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Cephrael's Hand (A Pattern of Shadow & Light #1)

by Melissa McPhail (Goodreads Author)

4.41 of 5 stars 4.41 · rating details · 115 ratings · 54 reviews

"All things are composed of patterns..." And within the pattern of the realm of Alorin, three strands must cross: In Alorin three hundred years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centur...more

Paperback, 654 pages

Published September 22nd 2010 by Outskirts Press

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Dec 31, 2012 Raina {The LUV'NV} rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: blog-tour, favorites, epic-fantasy, fantasy, would-read-again, indie-published

Find the full review on The LUV'NV blog, here.

I am inspired and yet don't know where to start. Rarely do I come across a book that fills me with such zeal and I'm convinced the whole world needs to read it. I can count four. After reading Cephrael's Hand—no, after reading Cephrael's Hand and The Dagger of Adendigaeth, the first two books of A Pattern of Shadow & Light series, I can count six. Shocking, since I'm rather picky about Epic Fantasy.

Melissa McPhail created a world unlike any othe...more

7 likes · like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Rosemarie Herbert rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.

I was upset that I was reading a ebook copy, as although I dutifully read the table at the beginning that detailed all of the characters and the various terms, I couldn't keep them all straight in my head when I started reading. Had this been a hard copy, I could have easily flicked back and forth. Nevertheless, the novel was very enjoyable - alt...more This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.

I was upset that I was reading a ebook copy, as although I dutifully read the table at the beginning that detailed all of the characters and the various terms, I couldn't keep them all straight in my head when I started reading. Had this been a hard copy, I could have easily flicked back and forth. Nevertheless, the novel was very enjoyable - although as an epic I struggled to keep them all straight in my head!

I gravitated towards liking various characters from the beginning. Trell hit a note with me, as did Franco, even though it seemed as if Franco wasn't all that he has put himself up to be as. It's so difficult to discuss the characters in detail because so much is important to the plot. I didn't like Ean, and he seemed like a bit of an idiot. Yes, noone knws what is going on with the strands, but then again, he doesn't have to torment the poor young truth reader so!

For character development, I would have to give five stars for Trell's development, and not quite so many for the other characters. If you're looking for the interest here, it's Trell. If you're more of a plot person, you'll want to follow the other characters more.

The descriptions was subtle, and the world building impressive. Although it was quite confusing at first, and I didn't really know what was going on as a larger picture, I knew that the constellation of stars was probably shared by the people in the same world, and so that provided a grounding point for me. Sounds confusing? You'll understand it when you read the novel.

I loved the tongue in cheek humour that peaked through in parts, and also the irony that became apparent as I continued to read. There were so many cases of mistaken identity and also the things that appeared to be something else. It's quite masterful really, and it really reflects the style and ability of the author that she can keep all of these straight. On this first reading (I'm saying I might have to do a second to really appreciate it more), I didn't pick up any inconsistencies.

This is a very heavy reading novel, and it took me quite a few tries to finish reading it. I'm glad I persisted though. I'm not saying the novel was bad in any way, but if you were looking for something to read in a weekend, this probably isn't it. I'd also put this firmly in the adult category although it could also be suitable for older teens (provided they don't mind the odd sexual innuendo and hints).(less)

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Aug 24, 2012 Noelle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, mcphail-melissa

This book was good! No, it was better than good. As a matter of fact it was SUPERB! .... I cannot wait to start reading book 2 .... I am positive it will certainly not disappoint me.

3 likes · like · see review

May 16, 2013 S.M. Blooding rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

There were a lot of really GREAT things going on in this book! Seriously!

The setting, for me who absolutely LOVES setting, was spectacular!! I literally felt as though I’d been transported to this other world. There’s just so much political intrigue was in depth and fascinating. I love, love, loooooved the fact that it wasn’t written for easy reading. You really had to pay attention to what was going on in order to keep up with the happenings! There was so much lovely, lovely potential in this b...more

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Apr 19, 2013 Ron rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, fantasy, maps

Good world building and story telling, but I never really cared about the main characters. Too much detail about too many minor characters. Also too many modern American cliches--knocks the reader out of the classical mood of the story. Not to mention the many arched eye brows and bit lower lips.

map in ebook edition useless.

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 10, 2013 Kathleen Doyle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally, I was going to do this review as an interview with one of the characters, but life got in the way and there is no way I have time to do so. Which leaves the basic type of review. It’s just as fun though, especially when talking about this book!

First, a warning. It’s long. It’s about 654 pages long. BUT – and this is key – you don’t know it. Here’s a scenario:

You’re sitting in your favorite spot, warm and cozy with your pajamas on and a book in your hand. You read. And you read. And r...more

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Jan 05, 2013 C.p. Bialois rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cephrael’s Hand is one of those fantasy novels you feel lucky to find. The world is rich and filled with life, making me feel like I was walking along side the characters during their journey’s and the food caused my stomach to grumble on more than one occasion.

Being a large epic, the cast of characters is huge and diverse with a veritable scoundrel as the royal cousin, a pair of brothers both different and the same, and creatures each serving a side but not truly evil. At first it’s hard to ge...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Gaele rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: owned, review-reads, tours

Fantasy reads are an interesting genre to review: so many elements are integral to a fantasy that “works” versus one that is just good. Tolkien and Martin both are masters of the genre, creating worlds that are different yet similar, with language and characters who share motivations with humans: love, greed, anger, self-preservation. What separates those masters from this author is their attention to detail throughout the entire work. After a rather slow and muddled start, Melissa McPhail found...more

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Oct 14, 2012 Kay rated it 4 of 5 stars

My husband gave this book a glowing review. He loved it, and he normally just says 'OK', even for Patrick Rothfuss, Peter V Brett and George RR Martin (who are ALL better than 'OK'). I loved the 'epic-ness' of this book. Even after finishing the first book (700 pages), we are still at the beginning of this journey.

There is a lot of attempted misdirection about who is the 'big' bad guy. I know this was an attempt to show both sides of a conflict and more of a real view of conflict, where no side...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Melissa Haggerty rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy reading so many kinds of books. Epic Fantasies usually only make up a small part of my reading. I don't venture into that genre often. Still I was very interested to read Cephrael's Hand when I was asked. I like to branch out, and the synopsis of this book is intriguing. I was not disappointed at all.

Melissa McPhail has a gorgeous writing style that flows easily. She easily told this story from many points of view without it becoming confusing to the reader. She did an amazing job of tyi...more

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May 10, 2012 Charline Ratcliff rated it 5 of 5 stars

I always enjoy reading a good fantasy and even though my “free” time is limited and this book is a whopping six hundred and thirty-four pages I decided to read it. Just to let you know, “Cephrael’s Hand” is the first in the “A Pattern of Shadow & Light” series. In other words don’t expect this book and its tale to finish together and don’t expect to read it in one sitting…

So, there are three major parts interwoven throughout “Cephrael’s Hand.” First is the realm of Alorin. Alorin, and its Ad...more I always enjoy reading a good fantasy and even though my “free” time is limited and this book is a whopping six hundred and thirty-four pages I decided to read it. Just to let you know, “Cephrael’s Hand” is the first in the “A Pattern of Shadow & Light” series. In other words don’t expect this book and its tale to finish together and don’t expect to read it in one sitting…

So, there are three major parts interwoven throughout “Cephrael’s Hand.” First is the realm of Alorin. Alorin, and its Adept race, are dying because of a genocidal war that happened three hundred years earlier. Only Bjorn van Gelderan holds the knowledge to revert this decline but, unfortunately, he’s the same man who was branded a traitor for his heinous betrayals during those Adept Wars. Raine D’Lacourte, an Adept himself, has been charged with the saving of his race but to do so he must first locate Bjorn who isn’t really interested in being found…

Next we move on to the kingdom of Dannym where the sole surviving heir to the Eagle Throne, Prince Ean val Lorian, faces a tenuous and tempestuous future. Lorian’s blood-brother Creighton is slain during a failed assassination attempt against the Prince, and now Prince Lorian is determined to find the responsible party. His quest for justice leads him ever deeper into a sinuous plot masterminded by the one his people call “First Lord…”

Lastly we visit the Nadori desert and meet Trell, a well respected soldier, who has no recollection of his life before he came to be known as Trell of the Tides. As he heads off to try and uncover the mystery of his past disaster befalls him, placing him squarely in the debt of those who are sworn to serve the First Lord…

I finally finished “Cephrael’s Hand” and I have to say it was a fantastic read. It was interesting. It was well written and, believe it or not, it was descriptive without becoming verbose. I was pretty much on the edge of my seat as I read wondering what was going to happen next. Melissa McPhail is an extremely talented writer and she did a phenomenal job of cohesively winding these different strands together throughout “Cephrael’s Hand.”

Needless to say, I give “Cephrael’s Hand” a five-star rating and am anxiously awaiting the release of Book Two…(less)

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Nov 11, 2012 Cristi Marashi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Cephrael's Hand is the first novel in McPhail's A Pattern and Shadow of Light series and this story starts the series off with a bang. This is a huge novel (I'm talking more than 600 pages) filled with a wide cast of characters in different realms of existence. At the beginning of the book there is a map and a huge dictionary full of new words and blurbs about many characters you will need to know to follow along in the book. Cephrael's Hand is a dream novel for Fantasy fans, it's a long, well...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Donna Parker rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I won this from The Goodreads First Read program and saw the size of it I admit, I was daunted. Then I started reading and was taken away to a fantastical land full of many interesting characters, places, and events. The journey is sweeping and not dumbed down, but don't let that intimidate you, it is worth learning all the names, places, etc. This does what great epic tomes do, take you away and make you like it. I can't wait for book two, I'm ready to go back.

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Jan 06, 2013 Roxanne Kade rated it 4 of 5 stars

“A man may rule his household,
And a King govern his land,
But Death walks in the thrall of Cephrael’s Hand.”

I don’t often read epic fantasy novels, with their complex world systems and strange characters with even stranger, unpronounceable names, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

I have to admit though, that at first I felt like I kept being thrown off track, because just as I was getting to know a character they would disappear and a new one would be introduced. But what started off...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Tony Riches rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cephrael's Hand: A Pattern of Shadow and Light is full of mysteries and hints at worlds we will never completely explore or ever hope to fully understand. Cephrael's Hand is also the first book of a series and has a serious amount of scene-setting to deliver. Melissa has usefully added a detailed glossary and cast at the start of the book. I found I had to refer back to if often, as there is an amazing cast of eighty characters to remember - as well as the Gods of the Akkad.

Melissa says she wou...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Goblin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Posted originally at: Once Upon A Book

Note: I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Hello all, and welcome to my review of Cephrael’s Hand by Melissa McPhail. This has to be a close first for me, as this book has most certainly earned 5 stars. Absolutely, without question it has to be one of the best fantasy books I have read.

McPhail’s work can be likened to the classic works of Tolkien, or Jordan an epic universe with fantastic detail and obvious thought...more Posted originally at: Once Upon A Book

Note: I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Hello all, and welcome to my review of Cephrael’s Hand by Melissa McPhail. This has to be a close first for me, as this book has most certainly earned 5 stars. Absolutely, without question it has to be one of the best fantasy books I have read.

McPhail’s work can be likened to the classic works of Tolkien, or Jordan an epic universe with fantastic detail and obvious thought placed into it. There are new races, locations, politics and relationships. Don’t let the glossary send you running! McPhail managed to turn some well known tropes around and made them her own in an interesting and unique way. The characters were well defined, and though there were some mistakes it didn’t take away from the over all plot. There may have been some pacing issues for me in the beginning, but I held fast, kept reading and was ultimately happy doing so.

This is certainly a novel that I am sure I’ll have to re-read. There is a lot of information that wends this world. I have enjoyed it immensely. Her descriptions have been paramount in engrossing me as a reader and just scream of adventure. I am certain I could read it again and learn new things that I had missed the first time, leaving me excited that there will be another book in this series to look forward to. If she can keep the suspense and characters coming, I can definitely seeing this book being a popular one amongst fantasy fans or even young adults.

It’s been a very long time since I have read a true fantasy novel. Cephrael’s Hand: A Pattern of Shadow & Light, was an amazing return to the genre for me. The world woven, the paths traversed, were so intricate and enjoyable. I loved the descriptions and mechanics of how “magic” worked and I found myself taken, wonderfully, into the universe. I mean it, the whole book is a looping pattern. Like the book is one of the magicks itself. Honestly I can’t say if that was the author’s intent, but I sincerely hope that it was. Because I loved it, plain and simple. I really cannot wait until the next part comes out, I am wanting more of this universe.(less)

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Jan 05, 2013 Evelynne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-epic

I am reviewing the free copy of Cephrael's Hand I was provided as part of the Novel Publicity Blog Tour in which I am taking part.

The copy I was given starts with a multiple page glossary explaining the world of Cephrael's Hand and its inhabitants. The fantasy geek within me started clapping her hands with glee at this; such a glossary usually means extensive and detailed world building, such as that of the Wheel of Time of A Song of Ice and Fire, and Cephrael's Hand didn't disappoint.

What I li...more I am reviewing the free copy of Cephrael's Hand I was provided as part of the Novel Publicity Blog Tour in which I am taking part.

The copy I was given starts with a multiple page glossary explaining the world of Cephrael's Hand and its inhabitants. The fantasy geek within me started clapping her hands with glee at this; such a glossary usually means extensive and detailed world building, such as that of the Wheel of Time of A Song of Ice and Fire, and Cephrael's Hand didn't disappoint.

What I liked
I found the point of view characters to be engaging and enjoyable. Although the major protagonists started out separately, and indeed in separate parts of the world, the way in which their paths all began to weave together was very well done. It was also enjoyable that the reader and other characters have a strong idea of Trell's identity before he himself does. I look forward to seeing how the characters develop and evolve in coming books.

Personally, I always appreciate when non PoV characters are ambiguous, as is the case here. It was fun to speculate what Phaedor the zanthyr's motivations might be, and there are many other characters whose motives are similarly unclear.

The world building was extensive and well done with many different creatures and peoples. The magic system was likewise detailed and consistent to its own rules.

What I didn't like
My only gripe with the book was that sometimes the whole world was presented rather quickly, so at times I felt confused about which strand of elae went with which role, and what the various non human creatures were. All the protagonists are familiar to a greater or lesser degree with the world in which they find themselves. Sometimes it can be useful to have a less knowledgeable character to act as an audience surrogate and introduction to the world of the novel.

In summary
I found Cephrael's Hand a fun, well written and engaging read and have no problems recommending it. Indeed, I have already purchased the sequel, The Dagger of Adendigaeth, and am looking forward to reading it.

I have Cephrael's Hand four stars out of five.(less)

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Jan 04, 2013 Tracy Riva rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, fantasy, kindle, hardcover, mythological-creatures-old-and-new, softcover, first-in-series

Cephrael’s Hand
A Pattern of Shadow & Light Book One
By Melissa McPhail
Hardcover ISBN 978-1-4327-5969-8, $28.95; Softcover ISBN 978-1-4327-5967-4, $19.95; Kindle ASIN B0046A9VLO $0.99

I actually bought this book in May of last year, but hadn’t gotten around to reading it until it became part of a Novel Publicity blog tour. I wish I would have known what I was missing! I definitely would have read it sooner!

I absolutely loved Cephrael’s Hand by Melissa McPhail. The characters are rich and multi-...more Cephrael’s Hand
A Pattern of Shadow & Light Book One
By Melissa McPhail
Hardcover ISBN 978-1-4327-5969-8, $28.95; Softcover ISBN 978-1-4327-5967-4, $19.95; Kindle ASIN B0046A9VLO $0.99

I actually bought this book in May of last year, but hadn’t gotten around to reading it until it became part of a Novel Publicity blog tour. I wish I would have known what I was missing! I definitely would have read it sooner!

I absolutely loved Cephrael’s Hand by Melissa McPhail. The characters are rich and multi-faceted. They are infused with life and each has flaws as well as good points. There are characters like Alyneri, the Healer, who wants to travel and see the world, but at the same time both wants and fears love because she is afraid it will tie her down. There is Trell of Tides, adopted son of an Emir who has no recollection of his life prior to five years ago. There is Dagmar, the Second Vestal, who talks to people through their dreams; Raine the most powerful Truthreader in the Kingdoms and the Fourth Vestal, who will manipulate anyone in a desire to get what he wants most – revenge on his former oath-brother, the Fifth Vestal Bjorn van Gelderan, branded as a traitor by the remaining Vestals; The Crown Prince of Dannym, barely an adult, full of promise, but also flaws, who has known so much loss in his life; as well as Sundragons, zanthyrs, and various other magical creatures; and finally the terrible and destructive Malorin’athgul who wait eagerly for the end of the world of Alorin, doing all they can do hurry its demise. It truly is a rich canvas of beings, all of whom have magic to some extent and who also inhabit and protect a world full of mortals, who have only their gods and the hope of the Returning to hold to.

Speaking of the gods, McPhail did a wonderful job there. There are various desert gods, including Jai’Gar, the prime god; Azerjaiman, the wind god; his three sons and one daughter who are gods of the various wind directions; and Naiadithine, the goddess of water, as well as the two gods the northerners recognize in this vast tapestry. Of course, as in any world there are those who believe in no gods.

The multiple plots running through the story are all bound together seamlessly and McPhail always makes setting and speaker clear though a perfect use of voice.

I have one complaint about this book and that is the fact it has some typos, omitted words, and one instance where a major character’s name is misspelled. Even so, the storyline is so amazing, that I absolutely have to read the next book in series. Even with its flaws Cephrael’s Hand was a book I could not put down, that haunted my dreams at night, before I finished it and continues to take up an inordinate amount of my thoughts as I look forward to the next book in the series.
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Jan 12, 2013 Anna Tan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, review-copy

When I first started reading this, I was reminded strongly of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series, minus the annoying women and plus faster pacing overall, which was a win for me.

Trell of the Tides embarks on a journey to discover his heritage.
Prince Ean val Lorian is being hunted by persons unknown.
The Adept race is dying, and Cephrael's Hand, an unlucky configuration of stars, hangs in the sky for all to see.

McPhail weaves these stories through the tome leaving you wondering: Who is good?...more

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Jun 11, 2012 Linda Fast rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received Cephrael's Hand for free through Goodreads First Reads and when the book arrived I was overwhelmed by the size of it. As I started to read, I thought to myself how am I ever going to get through this. I went back to the beginning of the book and reread the glossery of terms and the list of explanation of the people and where they fit in. I then continued to read and I still had my doubts and then the book seem to take a magical hold on my mind and I had to force myself to stop reading...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Teressa Morris rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cephrael's Hand is an epic fantasy of the highest order. I can't even imagine how long it took for Melissa McPhail to invent a language, a world and multiple races of people. She does it all masterfully, with description so vivid I could imagine myself in the opulent tents of the sun-drenched desert, or having high tea with the royal women at Calgaryn Palace.

The story lines of the three main characters interweave seamlessly as the story turns from kidnapping to dark magic to amnesia, betrayal an...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Melodi Barnes rated it 5 of 5 stars

I downloaded the Kindle version from Amazon. I have to say, I'm really disappointed in whoever edited this book (if there is one). There were lots of spelling and grammatical mistakes that I tried to overlook, but it sort of just distracted me from the story. The worst one? At one point the character named Creighton -- the author called him "Crayon." Other than that, the story itself was pretty good...I would like to read the sequel (hoping that there are fewer mistakes and that the author hires...more

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Apr 16, 2012 Brandon Lindsay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read quite a bit and normally I read several books at once. When I started reading Cephrael's Hand, however, I had to put everything else aside until I found out how it all wrapped up.

Cephrael's Hand is a big book that takes place in big world, but it isn't overwhelming like certain other fantasy doorstoppers. Each character is likable and interesting, and each plot thread is connected to all the others--and thus actually matters. There are no wasted words or filler scenes. Even though it is a...more

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May 11, 2013 Robin Burks rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cephrael's Hand is what George R.R. Martin might write if he were a woman

I have been reading a lot of fantasy lately. A lot of that has everything to do with the sheer volume of self-published quality fantasy books currently being made available. Cephrael's Hand: A Pattern of Shadow and Light by Melissa McPhail is one such novel.

Cephrael's Hand is a mass adventure that takes place in a medieval-like world that boasts shape-shifting dragons and the sort of magic that is wrapped up in patterns of...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Naomi Leadbeater rated it 5 of 5 stars

I started reading this book about a month ago. I got so excited I had to write a post to recruit other people to read the book. It's just that good.

Why?

It gave me a whole new world to live in for a novel's length of words.

Cephrael's Hand epitomizes the entire reason I read science fiction/fantasy novels. Yes, I know those are totally different genres (which are often paired/combined), but I find in this book, many elements of both realms. At the heart of this really, we're discussing why I read...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Emlyn Chand added it

Cephrael's Hand is a fantastical journey in which the familiar story of good versus evil is so refreshing convuluted that you may have trouble figuring out who's who. From tales of lost pasts and political intrigue to piracy and magical discovery, Melissa McPhail weaves strands of character journeys into a rich tapestry of wonder.

Trell--a man of noble heart with a missing memory--ventures to rediscover his origins. Prince Ean survives a gruesome assault and must uncover the shadowy plot to destr...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Leah rated it 5 of 5 stars

The first thing I noticed about this novel was the writing style and the way the author narrated the story. One chapter would be about one character and the next would be about another. Each chapter was a story in itself about the many characters and their separate journeys, and bit by interesting bit, the story grew and took shape as each person's story became another piece to the big picture. Each chapter slowly revealed the fantasy world of Cephrael's Hand. It was like putting a puzzle togeth...more The first thing I noticed about this novel was the writing style and the way the author narrated the story. One chapter would be about one character and the next would be about another. Each chapter was a story in itself about the many characters and their separate journeys, and bit by interesting bit, the story grew and took shape as each person's story became another piece to the big picture. Each chapter slowly revealed the fantasy world of Cephrael's Hand. It was like putting a puzzle together. I loved this style because it kept me guessing and kept me interested all throughout. This book was as long as epic fantasies go, but it was hard to put down.

Another thing that kept me reading was the magic system within this fantasy world. I appreciated the fact that it had a semblance of rules and structure and that there was a logic to how the magic worked. It also had a rich history that was revealed piece by piece in the book. (The author talks more about the magic system in her guest post, so don't forget to read through it!)

I've read some reviews that said this novel had too many characters, but the myriad of characters was something I didn't mind at all. Every significant character had some part to play in the story. As the book summary said, there were pieces and players in the game. It was fascinating to read who were pieces and who were players, and who ceased to be pieces and became players. It was hard to pinpoint who the good guys and the bad guys really were. Things weren't always what they seemed and every character's story was just a thread in the great big Pattern. The whole thing was just so grand, so fascinating, so complex, and beautiful! I have only one word for it: EPIC. Gaaaaah. (---> That's me melting from the awesomeness, by the way.)

I really have nothing but praises for this novel because I enjoyed it so much and I am in so much awe of what Melissa McPhail has done. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, The Dagger of Adendigaeth.

If you like epic fantasies like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or Goodkind's Sword of Truth series, you might enjoy Cephrael's Hand. Some reviewers have also likened it to Jordan's Wheel of Time series and I would have to agree even though I've only read the first book of that series! Iz epic. It is.

Disclosure: I received a review copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated nor was I required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Blog post here.(less)

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Oct 01, 2012 Tracy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy-epic-magic-sword-fightin

"May we meet again in the Returning"

This is one of the best books I've read in a while and I can't wait for the sequel! The characters are engaging and you find yourself rooting for them. The author does a fantastic job of character development as well. Her descriptions are vibrant and thankfully she doesn't take 5 pages to describe a tree or a flowing river (SO ANNOYING). This book kept me up at night, and that's a good thing. I'm anxious to find out what awaits Trell, Ean, and Tanis. Read this...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Bob Caroti rated it 4 of 5 stars

An awesome start to a new series ... scary good read that I really enjoyed! Many of these free Kindle books are great (and some aren't) and they certainly encourage readers to buy the future writings! I'm sure that's great for both the authors and the readers. This book incorporates a new concept (to me) in fantasy doing things in a slightly different way but grabbing me big time ... looking forward to the 2nd volumn due to come out soon.

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Nov 15, 2012 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

Melissa pens "Cephraels Hand" characters lovable and believable in this complex but very interesting plot. It's not a fast read and I shuddered when I saw the book was 654 pages, but once I started reading, it held me captive until the end. A fantastic thrilling read that was beautifully written. Highly recommended for all epic fantasy fans.

This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.

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The Genre Undergr...: GIVEAWAYS — Epic Fantasy series "A Pattern of Shadow & Light" {Kindle} ends Jan 16 and 19	1	5	Jan 04, 2013 06:57pm
Goodreads Authors...: GIVEAWAY: Two Copies of Award Winning Fantasy Novel (ends 11 July)	1	10	Jul 09, 2012 01:31pm

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About Melissa McPhail

Melissa McPhail is a classically trained pianist, violinist and composer, a Vinyasa yoga instructor, an avid Fantasy reader, and the author of the award-winning epic fantasy series A Pattern of Shadow & Light.

A long-time student of philosophy, she is passionate about the Fantasy genre because of its inherent philosophical explorations.

An Atlanta, Georgia native, Ms. McPhail now lives in the...more

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The Dagger of Adendigaeth: A Pattern of Shadow & Light Book 2

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Quotes from Cephrael's Hand

“All things are formed of patterns, from a single blade of grass to the most majestic of mountains: air and water, fire and earth; Life itself.” — 3 people liked it

“Fear was the worst evil ever to plague a man, for with it came hesitation and with that, inaction, failure, death.” — 3 people liked it

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Cephrael's Hand (A Pattern of Shadow & Light #1)

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