Review by hyuga_hanabi -- The Hand Bringer

[hyuga_hanabi]

[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 unique science fiction which explores the concepts of vampirism. It has the needed touch of cultural references and myths. The book presents vampirism as more of a disease or an infection which is to be eliminated. Christopher's combination of mythical concepts with science fiction provides originality to the story.

Peter Hadrian gets bitten by a mysterious superhuman while on duty as a cop. He is taken to a overly secret facility called ASA, for treatment. He is accompanied by his friend and partner Luke McElroy. They are informed of the existence of vampires and of the virus that spreads vampirism. A team including Peter and Luke is assembled to travel back in time and eliminate this threat before it continues to spread over the centuries.

The main agenda of the mission is to assassinate 'Vlad Tepes' who also happens to be a very powerful ruler with a not-so-nice personality. Needless to say, travelling back in time brings about a lot of cultural differences for our team of heroes. Things get a little rough when Peter and his team end up in Vlad's service and have to fight for him.

Peter has his own set of problems from the past that haunt him. His son had disappeared a couple of years before under strange circumstances and his body was never found. But he is the most efficient member of the team. The speed with which he adapts to his surrounding is very impressive and the way he turns various situations to his advantage is interesting to read. Luke proves to be a very good friend and a strong ally. Since the team is hastily organized, the members don't exactly get along with each other which provides for more than a few arguments and differences. However, the whole team contributes to the mission in their own ways.

The story has a complex plot with a lot of characters to follow, so it can be a little confusing at times but it all comes together very nicely. The customs and beliefs of the people in that time period is well described and integrated into the story. The end presents the usual time related paradoxes which in my opinion, are very well handled and explained.

I would rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. It is a very well written and edited book. I personally like the way the various fights are described throughout the story. I would recommend this book to people looking for a adventure or science fiction based novel.

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The Hand Bringer
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