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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A non fantasy reader is won over, July 8, 2011
This review is from: Veiled Rose (Tales of Goldstone Wood) (Paperback)
Why yes, this book is YA fantasy. And why yes, I normally don't touch this stuff. And indeed, last year I said, after reading the first book in this series, even though I enjoyed it I was still a bit iffy about reading more books in the series because it's hard for me to get into fantasy. If you like dragons, fairies, handsome prince, beautiful princesses and magic, you will love this book. Leo is the prince who steals Rose Red's heart. She's a strange girl who lives in the mountains and is heavily veiled so no one can see her face. I loved seeing her evolve with Leo's character though I was saddened when she goes with him to be his servant. Her conversations with her dreams were intense. The whole dragon bit is intense but in a good way. Lots of battle between light and dark there. Even if you haven't read Heartless, you won't be lost at all as there are mostly new characters in this story. However if you have read the first book, it is lovely to see the story from Leonard's point of view when he meets Una. It makes a lot more sense as to why he did what he did then now that we have the whole story. As with the first book, there are allegorical references again in this story. But as I am 1) a bit clueless when it comes to knowing the true meaning and 2) got completely swept up in the story, I actually couldn't tell you exactly what and where these references are from though I'm sure they are probably faith-based. Still, the reader is not going to feel bogged down by this at all. It's wonderfully written and any YA fantasy lover will swoon over this book. The ending of this book broke my heart. Not because it was a bad ending per se, but because I felt so much hurt for Rose Red when she finally reveals herself. Honestly I wanted to cry. I also want to say that the cover of this book is then portrayed wrong. It made have to go back and flip through the pages to see if I had somehow missed something. I do hope that we get to see more of her in future books, I truly loved her character. I honestly want to thank Stengl for writing these simply excellent books. You have made a non fantasy reader read your books. I really do hope that more readers outside of the Christian market find these books. The covers are appealing and the stories are what YA fantasy readers will love. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series now. Next year can't come fast enough for it. HIGHLY recommended.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not all fairy tales end with happily ever after!, July 4, 2011
This review is from: Veiled Rose (Tales of Goldstone Wood) (Paperback)
In fairy tales not all of them end with a happily ever after. Sometimes there are parts of the story we never really get to know. There are people that seem like the supporting character in the story, but once we learn their part of the story, it really does change how we view the story. Leo at only eleven had been told what to do, when to do it and how it should be done. Yet what a boy at eleven really wanted was adventure. Adventure the was best lived outside the fairie tales of books, once that existed in the real world. When he learned that a monster lived in the deepest, darkest woods just outside his home in Hill House, he began in earnest to seek out its secrets despite his overwhelming fear. Armed with a beanpole as a sword given to him by the old gardener on the property and a warning that what he seeks isn't always what it appears, he tries to hold on to bravery as he searches for a path in the darkness of the forest. What he finds there is just an old nanny goat, who scares him more than any monster would. But the goat isn't alone, it belongs to Rose Red, a girl cloaked in rags from head to toe and veils that show only her kindest eyes. Seeking true friendship for both is what unites them and keeps them company during the long, hot days of the summer, until the day Leo mentions hunting the monster once more. When she leads him to the cave where the monster dwells it will lead them both on an unforgettable journey into the lands of legends and fairie tales. In the sequel to the Tales of Goldstone Woods series, Veiled Rose by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, picks up as a prequel of sorts to Heartless. You won't figure it all out until the end, and just when you think you have uncovered the secrets that lay hidden in the darkness, you'll be surprised once more. For those that love fantasy in dealing with dragons, dreams and mythical creatures, like Lord of The Rings Trilogy or the Chronicles of Narnia, then this one is perfect for you. Set amid the hope of romance and love, some things will never be the way we want them to be and for this reason, I loved this book. It's unpredictable in so many ways and thus rates a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Adds Even MORE Depth to Heartless, August 10, 2011
This review is from: Veiled Rose (Tales of Goldstone Wood) (Paperback)
I fell irreversibly in love with Anne Elisabeth Stengl's writing after reading her spectacular debut novel Heartless (which you can find for free digitally - Kindle, Nook, Epub etc. right now). It is without a doubt a five-star read (you'll have to wait for my full review because it is still in a moving box somewhere!). In any case, if you read, and loved Heartless know this. Even though Stengl's first novel stands well on its own without the need of a sequel, Veiled Rose adds even more depth, more characters, and more mystery to the world inhabited by dragons, princesses, princes in exile, and ancient forces of darkness. At first (feel free to call me dense), I couldn't see the connections between the two novels. I was caught up in the splendidly mysterious friendship between a young nobleman named Leo and a mysteriously veiled girl who became his constant companion during an unforgettable childhood summer. Only halfway through our story did the pieces start to fall into place. I won't let you know what I discovered; perhaps it is already obvious to you. What I will assert is that Veiled Rose adds another layer of meaning to Heartless so flawlessly that I simply cannot wait to read Moonblood the series' conclusion. Now, you do need to read Heartless at some point, but you could read it before or after. I think I'll actually double back and read Heartless again through the new eyes Veiled Rose has given me. Whatever you do, you should certainly read it. Stengl has woven another thread of allegorical meaning into her series (though not as pronounced in this second novel), and her new heroine - Rose Red - is so richly imbued with sweet, strong virtues made naturally evident through her life, that she has burst off the page and into my heart. Tales of Goldstone Wood is a must-read series for fans of Christian fantasy - and, even if fantasy isn't normally your cup of tea, I can still confidently suggest that Anne Elisabeth Stengl's works have the potential to just possibly change your mind. I received a physical copy of this title in exchange for this review. All opinions are genuine and entirely my own.
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