Otto of the Silver Hand is simply written. The characters become involved in a cliffhanging adventure as the drama moves forward at a swift pace. Although the book was written more than one hundred years ago, its language remains appropriate for younger audiences. It contains the elements necessary for successful historical fiction: realistic events, a clearly defined and historically accurate setting, and characters who act appropriately for the setting and the time.

Pyle incorporates symbolism within a realistic story to give his writing an extra dimension. For example, after Otto loses his right hand, it is replaced by a hand of "pure silver, and the hard, cold fingers never closed," and the book ends with the words, "Better a hand of silver than a hand of iron." Otto's silver hand clearly symbolizes that he has brought parity and beauty to a land that was once ruled...