Veiled Rose (Tales of Goldstone Wood) Paperback – July 1, 2011

Veiled Rose is Book Two in the enchanting Tales of Goldstone Wood series, and most effective and satisfying when read after Book One, Heartless. This fascinating allegory fantasy will have you diving into an exquisite tale of memorable mortal and mythical type characters, evil dragons, intriguing and unique settings, and with an inspirational and phenomenal storyline!Throughout this story, you'll also feel God's beautiful and ceaseless love portrayed. Additionally, you'll be prompted to think about the darkness that may seep into our lives when we don't `follow the light' by putting our trust in Him during life's adversities.In Veiled Rose, we view the individual journeys of the enigmatical veiled girl Rose Red and the kind and humorous, yet fallible Prince Lionheart. We also experience the epic battle between good and evil throughout, and ultimately the tug-of-war for our souls.The wonderfully mysterious Rose Red lives on a forest mountain behind a village, hiding from the villagers and wearing a shroud of veils. She has only her father who works all day and her nanny; a goat named Beana for companionship, and therefore is terribly lonely. When a young lad called Leo who is spending the summer holidays at Hill House at the bottom of the mountain, ventures up the mountain to fight the `monster' that he's heard the villages whisper about, he meets the odd but interesting Rose Red. They spend many hours playing adventures and so began a deep and abiding friendship. Eventually she acquiesces to show him the monster in the cave. Who and what is the mystery of this monster? And can she trust her friend with this secret? Leo returns five years later, and when he discovers that Rose Red's father has died and she is barely eating, he brings her home with him to Southlands, having revealed he is in actual fact Prince Lionheart of the Southlands.The horrifying Dragon King, who believes Rose Red is the Beloved of his Enemy, is furious to see her leave the mountain, and him. He gives her a year and a day to return or he will come for her. When she didn't return, the Dragon attacked Southland setting everything on fire and causing great destruction across the kingdom. And even when the fires died down, the lingering poisonous smoke continued to affect the citizens and their minds making them weak and causing dark thoughts. Lionheart sets off to find a way to be able to kill the dragon and save his family and kingdom. However the Dragon King's sister, The Lady of Dreams, plans to ensnare Lionheart by manipulating him to choose a dream that will go against his will, his new love, and to enslave him. Follow Lionheart aka Leo the Jester as he disguises himself while on his courageous quest to rid his kingdom of the evil. Likewise, join Rose Red in her own journey of grave danger and self-discovery.I genuinely enjoyed this ingenious tale and recommend it highly for everyone! It's especially encouraging for those who are going through difficult circumstances and finding it difficult to place their whole trust in God. And if you are feeling lonely or just different, you'll relate very much to the character of Rose Red.Wrapping up this review I'd love to share some words of God's amazing love from the Thrush Songbird in Veiled Rose. "I want you for yourself. I want you to be everything you were intended to be before the worlds were formed. Everything this death-in-life has prevented you from becoming. Yes, we both want your loyalty... I will never take something from you that you do not wish to give."Thank you Anne Elisabeth Stengl for this treasure!

How are we perceived by others and by ourselves? The second installment in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series beautifully examines this theme in a compelling manner. I especially loved how Mrs. Stengl skilfully interweaves instances from her first novel, Heartless, into this second book. We as readers get to see events unfold from another character's perspective. However, even though certain scenes overlap in both books, each story stands perfectly on its own.Leo spends summers at Hill House with his studious and priggish cousin, Foxbrush. There are rumors that a monster lives within the mountains that rise above Leo's summer dwelling, and the eleven-year-old is determined to pursue this malevolent force. On his first excursion into unknown and potentially dangerous territory, Leo encounters a mysterious young girl swathed in veils from head to toe. Thus begins a summer of adventure unlike any Leo has ever experienced. The girl, (Rose Red), leads a secluded and lonely life in the mountains, her only companions being her nanny goat, a brusque but kindhearted gardener whom she calls Father, a mysterious "Imaginary Friend," and a manipulative and seductive "Dream" that nightly insinuates itself into her sleep. Rose Red relishes Leo's company; finding within him the possibility of companionship and adventure she has never known. However, two seductive yet malicious dragons pursue both Rose Red and Leo, and they must make momentous decisions that will change their lives and the destinies of those around them.This story is enthralling and beautifully written. The character of Rose Red truly resonated with me. Her profound sense of isolation and her loyalty to Leo moved me to tears. Her character reminded me of Leah in the Old Testament, (the often overlooked yet ultimately loved woman whose son is in Christ's genealogy), and of Eponine in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. As a blind individual, I appreciated the reminder that, despite our limitations and unworthiness, and despite a world that is often fearful and hostile, we as human beings are loved by Someone who pursues us and constantly entreats us, "Beyond the final water falling, The song of spheres recalling, Won't you turn to me"?All the characters are truly engaging. I particularly enjoyed seeing how Leo, (who was first introduced in Heartless), was given more depth. His motivations for decisions were easier to understand.Stengl's use of the Christ figure in this installment was more subtle than in Heartless, but the scenes with his character were truly heartwarming and beautiful. Also, the Dragon King and his sister were extremely frightening in this installment. Evil is presented in its true form, and its manipulation and malice truly permeates the pages of this novel. A mesmerizing read that deserves to be enjoyed. I hope that one day, this series will be available in an audio format. Please give this novel a chance. God bless you all.

I have to say it is a very well written book, in my opinion. However for my taste it is a little too sinister, something dark lies beneath the surface throughout the story line which I did not enjoy reading before sleeping.

Read it! :)