[simpleazon-image align=”left” asin=”0764210270″ locale=”us” height=”500″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ACuNpyZ1L.jpg” width=”327″][simpleazon-link asin=”0764210270″ locale=”us”]Dragonwitch (Tales of Goldstone Wood)[/simpleazon-link] by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Although Dragonwitch didn’t grab me at first, it became increasingly interesting as I read. I began to relate to and admire the characters at the forefront of the story. The mythological and magical beings also came to life quite vividly. The biblical parallels were obvious from the start, and though they were well done, I wished for more subtlety. The unexpected alliances, romances and friendships felt authentic and unforced. Sometimes the narrative was uneven as it bounced between worlds and time, but the author managed not to lose the reader and the story remained engaging. Although Dragonwitch is part of a series, it easily stood alone. The epic battle between good and evil was knuckle-whitening and also stood apart for not being so easily black and white. Even in their darkest hour, the forces of evil were given a choice. The forces for good also had to choose and trust if they were to be victorious. The flaws enriched the characters and the story. Most surprising perhaps was the humor. It was much needed as relief between life and death struggles and quite fun. I highly recommend this book for fans of Christian Fantasy.

“The Wood would turn a person round and flip him inside out if given half a chance. This the cat knew for certain. But as long as one walked a path – a known, safe path belonging to a known, safe master – there was little the Wood could do to interfere” (p.54).

“Etanun approached, his sword in hand, and when I looked, I saw that Akilun drew close behind, and he held the lantern Asha. When I saw its light, delicate and white, I found my heart rising. For the first time since the fall of my mighty parents, I began to hope” (p.137).

“A known enemy could be fought. An imagined one, however, carried every advantage” (p.167).

In compliance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.