Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Song Stuck on the Brain: We Believe by The Newsboys

 

 

Dragonwitch

(Tales of Goldstone Wood Book #5)

 

by

 

Anne Elisabeth Stengl

 

 

 

MY TAKE:

 

Tales of Goldstone Wood is probably one of the most complex fantasy series I've ever read, and I love it. I was fortunate enough to catch it from the beginning and started with book 1, Heartless. I was pretty much hooked from there. If you enjoy this genre, then be prepared to fall in love. I will warn you though, it's an involved story with a large cast, various lands, and cultures that weave throughout all the tales. It's fantastic! But be sure you start at the beginning.

 

Dragonwitch is book #5 and although I enjoyed it, this one did feel a little darker and heavier in nature than the others. That doesn't keep me from recommending it, but be aware that it's a little more intense.

 

There is always a deeper message beneath the surface, one that stays with you and makes you think long after the last page, but never hinders the flow of the action.  Lady Leta and Lord Alistair's journey is a great example of a story that captivates your mind while reading and your thought for days after.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 

An Ancient Evil

Long ago, Etanun buried his sword in the depths of the Netherworld then vanished from all known history. One day, it is said, his heir will find the sword, and the Dragonwitch, firstborn of the Dragon King, will be finally slain.

 

A Desperate Hope

These stories are no more than nursery rhymes. In a world of cold reality, what room is left for fairy tales? Lady Leta of Aiven is pledged to marry a man she does not love . . . sleepless Lord Alistair struggles to unite the stubborn earls of the North Country . . . Mouse is lost, far from home, slaving as a kitchen drudge . . .

 

. . . and the reclusive Chronicler, keeping the records of Gaheris Castle, bears a secret so dangerous it could cost him his life and plunge the North Country into civil war.

An Impossible Journey

But when nursery rhymes begin to come horribly true, will these unlikely heroes find the strength they need to fulfill a prophecy of fire? For the Dragonwitch lives. And she has vowed vengeance on all who have wronged her.

 

Who Will Dare to Face the Dragonwitch?

 

Submissive to her father's will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet the future King of the North Country and a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves. But within the walls of his castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta's tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the entire nation into civil war. And far away in a hidden kingdom, a flame burns atop the Citadel of the Living Fire. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice . . . and for the one person who can wield it.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, NC, 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 Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood and Starflower. Heartless and Veiled Rose have each been honored with a Christy Award, and Starflower was voted winner of the 2013 Clive Staples Award.

 

Books, the best gift you can give!

Happy Monday, everyone. The countdown to Christmas is speeding by faster than I could have imagined. Are you ready or are you doing a little last minute shopping?

I'll admit, I'm one of those that starts shopping in July. By the time Black Friday rolls around, I'm usually done. That doesn't always keep me from doing just a little extra shopping for the fun of it. So whether you're still looking for last minute gifts or if you're shopping just for fun, don't forget that books make a fantastic gift for men and women of ALL ages.
I've reviewed a lot of fantastic new books this year, I hope some of them gave you ideas for gifts. In fact, I hope you take the time to check out the posts again for ideas.

Recently I toured Starflower, the fourth book in the Tales of the Goldstone wood Series by Anne Elisabeth Stengl for the CFBA. Now it's the CSFF's turn to tour the novel.

Never Become Involved in the Affairs of Mortals

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps lovely Lady Gleamdren, Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission . . . and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin finds his path entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her poet rescuer?

Since I've already posted my review HERE, I won't repeat myself, but visit the other tour members links to read their thoughts on this fantastic novel. Maybe you'll find it's the perfect gift for someone you love (including yourself!)

Gillian Adams

Beckie Burnham

Nikole Hahn

Bruce Hennigan

Janeen Ippolito

Carol Keen

Emileigh Latham

Shannon McDermott

Meagan @ Blooming with Books

Rebecca LuElla Miller

Anna Mittower

Rachel Starr Thomson

Robert Treskillard

Steve Trower

Dona Watson

Shane Werlinger

Phyllis Wheeler

CFBA: Starflower by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:   Starflower Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012) by   Anne Elisabeth Stengl



MY TAKE:

The Tales of Goldstone Wood has been an exciting and compelling series, a mixture of fairytale and allegory; light and dark; good vs. evil. A little fantasy and a large dose of imagination. Anne Elisabeth Stengl has brought back the fairy tale as it used to be, not afraid to be dark or challenging. The Grimm's would be proud.

I've reviewed the first 3 books and jumped at the chance to read the newest, Starflower, a prequel. It was so much fun to see characters, like Eanrin the cat, as who they were before the original tales were told. Another fantastic story.

Some might debate whether this book should be read first for those knew to the series. After reading the series, I can see benefits for reading it first even though it was published last, timelines and characters might be clearer. However, for purists who insist on reading in publish order, you'll enjoy the surprises. Either way, you won't regret reading any of the Tales.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.



ABOUT THE BOOK

The Black Dogs Are on the Hunt, But Who Is Their Prey?

When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps fairest Lady Gleamdren, the Bard Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal.

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Starflower, go HERE.

CFBA: Moonblood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:



Moonblood

Bethany House Publishers (April 1, 2012)



by

Anne Elisabeth Stengl

MY TAKE:

Moonblood has been a highly anticipated book for me. I love fairytales and fantasy of all sorts, but the author doesn't write just any old fluff, her stories are meaty and full of deeper meanings. Not quite Grimm Brothers, but so much more than Disney. I love Disney, I think I've seen more princess movies than my nieces, but the Tales of Goldstone Wood series has stood out from the rest with its depth and color. So very alive and three dimensional. My only wish is that I could have read them all back to back rather than waiting between publishing dates. I find that my poor memory has a hard time retaining so many details when I read as much as I do between releases. It all came back as I was reading, but I know it would have been even more incredible if I could have imersed myself in that world from begining to end. Which I will probably do at some point down the road - a long weekend with Anne Elisabeth Stengl and dark chocolate.

For those of you that are new to the series, you have an advantage. Be sure you have all 3 books on hand and dive in.

You can see my reviews for the other books in the series by following the links:

Book 1: Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Book 2: Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Moonblood Draws Near, and Soon the Dragons Will Wake

Desperate to regain the trust of his kingdom, Prince Lionheart reluctantly banishes his faithful servant and only friend, Rose Red. Now she is lost in the hidden realm of Arpiar, held captive by her evil goblin father, King Vahe.

Vowing to redeem himself, Lionheart plunges into the mysterious Goldstone Wood, seeking Rose Red. In strange other worlds, Lionheart must face a lyrical yet lethal tiger, a fallen unicorn, and a goblin horde on his quest to rescue the girl he betrayed.

With the Night of Moonblood fast approaching when King Vahe seeks to wake the Dragon's sleeping children, Lionheart must discover whether or not his heart contains courage before it's too late for Rose Red . . . and all those he loves.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Moonblood, go HERE.

DOWNLOAD BOOK ONE: Heartless on Amazon Kindle for FREE!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him and a gaggle of cats. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

Anne Elisabeth is also the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style.

Heartless wins Christy Award

Buy Heartless on Amazon

Congratulations to Anne Elisabeth Stengl for winning the Christy Award in the First Novel category for Heartless. Way to go!!!

CFBA: Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Song Stuck on the Brain: Something Like You by NSync

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:





Veiled Rose



Bethany House (July 1, 2011)


by


Anne Elisabeth Stengl





MY TAKE:


Veiled Rose has been a highly awaited book for me. Anne's debut novel, Heartless was fantastic and I've been on pins and needles waiting for more. Rose Red is a compelling character and you can't help but feel for the loneliness she experiences. It's her courage and bravery though that make you love her. She and Leo's journey is nothing short of exciting and I couldn't read fast enough. This definitely marks Anne Elisabeth Stengl as a writer to watch (and read!)

You can read my review of Heartless HERE.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

Rose Red trusts no one with her secret. She hides in the forest, her face veiled in rags, shunning the company of all save her old father and her nanny goat. Her life is bleak and lonely.

Until she meets a privileged young man sent to spend his summer in the mountains. Leo, a lonely lad, befriends Rose Red, and together they begin hunting for the Mountain Monster which, rumor says, stalks these lands.

But the hunt which began as a game holds greater risk than Leo supposes. Rose Red can scarcely guess at the consequences should he insist on continuing his search. Dare she trust him with her secret? Or tell him what dwells at the top of the mountain in the cave only she can find?

Above all, when Leo asks Rose Red to leave the mountain and follow him to the low country, dare she agree and risk the wrath of a Monster that is all too real?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Veiled Rose, go HERE.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.

CFBA: Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Song Stuck on the Brain: Heartless by Kris Allen

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing:




HeartlessBethany House (July 1, 2010)




by




Anne Elisabeth Stengl




MY TAKE:

What a fantastic debut! Stengl blew me away with Heartless. Although it's obvious that the story is very allegorical in nature, it was told in a way that didn't throw me out of the story line by it's heavy handedness. Not always an easy thing to do. Prince Aethelbald was an obvious favorite for me from the very first moment his very "stodgy" self appeared. I appreciate a man with his traits. And yet I couldn't help but remember what it felt like to be in Una's head with all her romantic fairytale notions. I'm not sure any of us truly out grow those fantasies, but her journey to understand the worth of true love is a story well worth reading and taking to heart. Especially as it compares to our journey to find Jesus and the true love He offers.

Her representation of evil and dragons were truly unique to me as well. I've never seen dragons represented in quite this form and I applaud her creativity. This book is so worth reading. I adore fantasy, but I really believe that this can be appreciated by those outside the typical fan base.


ABOUT THE BOOK :

Princess Una of Parumvir has come of age and will soon be married. She dreams of a handsome and charming prince, but when the first suitor arrives, she finds him stodgy and boring. Prince Aethelbald from the mysterious land of Farthestshore has traveled far to prove his love--and also to bring hushed warnings of danger. A dragon is rumored to be approaching Parumvir.

Una, smitten instead with a more dashing prince, refuses Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in grave danger. When Una makes the wrong choice, catastrophe ensues for the princess and her family, and love, courage, and trust are needed when darkness engulfs the kingdom.

Only those courageous enough to risk everything have a hope of fighting off this advancing evil.

There are some delightful things and scenes: the Twelve-Year Market that appears in its own good time and sells fairy goods; a clever blind cat who is invariably underfoot and has, of course, a secret!

If you would like to read the first chapter of Heartless, go HERE.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she enjoys her profession as an art teacher, giving private lessons from her personal studio, and teaching group classes at the Apex Learning Center. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. Heartless is her debut novel.