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The Hand of God
It was 6 p.m. when the Devil walked into my office and had a seat. Bounty hunter Victor McCain always wondered how his brother, Mikey, went from down-n-out loser to one of Louisville’s richest men. Now he knew: his brother sold his soul to the Devil. And in twenty-four hours, Mikey would die and spend eternity in Hell unless Victor agreed to hunt down a thief, a woman as deadly as she is beautiful. On a journey of murder and betrayal, Victor must now put his own soul at risk to save his only brother, battle a dark underground organization with the goal of nothing less than global war between Christians and Muslims, and fight creatures from man’s darkest nightmares. Then there’s the Hand of God, God’s own bounty hunter. In the end, will he be friend or enemy? Only Heaven knows.
176 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 6, 2013
About the author
Tony Acree
20 books32 followersTony Acree was born in La Grange, Kentucky in January 1963. His short story fiction has appeared in Kentucky Monthly Magazine. He has written articles about his time as a stay at home dad for a women’s magazine as well as sports and information articles. His work has also appeared in The Cumberland, the Kentucky state wide newspaper outlet of the Sierra Club. He is a member of the Green River Writers as well as The Bluegrass Writers Edge, a creative writers group in Goshen, Kentucky, where he lives with his wife and twin daughters. His first novel, The Hand of God, has been released by Hydra Publications and is available on Amazon.com, Smashwords.com and other sites. Visit his website at Tonyacree.com. You can find him on Twitter and Facebook. You can email him at Tonyacree@Gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 26, 2016
"It was 6 P.M. when the Devil walked into my office and had a seat."
Now that's an opener if I ever saw one, and memorable long after the last page is turned. The Hand of God is a fast paced supernatural thriller, all of the story happening within a twenty-four hour period. It also managed to keep me on the edge of my seat for the whole ride. The main character, Vic, is a former soldier turned bounty hunter. He takes a job, a bit reluctantly as all good protagonists do, only to discover it's quite more than he'd expected.
His trials and tribulations will get your heart pumping as Mr. Acres mixes biblical and mythical into a one heck of a story. I can't wait to read the next book.
Now that's an opener if I ever saw one, and memorable long after the last page is turned. The Hand of God is a fast paced supernatural thriller, all of the story happening within a twenty-four hour period. It also managed to keep me on the edge of my seat for the whole ride. The main character, Vic, is a former soldier turned bounty hunter. He takes a job, a bit reluctantly as all good protagonists do, only to discover it's quite more than he'd expected.
His trials and tribulations will get your heart pumping as Mr. Acres mixes biblical and mythical into a one heck of a story. I can't wait to read the next book.
September 6, 2016
Bullets, swords, and the battle for souls. Tony Acree has it all in his first novel following the story of Victor Mccain. He [Acree] doesn't just tell the story, he makes you believe it could be reality, as he takes us on a journey through Louisville, Kentucky. Also covering some of the age old questions surrounding if there is a limit to how much God forgives. He has pulled out all the stops and has done Victor Mccain, as well as Louisville, proud. - The Dragon Critic
May 5, 2013
I usually do not read supernatural thrillers, but this is one great read! Highly recommended to those who love to read action-packed tales! All I can add is that I'm ready for the next book to conclude this adventure!
February 17, 2016
When I heard the title “The Hand Of God” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But when the author Tony Acree offered me the audio version of this book to listen to while doing illustrations, I was quickly pulled into his world of excitement and mystery. The characters were both entertaining and relatable, and each one was well fleshed out. There was plenty of action, and each fight scene was well mapped out, providing a nice mental picture of each kick and swing and gunshot.
The Spanglish spoken by a certain character was absolutely perfect, and made for a very realistic and lovable character. There was one other character that I kept waiting to see again, but it didn’t happen. However, that just makes me even more excited for the next book, in which I know this character will reappear. There were a few repeating words and phrases, but nothing that couldn’t be overlooked, as the characters and story took center stage, and held me captive until the last page. I also loved the many iconic pop culture references that were strewn throughout the book and made for some good laughs. It had plenty of serious moments, but The Hand Of God was probably the most fun book I’ve read (or heard).
When I finished the book, I suddenly felt sad and empty, and I recognized the feeling right away. It was the feeling that can only be brought on by the ending of a good book. So this was a good book. I can’t wait to read the next installment in the Victor McCain series.
Full Review: http://kyliejude.com/2016/02/book-rev...
The Spanglish spoken by a certain character was absolutely perfect, and made for a very realistic and lovable character. There was one other character that I kept waiting to see again, but it didn’t happen. However, that just makes me even more excited for the next book, in which I know this character will reappear. There were a few repeating words and phrases, but nothing that couldn’t be overlooked, as the characters and story took center stage, and held me captive until the last page. I also loved the many iconic pop culture references that were strewn throughout the book and made for some good laughs. It had plenty of serious moments, but The Hand Of God was probably the most fun book I’ve read (or heard).
When I finished the book, I suddenly felt sad and empty, and I recognized the feeling right away. It was the feeling that can only be brought on by the ending of a good book. So this was a good book. I can’t wait to read the next installment in the Victor McCain series.
Full Review: http://kyliejude.com/2016/02/book-rev...
July 23, 2013
I loved this book. Victor McCain is a bounty hunter who is approached by Satan with a proposition; find a woman he is looking for and deliver her within 24 hours and Satan will release Vic's brother from his soul contract. Granted, it sounds far fetched but the book is really your basic "find the bad guy and safe the damsel in distress" book. Mr Acree has a great writing style with dialogue that flows and a storyline that really makes sense, even with some of the more bizarre elements thrown in. My only problem was with the ending. I like my stories to end with all the elements tied up in a nice, neat little bow and this definitely doesn't do that. If there's not a second installment on the horizon I'm really not going to be happy. However, even if I had known how the book was going to end I wouldn't have missed it. I should have been cleaning house and washing clothes today; instead I have been curled up on this couch, listening to the rain and devouring this book. I can't think of a better compliment. Try it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
July 24, 2013
The Hand of God by Tony Acree has a unique premise. Satan walks into a private bounty hunter's office saying he needs his service.satan wants to trade his brother's contract to sell his soul to the devil. All he has to do is finf one woman and trade hebut he only has 24 hours. Vic breaks into her apartment looking for clues. He finds a message on her computer and he follows the clue. But not before another bounty hunter and his crew breaks in the apartment too. They fight, he escapes.Vic tracks Miranda to a seedy bar and introduces himself, omitting to tell her he's a bounty hunter. They flee thru the back door where they run into one of the devil's henchman. To make a long story short she who's real name isSamantha was meeting with The Hand of God. God's henchman on earth. Acree writes a story in an unusual way. I liked it. You should too.
September 27, 2013
The characters are great - this novel is an interesting take on the "deal with the devil" genre.
November 30, 2022
Audiobook: This was my first experience with Tony Acree's work, and I enjoyed it a lot. The opening pages captured my attention, and the fast-paced action kept my attention throughout the story. I was entertained by the character of Victor as he was flawed, but still motivated by the love of his brother. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. John Glouchevitch's narration was excellent, and his performance added to the story's entertainment. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
September 25, 2018
Awesome book. Grabs your attention in the first couple of pages and doesn't let go. Hoping there will be another and the Author makes this into a series. But it can stand alone, which is great. The characters are ones that you might meet out, have somewhere in your life. Very fast-action packed
June 10, 2019
Dastardly
This was a well written book. Short enough not to get dull and long enough to keep your interest. With a mix of mystery and romance the book was enjoyable. I loved Vic and Samantha’s characters as they were the main characters. The book left one wanting more and that’s as it should be. I am interested in the author and where he will continue.
This was a well written book. Short enough not to get dull and long enough to keep your interest. With a mix of mystery and romance the book was enjoyable. I loved Vic and Samantha’s characters as they were the main characters. The book left one wanting more and that’s as it should be. I am interested in the author and where he will continue.
September 7, 2018
Bad ending
It was a drop ending, for enticement to buy the next book. Usually these stories are not my type of interest. The author should try a different approach.
It was a drop ending, for enticement to buy the next book. Usually these stories are not my type of interest. The author should try a different approach.
November 8, 2018
WOW
From the first chapter to the last this book was riveting, I had a hard time putting it down....I want more!!!
From the first chapter to the last this book was riveting, I had a hard time putting it down....I want more!!!
August 19, 2013
Tony Acree's HAND OF GOD is a dynamic introduction to a noir fantasy series you WILL want to follow. If you love the Harry Dresden books but agree with me that Dresden has become too powerful to be much fun, you want to get in on the ground floor with Victor McCain.
The things I didn't care for in this book are the very things fans of urban noir fantasy action adventure would love: a bit of (admittedly tasteful and well-written) onscreen sex, pages packed with action, more seedy characters than the inside of a watermelon, and an ending that leaves you gnashing your teeth and wanting the story to keep going. I'm more of a cozy fan, myself.
HAND OF GOD delivers what it promises: A story that plunges you into McCain's dilemma on page one and doesn't turn you loose. The woman involved in the story's power struggle has put herself into play, knowing she's stepping out of her depth. She's not a helpless damsel in distress, but she's not your equally stereotypical "kickass female", either; she's that most rare of women in an action thriller: she's as real, as contradictory, as believable as the men.
I'm waiting impatiently for the sequel, even though I only gave the book 3 stars. I didn't LOVE it, but I have to read more! No fair, Tony Acree! No fair!
The things I didn't care for in this book are the very things fans of urban noir fantasy action adventure would love: a bit of (admittedly tasteful and well-written) onscreen sex, pages packed with action, more seedy characters than the inside of a watermelon, and an ending that leaves you gnashing your teeth and wanting the story to keep going. I'm more of a cozy fan, myself.
HAND OF GOD delivers what it promises: A story that plunges you into McCain's dilemma on page one and doesn't turn you loose. The woman involved in the story's power struggle has put herself into play, knowing she's stepping out of her depth. She's not a helpless damsel in distress, but she's not your equally stereotypical "kickass female", either; she's that most rare of women in an action thriller: she's as real, as contradictory, as believable as the men.
I'm waiting impatiently for the sequel, even though I only gave the book 3 stars. I didn't LOVE it, but I have to read more! No fair, Tony Acree! No fair!
November 3, 2014
Full disclosure: I know the author personally and couldn't be happier that he has fulfilled a dream of his by becoming a published author. Much of him is in the novel and I chuckled at many of the Tonyisms you hear from time to time.
The book has a great concept and starts off strong. I really enjoyed the opening chapter. The pace in the earlier chapters help build suspense and makes it a fun read. The pace gets a little manic towards the end, which hurts it. It's in the vein of a TV episode and if that type of copy isn't your forte, you'll need to skip it. The writing style could use more polish and the characters more development. The main character seemed very inconsistent to me and I had a hard time rooting for him towards the end. I would love to see the mythology delved into more. The most interesting character was Dominic to me and we barely get to know anything about him. When we do get a taste, I wasn't as invested anymore. The book does lay a good groundwork for future novels. Some, I know have already come along.
Overall, if you are looking for a Supernatural/Castle/action movie hybrid tale, this would be the book for you.
The book has a great concept and starts off strong. I really enjoyed the opening chapter. The pace in the earlier chapters help build suspense and makes it a fun read. The pace gets a little manic towards the end, which hurts it. It's in the vein of a TV episode and if that type of copy isn't your forte, you'll need to skip it. The writing style could use more polish and the characters more development. The main character seemed very inconsistent to me and I had a hard time rooting for him towards the end. I would love to see the mythology delved into more. The most interesting character was Dominic to me and we barely get to know anything about him. When we do get a taste, I wasn't as invested anymore. The book does lay a good groundwork for future novels. Some, I know have already come along.
Overall, if you are looking for a Supernatural/Castle/action movie hybrid tale, this would be the book for you.
February 26, 2013
Honestly, this is not the kind of book I’d normally pick up. Thankfully it was not a normal day. I was intrigued by an excerpt I’d read a few months earlier, and It made me curious and wanting to see more. Well, when the devil walks into an office and the main character shoots him in the head. Who wouldn’t be curious? That is the type of story that can go in any direction. Now having read The Hand of God, I found the direction it went, even more interesting than where I thought it was going.
The book itself reads like one of the old detective novels, with twists and turns, and a chase that may leave a few heads turning. In TV terms The Hand of God, might be a mix of Pushing Daisies, and the show Supernatural. This book may not be a fit for all readers, but I say give it a chance, even with the hanger at the end.
The book itself reads like one of the old detective novels, with twists and turns, and a chase that may leave a few heads turning. In TV terms The Hand of God, might be a mix of Pushing Daisies, and the show Supernatural. This book may not be a fit for all readers, but I say give it a chance, even with the hanger at the end.
April 7, 2014
Not bad. The plot was fantastic and the characters, especially Montoya, were totally amazing. The paperback had too many typos for a 5 star rating. The dialogue was probably the worst part of the book. Not what the characters said, but how they said it. Almost every line of dialogue was "I said", "He said", "She said", etc.
Overall, I really liked the book and give it my recommendation. It paired nicely with a glass of whiskey and a cigar on my back deck.
Overall, I really liked the book and give it my recommendation. It paired nicely with a glass of whiskey and a cigar on my back deck.
January 6, 2017
Fast-paced action bundled into an easy read that felt like reading a T.V. show.
It was somewhat reminiscent of the type of story you'd get from an episode of Supernatural, although the characters are quite different.
It was somewhat reminiscent of the type of story you'd get from an episode of Supernatural, although the characters are quite different.
September 3, 2016
Nice quick thriller. I was up way too late finishing it. My kindle edition had some formatting and editing issues, but not enough to keep me from enjoying the book
May 5, 2015
Love Love Love THIS BOOK HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ANYONE WANTING TO READ A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews