In the Hand of the Goddess

Rating:
Summary: I HATE PEOPLE THAT HATE THIS BOOK
Review: 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).

Rating:
Summary: Perhaps it is odd of me...
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best
Review: Having read all of Tamora Pierce's wonderful literature for children and young adults, I can say that this is still probably my favorite one. This book presents Alanna as a more interesting and adult character than the first novel, and signals the beginning of the facinating character interaction invovled in the rest of the books in this series. This novel seems by far more deliberate than the first, and is the better for it. As a 15 year-old now, I still purchase all of Tamora Pierce's novels, no matter what age group they are actually geared towards,and am a loyal fan. I do not feel that I would have the same devotion to this author's work without this book. It is truly wonderful.

Rating:
Summary: almost perfect, but why the romance?
Review: I originally bought this book (as well as the first in the series) as a gift for my 12 year old cousin. While I loved the first book, I'm pretty disturbed by the romance in this one. Maybe at 24, I'm just being oversensitive, but I felt that the affair between Jon and Allana added nothing to the story, and I have serious reservations about letting my cousin read it. It's such a shame, beacuse the books are otherwise wonderful.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book
Review: I love this book! It is the perfect mix of adventure, friendship, bravery, and-um...some love mixed in. Duke Roger is a totally cool bad guy, evil but handsome and clever. This book is by far the best in the Song of the Lioness series. Tamora Pierce is such a creative writer, Keep the great books coming! (=

Rating:
Summary: Perfect blend of fantasy, magic, adventure...romance =)
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A book after my own heart.
Review: This is by far the best of all of the nine Tortall books. A lot of other readers summed up the plot, so I won't do that. I cannot tell you the number of times I have wished I were Alanna or Daine from the other Tortall quartet. I am thirteen years old, and have read each Tamora Pierce book four times. The publishers reccomend these books for nine to twelve year olds, but I do not agree. I would say that eleven to 111 would be more appropriate. I went into the library one day, hoping I could find a good book to read on that rainy afternoon. My eyes came to rest on the "P" shelf. The author "Tamora Pierce" jumped out at me. On closer inspection, I found I had found the start to the third Tortall quartet! (Protector of the Small, book one, First Test) Now, every time I go to the library I check the computer to be sure that I am the first one to put a hold on the second book as soon as it is written. I have also read the Circle of Magic quartet. Though not set in Tortall, it is wonderful as well, but geared for slightly younger readers. But, "In the Hand of the Goddess" still beats them all. There is plenty of romance, and Alanna is still young enough to relate to. I encourage any girl to collect and read all of these books. (Also, if you like Pierce, try Patricia C. Wrede) I got a little off track in this review, but it doesn't matter. Read and re-read all you can about Alanna, Daine and Kel. The excitement does not diminish at the fourth reading. UNBELIEVABLE! These books connect with my desire to live in a world of magic, as well as my desire to write. To all the budding writers out there, Keep trying!

Rating:
Summary: WONDERFUL!
Review: I loved this book with all my heart. I enjoy reading books and I've been reading ever since I was five. I read this book all in one day. I love Alannna's free spirit and strong willed sense of body. I also enjoyed her love affair with Prince Jonathan and figuring out who Duke Roger really was. How the goddess appeared to her was so graphical and detailed that it felt that you were actually there. Especially how they described the way hte goddesss loked. I LOVED every part of this book. I would recommend this to anyone! I would also like to tell Tamora Pierce that she is a brillaint person with a good heart.

Rating:
Summary: Even better than the first... if possiable.
Review: In the Hand of the Goddess, Peirce delves deeper into Alanna's realationships with Prince Jon and George. Also, Alanna finds out a little more about the gods, befriends a cat, and achieves a dream. Full of action, romance, intrigue and suspence. An amazing ending.

Rating:
Summary: Definitely worthy of any praise that can be given!!
Review: This is my personal favorite book in the Song of the Lioness quartet. It gives the inside story of Duke Roger of Conte and introduces us to some of the gods in Alanna's life, her lovers, and her greatest fears. The battle with Dain and the Ordeal of Knighthood were awesome!!! As we continue learning about Alanna's talents and finally come to a heightened climax where Alanna defeats her worst enemy, the story keeps me riveted. Bravo!!!