Review by calciumm -- The Hand Bringer

calciumm · Post by **calciumm** » 31 May 2020, 21:36

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

4 out of 4 stars

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Still dealing with the loss of his son, policeman Peter Hadrian responded to a distress call that will forever transform his life. The Hand Bringer by Christopher J. Penington is a science fiction novel that will fill the readers with intrigue and fascination. The novel incorporates time-travel, vampires, folklore, and adventure to create epic science fiction.

After being attacked by a strange, powerful man during his response to a distress call, Peter and his fellow officer Luke McElroy were recruited by an organization. This organization specializes in genetic engineering and handling apocalyptic situations. Their goal is to end the vampiric plague by sending a group of elite men back in time to kill Dracula, who they believe was the cause of the spread. However, after being sent back to medieval Romania, Peter and his group quickly realize that things aren’t as straightforward as it seems. The group has to find the truth about the plague before it is too late.

What I liked most about the book is that it combined folklore and science fiction to create a thrilling story without being too complicated. It is difficult to combine different themes seamlessly, but the author managed to do that. I also like how the characters’ introduction was brief and concise. The book did not waste any time to get into action. There were no filler chapters and almost everything was paced well. I also like how the author made all the events connected and cohesive. From Boriana’s blade to Ioan the Blind’s prophecy, everything had come to a full circle by the end of the book. All of the characters were developed well.

The only thing that I didn’t like about the book is that some parts felt rushed. Especially the chapter where the villagers and soldiers of Count Mihail were attacked by some of the vampires felt a bit rushed for me. Other than that particular chapter, I found everything about the book satisfying.

I would rate The Hand Bringer four out of four stars. The author did a wonderful job of telling an elaborate storyline without being too complicated. Penington’s penchant in combining different facets of science fiction and other themes into his works was brilliantly shown once again in this novel. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves thrilling science fiction. The book contains some erotic and graphic, violent scenes, so I would not recommend this book to people that don’t like such.

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The Hand Bringer
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