YA Fantasy and Sci-Fi: SONG OF THE LIONESS: IN THE HAND OF THE GODDESS by Tamora Pierce

Song of the Lioness: In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Pierce

Pierce, Tamora. 1984. SONG OF THE LIONESS: IN THE HAND OF THE GODDESS. New York: Simon Pulse.  ISBN 0689878567.

               In the continuing story of Alanna, a.k.a Alan, of Trebond, a girl disguised as a boy, prepares to face the final test of becoming a knight. She struggles to continue with her deception, though some already know the truth, including her overlord and lover Prince Jonathan. Alan impresses all through a series of challenges, from defeating a warrior from a neighboring land in a duel, escaping kidnap by an enemy army, and the wielding of her magical power. More trials arise when she suspects treachery by Jonathan’s relative, Duke Roger, and relies on the protections afforded by a visit from a goddess. Alanna eventually triumphs through the Ordeal, becoming a knight and revealing her true self to all. Almost immediately, she discovers the truth behind treachery and fights to save the life the Queen, Jonathan, and herself. “She looked up. Everyone in the chamber -- even Jonathan, even Thom -- stared at her with some kind of horror. For a minute she was afraid of herself. She had killed the king’s nephew. She had killed her greatest enemy, the most powerful sorcerer in the Eastern Lands” (Pierce 260). After the victory, she soon leaves to begin her chivalrous adventures beyond the castle.

               This story is intriguing with its protagonist being female but pretending to be male to prove herself in field that would otherwise be denied her. Though very heroic and not overly flawed, teen readers are able to relate to her through her desire to prove herself as well as the idea she is not truly understood by anyone and has her own ideas about her future. Alanna is a fairly well developed character, though more the typical hero than the frequent overly tragic characters of teen literature. She has her fair share of trials and learning experiences, however. Though faced with minor antagonists throughout the story, Alanna is suspicious but not fully aware of her true enemy until later in the story.

               The story takes place in a fairly typical medieval setting, with exception of the existence of magical abilities by some characters and objects. The story is very Arthurian with the existence of sorcerers and castle life, knights and the coming of age of rulers. "An action-filled adventure novel" (Fantasy Review). Life and death situations are prevalent for the future warrior as she continues to hone her skills and deal with her emotions. The story has a satisfying conclusion, though Alanna’s adventures are clearly intended to continue.  Though not overly thematic, there are issues which she deals with internally as we all do, from separation from family, loss, love and relationships, ambition and role in life, as well as struggling with secrets and having to lie to those you love. The authors flowing and simple style moves the reader from one adventure to the next in a quick pace.  "This series is sprightly, filled with adventure and marvelously satisfying" (School Library Journal).

Classroom Connections

-        The class could create a graphic novel version of the story

-        Students could write about what they think will be the first adventure Alanna experiences as a knight

-        Do a background study or project about the process of knighthood, hierarchy, and life in medieval times

Best Books, Awards

• Main Selection, Children's Book of the Month Club
• Winner, ZDF Preis der Lesratten (German fantasy award)
• Nominee, 1985-86 South Carolina Children's Book Award