The Symmetrical Bookworm

I liked In the Hand of the Goddess more than Alanna; the First Adventure.

I liked how Alanna's character became more complex as she grew up and I enjoyed reading about her. I enjoyed how simply the plot of this book had more going on in it- it was more interesting than the first book. Jonathan is sweet and I liked the romance between him and Alanna. I also liked how even though she chose Jonathan over George, Alanna and George still stayed friends.

But I thought it was unlikely that Duke Roger would be defeated so easily. He was made out to be this powerful sorcerer and he dies just like that? I found it unlikely. But it is middle grade fiction. Another thing I found hard to believe that none, and I mean NONE of her friends were angry or upset or hurt or surprised that she had been lying about her identity for years. In the ending, there should have been some focus on the friends reactions. Maybe that will be part of the conflict in the third book.

Unfortunately, I don't think I will be continuing with the Song of the Lioness quartet. Maybe someday I will read some other books by Tamora Pierce. But I think this is it for now. But I did enjoy In the Hand of the Goddess; more so than Alanna; the First Adventure.