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votesforwomen's review against another edition
5.0
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.
fairytalearista's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series. While book 1 hadn't exactly been my favorite allegory I'd ever read, each book after it got only better and more beautiful. And this one THIS ONE was amazing. I love books that come full circle and mess with time the way it does, and Stengl handled it beautifully. Oh. Wow.
rgyger's review against another edition
5.0
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.
what_ella_reads's review against another edition
5.0
Another FANTASTIC book by Anne Elisabeth Stengl.
helenafaustina's review against another edition
5.0
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.
blossomgarden's review against another edition
4.0
This is the sixth book in the Goldstone Woods series. It is just as good as the other books. There are instances of extreme adventure for the characters, and moments of calm and peaceful {there's more of the first than the second}. Her characters are not shallow by any means and her scene descriptions are vibrant.
To quote from my other reviews of Stengl's Goldstone Woods series:
There are fairie people...good and evil, right and wrong, struggles against wants and needs.
This is not a stand-alone book. Well, it could be... but it's much better to read the other books. Even if you don't get to read them in order, it is better to read the others as well. There are characters and circumstances in each book that shed light on other books; this one definitely included.
I don't know how much I can say about this book without giving spoilers {which I don't like to do}. The description at the start of this post does tell some of what this is about but it fails {purposely?} to shed any light on who else is in the book. Ah, see; I cannot tell more without giving things away.
I've reviewed Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower on my blog. I have read all of the books. I wouldn't say this one is my favorite but it is good like the others.
To quote from my other reviews of Stengl's Goldstone Woods series:
There are fairie people...good and evil, right and wrong, struggles against wants and needs.
This is not a stand-alone book. Well, it could be... but it's much better to read the other books. Even if you don't get to read them in order, it is better to read the others as well. There are characters and circumstances in each book that shed light on other books; this one definitely included.
I don't know how much I can say about this book without giving spoilers {which I don't like to do}. The description at the start of this post does tell some of what this is about but it fails {purposely?} to shed any light on who else is in the book. Ah, see; I cannot tell more without giving things away.
I've reviewed Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower on my blog. I have read all of the books. I wouldn't say this one is my favorite but it is good like the others.
haygurlhay's review against another edition
2.0
Before I get booed for giving this book a # star rating, let me explain...
I was that kid who spent all day every day reading fantasy books. I'm talking about the 'daughters of the forest/you have supernatural powers/medival kingdoms' type books. (FYI my favorite book to THIS DAY is 'Two Princesses of Bamarre'. Go look that up.)
And maybe it's because this was the first book of the Goldstone Wood tales I read (who wants to start on book number 1 when you can jump to 6!?! Duh), but I was highly annoyed by both the main characters. Actually...all of them. Save Nidwadi (sp) and the Baroness Middlecrescent. They were both hilarious. I've always been a big fan of a young unknowing person having a big/supernatural destiny in their future and the struggle to accept that and live up to said destiny, but holy hell...Foxbrush and Daylily were just doing the most.
I dunno. Maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea...
I was that kid who spent all day every day reading fantasy books. I'm talking about the 'daughters of the forest/you have supernatural powers/medival kingdoms' type books. (FYI my favorite book to THIS DAY is 'Two Princesses of Bamarre'. Go look that up.)
And maybe it's because this was the first book of the Goldstone Wood tales I read (who wants to start on book number 1 when you can jump to 6!?! Duh), but I was highly annoyed by both the main characters. Actually...all of them. Save Nidwadi (sp) and the Baroness Middlecrescent. They were both hilarious. I've always been a big fan of a young unknowing person having a big/supernatural destiny in their future and the struggle to accept that and live up to said destiny, but holy hell...Foxbrush and Daylily were just doing the most.
I dunno. Maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea...
faiththompson416's review against another edition
5.0
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.
sincerelylatisha's review
5.0
This entire series is just incredibly well written. The world that Stengl has created is fresh and enchanting (in more ways than one!)
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much because Foxbrush and Daylily were never my favorite characters. But, I should know by now to trust anything Stengl writes!
My favorite thing about this book was how so many stories were tied together (please, please read this series in order!). I loved revisiting old characters from previous books.
My least favorite thing about this book (and it was still not enough to take off a star) was 1) we got to revisit pretty much everyone except Rose Red and 2) there were some unfinished character arcs that I really wanted to see happen. I'm hoping that there will be mention of it in the next book or two, but I'm not getting my hopes up because I know she's no longer writing Goldstone Woods books *cue sobbing*.
Still, these books are so worth the read and I wish, wish, wish someone would turn these into movies of LOTR level epicness!
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much because Foxbrush and Daylily were never my favorite characters. But, I should know by now to trust anything Stengl writes!
My favorite thing about this book was how so many stories were tied together (please, please read this series in order!). I loved revisiting old characters from previous books.
My least favorite thing about this book (and it was still not enough to take off a star) was 1) we got to revisit pretty much everyone except Rose Red and 2) there were some unfinished character arcs that I really wanted to see happen. I'm hoping that there will be mention of it in the next book or two, but I'm not getting my hopes up because I know she's no longer writing Goldstone Woods books *cue sobbing*.
Still, these books are so worth the read and I wish, wish, wish someone would turn these into movies of LOTR level epicness!