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© 2005, E.L. Hutchison Reviews For IN THE HANDS OF GODS by E.L. Hutchison IN THE HANDS OF THE GODS is a fascinating tale. >From the moment you open the book and begin to read, you are immediately caught up in Zahinah and Xanthos's predicament. Both are evenly matched and willing to give up their powers to be totally mortal. Why? Because their whole lives have been filled with secrets, lies, loneliness, and pain. Xanthos grew up with others harassing him, making fun of him for his gifts. Therefore, he has never revealed his abilities unless absolutely necessary. His anger toward his father is well-deserved, and I cheered Xanthos on when he told his father off. I mean it's not often you tell off a god and get away with it. Zahinah grew up thinking her mother died giving birth, when in reality, her mother was a goddess and left Zahinah behind to protect her from the wrath of Lugh, the Celtic god of war. Secondary characters, which include Cernunnos and Ceridwen and Lugh, add insight into the plight of our hero and heroine. The story moves along steadily and keeps the reader’s interest throughout its entirety. Every time Zahinah and Xanthos come together, it's powerful, heated, and emotional. With her debut novel, IN THE HANDS OF GODS, new author E.L. Hutchison writes a delightful romance about two people who are meant to be together, but don't see it. Xanthos and Zahinah are well-created characters who are both bullheaded. I really enjoyed watching their battles and waited anxiously to find out who would be the winner of each skirmish. <g> Sinclair Reid 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 Fallen Angels Reviews 5 Angels Sample Chapter For IN THE HANDS OF GODS by E.L. Hutchison Ceridwen was in her palace rooms only half listening while Rhiannon, the daughter of Hefaidd Hen, was complaining about the chieftain her father had chosen for her to wed. Ceridwen con-templated how to extricate herself from the child without causing offense, for, truthfully, there was nothing she could do to help Rhiannon. If Rhiannon’s father truly wished for her to wed a pow-erful Celtic chieftain, Ceridwen couldn’t stop him. It was her fa-ther’s decision to make without the interference of a meddling goddess. “Do you not see, Ceridwen? I cannot marry Gwawl when ’tis Pwyll who holds my heart. My father only wishes to make a pow-erful match to benefit himself and cares nothing for what I want. My father has tricked Pwyll into this situation.” Ceridwen understood all too well what it meant to be kept from the one her heart desired. But what one desired and what one often received were two very different things. “Why does your father desire to make such a match for you with this Chieftain Gwawl?” “Gwawl has been appointed chieftain
of a fierce Celtic tribe by Lugh. My father thinks Lugh is rallying
his forces to make a move against your husband, Cernunnos. If Lugh defeats
Cernunnos, then he will hold more power than any other god in the heavens.”
“’Tis Lugh’s goal to overthrow Cernunnos. If he succeeds, only those loyal to him will be given favor. Since Lugh appointed Gwawl as chieftain, if I am married to him, my father thinks Lugh’s favor will also fall upon him, since I can read the hearts and minds of mortals.” Ceridwen was shocked upon hearing this news. She heard lit-tle of Lugh after she wed Cernunnos, had in fact, hoped he had gotten over his rage when she refused him. “What benefit to your father would it be if Lugh destroys my husband?” “The benefit will be to rule the heavens and the Celtic tribes of Britannia, because Gwawl does Lugh’s bidding. The only thing standing in Lugh’s way is Cernunnos.” Rhiannon stopped her fran-tic pacing and fell to the floor before Ceridwen, imploring her for her help. “Don’t you see? It wouldn’t be to Gwawl that I am mar-ried, but to Lugh. The power formed from such a union would, in my father’s mind, grant him favor in Lugh’s eyes.” Rhiannon looked around Ceridwen’s chambers to ensure they were still alone. “Lugh has reportedly captured the daughter of a powerful goddess. ’Tis rumored she is blessed with the ability to control the elements and possesses great knowledge of herbs and spells. Lugh is holding her in the stronghold of his high priest, Duartar, on the Emerald Isle.” For a moment, Ceridwen though her heart had stopped beat-ing within her breast. It was not possible, Ceridwen had ensured Lugh would never be able to find her. How? When? With a sense of urgency in her voice and her posture, she cap-tured Rhiannon’s arm in a vicelike grip. “Do you know this maiden’s name? Do you know where she is from?” Rhiannon blanched when she saw the look of panic enter Ceridwen’s eyes. “My father only said her name was Zahinah and that she is the daughter of a powerful goddess Lugh seeks revenge upon.” A look of realization entered Rhiannon’s eyes. “The rumors are true then, she is your daughter.” Ceridwen released Rhiannon’s arm and fell back into the chair, wishing she had killed Lugh long ago. “Rhiannon, I will give you refuge against your father. I will also send a dispatch to Pwyll immediately arranging for the two of you to be wed this very day. You do still want to marry Pwyll, do you not?” “Yes, more than anything.” “You and Pwyll must also vow your allegiance to Cernunnos and myself, and not notify your father or anyone else of your plans. I want no chance for Lugh to interfere in this matter. Did anyone know you were coming here to me?” “Yes, Goddess, I understand, and no, I told no one I was com-ing to see you.” “Good. This time, Lugh has gone too far. I will destroy him if ’tis the last thing I do.” “Please be careful, Lugh has more allies than you or Cernun-nos realize. Does your husband even know of the coup being plot-ted against him?” Ceridwen thought about that question for a moment and wondered the same thing herself. “There is very little Cernunnos isn’t aware of, my dear, but have no fear, Lugh will soon be defeated before his battle is even waged.” Ceridwen stood and ges-tured for her servant to come forward and escort Rhiannon away. Ceridwen reached out to the young woman and took her hand within her own as a motherly gesture. “Do not fear, I will see to it you are united with the one your heart desires.” Rhiannon impulsively reached out and hugged Ceridwen. “Thank you so much.” Tears shimmered in her eyes as she looked at the goddess of knowledge. “I know my powers are nothing com-pared to yours, Ceridwen, but should you ever require my assis-tance, you have but to ask.” Ceridwen reached out and gently stroked her delicate face. “You have nothing to fear, you are under my protection now, and this fight is between Lugh and me.” Rhiannon couldn’t hold back the question consuming her since she realized Lugh held the daughter of this goddess. “Why would Lugh seek to take your child?” “To control me. I refused to wed him long ago and sought love in the arms of a mortal man. A man who was kind, noble, and full of life. One who gave me my greatest treasure, my daughter.” Rhiannon nodded her head in understanding. “I, too, under-stand how very precious love is. ’Tis not something to be sold or bartered for power. I will keep your secret and try to help in any-way I can to ensure your daughter’s safety.” Ceridwen smiled and ushered her toward the doors of the chamber. “You can help me by seeking happiness with the man you love.” After Rhiannon left, Ceridwen sought the solace of her caul-dron of knowledge, for if ever she needed wisdom, it was now—Zahinah’s life hung in the balance. |