I realized I had forgotten to post my review here. I really liked this book. I didn't realize when I requested this book that it was part of a series. I think I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the other books in the series first. I still enjoyed this fun, fantasy adventure novel. The main character was great and I know sometime in the future that I want to read the rest of the series. Stengl is a great writer and knows how to create an interesting and entertaining world for readers.

It is the story of Alistair, an earl looking to inherit his uncle's land and become king of the north country.
And it is also Lady Leta's story. She has been betrothed to Alistair and struggles with what is considered practical and what she truly desires. And of the Chronicler and his dangerous secret.

And then there is Sir Eanrin and Imraldera. As this book is set about 100 years from the end of Starflower, so in a way it is the continuation of their story as well as the Dragonwitch's, but we still don't know how Monster/Sir Eanrin loses his eyes as those of you who have read Heartless will know that the cat in Heartless does not have his eyes.

At the start of the novel, we have three different threads that weave together to influence the story and we are not quite sure how they are all going to come together. The first thread of influence is the Legend of Two Brothers, a tale that differs from what the near world and even some of the far world believes about the two famous brothers. Second thread is a paragraph or so written in italics at the beginning of each chapter, giving us a first person account of another time and place. Third is the story itself weaving the storylines of Eanrin/Imraldera, Lady Leta, Alistair, The Chronicler, The Scrubber, Mouse and the goblins all together into one grand adventure.

As the main story of Dragonwitch slowly unfolds, we get to learn about the characters, their predicaments, their desires, weaknesses, and nightmares. I loved how the story kept us guessing as who was the "bad guy". I love being able to gather the clues and make guess guesses about the plot or characters, whether I'm right or proven wrong in the end. And even better when it has such a beautiful ending to wrap it all up nicely. It is a book to be read again and again.

With each book, Ms. Stengl continues to weave a deeper, richer story as we explore the worlds of faerie and mortal alike. I cannot wait for Shadow Hand and all the other Tales of Goldstone Wood novels to come.

I adore this book! Dragonwitch is only the second book I've read by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, but I can tell you that as my TBR list dwindles (if that's possible!) I will be reading the rest.

The story that Ms. Stengl creates is one that is more than just fantasy. It is romance. It is adventure. It is epic! She takes the best parts of the genres and molds them into something completely wonderful. She creates a world so real that it is easy to believe that the land of fairies is right beyond the wood.

The characters in Dragonwitch are three dimensional. It feels as if they could walk off the page and sit next to you while you are reading. Some of the characters are ones who have been in her other books while others are brand new. Either way, they are great! I love Leta. She is so timid and unsure of herself in the beginning, but under the tutelage of the Chronicler, she allows the woman she really is to shine. Mouse is amazing as well, but not gonna say anything because I'd have to have a spoiler :) I'm really glad that Eanrin and Starflower are back for this book. Eanrin is so fun, and Starflower is so strong. The book wouldn't be the same without them.

Each chapter begins with a bit of backstory which all blends together near the end. It is such an awesome way to tell this story. I don't want to spoil it, but believe me when I say, this makes the book even better than it would be without it.