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blackberryjambaby's review against another edition
3.0
at one point the author describes the naked body of a 15 year old girl with barely concealed lust. it's fucking weird
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Classism, Racial slurs, Gore, Child abuse, Animal death, Torture, Death, Body shaming, Ableism, Murder, War, Violence, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Blood, Bullying, and Antisemitism
mferrante83's review against another edition
4.0
Alternate reality, pseudo-history, or distant future Paul Hoffman’s The Left Hand of God takes known elements of Christianity and history and weaves them into a dark and fascinating story that will grab you and drag you forward. Thomas Cale is an orphan apprenticed to the Redeemers; a harsh order of warrior monks and fanatics devoted to a twisted version of Christianity (with definite Catholic overtones) to the point of fanaticism. Subject to cruelty not limited to daily beatings and insufficient nutrition, Cale is finally confronted with a horror even he cannot tolerate. The resulting conflict sends Cale and his friends Vague Henry and Kleist on the run into a new and dangerous world far different from what they’ve experience at the Sanctuary.
The Left Hand of God is not a happy book. Cale is subjected to abject cruelty and Hoffman’s clear and unflinching prose describes the beatings and harsh indoctrination to the teaching of the Hanged Redeemer in no uncertain terms. Narrator Steve West quiet, staid voice gives that unrelenting prose the sense of a secret being told the listener and left me almost leaning forward to listen in anticipation. While there are many great audiobook narrators out there it is always a wondrous thing when a publisher manages to pair together an author and narrator whose distinctive styles mesh into a synthesis that elevates the talent of both to a level beyond the text. Such is the case here and I expect that I connected more with this book through West’s narration than I might have had I read the novel myself.
Cale is a fascinating character who we observe from the outside. While the third person narration frequently offers insight that we wouldn’t normally have it remains curiously pulled back leaving us to guess at Cale’s true motivations and highlighting his moral ambiguity. Indeed, as we learn more about Cale he becomes something of an avatar of violence; neither good nor bad outright but unpredictable and nigh inscrutable. His humanity seems scoured away by the brutality he has experienced at the hands of the Redeemers; a fact accented by the disturbing “gift” he displays as the novel wears on. That lack of humanity in what amounts to our main character is highlight by his companions Vague Henri and Kleist who offer both compassion and humor respectively to balance Cale’s cold and dour demeanor.
For all of Hoffman’s clarity in describing the brutal violence of his world he has some frustrating tendencies; particularly a habit of building up a scene a bit more than necessary. This was most notable in the buildup to Cales fight against Solomon Solomon in the arena. The description of the arena and its inhabitants, while apt, only served as a means to delay the confrontation itself. Once that confrontation did occur I felt that the added description did little to enhance what occurred. Similarly he occasionally veers away from the main characters to focus on inconsequential minor characters notably during the final climatic battle at the novel’s end where again I felt that diversion offered little in service to the events that eventually occurred. Again, as if in contrast to his clear vision, Hoffman has a tendency towards vaguery when it comes to the world at large and curiously leaves some plot points unexplained. At its best this leaves the reader fascinated and hungry for more information about a specific character. Particularly with Kitty the Hare I felt that Hoffman’s lack of a complete description aided the aura of menace to the nefarious figure. At the same time the mention of the “heretics” in the Redeemer Sanctuary is a fascinating angle left largely unexplored. Beyond the acknowledgement of heretical practices Hoffman doesn’t explain the strange item Cale finds during his initial escape from the Sanctuary, the presence of Riba, or what the aims of the heretics actually were.
None of the above really detracted from my overall enjoyment of The Left Hand of God. While the world building leaves a lot to be desire and is more than a little confusing the strength of Hoffman’s prose allowed me skirt around the problem with no (or at least very few) qualms. Not quite fantasy, not quite historical fiction The Left Hand of God is a dark book that mature readers, adult or teen, will like find enjoyable. The audiobook version is a wonderful production and Steve West’s narration is amazing and engaging. The saddest thing about The Left Hand of God, and probably my only complaint, is that I’ve heard absolutely nothing about the sequel.
The Left Hand of God is not a happy book. Cale is subjected to abject cruelty and Hoffman’s clear and unflinching prose describes the beatings and harsh indoctrination to the teaching of the Hanged Redeemer in no uncertain terms. Narrator Steve West quiet, staid voice gives that unrelenting prose the sense of a secret being told the listener and left me almost leaning forward to listen in anticipation. While there are many great audiobook narrators out there it is always a wondrous thing when a publisher manages to pair together an author and narrator whose distinctive styles mesh into a synthesis that elevates the talent of both to a level beyond the text. Such is the case here and I expect that I connected more with this book through West’s narration than I might have had I read the novel myself.
Cale is a fascinating character who we observe from the outside. While the third person narration frequently offers insight that we wouldn’t normally have it remains curiously pulled back leaving us to guess at Cale’s true motivations and highlighting his moral ambiguity. Indeed, as we learn more about Cale he becomes something of an avatar of violence; neither good nor bad outright but unpredictable and nigh inscrutable. His humanity seems scoured away by the brutality he has experienced at the hands of the Redeemers; a fact accented by the disturbing “gift” he displays as the novel wears on. That lack of humanity in what amounts to our main character is highlight by his companions Vague Henri and Kleist who offer both compassion and humor respectively to balance Cale’s cold and dour demeanor.
For all of Hoffman’s clarity in describing the brutal violence of his world he has some frustrating tendencies; particularly a habit of building up a scene a bit more than necessary. This was most notable in the buildup to Cales fight against Solomon Solomon in the arena. The description of the arena and its inhabitants, while apt, only served as a means to delay the confrontation itself. Once that confrontation did occur I felt that the added description did little to enhance what occurred. Similarly he occasionally veers away from the main characters to focus on inconsequential minor characters notably during the final climatic battle at the novel’s end where again I felt that diversion offered little in service to the events that eventually occurred. Again, as if in contrast to his clear vision, Hoffman has a tendency towards vaguery when it comes to the world at large and curiously leaves some plot points unexplained. At its best this leaves the reader fascinated and hungry for more information about a specific character. Particularly with Kitty the Hare I felt that Hoffman’s lack of a complete description aided the aura of menace to the nefarious figure. At the same time the mention of the “heretics” in the Redeemer Sanctuary is a fascinating angle left largely unexplored. Beyond the acknowledgement of heretical practices Hoffman doesn’t explain the strange item Cale finds during his initial escape from the Sanctuary, the presence of Riba, or what the aims of the heretics actually were.
None of the above really detracted from my overall enjoyment of The Left Hand of God. While the world building leaves a lot to be desire and is more than a little confusing the strength of Hoffman’s prose allowed me skirt around the problem with no (or at least very few) qualms. Not quite fantasy, not quite historical fiction The Left Hand of God is a dark book that mature readers, adult or teen, will like find enjoyable. The audiobook version is a wonderful production and Steve West’s narration is amazing and engaging. The saddest thing about The Left Hand of God, and probably my only complaint, is that I’ve heard absolutely nothing about the sequel.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
2.0
Another one that wasn't "bad" but just didn't hold my attention. Put it down over and over again, and gave up on it somewhere about the middle.
kalona's review against another edition
1.0
"The Left Hand of God" by Paul Hoffman is a novel set in a desolate world. The story revolves around a boy named Thomas Cale. He has spent most of his life enduring the brutal regime of the Lord Redeemers in a place called Sanctuary. The Lord Redeemers aim to serve the One True Faith. They mould young boys into religious soldiers through cruelty and violence, keeping them at Sanctuary as acolytes.
Cale, a mysterious and multifaceted character, witnesses a horrifying act that forces him to escape the Sanctuary or face certain death. His only hope lies in reaching the corrupt city of Memphis, which stands in stark contrast to the Sanctuary with its godlessness and beauty. However, the Redeemers are determined to bring Cale back at any cost, not just because of the secret he now knows, but because of an even more terrifying secret, he is unaware of (and it is really cleared up exactly what this secret is).
The novel is set in a pre-industrial world where various nations, including the Roman-like Materazzi, the fanatical Redeemers, and their eternal adversaries, the Antagonists, exist. The conflict between the Redeemers and Antagonists serves as a central focus of the book. But sometimes it seems like the story forgets this. The Redeemers use a cruel training system that involves kidnapping or buying small children and subjecting them to indoctrination in order to create religious soldiers.
The treatment of the young boys, despite the high death rate, makes the story unbelievable. Part of the training is 10 - 16 hours of physical training, as well as underfeeding. Yet somehow the boys grow impressive muscles and can walk 80 miles a day for several days with little to no food.
The time period of the book is difficult to determine. In the story you find references to for example Norway, which was united as a kingdom in the 800s. The book describes Norwegians as violent seafarers aka. Vikings. But then a few chapters later the Materazzi seems baffled at the description of a ballista or catapult. These were in use in 400 BCE while the Viking age started around 700 CE. The setting could be a future, post-apocalyptic Earth. In this case the civilization has regressed to a pre-industrial society. It seems like the story takes place in the United States, because most of it takes place in Memphis. This brings another conundrum regarding the references to Vikings. The mishmash of historical and fantastical elements makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact time and location.
The narrator of the book is witty and engaging, providing insightful tangents that expand the world and plot. But the novel suffers from poor coherence and a confusing plot. It attempts to blend too many genres and lacks a clear identity, alternating between YA coming-of-age and adult themes without mastering either. The multiple viewpoints make the story difficult to follow because of the clumsy transitions.
"The Left Hand of God" falls short in terms of character development and believability. The characters' emotions and decisions often feel flat and unreasonable. There is a lack of suspense which leaves the reader feeling detached and uninterested. Although the novel has its occasional bright moments, they are not enough to maintain engagement.
While the premise of "The Left Hand of God" is intriguing but flawed in execution. Paul Hoffman's mishmash of fact and history with poorly integrated fantasy elements detracts from the overall quality of the story. With a confusing plot, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of suspense, the novel fails to captivate readers effectively.
Cale, a mysterious and multifaceted character, witnesses a horrifying act that forces him to escape the Sanctuary or face certain death. His only hope lies in reaching the corrupt city of Memphis, which stands in stark contrast to the Sanctuary with its godlessness and beauty. However, the Redeemers are determined to bring Cale back at any cost, not just because of the secret he now knows, but because of an even more terrifying secret, he is unaware of (and it is really cleared up exactly what this secret is).
The novel is set in a pre-industrial world where various nations, including the Roman-like Materazzi, the fanatical Redeemers, and their eternal adversaries, the Antagonists, exist. The conflict between the Redeemers and Antagonists serves as a central focus of the book. But sometimes it seems like the story forgets this. The Redeemers use a cruel training system that involves kidnapping or buying small children and subjecting them to indoctrination in order to create religious soldiers.
The treatment of the young boys, despite the high death rate, makes the story unbelievable. Part of the training is 10 - 16 hours of physical training, as well as underfeeding. Yet somehow the boys grow impressive muscles and can walk 80 miles a day for several days with little to no food.
The time period of the book is difficult to determine. In the story you find references to for example Norway, which was united as a kingdom in the 800s. The book describes Norwegians as violent seafarers aka. Vikings. But then a few chapters later the Materazzi seems baffled at the description of a ballista or catapult. These were in use in 400 BCE while the Viking age started around 700 CE. The setting could be a future, post-apocalyptic Earth. In this case the civilization has regressed to a pre-industrial society. It seems like the story takes place in the United States, because most of it takes place in Memphis. This brings another conundrum regarding the references to Vikings. The mishmash of historical and fantastical elements makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact time and location.
The narrator of the book is witty and engaging, providing insightful tangents that expand the world and plot. But the novel suffers from poor coherence and a confusing plot. It attempts to blend too many genres and lacks a clear identity, alternating between YA coming-of-age and adult themes without mastering either. The multiple viewpoints make the story difficult to follow because of the clumsy transitions.
"The Left Hand of God" falls short in terms of character development and believability. The characters' emotions and decisions often feel flat and unreasonable. There is a lack of suspense which leaves the reader feeling detached and uninterested. Although the novel has its occasional bright moments, they are not enough to maintain engagement.
While the premise of "The Left Hand of God" is intriguing but flawed in execution. Paul Hoffman's mishmash of fact and history with poorly integrated fantasy elements detracts from the overall quality of the story. With a confusing plot, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of suspense, the novel fails to captivate readers effectively.
eishe's review against another edition
3.0
Seeing that this book was more than once described to me as worthy to stand next to Lord of the Rings in terms of world design and Harry Potter in entertainment value, I dare say I had reasonable high expectations when approaching it, expectations that were not reached, so I think 3.5 stars is a worthy rating for it.
If it wasn't for all the explicit descriptions of violence and a long list of imaginative ways to kill people or worse, mentions of under-age kids engaging in bedroom pass-times usually reserved for adults and several other things that just don't belong in a novel of this genre, I'd be more than glad to tag it as a mediocre/good Young-Adult novel and be done with it.
As it is, I believe that The Left Hand of God is a peculiar mixture of Harry Potter and some dark fantasy novel (e.g. The Black Jewels series). Yes, it certainly reads as an epic fantasy novel without magic, but in its essence I believe it to be more of a alternative-history, as most, if not all, places mentioned in the book are present on this planet (though they aren't nearly as close as they are implied to be in the book) and there are vague historical/mythological/religious mentions, for example Jesus of Nazareth being swallowed by a whale or a holy war in Jerusalem.
Overall the premise of the plot is good (even despite some cliché moments), while the execution falls into upper-mediocre category. Dialogues are played out in a style that conforms with the setting, but isn't necessarily always enjoyable, the same goes with generic descriptions. Languagewise there were two things that bothered me - the high amount of fragments that could be best described as food porn and the fact that I always have to remember not to think of Riba as a fish, but as a plump girl.
For me the book was more of an introduction to the world, as characters played as little part as possible. I am somewhat looking forward to reading the next book once I can get my hands on it, but it certainly is not on the top of my to-read list.
If it wasn't for all the explicit descriptions of violence and a long list of imaginative ways to kill people or worse, mentions of under-age kids engaging in bedroom pass-times usually reserved for adults and several other things that just don't belong in a novel of this genre, I'd be more than glad to tag it as a mediocre/good Young-Adult novel and be done with it.
As it is, I believe that The Left Hand of God is a peculiar mixture of Harry Potter and some dark fantasy novel (e.g. The Black Jewels series). Yes, it certainly reads as an epic fantasy novel without magic, but in its essence I believe it to be more of a alternative-history, as most, if not all, places mentioned in the book are present on this planet (though they aren't nearly as close as they are implied to be in the book) and there are vague historical/mythological/religious mentions, for example Jesus of Nazareth being swallowed by a whale or a holy war in Jerusalem.
Overall the premise of the plot is good (even despite some cliché moments), while the execution falls into upper-mediocre category. Dialogues are played out in a style that conforms with the setting, but isn't necessarily always enjoyable, the same goes with generic descriptions. Languagewise there were two things that bothered me - the high amount of fragments that could be best described as food porn and the fact that I always have to remember not to think of Riba as a fish, but as a plump girl.
For me the book was more of an introduction to the world, as characters played as little part as possible. I am somewhat looking forward to reading the next book once I can get my hands on it, but it certainly is not on the top of my to-read list.
drtzgu's review against another edition
1.0
Horrible writing, story is flat and the characters are stupid as shit ( feels like a 10 year old wrote this shit). Everything is horrible
paintedgiraffe's review against another edition
Couldn't get past the first two hundred pages of this. For one thing, it just didn't grab me; I wavered between boredom and confusion the entire time. Also, the pacing was quite bad. It kept speeding up then slowing way down. And, like someone else on here said, the author never makes it clear what the hell the setting is. Is this alternate history? Past reality? Far into the future where technology has crumbled? There's all these real-life locations like Jerusalem and Memphis, nearby each other. It's just plain confusing.
It's a real big shame because I thought the premise was quite interesting, like it had a sort of "The Name of the Wind" feel to it.
It's a real big shame because I thought the premise was quite interesting, like it had a sort of "The Name of the Wind" feel to it.
jonathanrobert's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0