In the Hands of the Gods

In a time when the gods still meddle in human life, a time rampant with chaos as old ways confront new, a god conspires to have it all. However, In the Hand of the Gods is not where Zahinah chooses to leave her destiny.

Zahinah has always had power, the ability to call upon the forces of nature as easy as breathing. Yet even she did not know that her power is inherited from the Celtic Goddess Ceridwen. Men have always craved the power they thought they could hold through her. When it becomes known that she is the daughter of Ceridwen, the god of war will stop at nothing to possess her. When the fierce warrior, Xanthos intercedes to protect her, they discover an intense passion that even the gods couldn’t foretell. However, dark forces seek to destroy the balance of power and Zahinah and Xanthos struggle to complete a quest neither sought, but must finish if humanity is to survive.

The debut novel from E.L. Hutchison transports readers to a world rich in imagery and mythical power. From the first page, readers are filled with trepidation at the strategy the god of war plans to unfold and the lives that are caught in the crossfire. Ms. Hutchison maintains this tension throughout the story by portraying the brutality and strength necessary to survive during this time of transition. The author deepens the reader’s connection to the characters by pairing these harsh moments with Zahinah and Xanthos’s passion and drive to succeed. Zahinah and Xanthos are strong-willed individuals that have been outcasts most of their lives. The initial distrust between them grows into a beautiful friendship and love. The sensuality and eroticism of their lovemaking compliments the fierceness and depth of their characters. Ms. Hutchison’s descriptive style will have readers taking note of her talent. The secondary characters enhance the epic-like grandness of this tale while serving to propel the heroes forward on their quest. The story culminates in a classic confrontation of good and evil that ensures In the Hands of the Gods is well worth 5 angels.

Reviewed by: Amanda