Hand of Miriam: A Bayla and the Golem Novel by Eva Gordon ~ Blog Tour: Review & Top Ten List

Hand of Miriam

A Bayla and the Golem Novel #1
by Eva Gordon

Published December 6th 2013

Published by Eva Gordon

Genre: Steampunk

Source: Review copy

Cover art by Nicolene van Staden

Editing by Marion Archer and Karen Lawson

Word Count: 105,618
Page Count Print: 390 pages
ISBN-10: 1494302802
ISBN-13: 978-1494302801

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Book Tagline: A Victorian world of supernatural creatures, magnificent airships, a secret society, and one bluestocking adventuress who, threatened by evil seeks protection by awakening the golem.

Synopsis

On an archaeological expedition, Bayla Gideon, is widowed by a supernatural force and branded with the Hand of Miriam or Knowing Eye. Threatened by evil, she awakens the golem; a mythical man of clay, who protected the Jewish community over three centuries ago.

The golem, Gesher, is surprised. Freedom - by a beautiful, enchanting woman. His desire is to return to the celestial spheres and regain his status as an avenging angel. Yet, Bayla challenges his mind, body and soul. Would he risk his return to the heavens for her?

Besides, dealing with the otherkind, mad inventors and an unrelenting matchmaking aunt, Bayla is equally determined to resist her steamy attraction to the striking fallen angel.

Thrust into a malevolent war, which includes facing Jack the Ripper, they must resist the magnetic pull toward each other, while protecting the world from encroaching evil.

Note: Hand of Miriam is Book 1 of a duology in Bayla and the Golem novels, which will continue after Book 2, Her Majesty's Witch, with the steampunk adventures of other corseted but brainy members of the exclusive Bluestocking Adventuress Club.

I'm always craving more steampunk stories, and HAND OF MIRIAM confirmed for me that I haven't read nearly enough. This book blew me away with its creative plot, vibrant characters, and mix of Jewish mythology, supernatural creatures, and steampunk. There are several layers rich to the story which kept things intriguing and caused me to stay glued to my Kindle.  

After her husband's tragic death, Bayla awakens a golem - a fallen angel named Gesher - to protect her from the supernatural creatures threatening her because she's been branded with the Hand of Miriam and can detect them. She can "read" their evil intentions and prevent them from killing people. They obviously don't want to be kept from harming others and view Bayla as a threat, making attempts on her life several times. 

Expecting a man of clay, Bayla is surprised when she summons the golem and he's in the form of an attractive man. Gesher is a fallen angel who has lost his wings, and if he wants them to be restored and go back to heaven, he must not become intimate with a human woman. They're attracted to each other instantly but must fight their feelings - Bayla doesn't want to prevent Gesher from returning to heaven. There's a lot of heat between the two of them, and I loved every minute of it!

There were moments in HAND OF MIRIAM where I fought the instinct to look over my shoulder because I had a creepy crawly feeling, especially when Bayla awakens the golem. An entire world of supernatural creatures exists right in front of humans, but they can't see it. Thinking about that creeped me out, too. Whereas some people might not like that feeling, it is one I relish when a book causes me to feel this way.  

Bayla is my new favorite kick ass heroine. Though she's protected by the golem, she chooses to face down werewolves and the like alongside him. She has the desire to prevent any harm coming to other people and can do so with the Hand of Miriam though it is never easy. She's strong enough to hold back her physical desires for Gesher and is selfless - she doesn't want to be the cause of his downfall. I love her!

HAND OF MIRIAM is a novel not to be missed. With unforgettable characters setting out on unforgettable adventures in a steampunk world, there's romance, supernatural mayhem, Jewish mythology, and a plot that will leave you catching your breath. I'm looking forward to where the story will go from here!   

My Rating:

Top Ten TV Shows or Movies Great 

for a Steampunk Story

~ by Eva Gordon ~

1. The Walking Dead ~ Think of all the cool weaponry to blast away zombies. Actually in book 2, Her Majesty's Witch, A Bayla and the Golem novel, I have flesh eating revenants. But with a twist. No hints. 

2. Downtown Abbey ~ Instead of servants, we can have automatons. Let's also add a mad inventor to court Mary. 

3. The Bachelor ~ We would have Lord Basil Rumbledale choose his ideal Victorian wife. Each would be introduced donned in fine corsets and dress. We would have women from every walk of life, from airship mechanic to governess. 

4. True Blood ~ Werewolves wearing cravats, need I say more.

5. The Real Housewives of London ~ Or rather The Real Ladies of Buckingham Palace. 

6. Captain Phillips ~ Only he would be the captain of a dirigible. 

7. Iron Man ~ Clockwork Man

8. The Sound of Music ~ The Sound of Steam

9. The Wolf of Wall Street ~ The Mad Professor of Wall Street

10. Thor: The Dark World ~ Thor: The Mechanical World      

Eva Gordon writes genre bending paranormal/fantasy/steampunk and historical novels with a strong romantic element. She loves to create stories that combine her passion for mythology, steamy romance, and action/suspense. Her imagination takes her from one universe to the next. Thus far, she has several series lined up as well as single titles waiting in line for production.

Eva has a BS in Zoology and graduate studies in Biology. She once taught high school Biology, Environmental Science and Anatomy/Physiology. When not in her den writing, she can be found at steampunk conventions, at work in the raptor rehabilitation center, wolf sanctuaries, or to satisfy her inner Hemingway on some global eco adventure. 

Learn more about Eva Gordon below: 

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Blog Tour Organized by: Eva Gordon