I am always a fan of fairy re-tellings, even if it is for a fairy tale I am not actually familiar with, as that of Rose Red. It took me awhile, but I also gathered that the book is a kind of Christian allegory, and parts remind me of Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.
Rose Red is by far the most intriguing character, as her birth is shrouded in mystery, her friends are animals with voices, and she cloaks herself in veils and layers to hide even the smallest scrap of skin from any prying eyes - including her own. The shame she bears for her own appearance is so great that her very existence is surrounded by grand tales of monsters and demons told by all of the local villagers, yet she bears a strength much greater than she appears to possess and she has a kind of magic that allows her to walk the secret Paths and face down death in all its forms. Even at the end of the book, I could not fully grasp who or what she is.
Leo manages to find and befriend Rose Red in boyhood, but he has a burden of his own as Prince Lionheart of Southlands, destined to become King. Leo knows his responsibilities, but he secretly just wants a friend and to make people laugh as a court jester. These polar opposites manage to pull him across the world again and again as he struggles with the simple question, "What do you want?"
Many other characters litter the pages of the book, which was at times confusing as I attempted to deduce which creature or character was on the side of good or evil, such as the Dragon - which became apparent at its occupation of Southlands. As an allegory for Christianity, some characters were clear - such as the Prince, but others were murkier, such as the Lady.
The structure of the book itself was off-putting for me. The book is divided into five parts, with chapters in each part, but in between each part a vague sense of time has passed, so that the reader cannot pick up where the last chapter left off. At each break, I would get the feeling that the plot was picking up, only to be let down that the climactic moments have been glossed over. I also really disliked the ending. Certain things are expected of classic fairy tales, and none of this was included in the ending of this book. Perhaps the author was aiming for something more "realistic" or to simply get the reader to continue the series, but loose endings this big make me feel like I wasted my time reading the book, only to get no satisfaction at the finale. ( )

VEILED ROSE is an engrossing fairy tale for teens and adults, replete with a prince and princesses, fairies, and evil characters vying for control. When Leo, a highborn lad with a very active imagination, overhears household staff discussing a monster rumored to be found on the mountain, he obtains a makeshift weapon and a few directions from the gardener and sets off to slay it. Rose Red, a girl wrapped in veils, lives in the forest and becomes his friend and sometime guide. Exciting adventures of the well-crafted characters capture this reader. Unfortunately, my enjoyment was marred by confusion. I don’t know if that was due to the author’s inexperience or would have been clarified by reading the initial book, HEARTLESS. The unsatisfying climax definitely requires that you complete the series. Stengl certainly can keep the reader’s interest, but are her other two books equally confusing? I can’t recommend the series for a church library on the basis of this fragment. Rating: 2.5 —DKW ( )

Last year I had the privilege of reviewing the first book in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series, Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. I fell in-love with the fantasy world Stengl created. When the second book in the series, Veiled Rose, was released I knew right away that I wanted to read it.
Veiled Rose is an epic fantasy where dragons are feared, beauty is praised and things are not what they appear to be. This story is centered around two main characters. Leo made an appearance in Heartless. In this book we learn all about Leo's history from the time that he's a boy. He's a precocious lad ready to take on the world despite his fears. While visiting his cousin for the summer he vows to slay the monster that lives in the mountains. While traipsing through the woods he meets a young girl, Rose Red. Rose Red is covered from head to toe. She is a mystery. However these two become fast friends and share many adventures together.
I liked learning more about Leo. In Veiled Rose Stengl gives more of an insight into his character. I felt that I understood his motivations a lot more in this novel. Leo has some really good qualities but he also has some really annoying qualities as well. I like the relationship between Leo and Rose a lot. It seemed that the only time his character was authentic was when he was with her. Rose was the one who wore the physical veil but Leo is the one hiding behind a metaphorical veil. I really liked the mystery behind Rose Red. Her appearance is a complete mystery. Her only friends are a goat, the man she calls father and her imaginary prince until she meets Leo. You can tell from the beginning that Rose Red is no ordinary girl. She possesses strength, courage and inner beauty.
Rose Red is plagued my nightmares. She dreams of a mysterious man that claims to be her friend. He desires just one kiss from her. He uses everything in his power to persuade her. He is the protagonist in this novel and is cunningly evil. As he sets out to get what he wants, he destroys everything in his path. Stengl has created a truly deplorable character. Evil is just a game to him.
The story line in this novel is good. It has a religious undertone with many poignant themes. The adventure that Rose Red and Leo have to embark on help shape their characters. I love seeing the character growth with these two characters. Veiled Rose is a fast paced, well written novel. It had me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait for the next book to come out. ( )

I fell irreversibly in love with Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s writing after reading her spectacular debut novel Heartless (which you can find for free digitally – Kindle, Nook, Epub etc. right now). It is without a doubt a five-star read (you’ll have to wait for my full review because it is still in a moving box somewhere!). In any case, if you read, and loved Heartless know this. Even though Stengl’s first novel stands well on its own without the need of a sequel, Veiled Rose adds even more depth, more characters, and more mystery to the world inhabited by dragons, princesses, princes in exile, and ancient forces of darkness.

At first (feel free to call me dense), I couldn’t see the connections between the two novels. I was caught up in the splendidly mysterious friendship between a young nobleman named Leo and a mysteriously veiled girl who became his constant companion during an unforgettable childhood summer. Only halfway through our story did the pieces start to fall into place. I won’t let you know what I discovered; perhaps it is already obvious to you. What I will assert is that Veiled Rose adds another layer of meaning to Heartless so flawlessly that I simply cannot wait to read Moonblood the series’ conclusion.

Now, you do need to read Heartless at some point, but you could read it before or after. I think I’ll actually double back and read Heartless again through the new eyes Veiled Rose has given me. Whatever you do, you should certainly read it. Stengl has woven another thread of allegorical meaning into her series (though not as pronounced in this second novel), and her new heroine – Rose Red – is so richly imbued with sweet, strong virtues made naturally evident through her life, that she has burst off the page and into my heart.

Tales of Goldstone Wood is a must-read series for fans of Christian fantasy – and, even if fantasy isn’t normally your cup of tea, I can still confidently suggest that Anne Elisabeth Stengl’s works have the potential to just possibly change your mind.

I received a physical copy of this title in exchange for this review. All opinions are genuine and entirely my own.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com ( )