A M Steiner has a great future as a writer. The Censor’s Hand is a captivating fantasy with a unique worldview and an unusual and uncanny take on magic. The masters of magic do so by going to strange and unusual extremes. There is not one way to do magic. It is highly individualized. It is also highly profitable and previously open only to men. The masters of the Honourable Company of Cunning sell their endeavors to the highest bidder. This has caused the rise and ruin of many including Jonathan - a man whose mill hasn’t fared well since the winds have been diverted by magic.

The story begins with a conspiracy and a murder. From there we are introduced to the main characters. Miranda - an extremely able young woman, a genius who wants to become a master of the cunning arts, something no woman has ever been permitted to do. Daniel is determined to become a censor, a guardian of justice, both to protect his family and to make amends for his sister’s disappearance long ago. Jonathan his brother is struggling to survive, and is willing to take drastic steps - but he is the last to expect how far he is willing to go to ensure his family’s survival.

This is the first novel of the series, and if the two to follow are anywhere as good, readers will be in for a treat. I enjoyed The Censor’s Hand immensely and look forward to reading the next novel in the Thrice-Crossed Swords Trilogy.

5 / 5

I received a copy of The Censor’s Hand from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

-- Crittermom

I was hooked very quickly by Steiner's tale in a Medieval feeling world where magic is used like a precious mineral that can be mined by the company and only manipulated by the Masters. Daniel, Jon and Miranda's stories bring this world to life. Miranda is a strong willed woman trying to break boundaries in a male dominated society. Daniel comes from the 'turbulence' and has the ambition to become a Censor, to achieve this goal he must first take a role as an undercover investigator in the death of a censor. While he is away, his Brother, Jon Miller gets caught up in local resistance while trying to keep his mill afloat and support his family. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and discovering how their stories unfold. This is the first book I have read from this author, and it won't be the last, thanks to Net galley for the opportunity to review it.

This is the first book in the Thrice Crosses Swords trilogy, and the first I have read from this author. The beginning is well laid out and really hooks you in. The story follows three main characters journey.

The flow is smooth and well developed world building leading up to more to come. A solid fantasy for the adult reader.

Reviewed by Rose of the GothicMoms Review Team

Great start to a series

I enjoyed this book. AM Steiner crafted a great fantasy tale with good character development, lots of politics and some great action. My one issue was what I perceived as one of the protagonists suddenly showing a change in character. Nonetheless I liked the book and recommend it for anyone who likes the fantasy genre.

First line: "<i>The master needed more time to decide.</i>"

I would like to start off by thanking Netgalley for the opportunity of reading this novel.

I did enjoy reading this novel, despite the three star rating that I gave it. It was an interesting story with several plots. I found it hard to get into the novel and if I was interrupted for even a short period of time, I found it hard to immerse myself again. This is ultimately led to my rating. I also found it sort of confusing because I felt like I was always missing a piece of the story.

I found all the pieces of the story fascinating, although certain characters perspectives I would have liked to learn more about. Miranda is a peculiar character and her position in society is quite unique. I found her thoughts and opinions compelling and her interest in a "man's world" empowering. Daniel Miller is also a great character as you watch him wade through trials and tribulations to reach his ultimate goal, while putting his life in grave danger. His brother Jonathan Miller is painted as a loyal character with little fighting knowledge, but proves himself to be a dangerous person nonetheless.

I would definitely consider continuing with this trilogy as it is quite different from others that I have recently read.

This is an dark and epic fantasy that on top of being entertaining and griping, raises a lot of cultural issues.
Intelligence vs Religion, What is guilt?, Can we trust the Law?, Who should govern us?
As well as other political/social issues.
The concept of Magic being a commodity was unique and enjoyable as was the plot.
As all high fantasy the start can take a bit go getting used to but the writing is highly descriptive and captivating, I would my self submerged in the world very easily.
My only critique would be to have more back story.
As a debut novel, amazing!

Excellent book. Great main characters and a real page turner. I loved the plot and would recommend this book.

This book got me hooked from the very first page! I got this book as a read now arc from netgalley and I was not disappointed from reading about it.

I adore books about magic and this was not an exception! It was unique, refreshing, and unlike any magic novel I've rad in a long time.

The book follows Miranda, Daniel, and his brother Jonathan in their journey of mystery, conspiracies, and murder.

You won't want to miss it!