Review: Shadow Hand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

About the book:

Shadow Hand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Tales of Goldstone Wood: Book 6

Bethany House

 This is a story about blood.
And love.
And the many things that lie between.
By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves, handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. As her wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire to vanish from living memory.

But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal parasite.

A world that is hauntingly familiar.

My review:

            Anne Elisabeth Stengl has become a staple of fantasy as far as I’m concerned. Every time I read one of her Goldstone Wood novels I’m more blown away by how intertwined her characters and legends become. Unfortunately, I got a little out of order reading the series and while I was still able to appreciate the central story, I would recommend starting at the beginning and going in order.

           

 Shadow Hand tells the story of Crown Prince Foxbrush and Lady Daylily, whose ill fated wedding days starts the novel. Daylily is being pushed into this marriage by her father, Baron Middlecrescent, who wants control of Southlands. Hiding a darker side that no one could imagine, Daylily decides to flee into the Wood Between. Foxbrush impulsively decides to follow her and ends up far out of his time on an adventure he could not be less thrilled about.

           

 I loved Foxbrush as the hero of this story. He is quiet, immaculate and very timid, which made for a different and refreshing character arc. Daylily is a powerful female lead that more than makes up for any strength and bravery Foxbrush may lack. She has spent so many years attempting to hide her true self that she has forgotten who she really is which leaves her vulnerable to a sinister plot that has all of Southlands hanging in the balance.

           

 This is my second trip into Goldstone Wood and I am so eager to read the rest of the series. Stengl has gained another lifetime reader and I will recommend her every chance I get!

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. ***