Review by Samgum50 -- The Hand Bringer

[Samgum50]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Hand Bringer" by Christopher J. Penington.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Hand Bringer by Christopher J. Penington is a vampire fantasy novel that follows Peter Hadrian, a police officer who gets infected on a police job gone wrong. Instead of being taken to a hospital, he’s whisked away to a secret military facility where he’s given treatment. This facility belongs to an organization under the FBI known as the Apocalypse Suppression Administration. The scientists working for ASA administer a special kind of treatment and genetically modify Peter to recruit him for their mission.

The organization seeks to rid the world of vampires by sending out a team to time travel to medieval Romania to kill Vlad Dracula, the Impaler. They believe that killing Dracula will stump the increasing cases of vampirism in the modern-day time. The mission has a rocky start when they are forced to depart prematurely after a security breach caused by a traitor in the organization. The group must survive the dangers and life-threatening conditions of medieval Romania to complete their mission and safely return to the future/present time.

I have to admit I’m not the biggest Sci-Fi fan, but I think the author did a wonderful job of making this book as fascinating as possible. The Hand Bringer provided me with enough entertainment that kept me glued to the story until the end. Even though I could predict some elements of the story, I wouldn’t say the storyline was predictable. Far from it the book had so many plot twists that left me both astonished and amazed. The writing was also very good, and it flowed well enough to make reading the book quite enjoyable.

I also appreciate how well researched, this book was. The author did such a good job with his representation of medieval Romania that I sometimes felt like I was there with the characters. Even the dialogue matched the period. The book also had very good character development. They were presented in a way that gave the reader enough information to form a proper opinion about them.

My favorite character was Peter; I sympathized with his plight, of getting a second chance to save his son. There were also elements of humor in the book as well through characters like Luke and Bat. Although it was mostly dark humor, but I was left laughing out loud many times while reading. I also love that the author lets Boriana and Peter’s relationship develop slowly instead of them rushing into it.

One of the minor issues I had with this book was the fact that the term ‘Hand Bringer’ was never really defined. They used the term to refer to Peter, but the meaning was never explained in the story. Plus towards the middle I felt like the story started dragging a bit. But the pace picked up eventually.

Overall, I would give this book 4 out of 4 stars. I could tell as I read the book was professionally edited because I did not encounter any typographical or grammatical mistakes. Plus the storyline was well written and well researched by the author. The Hand Bringer is a very fascinating read that I think will be perfect for mature or adult readers interested in both the science fiction genre and vampire fiction. The book could even be enjoyed by some historical fiction readers.

However, I feel like other readers who enjoy historical fiction wouldn’t like it entirely because of the fantasy elements of the book. I also don’t think the book would be suitable for young adult readers because it has more mature themes to it. The book does contain vulgar language and material of a sexual nature as well. Rape is mentioned in the book as well. This could be triggering or offensive to some readers who might have a problem with the offhanded way it’s presented in the book.

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The Hand Bringer
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[unamilagra]

I typically don't enjoy vampire stories, but I like the historical background you mentioned in this book. Great review!

[ThomasCShearman1976]

Good review! I reviewed this book, too, and it's interesting to read someone else's point of view. I've commented elsewhere that I think this book could be made into a great film.

And you're right about the Hand Bringer part, I never understood that either!

[Leen282]

I read the book, loved it, and I don't recall either an explanation of the title Hand Bringer. I have some idea that formed while reading, but indeed it never got clarified in the book.

[Marshal mutai]

Such captivating review! It just beguiled me into reading science-fiction though am not a fan

[Prisallen]

I read this book and enjoyed it as well. I think your review is informative and interesting. Well done!

[Caffrey_19]

I have read this book, and I couldn't agree with you more. Especially where you said the writer was quite thorough in displaying ancient Romania as a result of proper research. Nice work.

[kandscreeley]

I've seen several reviews for this book. It sounds interesting every time. I do like a good vampire fiction. I'm glad you enjoyed this one in spite of not really liking science fiction. Thanks for the introduction!

[sirbobthewise]

Great job with your review! I also read and reviewed this book, and it seems like I align a lot with your thoughts, especially regarding the research aspect. I’ve been reading some other reviews for the book, and I’ve noticed that quite a few people who aren’t huge sci-fi fans have actually enjoyed it. As a huge fantasy/sci-fi nerd myself, that makes me happy to hear.

I also was super curious about the “Hand Bringer” name. The closest I found to an “answer” was when Deycheaba says, “‘My companions whisper to me in the darkness, they whisper that I am to take a husband. Are you my worthy mate, Petru... the hands that bring death?’” (p. 189). If that’s all that we get, I’m not super satisfied with it as an answer, but I was mildly modified with finding the statement.

[kdstrack]

Vampire stories don't interest me that much. However! I like the element of time travel and the interesting twist the author puts on this theme. I also appreciate your comments about the historical fiction element, including the representation of Romania. Your review has intrigued me about this book. Great review!

[Manang Muyang]

Yes, that Hand Bringer term is a mystery. I know the vampire called Peter that at the beginning of the story. Perhaps the author can give us a hand in understanding it.

[inaramid]

This all seems interesting - vampires, time travel, dark humor, and family drama all mixed together. Thanks for the review!

[Tonika632]

I love sci-fi, but I was never into vampire stories. This one was unique and I loved it. Nice review!

[bookreviewmi1111]

I think this book should be turned into a movie. "Vampire" has never been a boring topic. Thank you for the review.