The Grip of God (The Tiger and the Dove, #1)

by Rebecca Hazell

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

While reading The Grip of God I felt a nagging feeling in the back of my head, Sofia and her story reminds me of someone, but who? Last night it came to me, Cynthia Ann Parker.Strange I know but bear with me, (and yes I know Cynthia Ann was a real person) both were abducted at an early age and thrust into a world drastically outside their own and each from a tribe. Violence could have been a daily occurrence and yet, they survived.

Without the comparisons Sofia was well developed and was drawn into her story. She showed depth and liked that she realized how crazy it all was. Sofia grew as character the further I went with The Grip of God, as she mingled with a class unfamiliar with her. This may be a little irrelevant but the first time I read Memoirs of a Geisha I was thirteen and remember reading of a woman wearing a robe with a tie in the front. I thought nothing of it. Later, when I read it as an adult I realized it was for "easier access" I felt her growth was like that, looking back with a new perspective.

As for Sofia's captor, Argamon was a pig, there's really no way to go about, he'd go all Gladiator and come back expecting his romp in the hay. No matter how nicey nicey he may have played, just eww. That is all.

The plot was original and enjoyed that it was based on historical facts. I usually read stories that are on the darker side and felt Rebecca Hazell's novel fit the bill. This not to say that it was scary dark but more like Micheal Jackson's Thriller video right before his eyes glow green. So the best way to describe it would be a combination of Game of Thrones narrated by Vincent Price.

Honestly, my only complaint is there were a lot of characters whose names sounded similar, and it took me a while to keep them straight. Because of this, I found it a little distracting and did take away a bit of the storytelling.

Overall, The Grip of God was a very interesting and unique read.