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Thirteen Hands
A bounty hunter, a feral witch, and a wanted criminal may be the last hope of their people—if they can survive each other..
Following a failed attempt at the Grand Ritual by a group of rogue witchborn, the country of Magisson is thrown into turmoil. The few survivors vow to never let the tragedy they experienced befall anyone else—to disastrous consequences. For over 20 years, the witchborn have been feared, disfigured, and murdered without question.
Frank Clemens has no interest in being a hero. Growing up witchborn, he has faced enough hardship to last a lifetime. But when he impulsively accepts a stranger’s proposition, his life takes a drastic turn.
Together with one of the survivors of the Grand Ritual and a feral girl who is more than capable of smothering him in his sleep, Frank uncovers a long-buried desire to advocate for his fellow witchborn.
But every death threat traded between him and his new companions bears more weight than the last. It’s only a matter of time before one of them follows through, himself included. Before he can even consider how to save the witchborn people, Frank will have to do what he does best: survive.
Following a failed attempt at the Grand Ritual by a group of rogue witchborn, the country of Magisson is thrown into turmoil. The few survivors vow to never let the tragedy they experienced befall anyone else—to disastrous consequences. For over 20 years, the witchborn have been feared, disfigured, and murdered without question.
Frank Clemens has no interest in being a hero. Growing up witchborn, he has faced enough hardship to last a lifetime. But when he impulsively accepts a stranger’s proposition, his life takes a drastic turn.
Together with one of the survivors of the Grand Ritual and a feral girl who is more than capable of smothering him in his sleep, Frank uncovers a long-buried desire to advocate for his fellow witchborn.
But every death threat traded between him and his new companions bears more weight than the last. It’s only a matter of time before one of them follows through, himself included. Before he can even consider how to save the witchborn people, Frank will have to do what he does best: survive.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
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1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 23, 2025
Thirteen Hands, by H. Dawn Hunter, is an intense, character-driven urban fantasy that will make you an instant fan of this writer. The dark plot involves deep characters who grapple with one another and survival in order to save a people.
It all begins with a rebellious sect of the witchborn going rogue at the Grand Ritual, leaving the land of Magisson in chaos. The witchborn have been persecuted for twenty years or more, and they have to fight for survival or be lost forever.
The bounty hunter, Frank, is a reluctant hero, as he is witchborn too. He’s had his share of hard knocks, but a stranger’s offer changes the course of his life. Yet it comes with a challenge and a cost. Frank and a feral survivor are kindred spirits, but more importantly, he grows into his life’s purpose: to stand beside and defend his other witchborn.
I love how this powerful character Frank comes into his own as he realizes a destiny greater than himself, and the characters that appear to be his obstacles turn out to be his allies. There’s a lot at stake here for Frank and the others, and the powerful dystopian themes never disappoint. Frank’s character arc is an amazing thing to read. I really love how he starts at rock bottom and climbs his way up to the strength that awaits him, yet he doesn’t get there alone, and the process isn’t easy for him, or any of them for that matter.
Some authors are reluctant to delve into the dark side, but not Hunter. This author tells you up front what to expect, by way of trigger warnings, which include but aren’t limited to suicide, trauma, self-harm, violence, and bullying. Themes of light versus dark are woven through the narrative, and in this book, to fully experience and appreciate the light, the characters have to go through some darkness, which makes the light so much brighter. One thing you can be sure of, Hunter lets you know the triggers before you read, and you can find them on the author’s website.
The feral character is good too. She has layers that aren’t so obvious at first, but when the layers are peeled back, you realize her purpose as well. When these compelling, realistic characters are thrust into a dangerous world, you just have to keep reading to find out how it turns out for them. What this well-crafted world needs is a rescuer, but will Frank be enough?
The author’s choice to use multiple POVs told in third-person perspective is the ideal one, as it provides a layered reading experience and allows you to enter the hearts, minds, and motivations of the characters–such a good fit for these expansive, intricate storylines.
The characters, though well-drawn, aren’t perfect cookie-cutter characters. Like all good characters, they have flaws as well as strengths, inviting realism and empathy. If you’ve ever stood up for anyone, or have been outraged by atrocities, then you will relate to the themes of this book. It isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you choose to read it, you’ll finish it emotionally moved and satisfied.
I also love the pacing of the book. You’re drawn to the characters and their situations via dialogue in the first few paragraphs. It’s a long, luxurious book that feels like a quick read because of its energetic plot and perfect pacing. The inner dialogue is magnetic, drawing you deeper into the characters. For example, Carran’s inner dialogue of “Where’s your hand, Carran? Where’s your hand,” is mesmerizing. The artwork adds a nice touch too.
If you’re looking for a talented author worth your time, and a dark dystopian novel to match, look no further than Thirteen Hands, by H. Dawn Hunter. You’ll become an instant fan.
It all begins with a rebellious sect of the witchborn going rogue at the Grand Ritual, leaving the land of Magisson in chaos. The witchborn have been persecuted for twenty years or more, and they have to fight for survival or be lost forever.
The bounty hunter, Frank, is a reluctant hero, as he is witchborn too. He’s had his share of hard knocks, but a stranger’s offer changes the course of his life. Yet it comes with a challenge and a cost. Frank and a feral survivor are kindred spirits, but more importantly, he grows into his life’s purpose: to stand beside and defend his other witchborn.
I love how this powerful character Frank comes into his own as he realizes a destiny greater than himself, and the characters that appear to be his obstacles turn out to be his allies. There’s a lot at stake here for Frank and the others, and the powerful dystopian themes never disappoint. Frank’s character arc is an amazing thing to read. I really love how he starts at rock bottom and climbs his way up to the strength that awaits him, yet he doesn’t get there alone, and the process isn’t easy for him, or any of them for that matter.
Some authors are reluctant to delve into the dark side, but not Hunter. This author tells you up front what to expect, by way of trigger warnings, which include but aren’t limited to suicide, trauma, self-harm, violence, and bullying. Themes of light versus dark are woven through the narrative, and in this book, to fully experience and appreciate the light, the characters have to go through some darkness, which makes the light so much brighter. One thing you can be sure of, Hunter lets you know the triggers before you read, and you can find them on the author’s website.
The feral character is good too. She has layers that aren’t so obvious at first, but when the layers are peeled back, you realize her purpose as well. When these compelling, realistic characters are thrust into a dangerous world, you just have to keep reading to find out how it turns out for them. What this well-crafted world needs is a rescuer, but will Frank be enough?
The author’s choice to use multiple POVs told in third-person perspective is the ideal one, as it provides a layered reading experience and allows you to enter the hearts, minds, and motivations of the characters–such a good fit for these expansive, intricate storylines.
The characters, though well-drawn, aren’t perfect cookie-cutter characters. Like all good characters, they have flaws as well as strengths, inviting realism and empathy. If you’ve ever stood up for anyone, or have been outraged by atrocities, then you will relate to the themes of this book. It isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you choose to read it, you’ll finish it emotionally moved and satisfied.
I also love the pacing of the book. You’re drawn to the characters and their situations via dialogue in the first few paragraphs. It’s a long, luxurious book that feels like a quick read because of its energetic plot and perfect pacing. The inner dialogue is magnetic, drawing you deeper into the characters. For example, Carran’s inner dialogue of “Where’s your hand, Carran? Where’s your hand,” is mesmerizing. The artwork adds a nice touch too.
If you’re looking for a talented author worth your time, and a dark dystopian novel to match, look no further than Thirteen Hands, by H. Dawn Hunter. You’ll become an instant fan.
Displaying 1 of 1 review