Three Tales of Goldstone Wood
I have only read three books from this series -Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl- but they are all really good and I want to read the rest of the books too. Heartless is the first book in the series, Starflower is the fourth and Draven's Light is number seven and a half. They are fantasy books, in which lurk dragons and other evil powers, which are trying destroy the world or capture peoples hearts, but also there are brave men and women of courage. It made me think of this quote by C. S. Lewis;
“Since it is so likely that (children) will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise you are making their destiny not brighter but darker.”
The events of Starflower happen hundreds of years before Heartless. I am not sure where Draven's Light comes into the picture. But I did a review of Draven's Light a while ago.
I really liked the struggle of light and darkness in this book particularly, it is in all of them, but this one probably got a bit darker than the other two. And where the darkness is deepest the light shines out the brightest. True courage is going on despite fear.
"Standing in the light of that magnificent lantern...... It wasn't as though the darkness was made any less―indeed the shadows outside seemed much darker in contrast. But those same shadows did not seem to matter as much. All evil appeared small and futile while one rested in that brilliant circle of light."
~ Anne Elisabeth Stengl, Draven's Light
I read Heartless next. It is a story of misplaced love, devastation, dragon fire, trust, true love and redemption. Powers of darkness and the powers of light contend in a fierce battle that has been raging for decades before this story takes place. Though it is a fantasy story in a fantasy world, it reflects the greatest truths of our own world, both the seen and unseen.
“See! See, she's gone and put her foot in her mouth again! Right in, heel and all.”
~ Anne Elisabeth Stengl
It is a fairy tale story, but more. There were a few bits that annoyed me a little other than the allegory though. I did not mind the romance in here though, but occasionally I felt that Una's mooning went a bit far, and at one stage she begins talking in sentences that make no sense whatsoever??? I think I preferred the second part of the book. Especially after the time when I realised why the book was called Heartless.
I may not have liked the main character quite as much as some of the others, but they were all very interesting. I found the story world, though not elaborate, every well created and believable. And the writing is lovely, the story is lovely. It is easy to read, making it feel a quick read, but it is long enough to feel like a full told tale. It is certainly an interesting, fun read, but probably not as gripping as some, it was quite within my power to put the book down. Sometimes that is a good thing.... I mean I don't just completely forget my life while I read... Still I would highly recommend reading this book!
And most recently I read Starflower. I had heard it was one of the best ones in the series, not only because it has such a pretty cover. It is an uplifting book, again I found it a bit predictable at times, but less so than Heartless, and it is aimed at a slightly younger audience. Still, adults and children alike should enjoy this book. The very heart of this story is so beautiful, and, well, alive. This is a book you need to read once in your life... at least.
I can't exactly remember the quote but one of the funny ones that kept coming up was a bit like. "Wet, wet, wet, I hate wet! Why is it that every time I am with you I end up getting wet!" ~ Eanrin
Eanrin is not scared of many things..... mostly just water and dogs, which he comes across plenty of times in this tale.
Have you read any of the Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl?
Do you like them?
About the Author
2 comments
This seems like a wonderful book series, Clare. x Thank you soo much for sharing!
ReplyDelete~ Sanjana
peridotcove.blogspot.com
Oh yes it is, thanks for stopping by in my little nook of the internet and leaving a comment :D
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