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A. M. Steiner
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The Censor's Hand: Book One of the Crossed Swords Trilogy Kindle Edition

by A. M. Steiner (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 96 ratings
#1 BESTSELLER IN LOW FANTASY, AMAZON UK, 2019

MAGIC, FAITH and JUSTICE clash in a world of intrigue and action.

Miranda, one of the hundred adopted daughters of the Dowager Duchess, wants nothing more than to become a master of the cunning arts. Only a fool would doubt her genius, but never before has a woman been permitted to wield such power.

Jonathan faces ruin. The sails of his mill haven't turned since the Company of Cunning diverted the winds of Bromwich to their advantage. He's always been a devout and law-abiding man. How far will he go to protect his family from destitution and the gangsters at his doorstep?

If Daniel, his brother, passes the tests to become a censor, maybe he could protect them. He might even get the chance to make amends for what happened to their sister. But in the real world, justice is elusive, and the damage of the past can rarely be undone.

A fantasy thriller for the adult reader, The Censor's Hand presents a dark and intricate vision of a world transformed by magic.

Reviews

"An impressive new series." - Starburst Magazine, UK

"Absolutely fantastic." - The Dyslexic Reader, Ireland

"I really like this book." - The Weatherwax report, USA

"I recommend this book." - Ventureadlaxre, Australia

"A uniquely crafted world of fantasy and magic." - The Joycean Booknerdery, Netherlands

"Masterfully crafted...I'm hanging on the edge of my seat to read the next instalment. By the end of The Censor's Hand, you will be too." - Reader Nature, USA

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  1. Book 1 of 2
    The Crossed Swords Trilogy
  2. Print length
    478 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 18, 2017
  5. File size
    2.3 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

STARBURST MAGAZINE - AUGUST 2017

In the world of fantasy fiction, a realm dominated by wordsmiths such as George R. R. Martin and Joe Abercrombie, it is a brave author who takes on said behemoths, promoting a brand-new world populated by magic and swordplay. And yet, thankfully, there are still courageous souls taking on the challenge, and in the case of Adam Steiner and his debut novel The Censor's Hand, it is a challenge well met.

Set in a largely medieval world where magic is both revered and misunderstood, Daniel Miller is training to become a Censor. Part detective, part executioner, the Censors walk a fine diplomatic line in Steiner's creation, and when one of their kind is murdered during an investigation, Daniel is charged with proving his worth.

A problem with entering the fantasy fiction world is that, for the most part, it's all been done before. What Steiner does is temper the usual, potentially tedious exposition - things are called what they are because, well, that's what they are - and centres his story in the political and financial aspects of this world. Magic is present, and in use, but at what cost? This gives The Censor's Hand a more relatable, real worldly feel, and allows the reader to wallow in the intriguing complexity of the story, rather than being forced to retain reams of largely unnecessary information.

As the first part in a proposed trilogy, The Censor's Hand delivers a balanced central story, but the primary focus is on the characters of Daniel, his brother Jon and aspiring magic-master Miranda. While the three follow their own trajectories, there is a growing sense of mystery to their ultimate connection and path, and this leaves you hungry for the next book.

So then, an assured, confident and undoubtedly impressive debut from Steiner. If he can maintain the high standards he has set through story expansion and continue the depth of characterisation that proves both refreshing and welcome, this is set to be an impressive new series.

About the Author

A.M. Steiner grew up in Highgate, North London, a place of wild forests and ancient graveyards. He spent his schooldays raiding the local library, immersing himself in role-playing games and paying attention to his teachers when they were talking about ancient gods. Later in life, he travelled the world, had many adventures, and learned a great deal about the murky worlds of business, politics and magic. When he is not writing dark fantasy novels, Adam fences épée and longsword.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0719DZW8Z
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ptolemy Publishing UK
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 18, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 478 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0995722910
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ The Crossed Swords Trilogy
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 96 ratings

About the author

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A. M. Steiner

A. M. Steiner

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Adam M. Steiner is author of the baroque fantasy thriller The Censor’s Hand. He spent his formative years raiding the local library, immersed in role-playing games and paying attention to his teachers when they spoke of ancient gods. Later in life, he travelled the world, had many adventures, and learned a great deal about the murky worlds of business, politics and magic. When he is not writing dark fantasy novels, Adam fences épée and longsword. He recently returned to Highgate, a place of wild forest and ancient graveyards, to raise semi-feral children with his perfect wife.

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
96 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book to be a fabulous read with a great concept and world-building. The pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a true adventure in dark fantasy.

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4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book readable, with one mentioning it's a great start to a new series.

"Thoroughly enjoyed this novel, looking forward to Book 2!" Read more

"Fabulous read." Read more

"...Don’t know if I will spend the $$ for it, but I might. Good stuff!" Read more

"Great start to a new series..." Read more

3 customers mention "Concept"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the concept of the book engaging, with the world-building receiving positive feedback.

"...The writing style keeps you in the story and the world-building was complete enough that it seems lived in...." Read more

"I found the first part of the Trilogy to be very engaging , with twists and turns as I turned each page. A true adventure in a dark fantasy!" Read more

"The concept was a good idea. The world-building wasn't bad. *..." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, with one describing it as a true adventure in dark fantasy.

"...cliffhanger, the various POVs were pretty smooth and it was a straight epic fantasy that didn't drown in trying to be epic...." Read more

"...A true adventure in a dark fantasy!" Read more

"Truly a fascinating world and compelling story." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kelly Bilker
    5.0 out of 5 stars A joy for fantasy fans
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Thoroughly enjoyed this novel, looking forward to Book 2!
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  • Jesslyn H
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great start to a new series
    Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    This book had a LOT of things that I appreciated. It wasn't a cliffhanger, the various POVs were pretty smooth and it was a straight epic fantasy that didn't drown in trying to be epic. The writing style keeps you in the story and the world-building was complete enough that it seems lived in.

    I don't get why this is considered 'dark' fantasy at all. An existence that isn't all sugar and rainbows doesn't qualify for dark. Nor because some of the bad stuff that occurs or is described isn't an overused trope. IMO, this book is adult epic fantasy, stays in it's lane and can hold it's own with books that may be better known. My only complaint is that I wasn't surprised about anything. That's what kept it from being a 5-star book for me. Unless I yell (or think really loudly) "Holy crap!", 4-stars is as high as I can go.

    IMO, this series starts off with the same feeling of promise that I felt when I started the Demon Cycle series. I am really looking forward to the next book. I'm putting my money where my mouth is and will purchase the book instead of using my Kindle Unlimited subscription to read it for free.

    And man do I wish it was available as an audiobook as well....
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Shane Patrickson
    5.0 out of 5 stars A real Page Turner!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I found the first part of the Trilogy to be very engaging , with twists and turns as I turned each page. A true adventure in a dark fantasy!
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  • John Beaver
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great concept, bad execution
    Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The concept was a good idea. The world-building wasn't bad. *Sort of spoiler* The fact that this takes place in an alternate universe from ours bit then the author tried so hard to change the names of way too much (days, years, appliances, etc) made it difficult to remain interested. What really lowered the rating was the lack of character development, especially in Jonathan. He just goes from one bad decision to another. The time line also was a bit off. For Miranda and Daniel days, sometimes weeks pass, but for Jonathan it's only been maybe a day or so.
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  • karina
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cliff-hangers and serials kind of annoy me anyway
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A lot of fantasy leaves me cold but I did get caught up in this. When I finished, I turned to Amazon to price the other two books and order one or both, only to find they're not there! Cliff-hangers and serials kind of annoy me anyway; I wasn't aware this was one of three when I purchased it. Finding that I couldn't move on to the next in the series is really exasperating and I think buyers should be warned if that's the case.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Had trouble putting it down
    Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Truly a fascinating world and compelling story.
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  • Mrs. J. M. Steiner
    5.0 out of 5 stars you can't put it down.
    Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Fabulous read.
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  • T. Gibbons
    4.0 out of 5 stars Slow to start but great ending
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Initially not grabbing, but it developed and now I am curious to get to the next book. Don’t know if I will spend the $$ for it, but I might. Good stuff!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Cyberkeith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific new fantasy series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    A new voice and a terrific new fantasy series. Lovers of the genre will not be disappointed. While there are plenty of original touches to distinguish this new voice, all of your much loved fantasy tropes are present (apart from dragons, of which most of us have had enough). The writing is high quality and the storytelling is compelling. It's one of those that doesn't surprise you greatly, is not trying to be anything other than what it is, but is so well done that you pull it round yourself like a warm comfort blanket. Heaven for lovers of this genre. I discovered the title by accident, following up a recommendation from an online reviewer. Having read it, I can't understand why it isn't better known because it's greatly superior to many of the heavily promoted fantasy series you'll actually find in your local bookshop. The best fantasy novel you've never heard of. Do yourself a favour and buy it! Oh, and Mr Steiner - you're really talented and need to keep going because major recognition will come. Volume 2 soon please.
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  • Mrs. J. M. Steiner
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very good read
    Reviewed in Canada on August 20, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The same surname is a co-incidence. The writing in The Censor's Hand is wonderfully crafted. The plot is full of suspense. It's a fabulous read and I highly recommend it. Judith M. Steiner
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  • Brian Buckley
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read
    Reviewed in Australia on September 18, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I was a bit sceptical at first but on persevering this book opened up into a very interesting read. A lot of plots, a lot of characters to try and sort out. Well worth the effort though.
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  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars What a difference
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 2, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    An adult tale in this book, a very promising beginning. Of a new and strange World. The big question is just where will the missing sister feature in the future ?
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  • Patrick
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you want from a fantasy novel
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Steiner has created a very compelling universe, populated it with a set of distinctive, nuanced characters, and set them in motion with an intricate plot.

    This has all the elements that make a fantasy novel enjoyable: A talented outsider discovering magic, a crime whose investigation uncovers conspiracy and intrigue, an upright person being sucked into a dark world of crime and sedition, a fair bit of action, a dash of romance, and so on. But what really matters for me is that Steiner writes really really well. Everything is slick, and you know that every sentence is in there for a reason.

    Hugely enjoyable, looking forward to book 2.
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