Review by Nerea -- The Hand Bringer

[Nerea]

[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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Peter transformed from a cop to a powerful human weapon. How?

During an operation, Peter encountered a creature that attacked him severely. He was rushed to a lab owned by ASA (Apocalypse Suppression Administration) for treatment. They injected him a virus carrying a seenjite microbe that turned him into a powerful being. ASA's objective is to create a human weapon with perfect anti-vampire features, who’d protect the organization and help them succeed in their mission to kill Vlad Dracula. Who is Vlad Dracula? Why do ASA want Vlad Dracula dead? Will ASA succeed in their mission?

The Hand Bringer by Christopher J. Penington is an adventure-filled fast-paced science fiction and fantasy story. Outstandingly, 75% of the narration is composed of dialogues, voiced from mixed points of view, whereas the remaining 25% is told from the author's point of view. The tone used is sincere and conversational. Moreover, the language used is simple, and the sentence structures are well-balanced. I didn’t detect any typos or errors from the story. Notably, the narrative is sprinkled with some metaphorical speech that seasons the story.

The author introduces characters simultaneously as the plot advances. Additionally, there is an aspect of time travel incorporated in the story where Peter wanted to go back in time and join the dots so that he can find answers to his burning questions about his son. ASA’s recruitment process is quite complex and strategic. It’s one of the book’s aspects that make the story seem realistic. Noteworthy, the story helps the reader understand the mind of scientists better. Ultimately, some ideas in the narrative are borrowed from the Bible account recorded in the book of Genesis about Adam and Eve, which I find interesting.

I’m impressed by Dr. Kolemi’s attitude. Dr. Kolemi is a hardworking and determined Doctor working for ASA. He couldn’t let his illness stop him from being part of the ASA's project. I admired his devotion to the project.

I like Peter’s personality. He is dynamic, reasonable, intelligent, and hot-tempered for a good reason. I'm impressed with his profound sentiments that saved their lives when he, together with his companions, were arrested in Romania. Additionally, his backstories help the readers understand him better. Additionally, I like how the author used the terms Hades and Hell in the story. The two terms share mutual meaning and purpose. Remarkably, the titles in each chapter introduce the themes of the story. The events are incredibly described, allowing the reader to visualize the activities taking place.

I wish Elizabeth and Boriana were given more roles in the story, which would’ve added thrill in the narration. I’m disappointed that there’s no plenty of scientific terms, but I did find some interesting terms that refer to vampire, such as Strigoi.

I’m pleased to note that great warriors are made. Additionally, I was surprised to learn that “processing oxygen efficiently” is not a need for vampires, but a want. Therefore, they can’t suffer from polycythemia (increased production of the red cells in the body), but humans can.

I award the book a 4 out of 4 stars. The author did an incredible job composing a gripping and engaging story. He was extra careful while writing in that he provided the reader with a skillfully edited piece. Furthermore, the story is suspenseful and full of plot twists. The characters are well-developed. Their interaction with each other contributed to the objective of the story. The book contains scarcely distributed non-borderline profane language. Readers who are very sensitive to profane language should skip this book.

I recommend the book to readers who enjoy reading science fiction and dark fantasy stories.

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The Hand Bringer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[unamilagra]

I'm not into vampire stories, but this one sounds very well written. I like the time travel aspect as well. Thanks for a thorough review!

[Nerea]

I'm not into vampire stories, but this one sounds very well written. I like the time travel aspect as well. Thanks for a thorough review!

It's a thrilling story. Thanks for coming through.

[Julius_]

I've been planning to pick this book up for quite a while now, I think your review made me want it even more. Thanks for the review.

[Nerea]

I've been planning to pick this book up for quite a while now, I think your review made me want it even more. Thanks for the review.

It's a piece worth anyone's time. If you find time you can check it out. Thank you for your kid words.

[Manang Muyang]

Destroy Dracula and his minions! This is Peter's mission. I wonder what hand bringer means, though. And how Adam and Eve figure in the story.

You seem to have been sucked into the book's magic. I'm mighty intrigued.

[Shabram22]

Vampire stories are not my thing. Great job on your review. Sounds like you really enjoyed this book.

[Nerea]

Destroy Dracula and his minions! This is Peter's mission. I wonder what hand bringer means, though. And how Adam and Eve figure in the story.

You seem to have been sucked into the book's magic. I'm mighty intrigued.

Thanks for coming through.

[Nerea]

Vampire stories are not my thing. Great job on your review. Sounds like you really enjoyed this book.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

[Prisallen]

I enjoyed this book as well. I agree it would have been nice if Elizabeth and Boriana had played a bigger role. However, it was still a very good book. Thanks for the wonderful review!

[Nerea]

I enjoyed this book as well. I agree it would have been nice if Elizabeth and Boriana had played a bigger role. However, it was still a very good book. Thanks for the wonderful review!

Thank you for your thoughtful words.