Anne Elisabeth Stengl wields her pen with such literary prowess, she has very nearly ruined all other authors for me.

So, yeah, of course I agreed to review her book when it came out, even though I am supposedly “on break” from writing to get to know my new little daughter. (Is it bad I don’t feel guilty for sneaking away for a quick review while my sweet little one is napping?)

Fair warning: I adore this book. Everything coming after this sentence is pure gushing. Okay, maybe what came before, too. ;)

Anyway, I just have to say…the latest Tale of Goldstone Wood, Draven’s Light, is utterly and enchantingly intoxicating.

This spellbinding novella is set far, far back in the Goldstone Wood’s history. Although the length may be shorter than most of the other tales, this tale was completely satisfying and too short at the same time. (Of course, I felt that way about Golden Daughter, book 7 of the tales, a hefty tome of nearly 600 pages. I seriously can’t get enough of this series!)

Here’s what the back cover of this epic fantasy says:

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?

Isn’t that delicious? Oh, I get chills just thinking about this marvelous book!

This wistful tale captures Draven’s heartache and Ita’s fierce bravery in the face of their tribe’s unrelenting bloodlust–and the fae creature who preys on their weaknesses. Will Ita overcome? Or will Draven throw off the mantle of coward in which he is drowning in time to save her?

I. Adore. This. Book.

Now, off to read the entire series again to get ready for book 8, Poison Crown. More chills!

A special thank you to RoogleWood Press for sending me an electronic advanced reader copy of this book from my favorite series ever. Draven’s Light was amazing! I can’t even tell you how thrilled I was–am–to have been on your list. Thank you!!! :)

In Him,

Michele

PS–Quick word about the Five Magic Spindles writing contest! If you are a writer, jump on over to RoogleWood Press and check out the rules. Five retellings of the classic story Sleeping Beauty will be chosen and compiled into a gorgeous collection. Their previous release, Five Glass Slippers, has been a smashing success and Five Enchanted Roses will be out soon. I wish you the best! :)