by Paul Hoffman. A fantasy novel. I like fantasy novels. My first big love, as a little girl, was Wind in the Willows and, a little later, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The Left Hand of God is a tad darker than these.
I enjoyed this fast paced story, even though it is rather crudely crafted in places. I'd have enjoyed it more, however, with fewer reference to real places (York, Silbury for example) which just felt as though the author had run out of original ideas. Not bad, though, and worth the trip to the library.
Thomas Cale is special, although he has no idea how special. All he knows is that he is brutalised and abused, by men who call themselves Redeemers, along with thousands of other boys, for reasons no-one explains. Thomas and two friends escape from their small world and, through a series of adventures, it gradually becomes clear why he is so special and why his training has been so important. Thomas fights, kills, learns to love and to be a friend as e also learns about freedom and making choices. The final twist is masterly and powerful, bringing to mind the same feeling I had when watching the final scene of the original Planet of the Apes movie.
Try it.
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