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eBook Category: Erotica/Fantasy
eBook Description: Zahinah is a druid priestess and a daughter of the gods, only she doesn't know it. Once she learns who and what she truly is, she is faced with the fact that she is being hunted for her powers by the god of war, who is determined to control her at all costs. The only thing standing between her and death is Xanthos, son of the Celtic god Cernunnos, who is determined to protect her with marriage. Xanthos never wanted anything to do with the gods, but for his stepmother, the goddess Ceridwen, he is willing to do almost anything, except marry her daughter. However, once he meets the fiery priestess, he finds he rather likes the idea. He only has to get the witch to agree...

eBook Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press, Published: WHISKEY CREEK PRESS, 2005
Fictionwise Release Date: July 2005

17 Reader Ratings: Great Good OK Poor

Available eBook Formats [MultiFormat - What's this?]: Adobe Acrobat (PDF) [838 KB], eReader (PDB) [182 KB], Palm Doc (PDB) [159 KB], Rocket/REB1100 (RB) [141 KB], Microsoft Reader (LIT) [194 KB] - PocketPC 1.0+ Compatible, Franklin eBookMan (FUB) [187 KB], hiebook (KML) [427 KB], Sony Reader (LRF) [226 KB], iSilo (PDB) [131 KB], Mobipocket (PRC) [163 KB], Kindle Compatible (MOBI) [222 KB], OEBFF Format (IMP) [209 KB]
Words: 53242
Reading time: 152-212 min.
Microsoft Reader (LIT) Format: Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud ENABLED
Adobe Acrobat (PDF) Format:  Printing DISABLED, Read-Aloud DISABLED
All Other formats: Printing DISABLED, Read-aloud DISABLED
ISBN: 1-59374-399-8

"In the Hands of the Gods is a fascinating tale. From the moment you open the book and begin to read, you are immediately caught up in Zahinah and Xanthos's predicament. Both are evenly matched and willing to give up their powers to be totally mortal. Why? Because their whole lives have been filled with secrets, lies, loneliness, and pain. Xanthos grew up with others harassing him, making fun of him for his gifts. Therefore, he has never revealed his abilities unless absolutely necessary. His anger toward his father is well-deserved, and I cheered Xanthos on when he told his father off. I mean it's not often you tell off a god and get away with it. Zahinah grew up thinking her mother died giving birth, when in reality, her mother was a goddess and left Zahinah behind to protect her from the wrath of Lugh, the Celtic god of war. Secondary characters, which include Cernunnos and Ceridwen and Lugh, add insight into the plight of our hero and heroine. The story moves along steadily and keeps the reader's interest throughout its entirety. Every time Zahinah and Xanthos come together, it's powerful, heated, and emotional. With her debut novel, In the Hands of the Gods, new author E.L. Hutchison writes a delightful romance about two people who are meant to be together, but don't see it. Xanthos and Zahinah are well-created characters who are both bullheaded. I really enjoyed watching their battles and waited anxiously to find out who would be the winner of each skirmish."--Sinclair Reid, Romance Reviews Today

Ceridwen was in her palace rooms only half listening while Rhiannon, the daughter of Hefaidd Hen, was complaining about the chieftain her father had chosen for her to wed. Ceridwen contemplated how to extricate herself from the child without causing offense, for, truthfully, there was nothing she could do to help Rhiannon. If Rhiannons father truly wished for her to wed a powerful Celtic chieftain, Ceridwen couldnt stop him. It was her fathers decision to make without the interference of a meddling goddess.

"Do you not see, Ceridwen? I cannot marry Gwawl when tis Pwyll who holds my heart. My father only wishes to make a powerful match to benefit himself and cares nothing for what I want. My father has tricked Pwyll into this situation."

Ceridwen understood all too well what it meant to be kept from the one her heart desired. But what one desired and what one often received were two very different things.

"Why does your father desire to make such a match for you with this Chieftain Gwawl?"

"Gwawl has been appointed chieftain of a fierce Celtic tribe by Lugh. My father thinks Lugh is rallying his forces to make a move against your husband, Cernunnos. If Lugh defeats Cernunnos, then he will hold more power than any other god in the heavens." Rhiannon sighed and began to pace back and forth in front of Ceridwen.

"Tis Lughs goal to overthrow Cernunnos. If he succeeds, only those loyal to him will be given favor. Since Lugh appointed Gwawl as chieftain, if I am married to him, my father thinks Lughs favor will also fall upon him, since I can read the hearts and minds of mortals."

Ceridwen was shocked upon hearing this news. She heard little of Lugh after she wed Cernunnos, had in fact, hoped he had gotten over his rage when she refused him. "What benefit to your father would it be if Lugh destroys my husband?"

"The benefit will be to rule the heavens and the Celtic tribes of Britannia, because Gwawl does Lughs bidding. The only thing standing in Lughs way is Cernunnos." Rhiannon stopped her frantic pacing and fell to the floor before Ceridwen, imploring her for her help. "Dont you see? It wouldnt be to Gwawl that I am married, but to Lugh. The power formed from such a union would, in my fathers mind, grant him favor in Lughs eyes."

Rhiannon looked around Ceridwens chambers to ensure they were still alone. "Lugh has reportedly captured the daughter of a powerful goddess. Tis rumored she is blessed with the ability to control the elements and possesses great knowledge of herbs and spells. Lugh is holding her in the stronghold of his high priest, Duartar, on the Emerald Isle."

For a moment, Ceridwen though her heart had stopped beating within her breast. It was not possible, Ceridwen had ensured Lugh would never be able to find her.

How?

When?

With a sense of urgency in her voice and her posture, she captured Rhiannons arm in a vicelike grip. "Do you know this maidens name? Do you know where she is from?"

Rhiannon blanched when she saw the look of panic enter Ceridwens eyes. "My father only said her name was Zahinah and that she is the daughter of a powerful goddess Lugh seeks revenge upon." A look of realization entered Rhiannons eyes. "The rumors are true then, she is your daughter."

Ceridwen released Rhiannons arm and fell back into the chair, wishing she had killed Lugh long ago. "Rhiannon, I will give you refuge against your father. I will also send a dispatch to Pwyll immediately arranging for the two of you to be wed this very day. You do still want to marry Pwyll, do you not?"

"Yes, more than anything."

"You and Pwyll must also vow your allegiance to Cernunnos and myself, and not notify your father or anyone else of your plans. I want no chance for Lugh to interfere in this matter. Did anyone know you were coming here to me?"

"Yes, Goddess, I understand, and no, I told no one I was coming to see you."

"Good. This time, Lugh has gone too far. I will destroy him if tis the last thing I do."

"Please be careful, Lugh has more allies than you or Cernunnos realize. Does your husband even know of the coup being plotted against him?"

Ceridwen thought about that question for a moment and wondered the same thing herself. "There is very little Cernunnos isnt aware of, my dear, but have no fear, Lugh will soon be defeated before his battle is even waged." Ceridwen stood and gestured for her servant to come forward and escort Rhiannon away. Ceridwen reached out to the young woman and took her hand within her own as a motherly gesture. "Do not fear, I will see to it you are united with the one your heart desires."

Rhiannon impulsively reached out and hugged Ceridwen. "Thank you so much." Tears shimmered in her eyes as she looked at the goddess of knowledge. "I know my powers are nothing compared to yours, Ceridwen, but should you ever require my assistance, you have but to ask."

Ceridwen reached out and gently stroked her delicate face. "You have nothing to fear, you are under my protection now, and this fight is between Lugh and me."

Rhiannon couldnt hold back the question consuming her since she realized Lugh held the daughter of this goddess. "Why would Lugh seek to take your child?"

"To control me. I refused to wed him long ago and sought love in the arms of a mortal man. A man who was kind, noble, and full of life. One who gave me my greatest treasure, my daughter."