Title: Hands of Flame
Author: C.E. Murphy
First published August 19, 2008
409 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780373802708 (ISBN10: 0373802706)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
The aftermath of war has left Baseer in ruins, and Nya is to blame. The people, however, see her as their savior.
The Underground has fled to a new location, but Tali is missing. Nya feels guilty for leaving her behind and is determined to find her.
But with the rebellion in full swing and refugees flooding into the Three Territories, Nya fears the worst. The Duke is determined to reclaim his throne, and his powerful army is destroying anyone in their way.
Nya must find a way to stay ahead of the Duke’s army, build her own army, and save her sister, her family, and her people. She must heal past hurts, right past wrongs, and decide whether she is a mere pawn in the rebellion or a symbol of hope.
Is Nya ready to be a hero?
About the Author
C.E. Murphy is a skilled author who specializes in crafting captivating fantasy novels and short stories. To add to her impressive repertoire of work, she also dabbles in writing “action-adventure romance” novels under the pen name Cate Dermody, which she chose in honor of her grandmother’s maiden name.
Editoral Review
Hands of Flame by C.E. Murphy is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that transports readers to a world of magic, mystery, and danger. Published in 2008, this novel follows the adventures of protagonist Margrit Knight, a lawyer who finds herself reluctantly drawn into the world of New York City’s hidden supernatural society.
C.E. Murphy is a celebrated author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. Her writing is known for its vivid world-building, fast-paced action, and complex, multi-dimensional characters.
Hands of Flame is no exception, delivering all of the hallmark elements that fans of the genre have come to expect. Margrit Knight is a compelling heroine who is pulled into a brewing conflict between the powerful dragon Cortez and the Djinn Malik.
Caught in the middle of this power struggle, Margrit finds herself forced to navigate a dangerous web of politics and intrigue. With the help of her unlikely ally Alban, a gargoyle who is more than meets the eye, Margrit must use all of her legal and magical skills to protect herself and those she cares about.
Murphy’s writing is masterful, infusing the story with energy and excitement. Her descriptions of New York City’s hidden magical society are rich and evocative, immersing readers into this world of dragons, fae, and other supernatural creatures.
The plot is tightly-woven and full of unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged from beginning to end. One of the standout strengths of Hands of Flame is Murphy’s ability to craft complex, nuanced characters.
Margrit is not your stereotypical ‘chosen one’ heroine, but rather a fully-realized person with her own wants, needs, and flaws. Alban, too, is a compelling character who defies expectations and challenges Margrit’s assumptions about the world around her.
The supporting cast is equally well-drawn, adding depth and complexity to the story. If there is one weakness to Hands of Flame, it is that its plot can occasionally feel overcrowded.
The novel takes on a lot of different threads and conflicts, and while Murphy does an admirable job of juggling them all, there were moments where the sheer amount of information being thrown at the reader could be overwhelming. Despite this minor flaw, Hands of Flame is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
It is a tightly-crafted novel that offers plenty of thrills and excitement, while also exploring deeper themes of power, privilege, and the human condition. For anyone looking for a fresh take on the genre, C.E. Murphy’s Hands of Flame is the perfect choice.
Score: 4/5
