Total Pageviews

Friday, May 17, 2013

CEPHRAEL'S HAND by MELISSA MCPHAIL


AUTHOR’S CREATIVE BRAND

Title:  CEPHRAEL’S HAND
Genre:  Epic Romantic Fantasy 
Pages:  634
Outskirts Press

MY 9 READER “HOT-BUTTON” CONSIDERATIONS

WORLD’S IMMERSION:

We are directed by author Melissa McPhail, to enter this fifth Age in the Realm of Alorin.  As in all competent high-fantasy writing, rules exist and delineate the nature of this world; in Ms. McPhail’s weaving hands, illuminating designs are woven together as puzzling, intersecting strands of mystery.  Alorin is drenched in magic but only revealed, in lifting veils of revelation as to these components.  I could clarify what those five strands are for you, but from what I know of discerning fantasy Readers, such key details are best left to be discovered “going in…”

A geography of politics and myth combine to comprise a multilevel, world-at-war, at once tactile and energetic in Nature.  On ground level, the kingdom of M’Nador, supported by allied kingdoms, Dannym and Veneisia, are in conflict with the Akkad; a battle at The Cry is where we are initially thrust into the action. This war is not simply a clash of forces, but one of beliefs, as M’Nador is also at war to push back the teachings of Akkad’s Prophet.  On a higher plane of awareness, beyond the bleeding grunts of the desert, drapes the tragedy of The Adept Wars; this historic clash, of high magic and blood-shed, all leads back to an ancient citadel, and the current awakening of what is dying in Alorin.


Whether one is in search with Trell of the Tides, dipping down into elemental uncertainty of a node with Franco Rohre, happening upon mystical retreat of powerful beings in a sa’reyth, contemplating incandescent Illume Belliel, or simply following the ethereal passage of a fire princess… Readers are stepping inside the totality of CEPHRAEL’S HAND: A Pattern of Shadow & Light, Book 1.  This conception captivates the imagination with story-telling of impressive scope and invention...