I liked this book a lot. I read the first one and thought it was a little slow but I liked it enough to continue with the second book. After the first chapter or so I thought this one would be as slow as the first but a couple chapters later I realized I would finish it before going to sleep. Of course I'm pretty tired today but my point is the second book was a little more gripping than the first.

Some other reviewers have noted that this book is inappropriately marketed toward kids due to the protagonist engaging in sexual activity. While sex is indicated in the story, it with someone for whom she has mutual feelings and respect and it not even remotely graphic. Of course the issue with more conservative folks would be the sex outside of marriage factor but this is a fantasy novel taking place in a fictional world. And in the world of the book, God(dess) is totally cool with Alana having sex. But that really has nothing to do with why I liked the book anyway. Alanna continues to develop strong friendships, earns respect and acceptance, has adventures and in the end, helps good triumph over evil. In other words, there is plenty to like about this book.