Book Review: Goddess Tithe

 THE VENGEFUL GODDESS DEMANDS HER TITHE

When a stowaway is discovered aboard the merchant ship Kulap Kanya, Munny, a cabin boy on his first voyage, knows what must be done. All stowaways are sacrificed to Risafeth, the evil goddess of the sea. Such is her right, and the Kulap Kanya's only hope to return safely home.

Yet, to the horror of his crew, Captain Sunan vows to protect the stowaway, a foreigner in clown's garb. A curse falls upon the ship and all who sail with her, for Risafeth will stop at nothing to claim her tithe.

Will Munny find the courage to trust his captain and to protect the strange clown who has become his friend?

Through My Window

To the delight of her readers, Anne Elisabeth Stengl has brought forth her first novella in the epic Tales of Goldstone Wood series! This is the first of possibly several illustrated novellas that will be released amongst the novels. Goddess Tithe stands well on its own, but it takes place in the context of the novel, Veiled Rose. Those who have read Veiled Rose will remember that Lionheart was offered safe passage on a voyage to a distant land by a mysterious Captain Sunan. All assumed the voyage went well, without incident.Now it is revealed that a dark danger lurked under the ocean, one of unsated vengeance.

Though Goddess Tithe is one-fourth the size of the novels of Goldstone Wood, the incredible beauty of writing shines at its very best as a heart-tugging tale is told of a small boy, Munny, who is set on returning home, though tragedy might await him. As always, Anne Elisabeth creates her characters with insight, charm, and reality as she pits them against each other in amusing, sweet, and difficult ways. The men aboard the ship are from a country inspired by Oriental history, and the characters amongst them are vivid and varied. Captain Sunan is steeped in mystery and readers will be salivating for more of him and answers to his past in future tales! The stowaway upon their ship is vastly different from the crew, and they wonder if he is perhaps even a little mad. Readers will be delighted upon the return of Leonard the Jester, in all his foolish glory!

Nearly the entire story plays out on a ship at sea with an all-male crew. This does not mean that females do not hold a significant role. Indeed, the goddess of the sea is a constant threat and fear. The woman in the portrait creates a tantalizing mystery unsatisfied, though all who have read the series know that the author never sets a mystery without one day revealing the answer. And there is one other woman who brings forth the heart of the story…

One of the most remarkable aspects of this tale is that Munny and the strange clown Leonard learn from each other, come to respect each other, and even become friends without once understanding what the other is saying. It’s a truly beautiful illustration of friendship despite the bars of language, race, and difference.

The beautiful black and white illustrations range from comical to enigmatic to dramatic.

For those who wonder what age the tale is appropriate for, I would not advise it for children despite its short length and gorgeous illustrations. There is no language, gruesome violence, or sexual content, but the story is quite serious, intense, and heart-wrenching. The faerie ocean was deliciously creepy.

An exciting tale with excellent writing, tantalizing mystery, an epic climax, and a tear-worthy conclusion. I declare Goddess Tithe a tale everyone should read!!!