Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Bethany House (2010), Paperback, 368 pages
Description
A dragon is rumored to be approaching Parumvir. Princess Una, smitten with a dashing prince, refuses Prince Aethelbald's offer--and ignores his warnings about the growing danger. Soon the Dragon King himself is in Parumvir, and Una, in giving her heart away unwisely, finds herself in grave danger.
Media reviews
Librarything
This book is delightfully alluring! I didn't think that the book would hold promise but before I knew it I was engulf into the world of Goldstone and its characters. I couldn't put the book down!! I had to read more and more as I progress through the chapters! Highly recommended and I await for
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another book in this series.
The main character Princess Una is a girl with many dreams of romance and love. When she became of age she was courted by many princes and it was quite funny how she handled it. Although I frowned at her behavior to the Prince of Farthestshore. Later on the story turns to dragons, battles, and betrayal. This book is quite unpredictable! Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member atimco
Anne Elisabeth Stengl's Heartless is the first novel in her fantasy series centered on the mythical Goldstone Wood. In this story, the Princess Una of Parumvir has just come to the age when neighboring princes will start "paying their respects" and seeking her hand in marriage. Una's dreams of
Let me fully disclose lest unwary readers feel themselves deceived: Heartless is published by Bethany House, a Christian publisher. But although there are some arguably Christian themes in the story, they are muted, with no preachiness. The closest Stengl comes to being preachy is when Una gives her heart unwisely, but that plot point is more than just a warning about being careful in romantic relationships. When Una gives her heart away and does not receive a lover's heart in return, she becomes "heartless"... and this makes her vulnerable to her enemy. What this enemy can do with a heartless person is not a predictable storyline, and I actually found it rather surprising. I think anyone, Christian or not, could read this story and completely miss its religious pieces, so small are they. On the whole, this is a good thing. They're there if you want them.
J. R. R. Tolkien, a committed Roman Catholic, believed that real-world religion was inimical to a really well-written fantasy world, and his distaste for the Narnia stories of his friend C. S. Lewis is well known. Christian fiction writers, especially writers of fantasy, have been struggling with the dichotomy ever since. Can a Christian author succeed in telling a good story that contains elements of Christian belief? Can such a tale have any appeal for the non-Christian reader? Is it even possible for an author to write a story that is contradictory to or dismissive of his/her deepest convictions?
Story has to come first (or, in Lewis' word, "images"). Proselytism disguised as fiction just never works unless you're John Bunyan. (And even Bunyan's purpose was not to evangelize his readers, but to encourage those he believed to already have been converted.) Lewis did not plan to write stories that would contain elements of Christianity. Those themes worked themselves naturally into his work, because they were part of him. Any fiction author, of any religious or nonreligious persuasion, would do well to start with story rather than message.
And the story of Heartless is probably its greatest strength. Despite the sometimes weak writing, I found myself wrapped up in the tale and impatient to return to it when interrupted. It's true that part of me was just waiting for the preachiness to start, but it never did. The hints of Christian ideology never overtake the force of the plot, which carried me along happily. Parts even reminded me, distantly, faintly, of something Patricia McKillip might write.
I have said the prose is weak in this book, and unfortunately this isn't a problem I can gloss over lightly. Perhaps as an editor I am more sensitive to the problems: clichéd characters (the unsympathetic Nurse, the mischievous little brother, etc.), awkward phrasing, made-up words (Una gets "whapped" on the head by said unsympathetic Nurse), abrupt pacing, slightly illogical events (one day there is a big fuss about Una trying to get out of her lessons, and another day she simply excuses herself from them with no problem), and repetitive description (the "tired-eyed tutor" appears three times, twice in the same paragraph). There is nothing grammatically incorrect in the book, just a general stylistic awkwardness. And yet Stengl's style is not hopelessly bad, and I noticed the prose less and less as the story picked up. Stengl would benefit greatly from an editor with an eye for more than just grammar.
I enjoyed this book and would give it a much higher rating if the writing had been better. As it is, I will look for the next book in the series, in the hope that Stengl will refine her style and become a worthy successor to those Christian authors — Tolkien, Lewis, MacDonald — who helped establish the fantasy genre.
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romance are rosy until the arrival of a stodgy Faerie prince bearing the name Aethelbald. Aethelbald! Una rejects his suit out of hand, preferring a more dashing hero. But there is another with his eye on Una, and he is no prince, but the most terrible enemy Parumvir has ever known.Let me fully disclose lest unwary readers feel themselves deceived: Heartless is published by Bethany House, a Christian publisher. But although there are some arguably Christian themes in the story, they are muted, with no preachiness. The closest Stengl comes to being preachy is when Una gives her heart unwisely, but that plot point is more than just a warning about being careful in romantic relationships. When Una gives her heart away and does not receive a lover's heart in return, she becomes "heartless"... and this makes her vulnerable to her enemy. What this enemy can do with a heartless person is not a predictable storyline, and I actually found it rather surprising. I think anyone, Christian or not, could read this story and completely miss its religious pieces, so small are they. On the whole, this is a good thing. They're there if you want them.
J. R. R. Tolkien, a committed Roman Catholic, believed that real-world religion was inimical to a really well-written fantasy world, and his distaste for the Narnia stories of his friend C. S. Lewis is well known. Christian fiction writers, especially writers of fantasy, have been struggling with the dichotomy ever since. Can a Christian author succeed in telling a good story that contains elements of Christian belief? Can such a tale have any appeal for the non-Christian reader? Is it even possible for an author to write a story that is contradictory to or dismissive of his/her deepest convictions?
Story has to come first (or, in Lewis' word, "images"). Proselytism disguised as fiction just never works unless you're John Bunyan. (And even Bunyan's purpose was not to evangelize his readers, but to encourage those he believed to already have been converted.) Lewis did not plan to write stories that would contain elements of Christianity. Those themes worked themselves naturally into his work, because they were part of him. Any fiction author, of any religious or nonreligious persuasion, would do well to start with story rather than message.
And the story of Heartless is probably its greatest strength. Despite the sometimes weak writing, I found myself wrapped up in the tale and impatient to return to it when interrupted. It's true that part of me was just waiting for the preachiness to start, but it never did. The hints of Christian ideology never overtake the force of the plot, which carried me along happily. Parts even reminded me, distantly, faintly, of something Patricia McKillip might write.
I have said the prose is weak in this book, and unfortunately this isn't a problem I can gloss over lightly. Perhaps as an editor I am more sensitive to the problems: clichéd characters (the unsympathetic Nurse, the mischievous little brother, etc.), awkward phrasing, made-up words (Una gets "whapped" on the head by said unsympathetic Nurse), abrupt pacing, slightly illogical events (one day there is a big fuss about Una trying to get out of her lessons, and another day she simply excuses herself from them with no problem), and repetitive description (the "tired-eyed tutor" appears three times, twice in the same paragraph). There is nothing grammatically incorrect in the book, just a general stylistic awkwardness. And yet Stengl's style is not hopelessly bad, and I noticed the prose less and less as the story picked up. Stengl would benefit greatly from an editor with an eye for more than just grammar.
I enjoyed this book and would give it a much higher rating if the writing had been better. As it is, I will look for the next book in the series, in the hope that Stengl will refine her style and become a worthy successor to those Christian authors — Tolkien, Lewis, MacDonald — who helped establish the fantasy genre.
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LibraryThing member ronincats
I really wanted to like this book. It took your basic fairy tale tropes and had the potential to create an unusual and gripping story. At times it succeeded. But overall, the characters and the plot did not hold together to live up to its promise. Una is naive, easily swayed, and prejudiced, and
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while her experiences help her to change, she remains a passive creature. We never have any basis for Aethelbald's steadfast love, given before he has even met the princess--it simply exists. Regardless of the underlying mythos driving the tale, for story's sake, there should have been some development. After all, although he is trying to redeem all who have transformed into dragons, he is marrying Una in particular. One wonders if Fidel could possibly have been an effective king, as he, along with so many other characters, seems driven only by emotion, making poor decision after poor decision. Felix and Lionheart seem the most fully developed characters, and the Dragon certainly has power. But this book could have benefitted from extensive rewriting and editing, developing the plot lines and characters more from within with fewer "deux ex machina" elements. Show Less
LibraryThing member njstitcher
I requested Heartless from the Early Reviewers list because I love fantasy series, dragons, etc. I'm going to start this review by saying that I did enjoy it and it held my interest enough to finish it in a 24-hour period. However, I started reading and for a while was disappointed, wondering if
It was obvious that this is a first novel. At times it was awkward, unevenly paced, and lacking in character development. I would have like to have read more background or history of the world - the book just plops you down in the middle of it with no explanations why things, places, people are important, where they came from or how they developed or related to each other. I kept wondering what things or places were as the story moved around to several different geographic places. But I think the author and the series have potential with some good feedback and editorial guidance.
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this was a "young adult" book. The first half of the book seemed to be just a bit too long and repetitive and I was wondering when there was going to be some action in this world. Then with no warning the pace and action picked up and kept up until the end of the book. Not to give away the ending but it was rather predictable and left me wondering what would be covered in the rest of the series. Pick up with another character?It was obvious that this is a first novel. At times it was awkward, unevenly paced, and lacking in character development. I would have like to have read more background or history of the world - the book just plops you down in the middle of it with no explanations why things, places, people are important, where they came from or how they developed or related to each other. I kept wondering what things or places were as the story moved around to several different geographic places. But I think the author and the series have potential with some good feedback and editorial guidance.
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LibraryThing member whisperingfen
The inside cover claims that this is going to be the beginning of a series. I'm not sure what story the remaining books will cover, as this book is easily read as a story unto itself. The book tied itself up neatly. Overall I found this to be an enjoyable story, the only thing that I really wish
There are only a couple of plot points I would have like fleshed out. The significance of the ring that Una wears. The meaning behind the tapestry that intrigues the Jester, the description of the man in the tapestry seemed very similar to the description of the Dragon himself.
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was that the characters were described in a way that made them more memorable. Usually when reading a tale, I have a definite picture of what people look like, I couldn't get images for the main characters. I didn't really feel connected to them in that way. This reads very much like a fairy tale for adults. The writing style is not difficult and if uninterrupted this is a book that could be read in one or two sittings depending on your reading speed. If there are more books that continue this story, I would definitely keep reading them.There are only a couple of plot points I would have like fleshed out. The significance of the ring that Una wears. The meaning behind the tapestry that intrigues the Jester, the description of the man in the tapestry seemed very similar to the description of the Dragon himself.
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LibraryThing member innermurk
Every once in a while, there comes a story that has such simplistic beauty that it takes your breath away. Anne Elisabeth Stengl's Heartless is one such story. It's like a fairy tale in many ways, but with a deeper underlying meaning to the story that just resounds with such poignancy that it
Princess Una is a heroine that one can enjoy, not a superwoman, but a realistic one with her own strengths and weaknesses. This means that at times she came across as what she was, a sixteen year old spoiled and shallow girl. But, her redeeming characteristics also shone through, her love for her family, her determination, and in the end, her kindness pulled her into your heart.
The other characters, even the evil ones, are explored in such a way that one cannot help but to want to know more about them, and feel that the wonderful story we have is just the beginning.
The Princess, having given her heart away to someone who does not return her love, becomes heartless and embittered, and the way this theme is explored is so unique and intriguing that the book and characters stayed in my mind for days after having finished it.
Goldstone and it's people, is a place I look forward to revisiting as the cover promises this is the first of the series.
The only complaint I have about the book is the way the characters cut off giving information to the reader. Even though most of the time, the message was hinted at or became clear later in the text, it was most frustrating to feel as though you never quite knew exactly what they had been referring to. This was especially true when the subject of dragons breeding surfaced, and also the question of WHY didn't anyone go over the old bridge, and what would happen if they did? This last question was not answered, and so we are left hoping for a sequel to explain the mystery to us.
This is a book that will be cherished in many a library.
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cannot be overlooked or ignored. The setting is fantasy, but the themes are true to life. Love, loss and betrayal are too universal to not connect in various ways with readers.Princess Una is a heroine that one can enjoy, not a superwoman, but a realistic one with her own strengths and weaknesses. This means that at times she came across as what she was, a sixteen year old spoiled and shallow girl. But, her redeeming characteristics also shone through, her love for her family, her determination, and in the end, her kindness pulled her into your heart.
The other characters, even the evil ones, are explored in such a way that one cannot help but to want to know more about them, and feel that the wonderful story we have is just the beginning.
The Princess, having given her heart away to someone who does not return her love, becomes heartless and embittered, and the way this theme is explored is so unique and intriguing that the book and characters stayed in my mind for days after having finished it.
Goldstone and it's people, is a place I look forward to revisiting as the cover promises this is the first of the series.
The only complaint I have about the book is the way the characters cut off giving information to the reader. Even though most of the time, the message was hinted at or became clear later in the text, it was most frustrating to feel as though you never quite knew exactly what they had been referring to. This was especially true when the subject of dragons breeding surfaced, and also the question of WHY didn't anyone go over the old bridge, and what would happen if they did? This last question was not answered, and so we are left hoping for a sequel to explain the mystery to us.
This is a book that will be cherished in many a library.
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LibraryThing member dk_phoenix
After reading the rather cliched back cover copy, I approached this book with skepticism... I hoped it wouldn't be that bad, but I kept putting off reading it because I didn't want to start yet another mediocre fantasy and have to write a lukewarm review on another ER book.
Honestly, it didn't start
So, imagine my surprise when, in the second half of the book, I became extremely invested in the characters, the plot, and the world that Stengl created. In fact, I read the entire book in one sitting... I think I got up once to refill my tea mug.
The book has its weaknesses: the heroine is a bit underdeveloped, and the love story feels somewhat contrived. But it also has its strengths: the way dragons are born was unexpected and unique, and the hero (and his rival) are rather interesting on their own terms.
One thing to note is, I spent the first two thirds of the book waiting for the 'Christian' part of the book to happen... it's published as a CBA book, which usually means some form of evangelism will appear at least for a few pages (even in the rare CBA fantasy novels), and imagine my delight when I realized that... it wasn't coming. There wasn't going to be a forced 'Christianese' aspect to the world, rather, the book simply reflected a Christian worldview and let the story stand on its own as a well written, interesting fantasy novel.
I will say that I don't think the book will be for everyone. I'm also not entirely sure how this is going to develop as a series, which is clearly the author's intent -- I think it does well as a stand-alone.
Honestly, it didn't start
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well... it was a bit slow, the writing style was in that vague, flow-y fantasy vein that tends to annoy me to no end (why can't the author just SPEAK PLAINLY?!), and the plot seemed rather generic.So, imagine my surprise when, in the second half of the book, I became extremely invested in the characters, the plot, and the world that Stengl created. In fact, I read the entire book in one sitting... I think I got up once to refill my tea mug.
The book has its weaknesses: the heroine is a bit underdeveloped, and the love story feels somewhat contrived. But it also has its strengths: the way dragons are born was unexpected and unique, and the hero (and his rival) are rather interesting on their own terms.
One thing to note is, I spent the first two thirds of the book waiting for the 'Christian' part of the book to happen... it's published as a CBA book, which usually means some form of evangelism will appear at least for a few pages (even in the rare CBA fantasy novels), and imagine my delight when I realized that... it wasn't coming. There wasn't going to be a forced 'Christianese' aspect to the world, rather, the book simply reflected a Christian worldview and let the story stand on its own as a well written, interesting fantasy novel.
I will say that I don't think the book will be for everyone. I'm also not entirely sure how this is going to develop as a series, which is clearly the author's intent -- I think it does well as a stand-alone.
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LibraryThing member savageknight
The best thing about starting a book you know nothing about is that everything really is left to the tale to spark your imagination. I'm very happy to say that in this case, the spark was definitely there as I enjoyed the book quite thoroughly. Although at first I feared the "drama" of Princess
What also speaks very well of this book is that as much as the back notes point out that this is part of a new series of books, the tale in Heartless is very much self-contained. There may be a "happily every after" hinted at the end of the tale which may come from many other stories to be told... but you aren't forced into needing to read those stories when they finally will be made available!
This is a Fairy Tale that sure to appeal to a wide audience. I was very glad to have had a chance to read through the preview book prior to its official launch in July!
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Una's quest for love would be a bit too heavy handed, things take a very unexpected turn just when the story could have fallen into a cliched trap.What also speaks very well of this book is that as much as the back notes point out that this is part of a new series of books, the tale in Heartless is very much self-contained. There may be a "happily every after" hinted at the end of the tale which may come from many other stories to be told... but you aren't forced into needing to read those stories when they finally will be made available!
This is a Fairy Tale that sure to appeal to a wide audience. I was very glad to have had a chance to read through the preview book prior to its official launch in July!
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LibraryThing member AlexDiaz727
Having never sought out or read anything that I would classify as “Christian” fiction, I was a little worried when I found out this book was categorized under “Christian” fiction. But my fears were quickly pacified by the somewhat familiar fantasy themes introduced with in the first
That being said it was a bit odd when the kingdom in effect broke out into a civil war and the capital is seized by traitorous duke and a dragon with out one main or minor character dieing. People die yes, but they are “Red shirts” if you will, no-name characters such as random soldiers on the battle field or guards in the courtyard. Is this what “Christian” fiction means? I have no idea as I have nothing in my personal library to compare it too. But I digress let me continue with the review.
This book is a bit different from normal fantasy in that its written from the... damsel in distress point of view if you will. Normally we get the heroes point of view who in this book would've been the fae prince Aethelbald, e.g. Hero has or is given a quest, then sets out on said quest, encountering obstacles and adventure along the way. Since the story is not written from the hero view we are left without knowing why anything happened. Why was the prince given the quest by his father to marry Una? Why does he love her? Whats the back story of the antagonists the two evil dragons who seem to be trying to stop him? Who knows?
In this book, instead we are given the point of view of a young princess who has recently come of age, by the name of Una who is shallow, naive, drama filled and somewhat of a narcissist. I say shallow because the reader is never given any insight to what Una is thinking or why she feels the way she does. We watch as suitors come to try to capture her heart in the attempt be married to her. And then watch as one after the other she falls in love in a matter of days to a few weeks and proceeds in turn to have her heart broken by each of her suitors. Then we watch as she wallows in her own pity until eventually she self-destructs in a manner of speaking. Overall shes not a very likeable main character. And I found that these wallowing scenes slowed down the plot and momentum of the story as I had to drag myself though reading these scenes making for slow reading. Making a book of this length that normally would have only taken me a day to read last twice as long.
Overall I enjoyed reading Heartless it was worth the time I spent reading it. However I hope any future novels by this author will be a bit more fleshed out as far as back story and plot goes and less wallowing from any main characters.
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chapters. These themes included fae creatures of varying types and even some familiar magical items such as seven-league boots. However these themes were also nicely tempered with original ideas and plot devices from the author creating her own unique fantasy world. That being said it was a bit odd when the kingdom in effect broke out into a civil war and the capital is seized by traitorous duke and a dragon with out one main or minor character dieing. People die yes, but they are “Red shirts” if you will, no-name characters such as random soldiers on the battle field or guards in the courtyard. Is this what “Christian” fiction means? I have no idea as I have nothing in my personal library to compare it too. But I digress let me continue with the review.
This book is a bit different from normal fantasy in that its written from the... damsel in distress point of view if you will. Normally we get the heroes point of view who in this book would've been the fae prince Aethelbald, e.g. Hero has or is given a quest, then sets out on said quest, encountering obstacles and adventure along the way. Since the story is not written from the hero view we are left without knowing why anything happened. Why was the prince given the quest by his father to marry Una? Why does he love her? Whats the back story of the antagonists the two evil dragons who seem to be trying to stop him? Who knows?
In this book, instead we are given the point of view of a young princess who has recently come of age, by the name of Una who is shallow, naive, drama filled and somewhat of a narcissist. I say shallow because the reader is never given any insight to what Una is thinking or why she feels the way she does. We watch as suitors come to try to capture her heart in the attempt be married to her. And then watch as one after the other she falls in love in a matter of days to a few weeks and proceeds in turn to have her heart broken by each of her suitors. Then we watch as she wallows in her own pity until eventually she self-destructs in a manner of speaking. Overall shes not a very likeable main character. And I found that these wallowing scenes slowed down the plot and momentum of the story as I had to drag myself though reading these scenes making for slow reading. Making a book of this length that normally would have only taken me a day to read last twice as long.
Overall I enjoyed reading Heartless it was worth the time I spent reading it. However I hope any future novels by this author will be a bit more fleshed out as far as back story and plot goes and less wallowing from any main characters.
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LibraryThing member PaperCrystals
This ended up to be better than I had expected, although, to be truthful, I didn't expect much when I realized that it was considered Christian Fiction.
It was a pleasant surprise to see that the book didn't contain a lot of evangelism, and instead concentrated on the characters and the
However, I found myself underwhelmed by the main character. Una starts out selfish, petty, and more than a little foolish- and there is very little description of any change, except that by the end she's sweet and in love with the good guy. She is difficult to care about, and I found it almost impossible to like her, no matter how hard I tried.
I would have liked to hear more about Prince Aethelbald- why he was so willing to love Una at the request of his father, and the path he took to rescue her from the fate she threw herself into without regard for the people around her.
The world was a fascinating one- the way that magic was rare but treasured, and the unique origin of dragons. I would be willing to give any sequels a read.
It was a pleasant surprise to see that the book didn't contain a lot of evangelism, and instead concentrated on the characters and the
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story.However, I found myself underwhelmed by the main character. Una starts out selfish, petty, and more than a little foolish- and there is very little description of any change, except that by the end she's sweet and in love with the good guy. She is difficult to care about, and I found it almost impossible to like her, no matter how hard I tried.
I would have liked to hear more about Prince Aethelbald- why he was so willing to love Una at the request of his father, and the path he took to rescue her from the fate she threw herself into without regard for the people around her.
The world was a fascinating one- the way that magic was rare but treasured, and the unique origin of dragons. I would be willing to give any sequels a read.
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LibraryThing member JC50
3/12/10 - Received book today and checked it out on the internet. I enjoy discovering new authors (new to me at least), so I just use the synopsis to determine which ER books to request. At that time I do not check out the author or publisher. I was surprised to discover that "Heartless" was
I am digressing. The copy I received states that it is an "Unedited galley proof" and "Advance Reading Copy". I will read the complete novel with an open mind and give an honest review.
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labelled "Christian" fiction. I am a Christian but I have never sought out "Christian" fiction or "Christian" music, for that matter. A lot of "Christian" books and songs are indistinguishable from those not labelled "Christian". Others, only a few words (or removal of words) are needed to change the book or song from "Christian" to one not labelled "Christian". But what turns me off to this genre is people who act like they are better than you because they only read "Christian" books and only listen to "Christian" music (and know the universe is only 6,000 years old). I have met and known a lot of Christians, including a number who consider themselves to be "big shots" in the Church congregation, who have no idea what it is to be a Christian.I am digressing. The copy I received states that it is an "Unedited galley proof" and "Advance Reading Copy". I will read the complete novel with an open mind and give an honest review.
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LibraryThing member Ricky21
Heartless was a good read. The story and plot were intriguing and well thought out, and the writing style was beautiful and flowing. I really liked Aethelbald, and his almost quiet, but resounding love for Una. I loved that Anne took the reader into the world of fearie. Sometimes authors tell about
I really liked the story, but the book seemed like a rough draft, or long outline. I really liked the way the story was thought out, and the love story was beautiful, transcending against all time and triumphing through any trials the characters went though, but there wasn’t enough explanation of the scenes and why something was happening. Anne had the main ideas and the scenes written out, but she needed to connect the scenes better, and show more of what people were thinking, and a little more about what was happening and why. Some things just all of a sudden happened, and I was thinking, “Oh, that’s what happened? Okay, I guess. I’ll go along with it.” I think the book needed more of Una’s voice and thoughts, so the reader would know better of what she’s thinking about, and why she feels the way she does.
In the end, I really liked the book. The story is a really good idea, and the writing was perfect, the way Anne was able to weave words together to provide vivid pictures. The book just needed to be longer and have more explanation and come into the next scene or idea a little more gradually. Overall, a really good book.
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another world, but it’s only vague, and they just leave it. I really liked the story, but the book seemed like a rough draft, or long outline. I really liked the way the story was thought out, and the love story was beautiful, transcending against all time and triumphing through any trials the characters went though, but there wasn’t enough explanation of the scenes and why something was happening. Anne had the main ideas and the scenes written out, but she needed to connect the scenes better, and show more of what people were thinking, and a little more about what was happening and why. Some things just all of a sudden happened, and I was thinking, “Oh, that’s what happened? Okay, I guess. I’ll go along with it.” I think the book needed more of Una’s voice and thoughts, so the reader would know better of what she’s thinking about, and why she feels the way she does.
In the end, I really liked the book. The story is a really good idea, and the writing was perfect, the way Anne was able to weave words together to provide vivid pictures. The book just needed to be longer and have more explanation and come into the next scene or idea a little more gradually. Overall, a really good book.
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LibraryThing member Macophile
This book had promise, but fell flat. The characters were dull and the plot line was predictable. The storyline felt like something that I had read before somewhere and therefore I did not care as much about what happened in this book. I wanted to like this book but I couldn't.
LibraryThing member kayla_merritt
Wow, I loved this book. I just couldn't put it down. The characters were absolutely incredible. Una might have seemed a little whiny, but she was a very strong character. The only character I didn't like was the duke. He was ok at first, but as the book continued he got pretty annoying. The writing
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is fantastic, because it always keeps you guessing what happens next and has you on the edge of your seat. I like the way the human to dragon change was explained and so easy to follow. The only thing I wish would have been explained in more detail is about how they can't cross the bridge, which might be described more in book two. I would definitely recommend this book for fans of fantasy. Show Less
LibraryThing member kcpavlik
It be honest I didn't think that this book hit its stride till about half way through. I had my doubts about it during the first half. It was a bit slow. But I also understand the need to set up a solid foundation especially when putting together the first book of a series. I did think that the
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second half was quite good. I loved the "twist" about how dragons are born. I honestly did not see that one coming. I very much enjoyed the description of the fire burning inside the dragons. I also very much enjoyed the family dynamic between the king, the prince, and the princess. I thought that that added a certain honesty to the story. It made it less about a kingdom and more about a family trying to protect each other at times. I appreciated that very much. Over all a promising opening to a new series and I very much look forward to any and all sequels. Show Less
LibraryThing member DragonLibrary8
I had high hopes when I picked up this book - from the cover alone it demanded to be read. I must say I was not disappointed!
This was a great read. The characters are well developed, the plot was intriguing. The reality of the idea of being heartless was one I haven't seen and the author wields it
This is a story of loyalty, fealty, faith, corruption, honor, love, family, and mystery. A story of young people becoming who they want to be and the choices they have to make to get there.
The characters come from all walks and worlds. The author mingles worlds and dimensions without leaving the reader lost.
The story is filled with action; so even though it is essentially a love story, it is not JUST a love story. We have battles of all kinds - physical and emotional.
The relationships in this story are extraordinary. You are drawn into each of them as they unfold between all of the characters throughout the story. You watch as Felix goes from being a young and foolish boy to a man (who has not gotten older, but had to make adult decisions). You are witness to Una and the fate that befalls her and those around her because of the choices that she makes.
As in all stories - there is a villain. The shape changing bad guy here makes you dislike him from the start (which is what we all want to do). There are also elusive game players in the story that we aren't outright introduced to that appear to have the fate, or at least some of the fate, of the characters held at the mercy of the roll of the dice.
I fell in love with the characters and can't wait for the rest of the series.
This was a great read. The characters are well developed, the plot was intriguing. The reality of the idea of being heartless was one I haven't seen and the author wields it
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well.This is a story of loyalty, fealty, faith, corruption, honor, love, family, and mystery. A story of young people becoming who they want to be and the choices they have to make to get there.
The characters come from all walks and worlds. The author mingles worlds and dimensions without leaving the reader lost.
The story is filled with action; so even though it is essentially a love story, it is not JUST a love story. We have battles of all kinds - physical and emotional.
The relationships in this story are extraordinary. You are drawn into each of them as they unfold between all of the characters throughout the story. You watch as Felix goes from being a young and foolish boy to a man (who has not gotten older, but had to make adult decisions). You are witness to Una and the fate that befalls her and those around her because of the choices that she makes.
As in all stories - there is a villain. The shape changing bad guy here makes you dislike him from the start (which is what we all want to do). There are also elusive game players in the story that we aren't outright introduced to that appear to have the fate, or at least some of the fate, of the characters held at the mercy of the roll of the dice.
I fell in love with the characters and can't wait for the rest of the series.
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LibraryThing member readingbeader
I like many others enjoyed this book, and agree that it started slow. It was worth finishing. I am having trouble getting some students to finish it, though. It would have benefitted from some tighter editing at the beginning. My daughter read it just for the cat. I will want to read more of these
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tales and will look for them. Show Less
LibraryThing member yhaduong
I loved the names in this book, Princess Una, Prince Aethelbald and even her more simply named brother Felix. It's not a modern fantasy tale, but one rooted in old tales of dragons and princes appearing out of nowhere.
There is some incongruity of language that bothered me in the beginning
The book is a little slow in the beginning but picks up nicely by the middle. The non-traditional love story between the two with aspects of darkness (and dragons) reminds me alot of the Darkangel Trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce.
There is some incongruity of language that bothered me in the beginning
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precisely because the essence of the book feels old and classic but some of her dialogue was distinctly modern.The book is a little slow in the beginning but picks up nicely by the middle. The non-traditional love story between the two with aspects of darkness (and dragons) reminds me alot of the Darkangel Trilogy by Meredith Ann Pierce.
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LibraryThing member mavinger
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought I knew where it was going but it went in a totally different direction. As a character Una was a bit annoying and helpless, but if she hadn't had flaws then there wouldn't really have been much of a story.
LibraryThing member jessecreations
This book has a lot of potential, but for me it fell flat in many ways. The concept of the mysterious wood, the prince from a far-away and magical land, the evil dragon, etc. is all very interesting and full of great ways to develop a plot. Unfortunately, most of the plot in this book focused on a
Overall, this book had some great and original ideas but I feel like it left most of them hanging without proper character and plot development. This is a series, I believe; I have no interest in reading the next installment.
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young, mostly whiny princess who wanted nothing more than to have scores of suitors coming to her house to appreciate her and propose to her. Ugh. The relationship between the two romantic leads is under-developed; by the end I was rooting for him to dump her b/c I can't see what he would want with her in the first place. The hero rocks, the heroine is flat. I felt like their romance was odd, too. She swore she'd hate him from the start and never really showed any major turnaround but ended up loving him in the end. What? Overall, this book had some great and original ideas but I feel like it left most of them hanging without proper character and plot development. This is a series, I believe; I have no interest in reading the next installment.
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LibraryThing member picolina
This book contains the exact material that I look for in my favourite books: fantasy, romance, and a medieval type of setting, and to be honest, this book did not disappoint me. Princess Una is a charming character and the decisions she has to go through really make her a good protagonist. Stengl
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really puts us in a complete different universe as she describes the dragons and the fear that they put in this world's people. I loved her descriptions, especially those of the fire burning inside the young dragons. It's almost like you could feel the fire inside you. The story has lots of unexpected twists and turns, although by the time the book is 3/4 done, the ending is a little predictable. The book was good, however, I found it a little depressing also, considering nothing good really happened to Una until the end and how her situation always seemed to go from bad to worse. Nevertheless, this was an enjoyable read with lovely characters and a believable plot. I would recommend it to anyone who likes young adult fantasy. Show Less
LibraryThing member Lioness31
This book is delightfully alluring! I didn't think that the book would hold promise but before I knew it I was engulf into the world of Goldstone and its characters. I couldn't put the book down!! I had to read more and more as I progress through the chapters! Highly recommended and I await for
The main character Princess Una is a girl with many dreams of romance and love. When she became of age she was courted by many princes and it was quite funny how she handled it. Although I frowned at her behavior to the Prince of Farthestshore. Later on the story turns to dragons, battles, and betrayal. This book is quite unpredictable!
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another book in this series.The main character Princess Una is a girl with many dreams of romance and love. When she became of age she was courted by many princes and it was quite funny how she handled it. Although I frowned at her behavior to the Prince of Farthestshore. Later on the story turns to dragons, battles, and betrayal. This book is quite unpredictable!
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LibraryThing member lefty33
A dragon story of a different color! I have not read of dragons written in this light before. I enjoyed the new lore -- it is an ingenious addition to dragon stories.
The characters are interesting and fun to get to know though I did find Princess Una to be uncommonly thick. I especially loved
It was a good start to what looks to be a promising series.
The characters are interesting and fun to get to know though I did find Princess Una to be uncommonly thick. I especially loved
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Aethelbald and the evil Dragon. If the future books in the series have more of Aethelbald and less of Una, I'll definitely keep reading. It was a good start to what looks to be a promising series.
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LibraryThing member lis.lueninghoener
This was a very enjoyable first book. Stengl creates a new world with new rules and characters, but does a wonderful job of not getting caught up in the details of describing every new race that comes along, rather she gives you enough details in passing comments and assumes you'll catch on.
The
The
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ending was a bit abrupt and the story was a bit predictable, but it was fresh and new all the same. I found this to be quite good and will definitely look forward to more books by this author. Show Less
LibraryThing member krau0098
I got this book through Librarything's Early Reviewer program. I was excited to read it, it looked right up my alley. Over all it was an okay book, some parts were unique but the heroine left a lot to be desired.
Princess Una lives near Goldstone woods. When she comes of age suitors begin arriving.
There were a couple things I liked about this book. The idea behind how dragons are created was unique and interesting. Prince Aethelbald and the realm of fairy were mysterious and intriguing. I really wanted to learn more about both Aethelbald and fairy. Unfortunately you don't really get to learn a whole bunch more about those things in this book.
There was a lot I didn't like all that much about this book. The world itself was not well built and was a bit confusing setting wise. For example everything is set up like medieval times with princesses and kings, nothing is modern. Then at one point Una is running around in jeans...it just seemed odd. Una herself switches between using very princess-like stilted language and then suddenly is thinking/talking in modern slang. I just thought that the setting and speech were very inconsistent and I had trouble forming an image of what the world was actually like
The writing style itself is pretty easy to read and well-done; if you can ignore the inconsistency in speech patterns and stuff you should be okay. The characterizations are also okay but a bit weak. Aethelbald is by far the best character in the story and he isn't in the story all that much, you also really never get to learn what drives him.
It takes a long time to set up the story. Over half the book deals with Una lurking around the castle lamenting her choice of suitors. The good part, when the Dragon King enters the scene, doesn't happen until the second half of the book. So while the first half of the book is pretty boring, the second half felt too rushed.
Una herself is not an admirable heroine. She spends all her time mooning over the perfect romantic man and can't seem bothered to take any action to make anything happen in her life. The whole book she is a victim. Never once does she help herself or rescue herself. Even when she is fleeing the castle she tries to depend on former suitors to guide her path. I didn't enjoy her as a character at all and most of the time was just sick of listening to her whining and pleading.
The book is summed up nicely and ties up all the loose ends of the story. If this book had't been part of the Tales of Goldstone Wood I would think it was a stand alone. This is very much a romantic fantasy; but by romance I mean the strictly non-sexual kind. This book contains some violence but other than that it is very PG. If you are into princess/dragon/romance type of fantasy you might enjoy this story. The book didn't offend me, but I didn't think it was all that great either. There were just too many inconsistencies. Overall it was okay. I probably won't bepicking up anymore of Stengl's books though.
Princess Una lives near Goldstone woods. When she comes of age suitors begin arriving.
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Una wants a romantic suitor and when Prince Aethelbald of Farthestshore arrives he is anything but romantic; despite the fact that he claims to love Una. A variety of suitors parades through Una's life, each more dreadful than the last. That's when Una gives her heart to a different type of Prince. Una's worries over marrying are suddenly overshadowed when their kingdom is attacked by a fierce dragon. Una is the only one the dragon wants kept alive. Why is Una kept alive? Will the Prince to whom she gave her heart save her? Which Prince of all her suitors, if any, will rescue her?There were a couple things I liked about this book. The idea behind how dragons are created was unique and interesting. Prince Aethelbald and the realm of fairy were mysterious and intriguing. I really wanted to learn more about both Aethelbald and fairy. Unfortunately you don't really get to learn a whole bunch more about those things in this book.
There was a lot I didn't like all that much about this book. The world itself was not well built and was a bit confusing setting wise. For example everything is set up like medieval times with princesses and kings, nothing is modern. Then at one point Una is running around in jeans...it just seemed odd. Una herself switches between using very princess-like stilted language and then suddenly is thinking/talking in modern slang. I just thought that the setting and speech were very inconsistent and I had trouble forming an image of what the world was actually like
The writing style itself is pretty easy to read and well-done; if you can ignore the inconsistency in speech patterns and stuff you should be okay. The characterizations are also okay but a bit weak. Aethelbald is by far the best character in the story and he isn't in the story all that much, you also really never get to learn what drives him.
It takes a long time to set up the story. Over half the book deals with Una lurking around the castle lamenting her choice of suitors. The good part, when the Dragon King enters the scene, doesn't happen until the second half of the book. So while the first half of the book is pretty boring, the second half felt too rushed.
Una herself is not an admirable heroine. She spends all her time mooning over the perfect romantic man and can't seem bothered to take any action to make anything happen in her life. The whole book she is a victim. Never once does she help herself or rescue herself. Even when she is fleeing the castle she tries to depend on former suitors to guide her path. I didn't enjoy her as a character at all and most of the time was just sick of listening to her whining and pleading.
The book is summed up nicely and ties up all the loose ends of the story. If this book had't been part of the Tales of Goldstone Wood I would think it was a stand alone. This is very much a romantic fantasy; but by romance I mean the strictly non-sexual kind. This book contains some violence but other than that it is very PG. If you are into princess/dragon/romance type of fantasy you might enjoy this story. The book didn't offend me, but I didn't think it was all that great either. There were just too many inconsistencies. Overall it was okay. I probably won't bepicking up anymore of Stengl's books though.
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LibraryThing member professoralan
This is a fine debut novel in the genre of light Christian fantasy. Here there be dragons, a princess, princes, battles, love, fairies and mystical animals. The Christian content is apparent in the clean language and action, as well as a bit of spiritual allegory in the climax -- there are no
I enjoyed the book overall, although I did wonder where a few of the characters and one bit of intrigue from the first half of the novel disappeared to. There seemed to be a few threads that were dropped.
The plot is well-paced, and the balance between action and romance is nicely balanced.
Although the book leaves room for additional books in a series, this novel does tell a complete stand-alone story
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direct religious references in the text. I enjoyed the book overall, although I did wonder where a few of the characters and one bit of intrigue from the first half of the novel disappeared to. There seemed to be a few threads that were dropped.
The plot is well-paced, and the balance between action and romance is nicely balanced.
Although the book leaves room for additional books in a series, this novel does tell a complete stand-alone story
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Awards
Christy Awards (Nominee — First Novel — 2011)
Language
Original publication date
2010-07-01
Physical description
363 p.; 8.01 inches
ISBN
0764207806 / 9780764207808
Local notes
Tales of Goldstone Wood
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Stengl |