A review by mariebrunelm
The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

How aren’t more people talking about this book ?
Imagine a slow-paced, gentle cosy political fantasy following the man closest to the Emperor, charged with changing the world government so that it favours the many rather than the few. Imagine a vast world, plenty of different cultures, and a region of scattered islands reminiscent of Polynesia where our main character, Cliopher, comes from. Imagine the kindest man, the one most devoted to peace and fairness, and also to his Emperor, and also to his native land, learning to honour his origins and take a stand for what he believes is just. Imagine Cliopher, the Hands of the Emperor, tasked with making sure people have decent living conditions ? Reforming all the government institutions that need it to eradicate privilege ?? Creating a universal wage ??? And all the while building this relationship of trust and love with his Emperor and letting him show the man behind court policies and religious taboos ?
I don’t know how to convince you to read this gem of a book, except by adding that it was the perfect soothing read in a very scary political time here in France. Just like Becky Chambers, Victoria Goddard makes me believe that we as humans can grow to open our hearts to each other and create a system of government that is fair.
Rep : black & brown characters, discreet but omnipresent queer rep.
 
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