The Left Hand of God

I would recommend this book. It is an exceptional book with a very different approach. The characters are believable and enjoyable to follow and watch change.

Dark, tense, bloody. A different take for fantasy with some very chilling and tense moments. But not all dark, there are some funny parts and very enjoyable characters.

Yes, it felt like a medieval adventure with a little bit of a twist. I didn't think I would be in to this, but it has opened a brand new genre for me.

I liked the medieval setting best. But the Sanctuary really made the book.

No, But I have already purchased the next two in the series after reading this one and would definitely consider taking the chance on one of his other series.

The scene where the main character has to not move while being hit was quite moving. Taking a beating is one thing, but being made not to react in any way was quite moving.

Just that after reading this book I have purchased the next two which should say it all. The genre may put some people off, but don't let it. The author brings you in and makes you believe you are 500 years in the past.

Paul Hoffman has managed to create a complex and believable world familiar enough to entice but dissimilar enough to surprise. The fight scenes are intricate but not laborious with enough detail to have you engaged but not bored. The dialog is inspired, each character so well developed that they become friends (or enemies) you feel you know.

Sean Barrett gives a wonderful performance narrating Paul Hoffman's books. He manages to bring each character to life with different vocal mannerisms, voices and nuances which make each seem familiar. His reading is flawless and the writing itself gives credit to his talents and visa versa!

I could not recommend them enough - I listen to them in the car and found myself sitting in the driveway for minutes after arriving home to continue listening!

I would recommend this to a friend but with a warning, I'm not sure what it was but it took me 3 attempts to get through this book.

The last 4 chapters of this book were the best, really set up well for the sequel.

My favourite character of the book was Thomas kale.

Not really no.

It's a slog but the series is good, and well worth a listen, it's not you're typical fantasy story that's for sure. The reasons which don't become a parang till the very last book, and the. It's only vaguely alluded to with a strange forward.

Waiting for the next book in this triology is painful. Hope that the second book is available soon.... would really like to start reading it on Halloween.

Yes excellent performance my first audiobook and still my favourite.

Gritty Harry Potter

vague Henry

Yes

Excellent must listen

I picked this book (which probably isn't the most sensible thing to do!!!) by the look of the cover. I have never read and do not know of any other works by Paul Hoffman. This book is not what I was expecting, but certainly has an unusual story. I thoroughly enjoyed it, got through it very quickly and was desperate to read the next episode - the start of a great series hopefully. Sean Barrett is a great narrator and I would recommend it.

Good characterisation and some good tense areas. Hoffman is a good writer who makes his character engaging.

Pace and tension

various

I don't give away things like this.

Very different to what I am used to with fantasy, but a very solid start to a trilogy. Apart from the fictional world, the fantasy elements were very subtle in this book.

Story – 4/5

The Left Hand of God is very intriguing. You are constantly told about the way things are, and always wanting to find out why, but only being given it in small chunks. It is very dark and bleak, with lighter elements developing as the escapees’ experience of the “outside” world progresses. The character development in this story is excellent as a consequence.

I quite enjoyed the brutality of these young boys, as they are only taught to be ruthless and kill. Therefore their social etiquette and problem solving logic are a bit warped at times.

Performance – 3.5/5

Sean Barrett was a very good narrator for this audiobook; his tone of voice fitted the bleak and dark nature of the story nicely. His voice acting was good enough, but nothing special, there were a couple moments of slight confusion during conversations between the 3 escapees near the start, but I picked up on the subtle differences as I got used to his style.

The bell tower chiming between chapters was a nice touch and fitted with the religious undertone.

Overall – 4/5


Apologies for the star ratings not matching the written review, I am forced to round halves on Audible.

Sean Barret is one of my favourite narrators and he does another stellar job with the Left Hand of God. At first I thought this was going to turn out to be another typical young boy comes of age and discovers his his hidden talents type of fantasy. However as the story develops we discover that this is a rather twisted Alternate History and our young "hero" is a far cry from the innocent young boy and his hidden talents are not very wholesome. A fast paced and entertaining listen. Am looking forward to the next instalment.