest I read it over and over again even now.
It's like Game of Thrones for girls age 11-?

Tamora Pierce is an excellent writer. She pulls in the desire of young Alanna, who wants to become the first lady knight in a century. It's easy to relate to the story to your own life. It teachs that if you want to become strong or good at something, you need to practice, practice, practice and that's what Alanna did. Alanna fight with her love of adventuring, and the love of three men, the Shang Warrior, The King, and the King of Thieves.

Since I read the first Alanna book and liked it a lot, I naturally expected this one to be just as good. It isn't. The plot is exciting, and the characters are engaging, but...e[...] Tamora Pierce seems to think that if you are three months into puberty and still not sleeping with someone, there is something wrong with you.

read my title then you have read my review. this book is the best book out of this seires! it starts off with curses from Alana which from right off the bat make you start laghing! not only does she get her kighthood, but she also starts ACTING like a GIRL!!!! this book, i think, is the funniest one too! you'll find yourself laughing out loud! at some of the things Alana says about girl things.

I read and reread this series many times. If u think this is inappropriate for certian ages. WRONG!!!!!!!! It depends on the persons maturity. I may be 9but i am at collage reading level.

lauren from lancaster ny.

This book is GREAT! I've read the first book too, so you might find a review by me there. Anyway, Alanna is one of my favorite characters. This book alone is worth your money but I think you should give the whole series a chance (why am I talking? I only reaf half of the series!). I might not sound enthusiastic, but I really, really recommend this book. Anyway, See Ya!

I Read the series as a teenager and now in my mid 20s decided to re-read this one (my fave of the trilogy) and while it's not a life altering story. It's an entertaining and fun easy read still for me all these years later.

If you read any Fantasy book, it has to be this one! George is the King of the Rouges and is in love with Alanna. The problem is that Jonathen is in love with her too! But Alanna must choose who she loves more and accept it. This is a very well written book. A MUST read!

This is a must read for every one, male or female, young or old. I'm a 16 year old girl and I can honestly say that I have read this book at least once a year since i was 11. I would have to say that this is one of my all time favorite books and has inspired me and all the people I have recomended it to.

I have read all of the Tamora Pierce's book ,and this is my favorite book so far! This book is about a girl want to became a knight so switch place with her twin to became a knight. Her brother want to be a wizard and she want to be a knight.Jon alway protect her and George teach how to fight. There was a love triangle beteen George,Alanna & Jon.

i have read the first and second alanna book, and i CANNOT stop reading! This story has love, adventure, and plenty of kisses. I would recommend this series to ALL girls who have learned about thier body(hint hint).

I really thought this book was going to go somewhere and as I got closer to the end, I was waiting for a great climax to the story. I was definitely disappointed in the end. Everything just kind of peters out and falls flat. I won't sum up the story .. that has been done before. However, I will say that I thought the book had some promise but after closing the cover I realized it was just an exercise in futility for me. All in all ... kinda blah.

i think Tamora Pierce really out did herself. Out of all the books shes written so far this has to be one of my favorites. Alanna is a wonderful hero. she is just discovering in this book how much fun it is to be a women, she also is becoming more of a hero.

I think that this was definately one of the most awsome boks I have ever read! This is definately one of Tamora Pierces best books yet! I wouldnt recomend it to the gr.5 readers though like the Library thing says, it kinda has some mature content

I thought that this was an okay book. If you ask me, I really didn't like the Jonathan-Alanna relationship. Maybe I'm being a little silly, but I think it would be a lot better if Alanna went with George, the King of Thieves. Otherwise, it was a good book.

In the Hand of the Goddess is the second book of the Song of the Lioness quartet. This quartet is one of many by Tamora Pierce. SHe is an excellent author of fantasy for teenagers. Particually girls. All of my friends loved this book and all others by Tamora Pierce.

Being 23, I have read a wide variety and large # of books. These books are simply fabulous. This book is just as book if not better than the first in the series. Once I started the series I couldn't stop.

This is a really good book, but I rated it with four stars because she does some bad things. It doesn't describe to much but a young child shouldn't read that part. Other wise the book is really good.

These are well-written lovely books for young folks - especially girls aged 9-16 or so. A bit too boring and simplistic for adults. Tamora Pierce has done a great service for young people and I highly recommend them for anyone 16 or younger.