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Gods & Giants
One in the Hand
When a sword manifests in an old folk’s home it opens Autumn’s eyes to a whole world of magic, gods and giants. But before she has a chance to come to grips with her new reality, Autumn’s grandmother is attacked and put in the hospital. Autumn needs to discover what the deal is with the sword and how to protect herself and the people she loves.
And, of course, there’s also the matter of the wings that have sprouted from her back.
Can she learn about this new reality and the shadowy forces working within it in time to diffuse the situation before someone gets killed?
And, of course, there’s also the matter of the wings that have sprouted from her back.
Can she learn about this new reality and the shadowy forces working within it in time to diffuse the situation before someone gets killed?
- GenresFantasy
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
About the author
Rhonda Parrish
113 books246 followersRhonda Parrish has the attention span of a magpie. Not only can she not focus on a single project at a time, but she also fails at sticking to one genre or even one type of writing (she does manage to stay true to one hockey team, though – Let’s go Oilers!). Perhaps best known for her work as an anthology editor – the Ottawa Review of Books called her “Canada’s best-known and most prolific speculative fiction anthologist” – Rhonda also works as a short story writer, novelist, game writer and a poet.
She has been honoured to be included in a handful of ‘Best of’ anthologies, earn a coveted starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and be shortlisted for several awards including the Rhysling Award, the Aurora Award, the Dwarf Stars Award, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and Alberta Book Publishing Awards.
In 2025 she was the Edmonton Public Library's Writer in Residence and in 2026 her novel Silversong won the CANREADS award for best fantasy novel.
In an effort to impose some order in her chaos, most of her short fiction and poetry is published directly through her Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/RhondaParrish). More information about her, updates and calls for submission are posted on her website http://www.rhondaparrish.com/home/.
She has been honoured to be included in a handful of ‘Best of’ anthologies, earn a coveted starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and be shortlisted for several awards including the Rhysling Award, the Aurora Award, the Dwarf Stars Award, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and Alberta Book Publishing Awards.
In 2025 she was the Edmonton Public Library's Writer in Residence and in 2026 her novel Silversong won the CANREADS award for best fantasy novel.
In an effort to impose some order in her chaos, most of her short fiction and poetry is published directly through her Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/RhondaParrish). More information about her, updates and calls for submission are posted on her website http://www.rhondaparrish.com/home/.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 9, 2021
Rhonda Parrish, editor of many anthologies, has put on her author hat for “One in the Hand.” This is the story of Autumn, who is not only thrust into a situation she could never have imagined but is expected to play a larger part by exercising magical skills no one ever told her about. It is hard for her to believe the expectations, especially since Autumn has grown wings that she cannot figure out how to use. This plot, normal person suddenly gains magical skills and is expected to now be a major force in a conflict is one that has been used many times before. I was worried that this story, like many before it, would stumble down a mundane path.
There are a few things that prevented that from happening. The interjection of Norse gods into the plotline was different, and this particular mix of gods and humans in “One in the Hand” was a novel concept. For me, the five-star element was having Autumn being the storyteller. It is easy to relate to her. Autumn is your normal person, and has relationship problems, doesn’t always feel recognized for her talents, and at times will work for free to do what she loves. In other words, she deals with the same type of issues as most of us. Her humorous at time but not snarky attitude kept a good pace throughout.
The ending chapters contained a couple of surprises that surprised me, and I was glad to see that the initial plotline concluded before the pages ran out. Yes, it is obvious there will be more books in this series, but this book has a definite ending and is not a cliffhanger. Recommended for urban fantasy lovers. Four stars.
There are a few things that prevented that from happening. The interjection of Norse gods into the plotline was different, and this particular mix of gods and humans in “One in the Hand” was a novel concept. For me, the five-star element was having Autumn being the storyteller. It is easy to relate to her. Autumn is your normal person, and has relationship problems, doesn’t always feel recognized for her talents, and at times will work for free to do what she loves. In other words, she deals with the same type of issues as most of us. Her humorous at time but not snarky attitude kept a good pace throughout.
The ending chapters contained a couple of surprises that surprised me, and I was glad to see that the initial plotline concluded before the pages ran out. Yes, it is obvious there will be more books in this series, but this book has a definite ending and is not a cliffhanger. Recommended for urban fantasy lovers. Four stars.
May 28, 2021
Katie's Book Report - Contains Spoilers - For my own failing memory...
Recommended for those who enjoy: slice-of-urban-life with a healthy dollop of fantasy, character-driven fiction, Norse mythology, and doggos
I typically don't read urban fantasy; my interests firmly lie in the realms of epic fantasy, historical romance, and the classics, but I do make an exception on occasion for various reasons, and in the case of One in the Hand I am certainly glad I did. This book surprised me with its fresh approach to urban fantasy and its extensive character development and focus, and I can honestly say I'm looking forward to more!
The story did not rely on typical or expected urban fantasy tropes; the plot is not driven by shifters nor is it centered around a detective, to name a couple examples. Instead, it presents a detailed slice-of-urban-life in which fantastical events based on Norse mythology are suddenly thrust upon the main character Autumn. Autumn must navigate the unexpected, and often unwelcome, within the context of her day-to-day life. I really appreciated that aspect of the book; life goes on and is not going to stop just because a sword manifests itself within her Omma's room at the nursing home! Autumn still has to go to work, she still has to walk the dogs, life carries on. One of the great things about this book is that Autumn's real life very much drives the story just as much as the fantastic; the juxtaposition between the fantastic and the mundane makes for an engaging, believable, and interesting premise.
This approach also lays a foundation for deep characterization, which is where I think this book truly shines. The reader gets to know Autumn through her day-to-day life routine: walking her dogs through cold streets (attention dog-lovers: her dogs are an integral part of this story!), working her two jobs, visiting her grandmother, and even simple activities like bath-time or playing a game on her phone. Parrish presents a vivid picture of who Autumn is and her values through the detailed exploration and exposition of her day-to-day activities. And its not a perfect life either. There are personal struggles and pains and there is conflict. One of the elements that added to the three-dimensional and believable characters is that they are flawed. Without flaws there is no character arc or opportunity for redemption, and the set up in this book for meaningful character development is superb and why I would recommend it to anyone that has a penchant for character-driven fiction. Oh are you going to start hating Lyle. I certainly did! But as the plot develops, so will your opinions of him and it was truly powerful!
The plot really picks up in the second half of the book as the antagonist forces continue their assault on Autumn and her family causing revelations about the true nature of her life, family, and friends to emerge. There is an entire world based in Norse mythology (a world of Gods, Giants, and magic with canonical characters such as Odin and his crows and the Valkyrie) that exists alongside the mundane and hidden to those that don't have magic. Autumn's veil is lifted as she comes into her own powers and is unexpectedly thrust into this new existence. The reader learns the truths of her situation as Autumn does, which compels the pace and ultimately leads to a truly unexpected and gripping ending.
The ending packs quite a punch, which I think is in large part due to the strong characterization Parrish creates throughout the book. The story is standalone and complete, but I definitely want to know what happens to Autumn as she ventures into the new world that has emerged around her and explores her place and powers within it. One in the Hand is quite a compelling start to what has the potential to be a truly exceptional and unique urban fantasy series. I eagerly look forward to reading on!
Recommended for those who enjoy: slice-of-urban-life with a healthy dollop of fantasy, character-driven fiction, Norse mythology, and doggos
I typically don't read urban fantasy; my interests firmly lie in the realms of epic fantasy, historical romance, and the classics, but I do make an exception on occasion for various reasons, and in the case of One in the Hand I am certainly glad I did. This book surprised me with its fresh approach to urban fantasy and its extensive character development and focus, and I can honestly say I'm looking forward to more!
The story did not rely on typical or expected urban fantasy tropes; the plot is not driven by shifters nor is it centered around a detective, to name a couple examples. Instead, it presents a detailed slice-of-urban-life in which fantastical events based on Norse mythology are suddenly thrust upon the main character Autumn. Autumn must navigate the unexpected, and often unwelcome, within the context of her day-to-day life. I really appreciated that aspect of the book; life goes on and is not going to stop just because a sword manifests itself within her Omma's room at the nursing home! Autumn still has to go to work, she still has to walk the dogs, life carries on. One of the great things about this book is that Autumn's real life very much drives the story just as much as the fantastic; the juxtaposition between the fantastic and the mundane makes for an engaging, believable, and interesting premise.
This approach also lays a foundation for deep characterization, which is where I think this book truly shines. The reader gets to know Autumn through her day-to-day life routine: walking her dogs through cold streets (attention dog-lovers: her dogs are an integral part of this story!), working her two jobs, visiting her grandmother, and even simple activities like bath-time or playing a game on her phone. Parrish presents a vivid picture of who Autumn is and her values through the detailed exploration and exposition of her day-to-day activities. And its not a perfect life either. There are personal struggles and pains and there is conflict. One of the elements that added to the three-dimensional and believable characters is that they are flawed. Without flaws there is no character arc or opportunity for redemption, and the set up in this book for meaningful character development is superb and why I would recommend it to anyone that has a penchant for character-driven fiction. Oh are you going to start hating Lyle. I certainly did! But as the plot develops, so will your opinions of him and it was truly powerful!
The plot really picks up in the second half of the book as the antagonist forces continue their assault on Autumn and her family causing revelations about the true nature of her life, family, and friends to emerge. There is an entire world based in Norse mythology (a world of Gods, Giants, and magic with canonical characters such as Odin and his crows and the Valkyrie) that exists alongside the mundane and hidden to those that don't have magic. Autumn's veil is lifted as she comes into her own powers and is unexpectedly thrust into this new existence. The reader learns the truths of her situation as Autumn does, which compels the pace and ultimately leads to a truly unexpected and gripping ending.
The ending packs quite a punch, which I think is in large part due to the strong characterization Parrish creates throughout the book. The story is standalone and complete, but I definitely want to know what happens to Autumn as she ventures into the new world that has emerged around her and explores her place and powers within it. One in the Hand is quite a compelling start to what has the potential to be a truly exceptional and unique urban fantasy series. I eagerly look forward to reading on!
June 10, 2021
I hadn't known there was such a thing as a "cozy" urban fantasy before...but this is what One in the Hand really turns out to be (the cover doesn't quite promise the right tropes here, although for the life of me I have no idea what kind of cover *would* promise cozy urban fantasy). This isn't so much about a kick-ass heroine discovering a magical secret world whilst falling in love with a vampire or a werewolf with steamy times....no siree.
This is the story of a girl in a committed relationship dealing with the potential loss of her Omma (her grandmother) and some secrets Omma's been keeping from her.
Don't get me wrong-- there is a magical world Autumn Edda is slowly learning to see. The book is Norse Myth-based, and it was really fun to read the signs in the book and slot each character into their proper god/frost giant/dwarven place (although at times Autumn seems a bit too clueless. I mean, if she's getting wings, it should be kind of obvious what that's connected to).
But someone attacked her Omma, and her boyfriend is missing, and now she has two giant wolfhounds she has to take care of all by herself. (There's a lot of feeding "the boys", taking them out for walks, scritching them behind the ears and whatnot. Thus the "cozy" feel of this book. Very soothing to read. Much of what Autumn does is caretaking so it feels more grounded in day to day reality than other UF)
There's no steamy times (see: missing boyfriend) and most of the emotional work of this story is Autumn's inner thoughts (indeed, sometimes I wished there were less summation of important conversations and more actual dialogue). We find out her boss and coworkers aren't exactly who they seem but in keeping with my "cozy" label everyone except the attacker seems to be caring and attentive to Autumn.
There's some fun speculation about what the end-game of the Vanir would be in the modern world, some fun Odin, Thor, and Loki aspects, and a modern recreation of the myth about Loki bound helpless while venom is dripped on his head.
Very enjoyable. A tad too short (as usually is my beef with Parrish stories, she tends to cut them off right when things gel together and get interesting) so I can only hope that maybe, possibly, Autumn will get more adventures in another book?
This is the story of a girl in a committed relationship dealing with the potential loss of her Omma (her grandmother) and some secrets Omma's been keeping from her.
Don't get me wrong-- there is a magical world Autumn Edda is slowly learning to see. The book is Norse Myth-based, and it was really fun to read the signs in the book and slot each character into their proper god/frost giant/dwarven place (although at times Autumn seems a bit too clueless. I mean, if she's getting wings, it should be kind of obvious what that's connected to).
But someone attacked her Omma, and her boyfriend is missing, and now she has two giant wolfhounds she has to take care of all by herself. (There's a lot of feeding "the boys", taking them out for walks, scritching them behind the ears and whatnot. Thus the "cozy" feel of this book. Very soothing to read. Much of what Autumn does is caretaking so it feels more grounded in day to day reality than other UF)
There's no steamy times (see: missing boyfriend) and most of the emotional work of this story is Autumn's inner thoughts (indeed, sometimes I wished there were less summation of important conversations and more actual dialogue). We find out her boss and coworkers aren't exactly who they seem but in keeping with my "cozy" label everyone except the attacker seems to be caring and attentive to Autumn.
There's some fun speculation about what the end-game of the Vanir would be in the modern world, some fun Odin, Thor, and Loki aspects, and a modern recreation of the myth about Loki bound helpless while venom is dripped on his head.
Very enjoyable. A tad too short (as usually is my beef with Parrish stories, she tends to cut them off right when things gel together and get interesting) so I can only hope that maybe, possibly, Autumn will get more adventures in another book?
June 9, 2021
This is not your usual urban fantasy fare. We meet Autumn, who is living a regular paycheque-to-paycheque life with her not-so-great boyfriend, two delightful dogs, and a grandmother who has recently moved to the Better Days old folks home.
When a sword materializes in her grandmother’s room, the underpinnings of Autumn’s life begin to knock loose, exposing a world, based on Norse mythology, living—and warring—just beneath the skin of the mundane world.
This is the beginning of a series, and I look forward to reading the next book!
When a sword materializes in her grandmother’s room, the underpinnings of Autumn’s life begin to knock loose, exposing a world, based on Norse mythology, living—and warring—just beneath the skin of the mundane world.
This is the beginning of a series, and I look forward to reading the next book!
May 27, 2024
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I always love this author’s anthologies so I was more than happy to give a book of hers a go. And I found myself pleasantly surprised.
What we have here is what I can best describe as a cozy urban fantasy. Which is fine by me. The cozy genre has only been growing so I was happy to find another!
I find the cover to be a bit deceiving though. It gives off perhaps more action vibes than there are but I think cozy covers can be a bit hard to hit.
Autumn is a pleasant MC and one you absolutely want to spend time with. When you discover Norse gods with her, you’re just as surprised and that carries a lot of the story’s emotional weight
Definitely well worth a read if you like new spins on urban fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I always love this author’s anthologies so I was more than happy to give a book of hers a go. And I found myself pleasantly surprised.
What we have here is what I can best describe as a cozy urban fantasy. Which is fine by me. The cozy genre has only been growing so I was happy to find another!
I find the cover to be a bit deceiving though. It gives off perhaps more action vibes than there are but I think cozy covers can be a bit hard to hit.
Autumn is a pleasant MC and one you absolutely want to spend time with. When you discover Norse gods with her, you’re just as surprised and that carries a lot of the story’s emotional weight
Definitely well worth a read if you like new spins on urban fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
June 24, 2026"Autumn’s sharp inner monologue anchors the book, providing an engaging hero readers can’t help but root for: when her world turns upside down, she fights back with everything she’s got. Wings may change Autumn's future, but it's her resilience that makes her soar."
-- CANREADS Book Review
Read full review here: https://canreads.ca/editorial-reviews/f/one-in-the-hand
-- CANREADS Book Review
Read full review here: https://canreads.ca/editorial-reviews/f/one-in-the-hand
May 12, 2021
Snarky urban fantasy, with Norse mythology as the underpinnings. I really liked the characters--they're three-dimensional and complex.
The dogs are awesome.
The dogs are awesome.
May 27, 2024
Autumn is stymied. How in the world did her grandmother, her Omma, who lives in a support living facility, get a sword. She and Lyle who is a cop and partner, moved her in. There was no sword in any of her things. While she goes to see her
omma Lyle is off to figure out why one brother staked his brother through the heart. Well it was Halloween. When she finally gets to her omma she's told she will tell her when they are outside. Two words and Autumn's mind gets blown. It manifested. Now she needs to explain why she feels change is coming. She's glad the sword will go home with her granddaughter. She also tells her to learn to use it. Well Autumn is well versed in the martial arts now she needs to find someone who can teach how to use a sword. She gets the sword home and puts over the fireplace. The next morning she gets a call from the facility telling her her grandmother is in the hospital after being attacked. After sitting with her grandmother she heads to the facility to discuss the matter with Ms DeBall. But things are just too weird. Then Ms DeBall says something about a ring, the ring of sannleikur. Autumn is totally confused. When she brings Ms DeBall to task she's told about the long ago. Then she figures out that the facility is a old folks’ home for gods. Her grandmother isn't a god but was once a servant of the gods, defending them and serving in Odin's longhouse. When she can't get any more info out of her it's suggested she talk to the trickster...BOOM! LYLE!!!!??? She calls off from work and sits home. As a freelance transcriber she listens to one done with the brother who staked his brother. Then she falls asleep. She;s awaken by the dogs. Then she's in a fight with the old woman who attacked her omma. Then of all things she sprouts wings !! WINGS!!! Where is Lyle? Why isn't he answering her texts or calls?
She's hiding out at her omma's home but she needs information. So much information and then the pictures. Is she a valkyrie?
Will she get to the truth the full truth??? Will her omma finally tell her everything she needs to know?
A fascinating story of the old gods and goddesses and their warriors.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
omma Lyle is off to figure out why one brother staked his brother through the heart. Well it was Halloween. When she finally gets to her omma she's told she will tell her when they are outside. Two words and Autumn's mind gets blown. It manifested. Now she needs to explain why she feels change is coming. She's glad the sword will go home with her granddaughter. She also tells her to learn to use it. Well Autumn is well versed in the martial arts now she needs to find someone who can teach how to use a sword. She gets the sword home and puts over the fireplace. The next morning she gets a call from the facility telling her her grandmother is in the hospital after being attacked. After sitting with her grandmother she heads to the facility to discuss the matter with Ms DeBall. But things are just too weird. Then Ms DeBall says something about a ring, the ring of sannleikur. Autumn is totally confused. When she brings Ms DeBall to task she's told about the long ago. Then she figures out that the facility is a old folks’ home for gods. Her grandmother isn't a god but was once a servant of the gods, defending them and serving in Odin's longhouse. When she can't get any more info out of her it's suggested she talk to the trickster...BOOM! LYLE!!!!??? She calls off from work and sits home. As a freelance transcriber she listens to one done with the brother who staked his brother. Then she falls asleep. She;s awaken by the dogs. Then she's in a fight with the old woman who attacked her omma. Then of all things she sprouts wings !! WINGS!!! Where is Lyle? Why isn't he answering her texts or calls?
She's hiding out at her omma's home but she needs information. So much information and then the pictures. Is she a valkyrie?
Will she get to the truth the full truth??? Will her omma finally tell her everything she needs to know?
A fascinating story of the old gods and goddesses and their warriors.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2021
A surprisingly emotional urban fantasy that features characters from Norse mythology.
I loved the protagonist, Autumn, and her two wolfhounds. Parrish has such a talent for writing characters who have known hardship, but are not defined by their suffering.
I loved the elements of Norse mythology and guessing who the characters really were.
I wish the plot had come together a little quicker, but I understand that not every reader will get the references to the mythology as quickly as I might have. I enjoyed reading about Autumn’s Journey all the same.
Thank you to the author for giving me an arc and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved the protagonist, Autumn, and her two wolfhounds. Parrish has such a talent for writing characters who have known hardship, but are not defined by their suffering.
I loved the elements of Norse mythology and guessing who the characters really were.
I wish the plot had come together a little quicker, but I understand that not every reader will get the references to the mythology as quickly as I might have. I enjoyed reading about Autumn’s Journey all the same.
Thank you to the author for giving me an arc and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
May 22, 2024
I remembered enjoying a previous book by this author, which is why I took an interest in this.
This was a cosy urban fantasy with a Norse mythology theme. I liked the narrator, and found their storytelling fun, but in places, I felt like I didn't fully connect with the story, and some of the characters' humour didn't really resonate with me. For the most part though, it was a fun read, and I think young adult readers will enjoy it, particularly if they're keen on fantasy.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a cosy urban fantasy with a Norse mythology theme. I liked the narrator, and found their storytelling fun, but in places, I felt like I didn't fully connect with the story, and some of the characters' humour didn't really resonate with me. For the most part though, it was a fun read, and I think young adult readers will enjoy it, particularly if they're keen on fantasy.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2021
Old School urban fantasy--by which I mean that the main character Autumn is gradually introduced to the magic element over the course of the book, rather than already being immersed in it in chapter one. A sympathetic heroine, but the pacing was too slow for my taste. Lots of mysterious goings on, but also transitions instead of scene cuts, walks with the dog, cab rides, and feeling helpless, plus not as high action as most urban fantasy. However, the climax was extremely tense and well-done, and book two will start with Autumn already in the know so that bodes well.
June 9, 2021
I like Rhonda Parrish's writing. This first book in the series was good, I liked the unusual way the Norse Gods were woven into the story. This book has lots of action and heartache for Autumn and no doubt she will have more before the rest of the books are done.
Parrish knows how to write her characters and give them some depth and feeling. I connected with Autumn and enjoyed the story. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of this book and wished to leave a review.
Parrish knows how to write her characters and give them some depth and feeling. I connected with Autumn and enjoyed the story. I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of this book and wished to leave a review.
May 12, 2025
A quick and fun read on a twist on Greek mythology. I enjoyed the main heroine's humor and wit. The story was action packed and quick paced which I appreciated since I don't like stories to drag to much. I did feel like some of the heroines info dumping hinder the story a bit. Will not give spoilers, but some information on a character's personality made me not care about them all that much. Overall, the story was entertaining and I hope to see more from this book's universe.
May 21, 2024
You'll know where this is headed on the day you read this Norse myth shifted to contemporary Canada as soon as the sword manifests. Well worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2021
An amazing story that keeps you intrigued. The characters and the mythology are just perfect to make an outstanding book. A definite read for all.
January 2, 2022
A modern Norse myth that maintains relatable, grounded characters throughout a story that gradually unveils a more complex history from beginning to end.
May 21, 2024
Autumn's life with Lyle meets a challenge that leaves her in a place she never thought she would be. Secrets have been kept from her. This keeps her in the dark about her background and that of the one she loves.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews