Tags
5 stars, angels, audiobook, Book Review, demons, Doro Jillings, Eva Gordon, fantasy, golem, Jewish myth, Jewish tradition, paranormal, romance, Steampunk
About Hand of Miriam by Eva Gordon
On an archaeological expedition, Bayla Gideon, is widowed by a supernatural force and branded with the Hand of Miriam or “knowing eye”. Threatened by evil, she awakens the golem – a mythical man of clay who protected the Jewish community more than three centuries ago.
The golem, Gesher, is surprised. Freedom – by a beautiful, enchanting woman. His desire is to return to the celestial spheres and regain his status as an avenging angel. Yet Bayla challenges his mind, body, and soul. Would he risk his return to the heavens for her?
Besides dealing with the otherkind, mad inventors, and an unrelenting matchmaking aunt, Bayla is equally determined to resist her steamy attraction to the striking fallen angel. Thrust into a malevolent war, which includes facing Jack the Ripper, they must resist the magnetic pull toward each other while protecting the world from encroaching evil.
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Review of Hand of Miriam
Story 5 stars
Narration 4 stars
Hand of Miriam is the interesting tale of a woman suddenly thrust into the supernatural world who wakes a golem to protect her from the dangers of that world.
Bayla is the woman who can suddenly see werewolves, vampires and all sorts of otherworldly creatures. In addition, through touch, she can see into a person’s heart and know if they are lying or are guilty of evil. The police appreciate her help in tracking down perpetrators, but eventually, Bayla must fall back to a safe place.
In her country manor, she finds and wakes the golem Gesher. When she immediately grants him freedom, his wish to return to the heavens seems within reach.
I loved both of these characters, Bayla and Gesher. Each has their own past and motivations that may or may not coincide with the growing attraction between them. While I cheered for Gesher to get his wings back, I also wanted the romance for a HEA for all!
There are many things that will come between them, force them together and then separate them once again. A predictable villain with a villainous device provides most of the conflict, along with a new take on the origin of Jack the Ripper
According to Hand of Miriam, angels are Jewish, which surprised me. I rather think they have their own rituals which may or may not resemble the rituals of Earth’s religions. Still, I enjoyed the Jewish myth and tradition embedded into the story.
Narrator Doro Jillings rushed the pacing, but eventually I adapted to her pleasant voice and storytelling.
Hand of Miriam is a little bit steampunk and a little bit paranormal. It is a lot historical. Mostly it is adventure and romance.
Through Story Origin, the author provided a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
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