What do you think?
Rate this book
Hand of the Sinners
One Hunter
Over a decade after leaving, Lucais McCallum is ready to return home. The only thing standing between him and Bramor is supposed to be finding information against the Communion of the Nine Divines.
Instead, he’s faced with a thief that brings much more to their alliance than he ever
expected.
One Thief
Pickpocketing a Hunter wasn’t supposed to end like this.
Now, Annora Tomescu is being trained in ways to survive an attack and kill a creature—the very ones she heard bedtime stories about as a child. The beasts aren’t the only threats; she must also finally face a past she’d rather forget.
One Herald
When the Nine Coveners summon him, Vadas, Son of the Dioscuri, has no choice but to appear in the City of Oaths.
Tasked with handling a rebellious leader and its horde while tracking a Hunter, he discovers something he’d never counted on: an unexpected chance at finally executing his best laid plans.
Over a decade after leaving, Lucais McCallum is ready to return home. The only thing standing between him and Bramor is supposed to be finding information against the Communion of the Nine Divines.
Instead, he’s faced with a thief that brings much more to their alliance than he ever
expected.
One Thief
Pickpocketing a Hunter wasn’t supposed to end like this.
Now, Annora Tomescu is being trained in ways to survive an attack and kill a creature—the very ones she heard bedtime stories about as a child. The beasts aren’t the only threats; she must also finally face a past she’d rather forget.
One Herald
When the Nine Coveners summon him, Vadas, Son of the Dioscuri, has no choice but to appear in the City of Oaths.
Tasked with handling a rebellious leader and its horde while tracking a Hunter, he discovers something he’d never counted on: an unexpected chance at finally executing his best laid plans.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
7 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
V.L. Andromeda
5 books5 followersV.L. Andromeda possesses a unique perspective that shines through in her writing. With a keen interest in mental health and queer themes, plus a passion for fantasy literature, she weaves intricate tales that explore the interplay between love, self-acceptance, and destiny.
Drawing inspiration from the concept of the Butterfly Effect, Andromeda delves deep into how individual choices can shape the course of entire worlds. Her storytelling is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking, offering readers a glimpse into realms where the extraordinary is a mere heartbeat away.
V.L. Andromeda invites readers to ponder the profound impact of relationships and actions, while reminding them that every decision holds the power to transform the fabric of existence. With a promise to charm audiences with her voice, Andromeda hopes to leave her mark on the “romantasy” genre.
She resides in Wyoming with her husband and a lively brood of animal-children.
Drawing inspiration from the concept of the Butterfly Effect, Andromeda delves deep into how individual choices can shape the course of entire worlds. Her storytelling is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking, offering readers a glimpse into realms where the extraordinary is a mere heartbeat away.
V.L. Andromeda invites readers to ponder the profound impact of relationships and actions, while reminding them that every decision holds the power to transform the fabric of existence. With a promise to charm audiences with her voice, Andromeda hopes to leave her mark on the “romantasy” genre.
She resides in Wyoming with her husband and a lively brood of animal-children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 26, 2024
First, thank you to the author for entrusting me with my first ARC. I hope I have served you well on your authoring journey.
A chance encounter brings together a hunter and a thief. Each carrying the weight of their pasts, they navigate beasts, battle, and the darkness of the Nine Conveners. They never expected to find comfort in one another. They never expected they were being tracked.
Hand of the Sinners by V.L. Andromeda sweeps readers into the world of “Marks of the Broken” beginning with a story map and content warnings. The start of the book is rife with information waiting to guide readers into the author’s world, like a lover’s hand leading you forward by the small of your back.
Lucais (Luc) is a hardened hunter, spilling over with lore and determinism. He finds unexpected kinship with Annora, who carries hardship in her heart, along with a newfound flame for this hunter. The pair’s banter is nothing short of tense and tender throughout their travels. The friends and foes they encounter along the way bolster the dark shadows hanging over their purpose and past along with the light of old friends. Luc and Annora’s kinship keep hope aflame that though beast and man alike may show no mercy, love may still remain.
Hand of the Sinner's pacing is a delight, affording the reader action, development, or realization in every chapter. The plot of this story leans heavily on the blossoming relationship between Luc and Annora, leading readers to mature scenes, internal struggles, and impending danger. The looming threat of Vadas and the Nine Conveners serves as a point of tension as the two battle grotesque beasts and quest to distinguish hordes.
What I liked about this story is the depth of character afforded to Luc and Annora. It is clear they develop physically, emotionally, and mentally throughout. Their surrender to one another is well paced and believable.
One point of contention I have with this story is that I would love more information on the Nine Conveners, Vadas, and the Dioscuri. Each is mentioned throughout, Vadas even having their own chapters, but there were times I felt I was lacking clarity of the purpose of the struggle of Vadas. Again, it is mentioned, but for a world to be under the thumb of this group, I’d enjoy more depth or explanation of lore in this area.
The ending is constructed in an apt way for sequels, of which I would recommend reading not only to finish out the implied series, but to glean more information on the authoritative powers and how the newly forged pair of main characters will navigate their dominance.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sort of medieval atmosphere accented by battle, intimacy, and quest-like pacing. This is definitely not the last we’ve heard of Luc and Annora.
A chance encounter brings together a hunter and a thief. Each carrying the weight of their pasts, they navigate beasts, battle, and the darkness of the Nine Conveners. They never expected to find comfort in one another. They never expected they were being tracked.
Hand of the Sinners by V.L. Andromeda sweeps readers into the world of “Marks of the Broken” beginning with a story map and content warnings. The start of the book is rife with information waiting to guide readers into the author’s world, like a lover’s hand leading you forward by the small of your back.
Lucais (Luc) is a hardened hunter, spilling over with lore and determinism. He finds unexpected kinship with Annora, who carries hardship in her heart, along with a newfound flame for this hunter. The pair’s banter is nothing short of tense and tender throughout their travels. The friends and foes they encounter along the way bolster the dark shadows hanging over their purpose and past along with the light of old friends. Luc and Annora’s kinship keep hope aflame that though beast and man alike may show no mercy, love may still remain.
Hand of the Sinner's pacing is a delight, affording the reader action, development, or realization in every chapter. The plot of this story leans heavily on the blossoming relationship between Luc and Annora, leading readers to mature scenes, internal struggles, and impending danger. The looming threat of Vadas and the Nine Conveners serves as a point of tension as the two battle grotesque beasts and quest to distinguish hordes.
What I liked about this story is the depth of character afforded to Luc and Annora. It is clear they develop physically, emotionally, and mentally throughout. Their surrender to one another is well paced and believable.
One point of contention I have with this story is that I would love more information on the Nine Conveners, Vadas, and the Dioscuri. Each is mentioned throughout, Vadas even having their own chapters, but there were times I felt I was lacking clarity of the purpose of the struggle of Vadas. Again, it is mentioned, but for a world to be under the thumb of this group, I’d enjoy more depth or explanation of lore in this area.
The ending is constructed in an apt way for sequels, of which I would recommend reading not only to finish out the implied series, but to glean more information on the authoritative powers and how the newly forged pair of main characters will navigate their dominance.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sort of medieval atmosphere accented by battle, intimacy, and quest-like pacing. This is definitely not the last we’ve heard of Luc and Annora.
April 28, 2025
I think V. L. Andromeda has a lot of promise. Her ideas and characters shine with a uniqueness I haven’t seen in a while.
The subtle representation in this debut was really lovely to see, from pansexuality to gender fluid to polyamory, it was lovely to see such minority groups being represented in a way that appeared totally normal and not out of the ordinary. I wished more books did this.
The story itself was hard for me to follow initially. The world building was a little confusing and the purpose of Luc was unclear/almost seemed forgotten once he met Annora. It was explained why that happened, of course, but it did feel a little bit like a loophole for a little bit.
The story was a nice, slow paced travel montage with bits of horror sprinkled in, but it gave the MCs a chance to bond and get to know each other.
Annora’s character wasn’t for me - I liked her spunk and her sass but she seemed just a little too surface level in some areas for me. That’s not to say she’s not a good character, she’s written well and you do learn a lot about her, but she’s not for me.
Luc, however, was ENTIRELY for me.
Broody, moody, gruff exterior walls that break down to show a compassionate, self sacrificing and loyal to a fault black cat of a man. And his accent tops it off.
The writing itself was good. Some passages were a little wordy but that happens!
I did feel like most of the story was filler until the last few chapters - and an ending like that confused me a bit more than I would have liked.
Of course, the intention is to leave the reader asking a bunch of questions. Making their brain think and go over what they have just read a bunch of times. So that definitely had the intended effect!
I would have loved more action sprinkled in especially given that Luc was training Annora to fight, but whenever she got the chance to, she kinda chickened out a lot and just screamed lol 😂
Ultimately, I think this was a good debut. I would have preferred less lore dumps toward the end, more “show not tell” moments, but as said before, V.L. Andromeda has a lot of promise and it’s only up from here!
3.5 stars but rounding up for Goodreads 🥰✨
The subtle representation in this debut was really lovely to see, from pansexuality to gender fluid to polyamory, it was lovely to see such minority groups being represented in a way that appeared totally normal and not out of the ordinary. I wished more books did this.
The story itself was hard for me to follow initially. The world building was a little confusing and the purpose of Luc was unclear/almost seemed forgotten once he met Annora. It was explained why that happened, of course, but it did feel a little bit like a loophole for a little bit.
The story was a nice, slow paced travel montage with bits of horror sprinkled in, but it gave the MCs a chance to bond and get to know each other.
Annora’s character wasn’t for me - I liked her spunk and her sass but she seemed just a little too surface level in some areas for me. That’s not to say she’s not a good character, she’s written well and you do learn a lot about her, but she’s not for me.
Luc, however, was ENTIRELY for me.
Broody, moody, gruff exterior walls that break down to show a compassionate, self sacrificing and loyal to a fault black cat of a man. And his accent tops it off.
The writing itself was good. Some passages were a little wordy but that happens!
I did feel like most of the story was filler until the last few chapters - and an ending like that confused me a bit more than I would have liked.
Of course, the intention is to leave the reader asking a bunch of questions. Making their brain think and go over what they have just read a bunch of times. So that definitely had the intended effect!
I would have loved more action sprinkled in especially given that Luc was training Annora to fight, but whenever she got the chance to, she kinda chickened out a lot and just screamed lol 😂
Ultimately, I think this was a good debut. I would have preferred less lore dumps toward the end, more “show not tell” moments, but as said before, V.L. Andromeda has a lot of promise and it’s only up from here!
3.5 stars but rounding up for Goodreads 🥰✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2024
to the author: (this came out like word vomit so, hang in there 😂)
1. Your descriptive writing is impeccable. So much detail without feeling overdone or drawn out.
2. the characters are so diverse, complex, and so relatable while living in an entirely different universe than us. and again, we get to know them so well without feeling like we are being BOMBARDED with information. And the character development?! wheewww!
3. this world is fascinating. the whole religion/cult structure is done so well & makes it that much more intense, frightening yet exciting, and extremely intriguing.
4. I am newer to the fantasy genre as I struggle with the world building/character introductions feeling lengthy, wordy, and sometimes just utterly confusing. the fact that you were able to deliver me a complex world, complex characters and plot, all while keeping the book moving at a nice, comfortable pace & not lacking any detail…*chefs kiss*
I NEED MORE!!
THANK YOU for allowing me the chance for an ARC!!
1. Your descriptive writing is impeccable. So much detail without feeling overdone or drawn out.
2. the characters are so diverse, complex, and so relatable while living in an entirely different universe than us. and again, we get to know them so well without feeling like we are being BOMBARDED with information. And the character development?! wheewww!
3. this world is fascinating. the whole religion/cult structure is done so well & makes it that much more intense, frightening yet exciting, and extremely intriguing.
4. I am newer to the fantasy genre as I struggle with the world building/character introductions feeling lengthy, wordy, and sometimes just utterly confusing. the fact that you were able to deliver me a complex world, complex characters and plot, all while keeping the book moving at a nice, comfortable pace & not lacking any detail…*chefs kiss*
I NEED MORE!!
THANK YOU for allowing me the chance for an ARC!!
September 23, 2024
I have fallen in love with this book and the world and characters the author has created. The fantasy/supernatural combined with the religious/political elements helped create an intriguing new world I could not put down. I loved the two main characters and following along with their journey while their romance grew.
If you are a fan of dark fantasy romance this book is for you! It had everything I would want and then some. It had me on the edge of my seat with the action and adventure, broke my heart with the cruelty of the world, and had me kicking my feet at the chemistry between the two main characters.
Without giving any spoilers all I can say is that I can't wait to find out more about this world and the characters that inhabit it in the next book!
If you are a fan of dark fantasy romance this book is for you! It had everything I would want and then some. It had me on the edge of my seat with the action and adventure, broke my heart with the cruelty of the world, and had me kicking my feet at the chemistry between the two main characters.
Without giving any spoilers all I can say is that I can't wait to find out more about this world and the characters that inhabit it in the next book!
April 7, 2025
i really enjoyed this book! thank you to the author for sending me a copy and trusting me with your story! i really loved annora and thought she was such an interesting character. luc was such a great broody mmc and i am a big fan of him. i loved all the other characters as well and how they all played into the story. the writing was very descriptive and you felt like you were really in the story as you were reading it. the ending was a shock and now im patiently waiting for book two! definitely recommend!
September 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this! I instantly formed a connection to the main characters and was excited to see their story unfold!
The world building is done really well, and a very unique world that I’m excited to read more about! Ends on a cliffhanger that has you eager for book 2! Super diverse cast.
Praise for V.L. On their debut book!
The world building is done really well, and a very unique world that I’m excited to read more about! Ends on a cliffhanger that has you eager for book 2! Super diverse cast.
Praise for V.L. On their debut book!
September 24, 2024
As someone who is new to fantasy romance books, this was such a great introduction to the genre! Some books in this category are so cringey that I find them hard to read, but this book was an enjoyable exception! The action is fantastic, the story is exciting and thought provoking, and the characters are easy to fall in love with. I can’t wait for the second book!
December 12, 2025
Exciting adventure story. Also good chemistry between the leads. Which is convenient, since it seems to be a sort of romantasy.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews