Title: Cephrael’s Hand
Author: Melissa McPhail
First published September 22, 2010
901 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Patterns rule the realm of Alorin, and three distinct threads must intertwine. The Adept race is dying, and only one man possesses the knowledge to save them.
Bjorn van Gelderan, a traitor branded for his betrayal, holds the secret to reversing their decline. Adept Vestal Raine D’Lacourte is tasked with finding him, and uncovering his knowledge.
Meanwhile, Prince Ean val Lorian, the last heir to the Eagle Throne, seeks revenge for his blood-brother’s murder. His quest leads him to a maze of political intrigue, orchestrated by the enigmatic First Lord.
In the Nadori desert, a soldier named Trell is desperate to uncover the truth about his past. But when he becomes indebted to the Wildlings, he begins to suspect a darker motive behind their actions.
The threads of these stories converge, and a greater mystery is revealed, one that threatens to destroy them all.
About the Author
Meet Melissa McPhail, the creative mind behind the captivating epic fantasy series A Pattern of Shadow & Light. When she’s not crafting intricate worlds and characters that leave readers spellbound, Melissa is a busy mother to twin girls who have a love for male protagonists in literature.
She’s also the proud adoptive mother to four feline companions who hold a prominent place in her home.
While leaving the house may not be her forte, spinning a tale certainly is. Melissa’s writing has earned her eight best fantasy awards and a dedicated fan base that values her unique contributions to the genre.
As an author who values connection with her readers, Melissa is active on social media and encourages conversations about her work, speculative fiction, and the writing process.
Among her many talents, Melissa is a classically trained pianist, violinist, and composer, as well as a Vinyasa yoga instructor and an avid tea enthusiast. Connect with Melissa on Twitter @melissagmcphail, Facebook, or through her website and blog at melissamcphail.com.
Editoral Review
Cephrael’s Hand is an epic fantasy novel written by Melissa McPhail and first published on September 22, 2010. The book is the first in the series “A Pattern of Shadow and Light” and has been praised for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and gripping plot.
Set in a magical world of Eanarin, the book follows the intertwined stories of five main characters, each with their own unique abilities, secrets, and motivations. The story centers around the conflict between two powerful factions, the Guardians of the Veil and the Ascendants, who are vying for control of the magical realm.
McPhail’s writing style is immersive and descriptive, carefully crafting a rich and detailed world that feels both familiar and exotic. The author’s attention to detail is impressive, as she minutely describes the landscapes, cultures, and politics of each region of Eanarin.
The characters in Cephrael’s Hand are complex, with their own distinct personalities, motivations, and moral compasses. McPhail does an excellent job of developing each character’s backstory, weaving together their past experiences to create a compelling and cohesive narrative.
The dialogue is well-written, with each character’s voice distinct and believable.
One of the strengths of the book is its pacing. Despite its length, the story moves along at a brisk pace, with action, intrigue, and twists and turns keeping the reader engaged.
The plot is intricate and multi-layered, with each character’s storyline intersecting and influencing the others. The magic system in the book is also well-developed, with its own set of rules and limitations.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, the story can feel overwhelming, with its many characters, subplots, and world-building details.
The book also ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader hanging and eager for the next installment.
Overall, Cephrael’s Hand is an impressive debut novel, showcasing McPhail’s talent for epic fantasy storytelling. Fans of the genre will find much to enjoy in this book, from its richly-drawn world to its well-developed characters and intricate plot.
It is a must-read for anyone who loves epic fantasy and is looking for a new series to sink their teeth into.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
