In the Hand of the Goddess (Song of the Lionness Series #2) » (Reprint)

Tamora Pierce lives in Syracuse, New York, with her husband, Tim, five cats, two birds, and various freeloading wildlife. Visit her online at www.tamorapierce.com.

Here continues the story of Alanna, a young woman bound for glory who is willing to fight against enormous odds for what she believes in.

Disguised as a boy, Alanna of Trebond becomes a squire to none other than the prince of the realm. But Prince Jonathan is much more to Alanna; he is her ally, her best friend, and one of the few who knows that she's really a girl. Now it will take all of Alanna's awesome skill, strength, and growing magical powers to protect him from the mysterious evil sorcerer who is bent on his destruction and hers!

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-Alanna of Trebond continues her masquerade as Alan in this, the second book in the Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce (Random, 1990). The story spans Alanna's fours years as Prince Jonathan's squire. During this time, Alanna participates in her first war, battles against Jonathan's evil uncle, Duke Roger, meets the Great Mother Goddess and experiences first love, all the while maintaining her guise as a boy. Actress Trini Alvardo perfectly captures the essence of Alanna by giving her the uncertainty of a girl on the verge of womanhood combined with the steel determination and strength of a squire preparing for the battle to become a knight. Alvarado uses slight changes in her voice to vividly give life to a large cast of characters. While familiarity with the first book in the series, Alanna: The First Adventure (Random, 1983), will enhance this story, it is by no means necessary. Add this timeless story to collections where magic, adventure, and strong female characters are in demand.-Veronica Schwartz, Des Plaines Public Library, IL Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.