Scan barcode
kitkatmichelle's review against another edition
5.0
I don't read that many time travel centric books, but this one is by far the most brilliant one I've ever read! The way it came together just blew. my. mind.
ewil6681's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
quoththegirl's review against another edition
4.0
2021: My husband and I finished our read-aloud of this book, and I have to admit that reading each book one after the other is definitely helpful for catching nods to other stories that I would otherwise have missed. It's interesting that Dragonwitch resonated more with me than Shadow Hand this time around, since that was exactly reversed the first time that I read them.
2014: I finally finished Shadow Hand, and my sluggish pace certainly was NOT due to the book content; I just didn’t have time to clap my eyes on the page very often. I loved that this installment of the Tales from Goldstone Wood drew heavily from the darker myths, particularly from the Irish myth of Crom Cruach (which corresponds quite well with Cren Cru in the novel). If you thought Irish mythology was only full of twinkly, craggy-faced old men and friendly leprachauns, you are very wrong: Crom Cruach is one of the most terrifying stories out there, in my opinion, and I suppose it’s fitting, then, that this book was by far the creepiest of Stengl’s novels to date, at least to me. There were quite a few other touches of mythology I enjoyed, and it was wonderful (as always) to come back to characters from previous books and learn what happened to them. At the same time, I was slow to warm up to the main characters, and while I did enjoy the book immensely, I have to admit Starflower is still my favorite of the series…so far.
2014: I finally finished Shadow Hand, and my sluggish pace certainly was NOT due to the book content; I just didn’t have time to clap my eyes on the page very often. I loved that this installment of the Tales from Goldstone Wood drew heavily from the darker myths, particularly from the Irish myth of Crom Cruach (which corresponds quite well with Cren Cru in the novel). If you thought Irish mythology was only full of twinkly, craggy-faced old men and friendly leprachauns, you are very wrong: Crom Cruach is one of the most terrifying stories out there, in my opinion, and I suppose it’s fitting, then, that this book was by far the creepiest of Stengl’s novels to date, at least to me. There were quite a few other touches of mythology I enjoyed, and it was wonderful (as always) to come back to characters from previous books and learn what happened to them. At the same time, I was slow to warm up to the main characters, and while I did enjoy the book immensely, I have to admit Starflower is still my favorite of the series…so far.
chelseaj91's review against another edition
5.0
This is a story about blood. And love. And the many things that lie between.
First of all, my comment on the cover: Gorgeous! Daylily is beautiful and the forest behind her is eyecatching.
Moving on...quick note: If this book is the first time you're entering Goldstone Wood, turn back now! Go get yourself a copy of Heartless and start there. Those stories will help you come to understand what's going on in one the most complex and compelling tales of Goldstone Wood yet.
For those of you who have kept up with the Tales of Goldstone Wood, Anne Elisabeth Stengl has done it once again. She's given us a compelling tale of love, courage, faith, hope, despair, sacrifice, blood and triumph. You'll laugh, be amazed, confused and boggled by the vast array of people and the inhabitants of the Wood Between as well as the Near World and the Far. You get to see the transformation of Daylily--as she goes from a cold and cruel woman, spurned by the man she thought she loved and becomes a wolf and hunter in her own right. Stengl also shows you the amazing transformation of the pretty dull and unremarkable Foxbrush--he goes from a stumbling, often bumbling fool (who most people believe isn't worthy of ruling Southlands) and becomes the hero of the day, not only in the people's eyes, but in Daylily's and most importantly in his own.
While these are the main characters that this story focuses on, they aren't the only ones by far. It felt like this book had the largest cast yet, with each character just as important as another in their own right. We saw some old characters--Eanrin, Imraldera, Lionheart, Felix--and got to meet some new ones--Sight-of-Day, Redman, Lark--and of course what tale from Goldstone Wood would be complete without the Lumil Eliasil?
There's also some closure to mysteries that may have been plaguing you since reading the other books...
What happened to Sun Eagle after he vanished into the trees in Starflower?
Just who/what exactly is Cren Cru really?
We get to see what Lionheart has been doing since stealing a kiss from Rose Red at the end of Moonblood, and we see how he's still struggling to follow the Path that has been set before him. While he understands that he is a Knight of Farthestshore, he still sometimes questions whether or not he's on the right Path.
We also get an answer (one that sort of made me mad, but in the end gave me hope) to the question of Eanrin and Imraldera's relationship. They seem perfect for each other! Hopefully things will work out in the next book(s).
With these questions and more answered (as well as many more that are created), things get very exciting!
You definitely don't lack for heroes or villains (not that there's any chance of that ever). When the mystery of Cren Crue is answered, it's quite disturbing to think about the horror and pain that has gone on for so long.
Standing as one of the darker tales of the series (so far), you need not fear! Anne Elisabeth Stengl always makes sure to give readers a new dawn and a brighter shining sun! This story shows that sometimes, even the people you think are the simplest can be more complex and have more layers than you might think. That sometimes what you see isn't always necessarily what you get. That who you truly are is freest in service to The One Who Names Us. That even that deepest, darkest part of yourself that you fear and keep locked and chained can be transformed into something beautiful if you let Him in.
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishing and Anne Elisabeth Stengl for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for my review
First of all, my comment on the cover: Gorgeous! Daylily is beautiful and the forest behind her is eyecatching.
Moving on...quick note: If this book is the first time you're entering Goldstone Wood, turn back now! Go get yourself a copy of Heartless and start there. Those stories will help you come to understand what's going on in one the most complex and compelling tales of Goldstone Wood yet.
For those of you who have kept up with the Tales of Goldstone Wood, Anne Elisabeth Stengl has done it once again. She's given us a compelling tale of love, courage, faith, hope, despair, sacrifice, blood and triumph. You'll laugh, be amazed, confused and boggled by the vast array of people and the inhabitants of the Wood Between as well as the Near World and the Far. You get to see the transformation of Daylily--as she goes from a cold and cruel woman, spurned by the man she thought she loved and becomes a wolf and hunter in her own right. Stengl also shows you the amazing transformation of the pretty dull and unremarkable Foxbrush--he goes from a stumbling, often bumbling fool (who most people believe isn't worthy of ruling Southlands) and becomes the hero of the day, not only in the people's eyes, but in Daylily's and most importantly in his own.
While these are the main characters that this story focuses on, they aren't the only ones by far. It felt like this book had the largest cast yet, with each character just as important as another in their own right. We saw some old characters--Eanrin, Imraldera, Lionheart, Felix--and got to meet some new ones--Sight-of-Day, Redman, Lark--and of course what tale from Goldstone Wood would be complete without the Lumil Eliasil?
There's also some closure to mysteries that may have been plaguing you since reading the other books...
What happened to Sun Eagle after he vanished into the trees in Starflower?
Just who/what exactly is Cren Cru really?
We get to see what Lionheart has been doing since stealing a kiss from Rose Red at the end of Moonblood, and we see how he's still struggling to follow the Path that has been set before him. While he understands that he is a Knight of Farthestshore, he still sometimes questions whether or not he's on the right Path.
We also get an answer (one that sort of made me mad, but in the end gave me hope) to the question of Eanrin and Imraldera's relationship. They seem perfect for each other! Hopefully things will work out in the next book(s).
With these questions and more answered (as well as many more that are created), things get very exciting!
You definitely don't lack for heroes or villains (not that there's any chance of that ever). When the mystery of Cren Crue is answered, it's quite disturbing to think about the horror and pain that has gone on for so long.
Standing as one of the darker tales of the series (so far), you need not fear! Anne Elisabeth Stengl always makes sure to give readers a new dawn and a brighter shining sun! This story shows that sometimes, even the people you think are the simplest can be more complex and have more layers than you might think. That sometimes what you see isn't always necessarily what you get. That who you truly are is freest in service to The One Who Names Us. That even that deepest, darkest part of yourself that you fear and keep locked and chained can be transformed into something beautiful if you let Him in.
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishing and Anne Elisabeth Stengl for sending me an ARC copy in exchange for my review
meganmcculloughbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Best. Tale. Yet.
I have always thought Lady Daylily a very intriguing character. Now we get to see inside her head; see who she really is. We get some more of Lionheart, but not too much because _______________. (Sorry, spoilers.) Foxbrush is the main character, and we see him for who he really is, not for who Lionheart sees him as. Eanrin and Imraldera also come back! Along with ______. (Spoilers again!)
The plot....oh the plot...there are no words to describe how utterly awesome it is. The way everything is weaved together...wow. Just wow. And there is a hint of time travel in this story.
I have always thought Lady Daylily a very intriguing character. Now we get to see inside her head; see who she really is. We get some more of Lionheart, but not too much because _______________. (Sorry, spoilers.) Foxbrush is the main character, and we see him for who he really is, not for who Lionheart sees him as. Eanrin and Imraldera also come back! Along with ______. (Spoilers again!)
The plot....oh the plot...there are no words to describe how utterly awesome it is. The way everything is weaved together...wow. Just wow. And there is a hint of time travel in this story.
delightful_reading's review against another edition
4.0
A long, long time ago (actually not so long but when it first came out) I read [b:Heartless|7069751|Heartless (Tales of Goldstone Wood, #1)|Anne Elisabeth Stengl|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1398554574s/7069751.jpg|7323002]... And my expectations of a light prince/princess fairytale read were shattered and I was tossed into the waters of deep fantasy... Now I'm sort of obsessed with the fantasy genre, and decided to try another one of Anne Elisabeth Stengl's novels... and my library only had 1, 2, and 6. So I tried this book, book 6. And it actually worked fairly well as a standalone. Yes, I did not fully understand why everyone was mad at Lionheart (he betrayed a lot of people but now he's changed... or is he the guy from Heartless who... OH nevermind). I did sort of recognize some names from Heartless. (caught the Una name drop!)
Anyway back to the story... I never caught why Foxbrush loved Daylily... I mean Daylily was sort of a jerk to him in all their encounters in this book. And he wrote poetry about her? (this is in the beginning of the story) Regardless I was soon sucked into this fantasy world, which was a little confusing... (name drops, name drops and more name drops) But the side characters were interesting, especially Lionheart and Eanrin and Immeralda and the Everblooming.... alright all the side characters except Sun Eagle because I didn't really like him...
Anyway I'll conclude my ramblings and just say, this was an enjoyable read, if you can stand some confusion with the "what time line are we in?" and "where in time are the cast?" and if you're like me and haven't read into the series there's "what's this character's backstory?" All in all, younger me needed to appreciate the dark fantasy elements more... or was it just that book? I probably should reread it now that I have (re)discovered this author....
On another note... slightly spoilery I guess, I LOVED how a certain rhyme was incorporated.... it was awesome!!!
And I gave it 4 stars for the time confusing elements (man that was hard to wrap my head around) and Daylily and Sun Eagle annoyed me.... (although I did sort of like Daylily even if she annoyed me a tad)
Anyway back to the story... I never caught why Foxbrush loved Daylily... I mean Daylily was sort of a jerk to him in all their encounters in this book. And he wrote poetry about her? (this is in the beginning of the story) Regardless I was soon sucked into this fantasy world, which was a little confusing... (name drops, name drops and more name drops) But the side characters were interesting, especially Lionheart and Eanrin and Immeralda and the Everblooming.... alright all the side characters except Sun Eagle because I didn't really like him...
Anyway I'll conclude my ramblings and just say, this was an enjoyable read, if you can stand some confusion with the "what time line are we in?" and "where in time are the cast?" and if you're like me and haven't read into the series there's "what's this character's backstory?" All in all, younger me needed to appreciate the dark fantasy elements more... or was it just that book? I probably should reread it now that I have (re)discovered this author....
On another note... slightly spoilery I guess, I LOVED how a certain rhyme was incorporated.... it was awesome!!!
And I gave it 4 stars for the time confusing elements (man that was hard to wrap my head around) and Daylily and Sun Eagle annoyed me.... (although I did sort of like Daylily even if she annoyed me a tad)
sarrie's review against another edition
This was honestly not one a I could finish. There are a few reasons for this. I was not aware this was the 6th book in a series. I did however make a valiant effort, getting half way through it after reading summaries of the previous books. I was also uncomfortable with the writing style, again likely due to my lack of familiarity. I found it difficult to pay attention and follow what was happening. There was also the problem of the copy I had which still had proofreader notes and typically the first 2 to 3 lines of each chapter were nothing but empty boxes. I don't think the font was supported on my device (kindle fire)? Or it's possible what was there was a placeholder for what was to come in the official release.
Overall I may have enjoyed it if I was more familiar with the previous works.
Overall I may have enjoyed it if I was more familiar with the previous works.
anna_catherman's review
5.0
I've been enjoying the challenge of reading Tales of Goldstone Wood this year and have been continually more impressed with each successive book.
Shadow Hand is perhaps the lone exception to this rule, as I can't say I enjoyed it more than the others per se. I think it's mostly because I found it harder to read than any of the preceding books; so many beloved characters converge here, and the time skips around so much I found it hard to keep track of when the story actually takes place in the timeline, and where!
Despite these minor quibbles, it is an excellent addition to the series and I would not hesitate to recommend to fantasy lovers.
Shadow Hand is perhaps the lone exception to this rule, as I can't say I enjoyed it more than the others per se. I think it's mostly because I found it harder to read than any of the preceding books; so many beloved characters converge here, and the time skips around so much I found it hard to keep track of when the story actually takes place in the timeline, and where!
Despite these minor quibbles, it is an excellent addition to the series and I would not hesitate to recommend to fantasy lovers.
booksoneveryshelf's review
2.0
Unable to finish it…
I have never read fantasy before or even watched it, so I was not sure what to think. I must confess that I was not able to finish this book. I read about a third of the way through and could go no further. It was quite odd and was written in narration, so we don’t really know the characters thoughts, but the thoughts and opinions of the one observing everything.
I also found it very annoying. I would just get caught up and have a decent understanding of what was happening in one part of the story, when it would shift to a different person! I was almost constantly confused, which cannot all be blamed on my poor understanding of the fantasy world.
I was also very confused about the Christian aspect of this story. While it was clear at times, I never really figured parts of it out. I must say, that I wondered about whether it was truly Christian or not, which is part of the reason I did not finish it. Although, I trust Bethany House Publishing and don’t believe they would produce something that goes against the Christian faith.
The one positive thing I can say about it, is that it is quite well written. I applaud the author for her superb writing and descriptions. She really brought her world to life, odd though it may be.
So, while I did not enjoy this book, I do believe that those who like fantasy and are more familiar with it will enjoy it immensely.
I recommend reading the others books in the series first.
I received this book through The Book Club Network for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have never read fantasy before or even watched it, so I was not sure what to think. I must confess that I was not able to finish this book. I read about a third of the way through and could go no further. It was quite odd and was written in narration, so we don’t really know the characters thoughts, but the thoughts and opinions of the one observing everything.
I also found it very annoying. I would just get caught up and have a decent understanding of what was happening in one part of the story, when it would shift to a different person! I was almost constantly confused, which cannot all be blamed on my poor understanding of the fantasy world.
I was also very confused about the Christian aspect of this story. While it was clear at times, I never really figured parts of it out. I must say, that I wondered about whether it was truly Christian or not, which is part of the reason I did not finish it. Although, I trust Bethany House Publishing and don’t believe they would produce something that goes against the Christian faith.
The one positive thing I can say about it, is that it is quite well written. I applaud the author for her superb writing and descriptions. She really brought her world to life, odd though it may be.
So, while I did not enjoy this book, I do believe that those who like fantasy and are more familiar with it will enjoy it immensely.
I recommend reading the others books in the series first.
I received this book through The Book Club Network for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
More...