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Tales of Goldstone Wood #6
Shadow Hand
This is a tale of blood.
And love.
And the many things that lie between.
By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves, handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. As her wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire to vanish from living memory.
But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal parasite.
A world that is hauntingly familiar.
And love.
And the many things that lie between.
By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves, handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. As her wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire to vanish from living memory.
But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal parasite.
A world that is hauntingly familiar.
408 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2014
27 people are currently reading
1859 people want to read
About the author
Anne Elisabeth Stengl
20 books804 followersAnne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of the TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD, which currently includes seven novels and two novellas, with plenty more works due to release over the next few years. Her novels HEARTLESS, VEILED ROSE, and DRAGONWITCH have each been honored with a Christy Award, and STARFLOWER was voted winner of the 2013 Clive Staples Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 8, 2016
I don’t think I will ever comprehend how Anne Elisabeth Stengl comes up with each new story to the TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD ... *smiles* Simply epic. Shadow Hand was more intricate and mind-boggling than the last, with a complexness that just made me laugh in bewilderment. Who would have thought?!
A masterful, dark, gripping tale that brings us along the paths that Daylily, Foxbrush, Lionheart, … and even, oh happiness, Sir Eanrin and Imraldera trod! We learn the dreadful secrets of the terrible Cren Cru and the Bronze stone. We find out what happened to Sun Eagle after he was lost in the Wood Between. We breathlessly watch one of Eanrin’s nursery rhymes unfold into reality!
Strength and weakness. Bitterness and forgiveness. Severe hate but deeper love. Battling with their own inner selves … vulnerable to evil … will our beloved characters heed the gentle voice of speckled bird? Or will everything shatter into complete darkness and desolation?
Shadow Hand was definitely darker than the other books from TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD. It told an intense, dark story. There were some gruesome parts. Evil lurked everywhere it seemed. Just when you felt like you were suffocating, there was no joyous end in sight … in pops Sir Eanrin! The life of the story, as always! *winks and smiles* So, it wasn’t all darkness. Darkness was shattered by true light, the light of Lumil Eliasul. Hatred is overcome by a deeper love. Inner demons are destroyed. Peace is restored.
Of course, anyone who knows me knows I don't prefer a lot of gruesomeness and darkness. However, Shadow Hand had an incredible story to share! I can say the complete story made up for the darkness and gruesomeness. But ... I would like if the next book isn't quite so, darkly intense. Just to balance things out. *smiles*
All I can say now is, I can’t wait to read Golden Daughter! … And all the ones after that. God truly gave Anne Elisabeth Stengl a gift in storytelling. Her allegories of God’s unfathomable love, forgiveness, and grace never fail to pierce my heart and bring me to tears. What an amazing Lord we serve! Keep illuminating our God through your stories, Anne Elisabeth! ^_^
A masterful, dark, gripping tale that brings us along the paths that Daylily, Foxbrush, Lionheart, … and even, oh happiness, Sir Eanrin and Imraldera trod! We learn the dreadful secrets of the terrible Cren Cru and the Bronze stone. We find out what happened to Sun Eagle after he was lost in the Wood Between. We breathlessly watch one of Eanrin’s nursery rhymes unfold into reality!
Strength and weakness. Bitterness and forgiveness. Severe hate but deeper love. Battling with their own inner selves … vulnerable to evil … will our beloved characters heed the gentle voice of speckled bird? Or will everything shatter into complete darkness and desolation?
Shadow Hand was definitely darker than the other books from TALES OF GOLDSTONE WOOD. It told an intense, dark story. There were some gruesome parts. Evil lurked everywhere it seemed. Just when you felt like you were suffocating, there was no joyous end in sight … in pops Sir Eanrin! The life of the story, as always! *winks and smiles* So, it wasn’t all darkness. Darkness was shattered by true light, the light of Lumil Eliasul. Hatred is overcome by a deeper love. Inner demons are destroyed. Peace is restored.
Of course, anyone who knows me knows I don't prefer a lot of gruesomeness and darkness. However, Shadow Hand had an incredible story to share! I can say the complete story made up for the darkness and gruesomeness. But ... I would like if the next book isn't quite so, darkly intense. Just to balance things out. *smiles*
All I can say now is, I can’t wait to read Golden Daughter! … And all the ones after that. God truly gave Anne Elisabeth Stengl a gift in storytelling. Her allegories of God’s unfathomable love, forgiveness, and grace never fail to pierce my heart and bring me to tears. What an amazing Lord we serve! Keep illuminating our God through your stories, Anne Elisabeth! ^_^
August 10, 2016
I believe that laughter and tears are among the top compliments that can be paid to any story-teller.
Shadow Hand brought me to both. I'm pretty sure I sobbed through the last...erm... five chapters. LOL But there were also many moments of lighthearted humor that made me chuckle.
This seventh installment (okay, technically it's book #6, but I'm counting "Goddess Tithe" as a "tale") in Anne Elisabeth's Tales of Goldstone Wood has soared into the "favorite" category in my heart. Moreso than any other of her books, all of which I have loved and enjoyed, this story held me spellbound. It wasn't about characters I had expected. Daylily and Foxbrush had been so expertly woven into their roles as "secondary" and even "unimportant" in previous books, that I perceived them exactly as that. I looked upon Foxbrush with not a little disdain, and Daylily just seemed like a grasping, obnoxious, gold-digger. I didn't really LIKE either of them.
So it is with some surprise that I must admit that this book is, so far, my favorite in the series.
Of course, that could be because I'm just a sucker for a really well-told redemption story.
But I don't want to give too much away.
Suffice to say, that the book opens upon the morning of Foxbrush and Daylily's wedding. But instead of getting married, Daylily flees the premises and plunges into the Wilderlands that she helped condemn Rose Red into just a few books ago.
Lionheart shows up with a message for Foxbrush, who is really not having a very good day. Not only has his bride fled from him, but he is facing the prospect of becoming the ruler of a kingdom in dire peril of perishing. The Dragon's Poison lingers, and trade has suffered, and the people are pretty much all-around depressed. But when Lionheart shows up and claims that he will find Lady Daylily and return her to Foxbrush, something snaps. Foxbrush decides that he will rescue Daylily himself, if only to have the privilege of telling her that he will, under no circumstances, ever marry her. (You can't fire me, I quit!)
And events unfold rather alarmingly from there. The Wood Between plays tricks as the space-time continuum gets twisted out of proportion and our heroes are separated not only by distance, but years. Foxbrush and Daylily are sent back into the murky past, while Lionheart finds himself in the not-so-distant future, where he must foil a plot to usurp Foxbrush's throne and hold the line until Foxbrush returns... if he will ever return.
And of course, we catch glimpses of Eanrin and Imraldera. Yay! Who pretty much ripped my heart out. But I'm not going to say why.
Goldstone Imps. This book is a must read. And if you're not a Goldstone Imp... this book is the reason you should definitely become one. These stories just keep getting better. Others have mentioned that this story is the darkest Anne Elisabeth has penned, and while I can see where they are coming from, I sort of disagree. It isn't so much that it is incredibly dark, as it is just so much deeper than previous stories. (Not to, in any way, say that her previous stories are shallow!) It's just that the depth and complexity of this plot and the depth and complexity of the characters will draw you in, dear Reader, and hold you fast until the final page.
Definitely 5 Dragon Eggs for this one.
***I should also include, as per FTC guidelines, that I received this book from the publishing company for a review. They did not ask for a positive review, merely an honest one. And though I love free books, my good opinion cannot be so lightly bought. :)***
Shadow Hand brought me to both. I'm pretty sure I sobbed through the last...erm... five chapters. LOL But there were also many moments of lighthearted humor that made me chuckle.
This seventh installment (okay, technically it's book #6, but I'm counting "Goddess Tithe" as a "tale") in Anne Elisabeth's Tales of Goldstone Wood has soared into the "favorite" category in my heart. Moreso than any other of her books, all of which I have loved and enjoyed, this story held me spellbound. It wasn't about characters I had expected. Daylily and Foxbrush had been so expertly woven into their roles as "secondary" and even "unimportant" in previous books, that I perceived them exactly as that. I looked upon Foxbrush with not a little disdain, and Daylily just seemed like a grasping, obnoxious, gold-digger. I didn't really LIKE either of them.
So it is with some surprise that I must admit that this book is, so far, my favorite in the series.
Of course, that could be because I'm just a sucker for a really well-told redemption story.
But I don't want to give too much away.
Suffice to say, that the book opens upon the morning of Foxbrush and Daylily's wedding. But instead of getting married, Daylily flees the premises and plunges into the Wilderlands that she helped condemn Rose Red into just a few books ago.
Lionheart shows up with a message for Foxbrush, who is really not having a very good day. Not only has his bride fled from him, but he is facing the prospect of becoming the ruler of a kingdom in dire peril of perishing. The Dragon's Poison lingers, and trade has suffered, and the people are pretty much all-around depressed. But when Lionheart shows up and claims that he will find Lady Daylily and return her to Foxbrush, something snaps. Foxbrush decides that he will rescue Daylily himself, if only to have the privilege of telling her that he will, under no circumstances, ever marry her. (You can't fire me, I quit!)
And events unfold rather alarmingly from there. The Wood Between plays tricks as the space-time continuum gets twisted out of proportion and our heroes are separated not only by distance, but years. Foxbrush and Daylily are sent back into the murky past, while Lionheart finds himself in the not-so-distant future, where he must foil a plot to usurp Foxbrush's throne and hold the line until Foxbrush returns... if he will ever return.
And of course, we catch glimpses of Eanrin and Imraldera. Yay! Who pretty much ripped my heart out. But I'm not going to say why.
Goldstone Imps. This book is a must read. And if you're not a Goldstone Imp... this book is the reason you should definitely become one. These stories just keep getting better. Others have mentioned that this story is the darkest Anne Elisabeth has penned, and while I can see where they are coming from, I sort of disagree. It isn't so much that it is incredibly dark, as it is just so much deeper than previous stories. (Not to, in any way, say that her previous stories are shallow!) It's just that the depth and complexity of this plot and the depth and complexity of the characters will draw you in, dear Reader, and hold you fast until the final page.
Definitely 5 Dragon Eggs for this one.
***I should also include, as per FTC guidelines, that I received this book from the publishing company for a review. They did not ask for a positive review, merely an honest one. And though I love free books, my good opinion cannot be so lightly bought. :)***
March 29, 2014
You can't even imagine how excited I was to get this book in the mail. I did the rare Dance of Extreme Happiness.
And then it broke my heart and crushed my dreams. (Perhaps that statement bordered on the dramatic side, but you get my drift.)
While reading Shadowhand I couldn't help but feel that there was something that set it apart from the other books in the series. It was a little bit darker, and a tad more layered. The Wood even seemed to be portrayed differently. Before there was more of a dangerous, fantastical, sometimes scary feel to it, this time around there was a creepy Wonderland gone wrong vibe. And none of this was a bad thing - it just wasn't the usual.
There was definitely some confusion on my part at first, as to timelines and what exactly was happening, but as usual, Stengel wove a genius plot. As usual, she did it flawlessly, and as usual, her characters jumped right off the page and then straight into my heart.
We meet new characters and old friends in this installment, which simply thrilled me to death. I found Nidawi the Everblooming a delightful addition, as well as Lark. They fit right in with the quirky group that make up the series. I was really happy to see that Lionheart made a reappearance, as he's shaping up to be a favorite character of mine (he's just so well developed). And there was...
Bard Eanrin and Dame Imraldera. Yes. I shall say no more on that subject, other than I think Anne Elisabeth Stengel to be very wicked indeed, to have done such a terrible thing.
All in all, another wonderful book. I will read anything Anne Elisabeth Stengel writes.
And then it broke my heart and crushed my dreams. (Perhaps that statement bordered on the dramatic side, but you get my drift.)
While reading Shadowhand I couldn't help but feel that there was something that set it apart from the other books in the series. It was a little bit darker, and a tad more layered. The Wood even seemed to be portrayed differently. Before there was more of a dangerous, fantastical, sometimes scary feel to it, this time around there was a creepy Wonderland gone wrong vibe. And none of this was a bad thing - it just wasn't the usual.
There was definitely some confusion on my part at first, as to timelines and what exactly was happening, but as usual, Stengel wove a genius plot. As usual, she did it flawlessly, and as usual, her characters jumped right off the page and then straight into my heart.
We meet new characters and old friends in this installment, which simply thrilled me to death. I found Nidawi the Everblooming a delightful addition, as well as Lark. They fit right in with the quirky group that make up the series. I was really happy to see that Lionheart made a reappearance, as he's shaping up to be a favorite character of mine (he's just so well developed). And there was...
Bard Eanrin and Dame Imraldera. Yes. I shall say no more on that subject, other than I think Anne Elisabeth Stengel to be very wicked indeed, to have done such a terrible thing.
All in all, another wonderful book. I will read anything Anne Elisabeth Stengel writes.
July 26, 2016
This is truly a beautiful story, filled with wonder, laughter, thrills, chills, a touch of horror, and boundless grace.
It would be difficult to write a synopsis without unintentional spoilers, so I will simply mention favorite bits.
For one, I adore Foxbrush. :-) He is essentially the same character we met in Veiled Rose and Moonblood, and yet here we see him through different eyes. And we watch him grow through his trials, often in rather amusing ways.
Daylily is an intricate character who reminds me of women I have known: reserved, artificial, difficult to like, yet fascinatingly complex. Her journey through this novel is both horrifying and compelling, for she is almost too real for a fictitious character. The symbolism of the red wolf is deep.
Imraldera, who has always been the ideal heroine, makes a mistake in this book--which humanizes her and makes her even more lovable. And Eanrin. *dreamy sigh* Nidawi the Everblooming is both hilarious and terrifying! I have never seen anything like her in fiction, that's for sure. Many other fascinating fey creatures make an appearance, adding to the story's fantastical ambiance.
Lionheart finally begins to prove his courage, and Felix . . . is very much himself. So much fun to see characters from the early books as well as a few from more recent tales!
I pray that God will use this novel to touch lives with His love, grace, and purpose. Following His paths is often confusing and frustrating, for He is never obliged to explain Himself. Our part, like Lionheart's, is to trust and obey even when no obvious path is laid before us. Our part, like Daylily's, is to be real, to reveal our imperfections in order to better display God's grace and strength through our weaknesses. Our part, like the baroness's, is to love simply and without reservation. I could go on and on, but I believe I shall stop here.
Read it and see what you discover about yourself in Goldstone Wood!
It would be difficult to write a synopsis without unintentional spoilers, so I will simply mention favorite bits.
For one, I adore Foxbrush. :-) He is essentially the same character we met in Veiled Rose and Moonblood, and yet here we see him through different eyes. And we watch him grow through his trials, often in rather amusing ways.
Daylily is an intricate character who reminds me of women I have known: reserved, artificial, difficult to like, yet fascinatingly complex. Her journey through this novel is both horrifying and compelling, for she is almost too real for a fictitious character. The symbolism of the red wolf is deep.
Imraldera, who has always been the ideal heroine, makes a mistake in this book--which humanizes her and makes her even more lovable. And Eanrin. *dreamy sigh* Nidawi the Everblooming is both hilarious and terrifying! I have never seen anything like her in fiction, that's for sure. Many other fascinating fey creatures make an appearance, adding to the story's fantastical ambiance.
Lionheart finally begins to prove his courage, and Felix . . . is very much himself. So much fun to see characters from the early books as well as a few from more recent tales!
I pray that God will use this novel to touch lives with His love, grace, and purpose. Following His paths is often confusing and frustrating, for He is never obliged to explain Himself. Our part, like Lionheart's, is to trust and obey even when no obvious path is laid before us. Our part, like Daylily's, is to be real, to reveal our imperfections in order to better display God's grace and strength through our weaknesses. Our part, like the baroness's, is to love simply and without reservation. I could go on and on, but I believe I shall stop here.
Read it and see what you discover about yourself in Goldstone Wood!
March 26, 2020
I don't read that many time travel centric books, but this one is by far the most brilliant one I've ever read! The way it came together just blew. my. mind.
June 29, 2016
Goldstone Wood is not for the ignorant nor the faint of heart.
If this is your first time entering Goldstone Wood...go and read the first five books of the series first! They will help prepare your mind for the most complex Tale of Goldstone Wood yet by far.
Anne Elisabeth Stengl again weaves a compelling tale of love, sacrifice, courage, despair, darkness, hope, and triumph. Readers will be boggled by the vast and bizarre array of the denizens of the Wood, but even more so, by the way Time is handled. Once again, the author astonishes...first by taking the cold, often cruel, Daylily and the unremarkable Foxbrush as her main characters. But they are not the only characters, oh no. This story might hold the largest cast yet, drawing in beloved figures from all the books and setting them to their own important role.
Mysteries left hanging will be answered. What happened to Lionheart after Moonblood? What is the Cren Cru, really? What happened to Sun Eagle after he vanished into the wood? Did Alistair ever find Mouse? Did the sylph ever get to grant Lionheart a wish? Why do Eanrin and Imraldera seem more distant 1500 years after Starflower than closer?
Oh yes, it gets exciting.
We have no lack of heroes or villains. The Cren Cru is a truly disturbing force. But the complications of each character and the depth they have is incredibly compelling.
It is a dark tale, possibly the darkest in the series yet. There were times when "one didn't want to know the end, because how could the end be happy?" (-Samwise Gamgee) But do not fear, gentle reader! For a new dawn will come, and the sun will shine the brighter!
This is a story of revealment. Showing that even the most simple of people are much more complex than we could think. That who we see a person as is not necessarily who they are. That our true selves are most free in service To The One Who Names Us. That even the part of us we most fear can be transformed by our Prince into something beautiful.
For all fans of Goldstone Wood, here is a tale from Here and There that you cannot miss!!!
For fans just starting out, I'll say it again. The Tales of Goldstone Wood is one of the most unique, complex, and extensive fantasy series I've encountered. You should read them in the order they have been published, though that isn't the chronological order. If not, you could become frustrated and confused. This isn't a series to be irritated by. This is a series to immerse yourself in, to read again and again, and to completely geek over.
July 27, 2017
Note: this is probably a 4.5 star book, but after that ending I couldn't give it less than five. So... here we go.
This was an absolutely beautiful book. It's the sixth Tale of Goldstone Wood, and centers on characters we've previously known and (for me, anyway) disliked- Lionheart's cousin Foxbrush and the Lady Daylily.
There is no way I can really do a book that takes place over such a massive scale justice. But I'll try anyway.
There were some amazing cameos in here- for example, Lionheart made a guest appearance, which made me incredibly happy. His role was much bigger than I had expected, too, and I just squealed every time he showed up. The character Sun Eagle from Starflower showed up too, in a not-so-pleasant role, although it was great to see what had happened to him. The epic character of Felix, Una's little brother, also made an appearance. And no Tale of Goldstone Wood would be complete without the Silent Lady and Bard Eanrin...
The scale of this book is massive, very much like Moonblood, but bigger if that's possible. Characters from dozens of different times are present here. We get characters from Veiled Rose, new Fey characters, Sun Eagle and Imraldera, Eanrin and Felix, and even some characters from Dragonwitch (Namely, Sight-of-Day and Redman....)
While the scale can be incredibly difficult to keep track of and the stakes have never been higher, Aethalbald still showed up, often, and showed as usual just how epic he is. As God figures go, he's one of my favorites.
One complaint i had is just how complicated the book is. There were times when I had no idea what was happening, especially because of the overlapping timelines. But overall it was so incredibly well done that I can forgive those faults.
And that ending was so bittersweet. If you haven't read all six books up to that point you won't get it, but... I almost started crying. Ugh.
Content: a couple of intense scenes. Some blood and scary moments. Violence is higher than Usual in this book, but this is also a darker book than usual in thfor Goldstone Wood series. A couple of incredibly undetailed kisses. Fantasy cussing (Dragon's teeth, Iubdan's beard, dragons eat it, etc.) Almost entirely clean.
Long live King Shadow Hand and his Fiery Fair.
This was an absolutely beautiful book. It's the sixth Tale of Goldstone Wood, and centers on characters we've previously known and (for me, anyway) disliked- Lionheart's cousin Foxbrush and the Lady Daylily.
There is no way I can really do a book that takes place over such a massive scale justice. But I'll try anyway.
There were some amazing cameos in here- for example, Lionheart made a guest appearance, which made me incredibly happy. His role was much bigger than I had expected, too, and I just squealed every time he showed up. The character Sun Eagle from Starflower showed up too, in a not-so-pleasant role, although it was great to see what had happened to him. The epic character of Felix, Una's little brother, also made an appearance. And no Tale of Goldstone Wood would be complete without the Silent Lady and Bard Eanrin...
The scale of this book is massive, very much like Moonblood, but bigger if that's possible. Characters from dozens of different times are present here. We get characters from Veiled Rose, new Fey characters, Sun Eagle and Imraldera, Eanrin and Felix, and even some characters from Dragonwitch (Namely, Sight-of-Day and Redman....)
While the scale can be incredibly difficult to keep track of and the stakes have never been higher, Aethalbald still showed up, often, and showed as usual just how epic he is. As God figures go, he's one of my favorites.
One complaint i had is just how complicated the book is. There were times when I had no idea what was happening, especially because of the overlapping timelines. But overall it was so incredibly well done that I can forgive those faults.
And that ending was so bittersweet. If you haven't read all six books up to that point you won't get it, but... I almost started crying. Ugh.
Content: a couple of intense scenes. Some blood and scary moments. Violence is higher than Usual in this book, but this is also a darker book than usual in thfor Goldstone Wood series. A couple of incredibly undetailed kisses. Fantasy cussing (Dragon's teeth, Iubdan's beard, dragons eat it, etc.) Almost entirely clean.
Long live King Shadow Hand and his Fiery Fair.
March 5, 2014
(slight spoiler alert--review by my tween daughter):
From the start, readers immerse themselves into the deep world of Foxbrush–a shy young man about to marry an enthusiastic young woman. The problem is, Lady Daylily doesn’t love him, and vanishes on their wedding day. From then on it’s a fast-paced adventure to find her in the mysterious Wood, where Foxbrush teams up with his de-throned cousin Lionheart. The two set out on a mission to find the lost maiden, and are forced to battle the Wood’s strange creatures, beasts, and Fairies.
*spoiler* Along the way, they discover a nation-eating parasite and must brace for attack when they are split into different worlds. Meanwhile, Lady Daylily struggles not to disobey the orders of the strange man who is her master. Him being from the Wood, she doesn’t know if she can trust him… but who else is there to trust?
This book is completely satisfying, providing you with a good, long read for your weekend. The characters are so amazing because it’s like the author knows each one and describes them perfectly, entering their worlds and leaving you with a lasting impression of each. And that’s not all! Previous fans of The Tales of Goldstone Wood will be re-united with cherished characters like Prince Felix, Bard Eanrin, Imraldera, and even glimpses of the Prince of Farthestshore. Overall, it’s an amazing book that is so awesome I can’t even explain it’s wonderful contents in three paragraphs; that’s the sign of a book you must read!
From the start, readers immerse themselves into the deep world of Foxbrush–a shy young man about to marry an enthusiastic young woman. The problem is, Lady Daylily doesn’t love him, and vanishes on their wedding day. From then on it’s a fast-paced adventure to find her in the mysterious Wood, where Foxbrush teams up with his de-throned cousin Lionheart. The two set out on a mission to find the lost maiden, and are forced to battle the Wood’s strange creatures, beasts, and Fairies.
*spoiler* Along the way, they discover a nation-eating parasite and must brace for attack when they are split into different worlds. Meanwhile, Lady Daylily struggles not to disobey the orders of the strange man who is her master. Him being from the Wood, she doesn’t know if she can trust him… but who else is there to trust?
This book is completely satisfying, providing you with a good, long read for your weekend. The characters are so amazing because it’s like the author knows each one and describes them perfectly, entering their worlds and leaving you with a lasting impression of each. And that’s not all! Previous fans of The Tales of Goldstone Wood will be re-united with cherished characters like Prince Felix, Bard Eanrin, Imraldera, and even glimpses of the Prince of Farthestshore. Overall, it’s an amazing book that is so awesome I can’t even explain it’s wonderful contents in three paragraphs; that’s the sign of a book you must read!
August 1, 2023
I did not love this installment like I have loved others in this series.
I get what Stengl was doing in this story--she was bringing the story back around to the "present", catching up all the timelines, which is great, but all of those side plots that were going on are now unfulfilled. For example, . I am familiar with Stengl's books leaving us slightly "unfulfilled" at the end of each one, but I expected more completion of side plots with this book, because I *think* it is the last with these characters. (I plan on reading book 7 soon, so I guess I will find out for sure when I get there.)
Anyway, it is still a good read, but I did not find it as enjoyable and fulfilling as others in the series. The wonderful spiritual themes were there, but not as fleshed out as in other books.
I get what Stengl was doing in this story--she was bringing the story back around to the "present", catching up all the timelines, which is great, but all of those side plots that were going on are now unfulfilled. For example, . I am familiar with Stengl's books leaving us slightly "unfulfilled" at the end of each one, but I expected more completion of side plots with this book, because I *think* it is the last with these characters. (I plan on reading book 7 soon, so I guess I will find out for sure when I get there.)
Anyway, it is still a good read, but I did not find it as enjoyable and fulfilling as others in the series. The wonderful spiritual themes were there, but not as fleshed out as in other books.
January 4, 2015
This book.
This book.
THIS BOOK.
It was so wonderful that I might actually cry.
*chokes on feels*
I don't even understand how Anne Stengl can keep on writing such frabjousness.
AND THE CHARACTERS, THOUGH.
The Tales of Goldstone Wood just keep on getting better and better.
I don't know how much longer I can wait for Golden Daughter.
(I am so bad at writing reviews.)
This book.
THIS BOOK.
It was so wonderful that I might actually cry.
*chokes on feels*
I don't even understand how Anne Stengl can keep on writing such frabjousness.
AND THE CHARACTERS, THOUGH.
The Tales of Goldstone Wood just keep on getting better and better.
I don't know how much longer I can wait for Golden Daughter.
(I am so bad at writing reviews.)
June 27, 2016
Anne Elisabeth Stengl has become my go-to author for when I want to read a story that is absorbing and fun while also being meaningful and thought-provoking. In Shadow Hand she's at the top of her form - I thought the story was on a par with the standouts of the Goldstone Wood series so far, Moonblood and Starflower.
In this story, we return once again to the cast of characters from the first three novels. Feckless Prince Foxbrush makes the mistake of avowing his love to the haughty Lady Daylily on their wedding day - and she responds by fleeing into the Wilderland, where she's immediately captured by a mysterious life-sucking entity, the Cru Cren. Foxbrush rushes into the Wilderland to find her, while his cousin Lionheart is left behind to prevent Daylily's father from usurping the now-vacant throne. Prince Felix of Parumvir and old favourites Eanrin and Imraldera make appearances once again to assist our heroes, and there's time travel which brings us in touch again with some important characters from Dragonwitch and Starflower. The result is an immensely entertaining adventure story, laced (as always) with a touch of Christian allegory.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and while I have a huge amount of respect for Stengl as an author, there were a couple of aspects to this book that made me wonder if I may have some areas of disagreement with her. There were a number of elements that rubbed my nonfeminist fur the wrong way; perhaps these are most clearly exemplified by Foxbrush's character arc, which didn't quite work for me. (Oblique spoilers to follow): In short, I felt what the story needed was an injection of robust and unabashed patriarchy which could have permitted its heroine - who was already established as a very strong character - to be quite incapable for a moment, so that the hero could actually feel like a hero.
Apart from this, I did very much enjoy Shadow Hand. With its spooky villain, its brittle and vulnerable heroine, the rich mythology of its world, and the clever way it draws together many hanging threads from the previous books in the series, it was both imaginatively satisfying and deeply absorbing.
In this story, we return once again to the cast of characters from the first three novels. Feckless Prince Foxbrush makes the mistake of avowing his love to the haughty Lady Daylily on their wedding day - and she responds by fleeing into the Wilderland, where she's immediately captured by a mysterious life-sucking entity, the Cru Cren. Foxbrush rushes into the Wilderland to find her, while his cousin Lionheart is left behind to prevent Daylily's father from usurping the now-vacant throne. Prince Felix of Parumvir and old favourites Eanrin and Imraldera make appearances once again to assist our heroes, and there's time travel which brings us in touch again with some important characters from Dragonwitch and Starflower. The result is an immensely entertaining adventure story, laced (as always) with a touch of Christian allegory.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and while I have a huge amount of respect for Stengl as an author, there were a couple of aspects to this book that made me wonder if I may have some areas of disagreement with her. There were a number of elements that rubbed my nonfeminist fur the wrong way; perhaps these are most clearly exemplified by Foxbrush's character arc, which didn't quite work for me. (Oblique spoilers to follow): In short, I felt what the story needed was an injection of robust and unabashed patriarchy which could have permitted its heroine - who was already established as a very strong character - to be quite incapable for a moment, so that the hero could actually feel like a hero.
Apart from this, I did very much enjoy Shadow Hand. With its spooky villain, its brittle and vulnerable heroine, the rich mythology of its world, and the clever way it draws together many hanging threads from the previous books in the series, it was both imaginatively satisfying and deeply absorbing.
May 9, 2014
Shadow Hand is the latest in the Tales of Goldstone Wood fantasy series, and one of the most exciting yet. It could be read as a stand alone, but having read the other books in the series will definitely benefit the reader as it follows a number of the characters introduced in earlier books (I'd recommend reading the series in publishing order).
Shadow Hand focuses on two characters introduced earlier in the series - Lady Daylily of Middlecrescent, daughter of the ambitious Baron of Middlecrescent; and Prince Foxbrush, a rather bumbling and cowardly young man recently made the heir to the highest position in the Southlands (the Eldest) when his cousin Lionheart was disowned and dispossessed. It also reveals who the mysterious "Shadow Hand" - who was mentioned earlier in the series as an important historical figure of the Southlands, who "gave his own two hands" to save his land - is, and the story itself leaves you guessing throughout on who Shadow Hand will be.
The story begins with Daylily running away from the Southlands and into the faerie Woods Between on her wedding day, which kicks off the story, leading Foxbrush to completely leave his comfort zone of logic and books and try to find her, leading to a time-bending adventure.
My favorite protagonist was Daylily (though her mother, the Baroness, was an absolutely hilarious character!), and Foxbrush was interesting as well, seeing him develop through the book. We also get to see more of Dame Imraldera and Eanrin who have played a large role throughout the series as Knights of Farthestshore. Lionheart - now a Knight in training - also makes an appearance, as does Felix (Una's brother from book one) who I'm hoping will continue to have his story told.
The main antagonist of the book is the powerful, and very creepy faerie parasite Cren Cru that readers of Dragonwitch will recognize, and we get to learn more about who/what Cren Cru is and where it came from.
Shadow Hand was a very exciting addition to the series by Stengl, and I can't wait for the next book (Golden Daughter) in November!
Shadow Hand focuses on two characters introduced earlier in the series - Lady Daylily of Middlecrescent, daughter of the ambitious Baron of Middlecrescent; and Prince Foxbrush, a rather bumbling and cowardly young man recently made the heir to the highest position in the Southlands (the Eldest) when his cousin Lionheart was disowned and dispossessed. It also reveals who the mysterious "Shadow Hand" - who was mentioned earlier in the series as an important historical figure of the Southlands, who "gave his own two hands" to save his land - is, and the story itself leaves you guessing throughout on who Shadow Hand will be.
The story begins with Daylily running away from the Southlands and into the faerie Woods Between on her wedding day, which kicks off the story, leading Foxbrush to completely leave his comfort zone of logic and books and try to find her, leading to a time-bending adventure.
My favorite protagonist was Daylily (though her mother, the Baroness, was an absolutely hilarious character!), and Foxbrush was interesting as well, seeing him develop through the book. We also get to see more of Dame Imraldera and Eanrin who have played a large role throughout the series as Knights of Farthestshore. Lionheart - now a Knight in training - also makes an appearance, as does Felix (Una's brother from book one) who I'm hoping will continue to have his story told.
The main antagonist of the book is the powerful, and very creepy faerie parasite Cren Cru that readers of Dragonwitch will recognize, and we get to learn more about who/what Cren Cru is and where it came from.
Shadow Hand was a very exciting addition to the series by Stengl, and I can't wait for the next book (Golden Daughter) in November!
May 26, 2016
More of the highest quality from Stengl. This one is a bit like age matured wine-- it is better if you have read the previous books. This book does a great job of setting up many mysteries wanting answers, including, "what in the world is Shadow Hand?" In this one, you have to keep your sorry thread straight. It's very ambitious to jump back and forth between characters, but the complex plot is worth staying with.
I wish the cover had 5 characters on it. There are at least 2 main characters: Foxbrush is a young man who has been a little primped and pampered. He is taking through the suffering and trials that only the most sophisticated fairies can provide in the depths of the Goldstone Wood.
Daylily (the one on the cover) goes through some very challenging trials having to do with wolves taking over your head and controlling you for a time until the true daylily can be manifested. She's way more of a feisty fireball than the cover suggests.
Lark is a younger girl who has grown up tough as nails and knows how to deal with fairies, but is a victim of some really deep evil stuff. She teaches Foxbrush much in the way of common sense how to deal with agriculture profitably through insect pollination. Her bravery humbles him and teaches him. Her encounter with the Prince is precious!
Eanrin, Leo the Lionheart, Starflower, and many of the side characters from their books reappear and much is explained.
This book resolves into a powerful and satisfying ending with some great action twists. We finally find out how the Southlands, which have been devastated by Dragon poison can be redeemed. The book has excellent power to encourage Christian character for single young men and women who perhaps have not yet found a spouse. The way that the "romance" resolves is Exceptional, as I have begun to expect from the author.
I had to read this in 15 minute segments, it is a testimony to its quality that I could dive in at any point and find it intriguing.
I wish the cover had 5 characters on it. There are at least 2 main characters: Foxbrush is a young man who has been a little primped and pampered. He is taking through the suffering and trials that only the most sophisticated fairies can provide in the depths of the Goldstone Wood.
Daylily (the one on the cover) goes through some very challenging trials having to do with wolves taking over your head and controlling you for a time until the true daylily can be manifested. She's way more of a feisty fireball than the cover suggests.
Lark is a younger girl who has grown up tough as nails and knows how to deal with fairies, but is a victim of some really deep evil stuff. She teaches Foxbrush much in the way of common sense how to deal with agriculture profitably through insect pollination. Her bravery humbles him and teaches him. Her encounter with the Prince is precious!
Eanrin, Leo the Lionheart, Starflower, and many of the side characters from their books reappear and much is explained.
This book resolves into a powerful and satisfying ending with some great action twists. We finally find out how the Southlands, which have been devastated by Dragon poison can be redeemed. The book has excellent power to encourage Christian character for single young men and women who perhaps have not yet found a spouse. The way that the "romance" resolves is Exceptional, as I have begun to expect from the author.
I had to read this in 15 minute segments, it is a testimony to its quality that I could dive in at any point and find it intriguing.
October 23, 2014
The sixth book in the Tales of Goldstone Wood. And it does not disappoint!
The main story follows Lady Daylily as she flees into the forest on her wedding day. Then we have Lionheart who returns to make peace with his father, and he attempts to go after Daylily, but that is not the Path for him. Then there is Daylily's betrothed, Foxbrush, who plunges into the wild forest of faerie and magic to rescue her. Unfortunately, the only thing he knows about the forest and faerie is from nursery rhymes, which he is about to get a rude awakening. And we have Eanrin and Imraldera and Sun Eagle, remember him? Well, that's about all I can say about their storyline without giving too much away. Ms. Stengl does an incredible job weaving together all these different threads into a grand climax with a bit of time travel thrown into the mix. It felt similar in style to Starflower with the switching between the story threads, the wildness of the forest, and the fascinating beings we meet within.
It is a beautiful story that brought tears to my eyes, and as I'm tagging along with the characters, I so wished I could be right there with them, living such an adventure with honor and redemption and love. I love that it isn't always the most handsome, the most popular, or the strongest that saves the day, or that it is only one person, but rather several working together. It is also a bittersweet story, and I'm left wondering what will happen next.
I can't wait for the next adventure!
*I received a copy from the publisher for my review*
The main story follows Lady Daylily as she flees into the forest on her wedding day. Then we have Lionheart who returns to make peace with his father, and he attempts to go after Daylily, but that is not the Path for him. Then there is Daylily's betrothed, Foxbrush, who plunges into the wild forest of faerie and magic to rescue her. Unfortunately, the only thing he knows about the forest and faerie is from nursery rhymes, which he is about to get a rude awakening. And we have Eanrin and Imraldera and Sun Eagle, remember him? Well, that's about all I can say about their storyline without giving too much away. Ms. Stengl does an incredible job weaving together all these different threads into a grand climax with a bit of time travel thrown into the mix. It felt similar in style to Starflower with the switching between the story threads, the wildness of the forest, and the fascinating beings we meet within.
It is a beautiful story that brought tears to my eyes, and as I'm tagging along with the characters, I so wished I could be right there with them, living such an adventure with honor and redemption and love. I love that it isn't always the most handsome, the most popular, or the strongest that saves the day, or that it is only one person, but rather several working together. It is also a bittersweet story, and I'm left wondering what will happen next.
I can't wait for the next adventure!
*I received a copy from the publisher for my review*
February 23, 2014
In Shadow hand, Anne Elisabeth transports you back to the Goldstone Wood for another adventure into the twists and turns of time, with fairies, kings and knights. Shadow hand is the story of Prince Foxbrush and Lady Daylily. Lady Daylily is not thrilled with the betrothal to Prince Foxbrush, when it's his cousin Prince Lionheart that her heart belongs to. So, in that she flees on her wedding day to the dangerous Wildlands. The unlikely hero Prince Foxbrush pursues her in an effort to save the one he loves and his fate takes over leading him to his fate.
As the sixth book in the series, you would think that as a reader coming into the series late you wouldn't be able to follow along, however like the stories before all of the Tales of Goldstone Wood Shadow hand is written where it stands alone as a story. I have only read the predecessor Dragonwitch thus far and I was able to enjoy this story without tapping into that knowledge. For those of you whom have never read the work of Anne Elisabeth Stengl, she writes with an almost song like verse that is a joy to read. The storylines intertwine and by the end of the story everything concludes, but you are definitely left wanting more. I definitely enjoyed the story and hope to read more from the Tales of the Goldstone Wood very shortly.
Disclosure: I got this book for free from Bethany house to review, all opinions are 100% my own.
As the sixth book in the series, you would think that as a reader coming into the series late you wouldn't be able to follow along, however like the stories before all of the Tales of Goldstone Wood Shadow hand is written where it stands alone as a story. I have only read the predecessor Dragonwitch thus far and I was able to enjoy this story without tapping into that knowledge. For those of you whom have never read the work of Anne Elisabeth Stengl, she writes with an almost song like verse that is a joy to read. The storylines intertwine and by the end of the story everything concludes, but you are definitely left wanting more. I definitely enjoyed the story and hope to read more from the Tales of the Goldstone Wood very shortly.
Disclosure: I got this book for free from Bethany house to review, all opinions are 100% my own.
March 10, 2014
Wow I am always amazed at how Anne Elisabeth Stengl can weave a tale and Shadow Hand is no exception!
It took me a little bit to originally get into this novel because I felt confused and wanted answers right then and there! Who was the mystery voice? What has happened to Daylily? To Foxbrush? Leo? So many questions and not enough answers which of course led to many late nights of reading to see what would happen!
I was so grateful that I was finally able to get all of Daylily and Foxbrush's story! It was heart-wrenching in many ways, but the power of love was so amazing! I cried at the power of the end of this novel! I would give examples, but I wouldn't even do it justice!
This is definitely a must read because it a powerful story of character growth with of course awesome Faire beasts and more! However I do strongly recommend reading the books previously in this series! Shadow hand could be read as a stand alone, but I think knowing the history of the characters make their testimonies that much more touching!
I give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars for (as always) the beautiful message that Anne gives to readers! The name Shadow Hand is such a perfect name for this story about blood, love, and sacrifice!
*I received this novel for free from the author in exchange for an honest review! I was not required to write a positive review! All thoughts expressed are my own!*
It took me a little bit to originally get into this novel because I felt confused and wanted answers right then and there! Who was the mystery voice? What has happened to Daylily? To Foxbrush? Leo? So many questions and not enough answers which of course led to many late nights of reading to see what would happen!
I was so grateful that I was finally able to get all of Daylily and Foxbrush's story! It was heart-wrenching in many ways, but the power of love was so amazing! I cried at the power of the end of this novel! I would give examples, but I wouldn't even do it justice!
This is definitely a must read because it a powerful story of character growth with of course awesome Faire beasts and more! However I do strongly recommend reading the books previously in this series! Shadow hand could be read as a stand alone, but I think knowing the history of the characters make their testimonies that much more touching!
I give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars for (as always) the beautiful message that Anne gives to readers! The name Shadow Hand is such a perfect name for this story about blood, love, and sacrifice!
*I received this novel for free from the author in exchange for an honest review! I was not required to write a positive review! All thoughts expressed are my own!*
July 24, 2023
By this point, if Eanrin and Imraldera are in it, I'm giving it an automatic five stars.
Jokes aside, this was marvelous, as you are probably used to hearing me say about this series by now. Some parts made me stop reading from shock. I can't even gather my thoughts up properly even now, I only know that I loved it.
This is probably one of the best romance books I've read, in more ways than one. Daylily and Foxbrush's individual struggles that tie in with each other is just literary perfection. Lionheart's perseverance to keep doing the right thing even when he can't hear the voice is epic. Seeing Imraldera confused makes you relate to her and love her even more. And Eanrin's still Eanrin. <33 XD
The cover is beautiful, too.
Jokes aside, this was marvelous, as you are probably used to hearing me say about this series by now. Some parts made me stop reading from shock. I can't even gather my thoughts up properly even now, I only know that I loved it.
This is probably one of the best romance books I've read, in more ways than one. Daylily and Foxbrush's individual struggles that tie in with each other is just literary perfection. Lionheart's perseverance to keep doing the right thing even when he can't hear the voice is epic. Seeing Imraldera confused makes you relate to her and love her even more. And Eanrin's still Eanrin. <33 XD
The cover is beautiful, too.
March 9, 2014
WOW! Wow! Wow!
What an amazing contribution to the Tales of Goldstone Wood Series!!
This book totally blew all my expectations though the roof!
So many things came to light for the series.
Any fan of AE Stengl will definitely not want to miss Shadow Hand.
Once again the author has swept me away to a fantastical world full of breath-taking sites and unforgettable characters.
This series has certainly been a fun journey.
Though this story may be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the other books in the series to enjoy the full effect!
A 2014 Fave Read!!!
What an amazing contribution to the Tales of Goldstone Wood Series!!
This book totally blew all my expectations though the roof!
So many things came to light for the series.
Any fan of AE Stengl will definitely not want to miss Shadow Hand.
Once again the author has swept me away to a fantastical world full of breath-taking sites and unforgettable characters.
This series has certainly been a fun journey.
Though this story may be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the other books in the series to enjoy the full effect!
A 2014 Fave Read!!!
February 26, 2014
Anne Elisabeth Stengl has once again brought Goldstone Wood to life. I wish I had the words to convey how deeply her writing touches my heart. We have met the characters in previous books, but in Shadowhand we watch them as they confront their true selves and thrive. Highly Recommend!
March 25, 2014
Let me start off by saying that this is the 6th book in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series. **Please do not start with this book!** I absolutely adore this series, so I DO recommend you read them, just in order. I can't imagine the confusion you'd feel if you started in this book! I've read them all, and I was still a little confused at times. I think that means I need to take a month off, and reread all of these books! ;)
In Shadow Hand, Daylily and Foxbrush take center stage. (Lionheart and Felix also make return appearances with secondary parts.) Daylily flees into the forest on her wedding day, and Foxbrush goes to her rescue. Really, if you've read this series, that's all you need to know to imagine the adventurous possibilities that await and be excited about it!
The books within this series have taken us back and forth through time. Shadow Hand also takes us back and forth, but in present time, it's the newest story on the timeline. Especially when it comes to Eanrin, I found myself very confused (as far as his blindness goes). It took awhile for him to show up in the story, but once him and Imraldera made their appearances, my heart did a little leap of joy. A couple of new characters even won my heart in this book, too. Nadawi is a character that used every bit of my imaginative abilities to "see". And, the Baroness of Middlecrescent proved to have many layers beneath her "airiness".
Shadow Hand is a sad and dark story, and it even felt creepy to me at times. (From the beginning, it's made clear the story revolves around blood and love.) It may have been the fact that I was up late one night reading, hoping to finish. I'm finally learning that with these books, I won't be able to devour them. They are complicated books that take every moment of my concentration. I can't read these books with chaos in the background, and there is always chaos with children. I WANTED to devour this book! I was hooked every single moment. There's a bit of mystery and I wanted to know what was happening. I celebrated my little moments of quiet with this book, and reread many parts to make sure I was understanding. There's so many little details and secrets that I could reread and reread and still find new discoveries. The stories and characters that have been entwined together is pure brilliance.
Part of the ending was beautiful. As I've come to expect and admire with Anne Elisabeth's writing, it wasn't a perfect "happily ever after". The other part of the ending left me sad and disappointed. I wanted to change it! I'm holding out hope, though, since I know there's another book coming soon, although not soon enough for my tastes! ;)
Needless to say, but I loved it! I can't wait until I have the next book in my hands. I may just have to arrange for a sitter, so I CAN devour the next story.
*I was provided a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
In Shadow Hand, Daylily and Foxbrush take center stage. (Lionheart and Felix also make return appearances with secondary parts.) Daylily flees into the forest on her wedding day, and Foxbrush goes to her rescue. Really, if you've read this series, that's all you need to know to imagine the adventurous possibilities that await and be excited about it!
The books within this series have taken us back and forth through time. Shadow Hand also takes us back and forth, but in present time, it's the newest story on the timeline. Especially when it comes to Eanrin, I found myself very confused (as far as his blindness goes). It took awhile for him to show up in the story, but once him and Imraldera made their appearances, my heart did a little leap of joy. A couple of new characters even won my heart in this book, too. Nadawi is a character that used every bit of my imaginative abilities to "see". And, the Baroness of Middlecrescent proved to have many layers beneath her "airiness".
Shadow Hand is a sad and dark story, and it even felt creepy to me at times. (From the beginning, it's made clear the story revolves around blood and love.) It may have been the fact that I was up late one night reading, hoping to finish. I'm finally learning that with these books, I won't be able to devour them. They are complicated books that take every moment of my concentration. I can't read these books with chaos in the background, and there is always chaos with children. I WANTED to devour this book! I was hooked every single moment. There's a bit of mystery and I wanted to know what was happening. I celebrated my little moments of quiet with this book, and reread many parts to make sure I was understanding. There's so many little details and secrets that I could reread and reread and still find new discoveries. The stories and characters that have been entwined together is pure brilliance.
Part of the ending was beautiful. As I've come to expect and admire with Anne Elisabeth's writing, it wasn't a perfect "happily ever after". The other part of the ending left me sad and disappointed. I wanted to change it! I'm holding out hope, though, since I know there's another book coming soon, although not soon enough for my tastes! ;)
Needless to say, but I loved it! I can't wait until I have the next book in my hands. I may just have to arrange for a sitter, so I CAN devour the next story.
*I was provided a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 15, 2014
"But dark the tithe they pay, my son, to safely dwell beneath that sun!"
I'll admit it took me a while to get into the flow of SHADOW HAND, Anne Elisabeth Stengl's newest Tale. (Some of that may be due to the fact that I read it during the busiest part of the school year.) I heartily enjoy her stories, but it's tricky sometimes to follow the character arcs and chronology, and since this book danced between the Near World and the Far, I'd have to stop periodically to reorient my brain around the span of the plot and its place in the series. On the whole, however, reading SHADOW HAND was a rewarding experience. Foxbrush and Daylily have never been two of my favorite characters (I lean more towards Lionheart and Rose Red — and now Imraldera and Eanrin), but Stengl gave me reason enough to know and love them as I followed their paths through this novel. I found echoes of myself and my own failings in both, and their redemptions hit very close to home.
It's certainly a much darker story than the ones preceding it, but the fae elements enhance and improve the plot to the extent that it would be flat without them. Stengl has a talent for bringing life to every one of her characters, especially the evil forces, making their respective demises that much more difficult to bring about and overall more impactful for the reader. We see the enigmatic Bronze work its way through some of our favorite characters and clench our teeth as we wonder how the light can ultimately overcome the dark. I read the last hundred pages in one sitting, and I will probably be reading them again in the near future.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
I'll admit it took me a while to get into the flow of SHADOW HAND, Anne Elisabeth Stengl's newest Tale. (Some of that may be due to the fact that I read it during the busiest part of the school year.) I heartily enjoy her stories, but it's tricky sometimes to follow the character arcs and chronology, and since this book danced between the Near World and the Far, I'd have to stop periodically to reorient my brain around the span of the plot and its place in the series. On the whole, however, reading SHADOW HAND was a rewarding experience. Foxbrush and Daylily have never been two of my favorite characters (I lean more towards Lionheart and Rose Red — and now Imraldera and Eanrin), but Stengl gave me reason enough to know and love them as I followed their paths through this novel. I found echoes of myself and my own failings in both, and their redemptions hit very close to home.
It's certainly a much darker story than the ones preceding it, but the fae elements enhance and improve the plot to the extent that it would be flat without them. Stengl has a talent for bringing life to every one of her characters, especially the evil forces, making their respective demises that much more difficult to bring about and overall more impactful for the reader. We see the enigmatic Bronze work its way through some of our favorite characters and clench our teeth as we wonder how the light can ultimately overcome the dark. I read the last hundred pages in one sitting, and I will probably be reading them again in the near future.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.
March 22, 2016
I was so happy when I finally received this book in the mail! I’ve been anxiously awaiting it ever since I finished Dragonwitch, and I totally admit it was mostly because I’m simply dying to find out what happens to Eanrin and Imraldera. Did I find out what happened to them? Well…sort of. Not really. Oh, don’t get me wrong- they’re in it. But this novel is rather timey-wimey, which is both a blessing and a curse ;)
I was really surprised how much I ended up liking Foxbrush- there was much more to him than at first meets the eye. I can’t say I ever fully warmed to Daylily, and I did miss Rose Red. (There are so many things I want to happen soooo badly in these books. I’m just getting rather impatient.) But when I found out who the characters in the Southlands jungle were, I almost squealed. These books sometimes make me a little fangirlish… ;) I don’t think I enjoyed Shadow Hand as much as Starflower or Dragonwitch and sometimes I felt a little confused, although most of that confusion certainly started making sense near the end of the book. Still, Shadow Hand some very particularly good bits, and I’m more excited than ever for the next book in the series!
However, one thing I cannot stress enough: my friends, read this series in order. It took me at least three books to grasp the world of Goldstone Wood, and even then, I still get confused a lot. So if you haven’t read the other books in this series, I HIGHLY recommend starting at the beginning. You’ll thank me later. :)
I received this book free from charge from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I was really surprised how much I ended up liking Foxbrush- there was much more to him than at first meets the eye. I can’t say I ever fully warmed to Daylily, and I did miss Rose Red. (There are so many things I want to happen soooo badly in these books. I’m just getting rather impatient.) But when I found out who the characters in the Southlands jungle were, I almost squealed. These books sometimes make me a little fangirlish… ;) I don’t think I enjoyed Shadow Hand as much as Starflower or Dragonwitch and sometimes I felt a little confused, although most of that confusion certainly started making sense near the end of the book. Still, Shadow Hand some very particularly good bits, and I’m more excited than ever for the next book in the series!
However, one thing I cannot stress enough: my friends, read this series in order. It took me at least three books to grasp the world of Goldstone Wood, and even then, I still get confused a lot. So if you haven’t read the other books in this series, I HIGHLY recommend starting at the beginning. You’ll thank me later. :)
I received this book free from charge from the author in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2014
Another home run by Anne Elisabeth Stengl! She comes in second only to C. S. Lewis as a fantasy writer in my opinion. I love her humor, I love the characters, and I love the world she's created. I also love how there is so much depth to her novels, but not every one is explicitly Christian or obviously an allegory. I think it's utterly marvelous that she's been able in her early books (well - in all of the books) to leave parts of stories unfinished, only to come back with a book about a "secondary" character and in the process slowly fill in the spaces left incomplete in the earlier novels. There are all sorts of questions I still want answered - I finish every book thoroughly excited about the next one! I don't think I will ever tire of the characters and world of Goldstone Wood. "Shadowhand" was no exception. Did I ever dream she would write an entire book about Daylily and Foxbrush, of all people? I did not, but I loved it just the same. I never even saw it coming - the way she ties in past "fairy tales" with present day people fulfilling their destinies can be amazing! I was also so blown away by how she tied in characters I never thought to see again! (*Spoiler Alert* And can I just say how thoroughly gratified I was when Eanrin finally said something about his feelings to Imraldera?) All in all, I have recommended these books to all of my friends, and I recommend them to you too, reader! :) Thanks so much to bookfun.org for the opportunity to read and review this marvelous book!
May 22, 2021
2021: My husband and I finished our read-aloud of this book, and I have to admit that reading each book one after the other is definitely helpful for catching nods to other stories that I would otherwise have missed. It's interesting that Dragonwitch resonated more with me than Shadow Hand this time around, since that was exactly reversed the first time that I read them.
2014: I finally finished Shadow Hand, and my sluggish pace certainly was NOT due to the book content; I just didn’t have time to clap my eyes on the page very often. I loved that this installment of the Tales from Goldstone Wood drew heavily from the darker myths, particularly from the Irish myth of Crom Cruach (which corresponds quite well with Cren Cru in the novel). If you thought Irish mythology was only full of twinkly, craggy-faced old men and friendly leprachauns, you are very wrong: Crom Cruach is one of the most terrifying stories out there, in my opinion, and I suppose it’s fitting, then, that this book was by far the creepiest of Stengl’s novels to date, at least to me. There were quite a few other touches of mythology I enjoyed, and it was wonderful (as always) to come back to characters from previous books and learn what happened to them. At the same time, I was slow to warm up to the main characters, and while I did enjoy the book immensely, I have to admit Starflower is still my favorite of the series…so far.
2014: I finally finished Shadow Hand, and my sluggish pace certainly was NOT due to the book content; I just didn’t have time to clap my eyes on the page very often. I loved that this installment of the Tales from Goldstone Wood drew heavily from the darker myths, particularly from the Irish myth of Crom Cruach (which corresponds quite well with Cren Cru in the novel). If you thought Irish mythology was only full of twinkly, craggy-faced old men and friendly leprachauns, you are very wrong: Crom Cruach is one of the most terrifying stories out there, in my opinion, and I suppose it’s fitting, then, that this book was by far the creepiest of Stengl’s novels to date, at least to me. There were quite a few other touches of mythology I enjoyed, and it was wonderful (as always) to come back to characters from previous books and learn what happened to them. At the same time, I was slow to warm up to the main characters, and while I did enjoy the book immensely, I have to admit Starflower is still my favorite of the series…so far.
March 14, 2014
Imaginative and Descriptive
This book is a carefully woven story set in the magical Goldstone Wood. This was my first venture into this fantasy land, but followers of the tales coming from this author will be familiar with the surroundings and characters. It is a story that takes your total concentration as the characters are not anything you are familiar with and the story line is intricate and weaving. I thoroughly enjoyed taking time to read this as there are many subtle life lessons interwoven in the characters’ experiences. The author’s imagination and descriptive details paint wonderful images in your mind. Surprises meet you around every corner and there were times I would go back to re-read a section to get the total layout in my mind of what was happening. I recommend this book to anyone looking for some gripping adventure, even if you don’t usually read fantasy genre. Now I will have to go back and read earlier stories from this author and Goldstone Wood!
I received this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a carefully woven story set in the magical Goldstone Wood. This was my first venture into this fantasy land, but followers of the tales coming from this author will be familiar with the surroundings and characters. It is a story that takes your total concentration as the characters are not anything you are familiar with and the story line is intricate and weaving. I thoroughly enjoyed taking time to read this as there are many subtle life lessons interwoven in the characters’ experiences. The author’s imagination and descriptive details paint wonderful images in your mind. Surprises meet you around every corner and there were times I would go back to re-read a section to get the total layout in my mind of what was happening. I recommend this book to anyone looking for some gripping adventure, even if you don’t usually read fantasy genre. Now I will have to go back and read earlier stories from this author and Goldstone Wood!
I received this book from Bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review.
June 9, 2014
4.5 Stars
The world of Goldstone world only becomes more complex and wondrous with every book. In Shadow Hand, we meet so many characters and learn so many secrets of the South Lands that it is nearly too many to take in. Which makes it seem all the more real and adventurous. At first, I struggled to understand what was going on with Daylily and the Bronze, but once I figured it out, I was completely taken with the story.
Shadow Hand follows the paths of Daylily and Foxbrush. It also brings back the paths of Lionheart, Sun Eagle (!), and our favorite bard Eanrin. Were many novels with the many POVs can feel overloaded, Anne Elisabeth manages to make it all fit together like a masterful puzzle.
As I said, I did struggle at first with Daylily's story because I could not make sense of what was happening to her. But once I did, it was more than worth it.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The world of Goldstone world only becomes more complex and wondrous with every book. In Shadow Hand, we meet so many characters and learn so many secrets of the South Lands that it is nearly too many to take in. Which makes it seem all the more real and adventurous. At first, I struggled to understand what was going on with Daylily and the Bronze, but once I figured it out, I was completely taken with the story.
Shadow Hand follows the paths of Daylily and Foxbrush. It also brings back the paths of Lionheart, Sun Eagle (!), and our favorite bard Eanrin. Were many novels with the many POVs can feel overloaded, Anne Elisabeth manages to make it all fit together like a masterful puzzle.
As I said, I did struggle at first with Daylily's story because I could not make sense of what was happening to her. But once I did, it was more than worth it.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2018
First time around - 4 star
Second - 3.5
I found what I'd disliked on the first go less disagreeable this round but things I'd overlooked before completely peeved me this time ... still not actually bad when put all together. The humor was as rich as ever.
Second - 3.5
I found what I'd disliked on the first go less disagreeable this round but things I'd overlooked before completely peeved me this time ... still not actually bad when put all together. The humor was as rich as ever.
May 11, 2015
This book is incredible. If I could I would give it six stars.
June 15, 2018
Another amazing adventure loaded with action!
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