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Determined to rescue Alban and torn between conflicting loyalties as the battle seeps into the human world, Margrit soon realizes the only way out is through the fire.…

Average Customer Rating:

Good read	Customer Rating:
I enjoyed the first and second books in this series, Heart of Stone and House of Cards so was ready for book three. The gargoyle concept is very different but Murphy was able to do a good job of story telling that did not come across as absurd. I'll buy book four if she write another one just to see where the story goes.

Nice end to the trilogy

Customer Rating:

I'll admit that after reading the first book, I thought the series was going to be interesting, but not up to five star quality for me. The second book changed my opinion as I flew through the book. Now the third book continued the rush I felt from the second and ended with no real loose ends for the main characters, while leaving plenty of room for favorite second characters. The writing style is clear and easy to follow, dappled with humor, both dry, sly, and situational. Well-described action, emotion, and tension make this final installment end way too soon. I am satisfied with how Margrit, Alban, Janx, and other beloved characters end up (and am going to have to wait anxiously for another story in this world). Many secrets and stories that have been piquing my curiosity have been answered. I have no real complaints about this book. I just want more of this world. (If you're looking for more in this world, you can check out the author's website for information about a short story in an anthology and one online.)

Hands of Flame

Customer Rating:

C. E. Murphy stuns again in her third book of the Negotiator series. Hands of Flame begins a few weeks after the end of the last book House of Cards. At this point we are well-entrenched in the series and it's not recommended to read this book as a standalone novel. Margrit Knight has only known of the Old Races (Dragons & Djinn, Gargoyles & Selkies and Vampires) for a scant three months but her life has been immeasurably affected by her knowledge. Having quit her old job as a lawyer at Legal Aid, Margrit is poised to begin a new job as Eliseo Daisani's secretary which would give her considerable freedom to pursue "jobs" for the Old Races. In the previous book Margrit found herself sitting on a quorum as the representative of her race. In this book Margrit takes her role as token human to a higher level of respect within the Old Races. In this novel she continues to push the Old Races to change their centuries-old traditions in favor of new governances that will help them survive the ever-shifting world of humans. Margrit negotiates a peace agreement on the docks between the Selkies and Djinn and faces Alban's detractor Biali in a gargoyle trial in an effort to win Alban back into the Gargoyle's gestalt. As usual it's a complicated plot fraught with financial politics and pitfalls. Trading "favors" (destroying an empire, removing a dragon, stopping a war) seems to take up much of Margrit's time and her quick mind seems to catch on much faster to the intricacies of the problems than I would have had I been in her shoes. My only real complaint is that Alban kept to shadows, showing up to protect Margrit or push the plot along with little jabs. Margrit handles almost all of the action - including a few fights scenes. It's really quite impressive when comparing her character through the duration of the series, but I miss some of Alban's quirks.

Hands of Flame	Customer Rating:
I was disappointed in the last book of this trilogy. It fell flat for me. It seemed to be hurriedly written without much thought put into it. I was intrigued with the world of vampires, genies, gargoyles and dragons that had been created and was enjoying the story. Too bad that this last book was lacking. That is, in my so humble opinion.

Even better than her 'Shaman' series	Customer Rating:
I was truly impressed with the trilogy; like the other reviewers I certainly hope to see more of Grit & Alban. This book kept me guessing, with lots of action, surprises & great tie-ins--made everything seem very believeable!