Monday 4 May 2015

Draven's Light by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

IN THE DARKNESS OF THE PIT

THE LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST 


Drums summon the chieftain’s powerful son to slay a man in cold blood and thereby earn his place among the warriors. But instead of glory, he earns the name Draven, “Coward.” When the men of his tribe march off to war, Draven remains behind with the women and his shame. Only fearless but crippled Ita values her brother’s honor. 

The warriors return from battle victorious yet trailing a curse in their wake. One by one the strong and the weak of the tribe fall prey to an illness of supernatural power. The secret source of this evil can be found and destroyed by only the bravest heart. 

But when the curse attacks the one Draven loves most, can this coward find the courage he needs to face the darkness? 


Review: I am a huge fan of Anne Elisabeth Stengl's and have been ever since I read her book "Dragonwitch" two  years ago. I love fantasy, but find it difficult to find wholesome fantasy stories that contain good morals and lack the crudeness that so many authors write into this genre. Not only are her books void of inappropriate sexual content and horrific violence, they are brilliantly created and written. Upon completely Dragonwitch in 2013, I promptly went out and bought the whole series…. as did a dear friend of mine who I leant Dragonwitch to. 

You can imagine my excitement when I was given an advance copy of Draven's Light, her newest addition to the Tales of Goldstone Wood, to review!

This book was wonderful. It goes without saying to state that it was well written - all her books are, and that I couldn't help but become completely intwined in all of her characters. Draven's story is a painful one, full of despair and fear… and yet there is always a side of hope, redemption, and restoration. If I could describe this book in one word, it would be redemption…. and what a powerful tale it is that leads Draven the Coward to such a fate.

I loved how this book is told in story form….from the vantage points of a young girl's elders. It gave Draven's Light a very unique feel as the reader moved back and forth from "present" to past to learn about Draven and Ita. Typically, I find transitions like these can be a bit rough and that the "present" offers the dull part of the story. Not so with Draven's Light. The move between past and present in this story is done seamlessly and every page of this book was turned eagerly.

Absolutely loved it and will be buying a hardcopy version to put on my bookshelf.


Thank-you for the free copy that I received from Rooglewood Press in exchange for my honest opinion.

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