The Crouching Shadow

Golden Daughter #1

by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Sairu is dainty, delicate, demure . . . and deadly. As one of the emperor’s Golden Daughters, her skills have been honed to knife-like sharpness in readiness for her eventual sale to some faceless bridegroom, whom she will serve and protect for the rest of her life.

But when the priests of Hulan seek special protection for one of their sacred Dream Walkers, Sairu eagerly forgoes marriage and takes on this unique role instead. Rather than a bride, she becomes a handmaiden to the mysterious and powerful Lady Hariawan, guarding her through a long journey across the empire to safety and seclusion in a remote mountain temple.

Little does Sairu guess the dangers stalking Lady Hariawan’s footsteps—shadows crouching at every corner, demons haunting beyond the edge of dreams. For the Dragon has seen the power of this Dream Walker . . . and he has plans for her.

Genres: Fantasy, Christian, Dragons, Novella, Epic, Christian Fantasy

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2016

About the author

Anne 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.

Reviews

[H.S.J. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Golden Daughter was first released as large novel, which I utterly devoured.

I am beyond THRILLED to see this new 4-part Kindle edition of Golden Daughter complete with gorgeous new covers, fantastic map, and great price deal!

Fans of epic fantasy, do NOT pass this up, please! While this is part of a vast series, the book stands well as an entrance into the world of Goldstone Wood, taking place in the Oriental-influnced part of the mortal world and the fey realms surrounding it. Once you start here.....you will not be able to stop. It's. That. Good.

[Cela Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! (Golden Daughter is not a true series, but a single story of adventure and suspense split into four volumes, similar to The Lord of the Rings.) As a relative newcomer to Goldstone Wood, I didn't have any expectations about which characters I hoped to read about when I started it, so unlike some reviewers I didn't miss anyone. Instead, I loved Sairu and the rest, and the first time I read it I could hardly put it down because I wanted to find out what would happen to all of them. The stakes are high - not just individual lives, but the fate of entire nations. This is a great read; whether or not you are familiar with Goldstone Wood, this story stands alone and I highly recommend it.

[Jemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I remember why I love the Tales of Goldstone Wood.
The prose is beautiful and often amusing. The characters are interesting and likable.
The story draws you in and won't let go.
Another thing I love about A E Stengl's writing is the tantalizing hints at other, intriguing, stories

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure, part 1!

[LaShunda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting adventure!

I have loved the entire series for many years but am just getting to read these last four installments and this one did not disappoint. A new extension to the forest a fabulous heroine and the return of an old enemy, who will I'm sure be defeated yet again. I love it! It's been on my to read list for a bit and I am super thrilled to be reading it now. A very good read!

[Anna Catherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginnings of Anne Elisabeth Stengl's books, while fascinating, are not their strong point. The Crouching Shadow is good, but a bit confusing, as usual.

I will be updating this review later, after finishing the rest of Golden Daughter. As of right now, I find it a promising beginning to the longest Tale yet.