A review by cakt1991
The Quest for the Ring of Power by Samira Ahmed

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own. 

Amira & Hamza: The Quest for the Ring of Power is the second book in Samira Ahmed’s Amira & Hamza series. I have read the first, but didn’t publicly review it at the time. However, I do recommend reading that one first to get a good feel for what to expect going into this one. 

It has a somewhat similar feel to the Rick Riordan Presents template, despite not being part of that imprint. There’s a blend of Indian mythology and history with modern pop culture. The titular “Ring of Power” conjured a connection to Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings, and I love how the narrative discusses the possible historical and mythical inspirations for the Ring. 

While a lot of similar titles will focus on a single protagonist, sometimes with a supporting group of friends, Amira and Hamza are co-leads and both serve in the “Chosen One” role. I love how each of them contributes something cool to the narrative. Amira is smart and logical,  and is good at puzzle-solving. She also is a great sister, who always has her brother’s back. Hamza is often getting into trouble, which can lead to some comically perilous situations, especially as he can foresee some terrifying scenarios playing out before him, however, throughout the book, Amira’s logic begins to rub off as he navigates the obstacles he faces. 

This is a charming installment in a fun series centering the power of sibling love. It’s perfect for fans of middle grade fantasy in the vein of Percy Jackson.