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panda_incognito's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Having already read "Heartless" and "Veiled Rose", I had high expectations for this book, but it still blew me away. With each new release, the author only improves.
I got to meet Anne Elisabeth at a book signing, where I bought my copy of this book. Now, a week later, I've finished the story. Usually, I speed through books that I enjoy, but this time I found myself reading it slowly, savoring the story and beautiful prose.
Remarkably well-crafted, this fantasy series stands out among its competitors. This is world which is vivid and believable. Not just a backdrop for the events, this world is fascinating in and of itself, yet even in such a fantastic setting, the characters are still very human.
Flawed yet likable, each character is a startlingly accurate portrayal of human nature. In my opinion, Prince Lionheart's story of redemption was the most powerful.
I generally can't stand the characters who bumble things up, show poor judgment, and make major mistakes, but I could not bring myself to hate Lionheart. Despite his sin, he wasn't a bad, unfeeling, corrupt person. He was just like you or me. His mistakes were tangled up in a mess of partially good intentions- they did not come from the depths of a wretched heart. He wanted to do the right thing, but his perspective of right was skewed. He wanted to save his people, to save his kingdom. Though he went about it in the wrong way, and the mistakes only snowballed from there, his initial intentions were not as wrong as you might guess when seeing the results of his actions.
Yet despite Lionheart's failings, he was not without hope,and neither are we. In a beautiful portrayal of Christ, he is redeemed. The allegory, though tenuous at times, culminates here. It was beautiful to see aspects of the gospel portrayed in this fantasy story, and it moved me in a way that I did not expect. Because Lionheart was so human, so real, so was the story of his redemption.
This was a very satisfying series ending. The book tied together the overlapping story threads which carried through the first two novels, turning them into one whole, solid story. I appreciated how we had a chance to see certain events told more than once throughout the books, each time from different a perspective, while still remaining fresh and new. It was wonderful to see how all of the stories fit together in the end, and I cannot wait to read the prequel series!
I got to meet Anne Elisabeth at a book signing, where I bought my copy of this book. Now, a week later, I've finished the story. Usually, I speed through books that I enjoy, but this time I found myself reading it slowly, savoring the story and beautiful prose.
Remarkably well-crafted, this fantasy series stands out among its competitors. This is world which is vivid and believable. Not just a backdrop for the events, this world is fascinating in and of itself, yet even in such a fantastic setting, the characters are still very human.
Flawed yet likable, each character is a startlingly accurate portrayal of human nature. In my opinion, Prince Lionheart's story of redemption was the most powerful.
I generally can't stand the characters who bumble things up, show poor judgment, and make major mistakes, but I could not bring myself to hate Lionheart. Despite his sin, he wasn't a bad, unfeeling, corrupt person. He was just like you or me. His mistakes were tangled up in a mess of partially good intentions- they did not come from the depths of a wretched heart. He wanted to do the right thing, but his perspective of right was skewed. He wanted to save his people, to save his kingdom. Though he went about it in the wrong way, and the mistakes only snowballed from there, his initial intentions were not as wrong as you might guess when seeing the results of his actions.
Yet despite Lionheart's failings, he was not without hope,and neither are we. In a beautiful portrayal of Christ, he is redeemed. The allegory, though tenuous at times, culminates here. It was beautiful to see aspects of the gospel portrayed in this fantasy story, and it moved me in a way that I did not expect. Because Lionheart was so human, so real, so was the story of his redemption.
This was a very satisfying series ending. The book tied together the overlapping story threads which carried through the first two novels, turning them into one whole, solid story. I appreciated how we had a chance to see certain events told more than once throughout the books, each time from different a perspective, while still remaining fresh and new. It was wonderful to see how all of the stories fit together in the end, and I cannot wait to read the prequel series!
kitkatmichelle's review against another edition
5.0
Very few fantasy books, or fiction books in general, have stirred my heart and soul and emotions the way this book has.
ewil6681's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
quoththegirl's review against another edition
4.0
2020: My husband and I read this aloud to each other whenever we're in the car as we work our way through the Goldstone Wood series. It had been long enough since I read it that I had forgotten key parts, so I enjoyed revisiting the novel.
2012 review: I left off bravely soldiering through Schiller’s essays to read Moonblood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, my friend and fellow member of the Literary League. (I still can’t get over that I’m friends with a real live published author!) This is the third book in her trilogy, Tales of Goldstone Wood, and it is absolutely lovely. I enjoyed the first two books, but this one is definitely my favorite so far. I really think these three read best one after the other to fully appreciate the way AE wove everything together. Everything that felt unsatisfying to me in the first two was beautifully explained in the third one, and I ended up staying up late (again) to finish it.
2012 review: I left off bravely soldiering through Schiller’s essays to read Moonblood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, my friend and fellow member of the Literary League. (I still can’t get over that I’m friends with a real live published author!) This is the third book in her trilogy, Tales of Goldstone Wood, and it is absolutely lovely. I enjoyed the first two books, but this one is definitely my favorite so far. I really think these three read best one after the other to fully appreciate the way AE wove everything together. Everything that felt unsatisfying to me in the first two was beautifully explained in the third one, and I ended up staying up late (again) to finish it.
lizziegracereads's review against another edition
5.0
This book pulls you in. there are so many cliffhangers you don't want to pull it down. The poetry add strength to the story and depth. I wish Miss Stengl would publish a book with all the poetry she has written for these books. One thing that I really like is the slight overlap with Heartless and seeing the story from a different perspective. This book can make you laugh and cry.
chelseaj91's review against another edition
5.0
The Tales of Goldstone Wood is a great series! While the books have the ability to be enjoyed as a stand alone, it's highly recommended that they be read in order.
Anne Elisabeth Stengl's writing shows a keen insight into human actions/motivation (why people might do certain things that they believe to be for the best, etc) as well adding depth to action-filled plots that can also keep you questioning what's next. Within the pages of Moonblood, you can find Prince Lionheart (a hero who may not be as heroic as people would have you believe), Rose Red (a princess held captive by her father and feeling betrayed by her love), Vahe (the evil goblin king who seeks to 'cover' the world's ugliness), Sir Eanrin, Knight of Farthestshore, Chief Poet of Iubdan (who can sometimes double as a fluffy orange cat with an attitude reaching to the sky), along with many other characters.
People will wait with baited breath for the next book in the series! Everyone can enjoy these books, no matter their age although some of the action may come across as too intense or frightening. Of course, there is humor sprinkled throughout to hopefully lighten the mood and there is always the underlying message of hope, grace and redemption.
Anne Elisabeth Stengl's writing shows a keen insight into human actions/motivation (why people might do certain things that they believe to be for the best, etc) as well adding depth to action-filled plots that can also keep you questioning what's next. Within the pages of Moonblood, you can find Prince Lionheart (a hero who may not be as heroic as people would have you believe), Rose Red (a princess held captive by her father and feeling betrayed by her love), Vahe (the evil goblin king who seeks to 'cover' the world's ugliness), Sir Eanrin, Knight of Farthestshore, Chief Poet of Iubdan (who can sometimes double as a fluffy orange cat with an attitude reaching to the sky), along with many other characters.
People will wait with baited breath for the next book in the series! Everyone can enjoy these books, no matter their age although some of the action may come across as too intense or frightening. Of course, there is humor sprinkled throughout to hopefully lighten the mood and there is always the underlying message of hope, grace and redemption.
abigailharder's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so amazing and powerful! I cannot put into words how beautiful it was. Y'all just need to read it for yourselves!! You will not regret it!!
insipidurbanism's review against another edition
4.0
I always liked Lionheart and I'm glad he got a chance to, if not redeem himself, then to at least prove that he can make good choices. I am especially glad that Rose Red has a happier story now, and I hope that their romance will progress in future books. I am curious also about the fate of Daylily and Foxbrush. I know the author said she would be writing a book about Foxbrush's origin later on in the series and I hope that Daylily is mentioned at some point as well. The theme of absolute love was continued in this book with both Lionheart's quest for Rose Red and the unicorn's sacrifice. I thought the story behind the night of Moonblood added a good deal of interest to the plot.
catherreads's review against another edition
5.0
This is an amazing book and if you haven't read it you should (though i recommend that you start from the beginning of the series).
If my only accomplishment is to make this series into a movie, than I will consider my life complete.
If my only accomplishment is to make this series into a movie, than I will consider my life complete.
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