A review by bookishrealm
In the Hand of the Goddess, by Tamora Pierce
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As a follow up to the first book in the series, I don't believe that this one is as strong; however, Pierce still does continue to tell a pretty engaging story with relatable and fun characters.
In the Hand of the Goddess picks up not too long after the events of the first book in the series. Alanna comes into contact with a goddess and it is through this goddess that she learns of her personal fears. There is still conflict between the Prince and Uncle Roger which is displayed in greater detail. Alanna has to balance protecting the Prince, finally becoming a knight as well as navigating her first experiences with romance. Like the first book, this one was fast paced; however, I didn't enjoy the pace as much. It felt like it went to fast. About three years of Alanna's live is covered in this book and it's only 250 pages. There were certain parts of this book that I wish readers would have gotten a little more detail especially in terms of world building. It left me feeling like I was missing some things about the world and about Alanna's journey towards becoming a knight.
Pierce continues to do a great job with character development. There are realistic and age appropriate situations that Alanna continues to encounter that are relatable for a lot of readers. There is somewhat of a love triangle, but it was handled in a way that I enjoyed and not in a way that I would usually find obnoxious in books targeted towards a middle grade or YA audience. I continue to enjoy Alanna as a character. She has these amazing moments especially during the stand off with Uncle Roger who, by the way, is one of the creepiest antagonist that I've ever come across. Even the challenges that she had to face to become a knight were super intriguing. While I didn't enjoy the pacing of the book, I was still excited to engage with the story as a whole and once I finished I was ready to pick up the third book.
In the Hand of the Goddess picks up not too long after the events of the first book in the series. Alanna comes into contact with a goddess and it is through this goddess that she learns of her personal fears. There is still conflict between the Prince and Uncle Roger which is displayed in greater detail. Alanna has to balance protecting the Prince, finally becoming a knight as well as navigating her first experiences with romance. Like the first book, this one was fast paced; however, I didn't enjoy the pace as much. It felt like it went to fast. About three years of Alanna's live is covered in this book and it's only 250 pages. There were certain parts of this book that I wish readers would have gotten a little more detail especially in terms of world building. It left me feeling like I was missing some things about the world and about Alanna's journey towards becoming a knight.
Pierce continues to do a great job with character development. There are realistic and age appropriate situations that Alanna continues to encounter that are relatable for a lot of readers. There is somewhat of a love triangle, but it was handled in a way that I enjoyed and not in a way that I would usually find obnoxious in books targeted towards a middle grade or YA audience. I continue to enjoy Alanna as a character. She has these amazing moments especially during the stand off with Uncle Roger who, by the way, is one of the creepiest antagonist that I've ever come across. Even the challenges that she had to face to become a knight were super intriguing. While I didn't enjoy the pacing of the book, I was still excited to engage with the story as a whole and once I finished I was ready to pick up the third book.