Book Review: A Branch of Silver, A Branch of Gold by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

A GHOSTLY RETELLING OF

"THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES"

For six hundred years I have dwelt in this prison. Trapped. Helpless.

Unliving and undying.

For six hundred years I have watched as cursebreakers come and go. Brave young women all, gifted with powers beyond mortal understanding.

I have watched them die. I have watched them wish to die.

Once again the Family of Night invades this country to claim its dues, and this generation’s cursebreaker has her chance to break the endless chain of torment. To save me. To save her sisters.

But how can a peasant child scarcely fourteen years of age discover the three-part key and liberate the captives? Will she too be doomed to join the Death Dance binding us all to the Family of Night?

 Through My Window

Before there can be a beginning, there must first be an end.

It was a sad day for fans when Anne Elisabeth declared she must pause the Tales of Goldstone Wood series for a few years….it seemed new journeys into the Between were at an end, at least for a time. But lo and behold, a new beginning awaited! The first book of a four part series set WITHIN Goldstone Wood….not part of the series itself, but part of the very same world. So what joy, what excitement!

For me, it did not disappoint. True, the style of writing is a shade different…the plot takes its own sweet time in building up pace, and description can feel a bit repetitive at times. When I say the description is repetitive, I do not mean that it uses the same descriptions over and over, but that she finds a new and unique way to depict something. And that is a power all of its own as it creates a reality of mortal worlds and faerie horrors with high skill and grounded knowledge.

As always with Anne Elisabeth’s writings, if you know history or culture, you may recognize the inspired genius….apparently a certain important element in this book is directly inspired from a freakish ballet called “Le Sacre du primtempts." Who knew? I sure wouldn’t have without being told by a friend. But even if you don’t know what Anne Elisabeth may be using as reference, you can just feel the authenticity.

I think, perhaps, this plot is more confusing than previous Goldstone novels…both the cause and cure of the faerie curse are very complex, but really, what else can we expect from the fey kind? Don’t worry, if you are patient, your questions will be answered when all is said and done. This book is an excellent example of the art of withholding information from the reader to create mystery and suspense.

And the characters! Oh the characters! Heloise may be a little difficult at first for some people, being a headstrong young teenage girl (much like Meirda from Brave, actually), but she truly has development through this book. And Benedict! My! He starts off seemingly simple, and oh, how much he hides! *excuse me as I go sniffle, snork, and blow my nose* Such a sweetheart, such a knight, such a tragedy. Then there is a sylph. We’ve had sylph in the tales before, but this sylph is the BEST EVER. Cutest little stinker, I would hug it if sylphs could be hugged.

Then there is the Family of Night. Very. Interesting. And disturbing. And more complicated than at first impressions. And above all, readers of Goldstone Wood have heard of them before. Or at least of one member or two.

This is the beginning of a great thing for fantasy or fairytale readers. There are at least, three or four books more for this series, so take heart and prepare to continue the journey! If you are have wandered the Wood before, prepare to be swept off on a sylph wind as you return to the Between you love and encounter loved ones and new faces alike! If you are new, perhaps seeking a retelling of Twelve Dancing Princesses…you will find a beautiful and unique version…and so. much. more.

Many Sights Out the Window

Good morning, dear readers of mine! (If um, any of you are still around after my prolonged absence.) I hope all of you have been well and blessed in your life and endeavors!

So many wonderful things are in motion right now, and I thought I might share some of my favorites in case you hadn't heard of them...

First of all, some of you may know I am a BIG fan of The Wingfeather Saga. Like big. If you haven't read my review, here you are....So imagine how THRILLED I am when I hear it is being turned into an animated series! This isn't just a happy little dream, Andrew Peterson has some truly talented people on this team who can make it happen. But of course they need support, which is why they have the project on Kickstarter for funding. If any of you wish there was more quality animated series around, this is a great project to get behind! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/478789344/bring-the-wingfeather-saga-to-the-screen


Now I'm sure most of you have heard this....but the tragic parting from Goldstone Wood is not so terrible long as we thought! Anne Elisabeth is starting a new spin-off series this MAY!!! BUT---if you sign up for her newsletter, you will have a chance to buy the ebook version for $.99 this March 18-20. Which is CRAZY!!!!  So um, yes. All is well with the world for the Imps.

The winners for Five Magic Spindles were announced, and oh, they sound so interesting!

Also, The Goldstone Wood Fan Art Contest is open for entries this month and it is being hosted over at Dame Imraldera's Library, so go over there for the rules and details...! Please enter, I love seeing all the art and creativity! 

So there you have it, dear readers! Some of my favorite exciting new things! Anything that has you bouncing up and down this month? Do share! :)

Cover Reveal--Draven's Light by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

It's always such a thrilling event when a new cover for the Tales of Goldstone Wood is revealed. Here is the official unveiling of the cover for Anne Elisabeth's newest novella! And wow..................
....................................
Just wow.
Look at it. May I say how happy I am to have a hero on the front cover at last?

In the Darkness of the Pit

The Light Shines Brightest

Drums summon the chieftain’s powerful son to slay a man in cold blood and thereby earn his place among the warriors. But instead of glory, he earns the name Draven, “Coward.” When the men of his tribe march off to war, Draven remains behind with the women and his shame. Only fearless but crippled Ita values her brother’s honor.

The warriors return from battle victorious yet trailing a curse in their wake. One by one the strong and the weak of the tribe fall prey to an illness of supernatural power. The secret source of this evil can be found and destroyed by only the bravest heart.

But when the curse attacks the one Draven loves most, can this coward find the courage he needs to face the darkness?

Coming May 25, 2015

 EXCERPT

 

He heard the drums in his dreams, distant but drawing ever nearer. He had heard them before and wondered if the time of his manhood had come. But with the approach of dawn, the drums always faded away and he woke to the world still a child. Still a boy.

But this night, the distant drums were louder, stronger. Somehow he knew they were not concocted of his sleeping fancy. No, even as he slept he knew these were real drums, and he recognized the beat: The beat of death. The beat of blood.

The beat of a man’s heart.

He woke with a start, his leg throbbing where it had just been kicked. It was not the sort of awakening he had longed for these last two years and more. He glared from his bed up into the face of his sister, who stood above him, balancing her weight on a stout forked branch tucked under her left shoulder.

“Ita,” the boy growled, “what are you doing here? Go back to the women’s hut!”

His sister made a face at him, but he saw, even by the moonlight streaming through cracks in the thatch above, that her eyes were very round and solemn. Only then did he notice that the drumbeats of his dream were indeed still booming deep in the woods beyond the village fires. He sat up then, his heart thudding its own thunderous pace.

“A prisoner,” Ita said, shifting her branch so that she might turn toward the door. “The drums speak of a prisoner. They’re bringing him even now.” She flashed a smile down at him, though it was so tense with anxiety it could hardly be counted a smile at all. “Gaho, your name!”

The boy was up and out of his bed in a moment, reaching for a tunic and belt. His sister hobbled back along the wall but did not leave, though he wished she would. He wished she would allow him these few moments before the drums arrived in the village. The drums that beat of one man’s death . . . and one man’s birth.

His name was Gaho. But by the coming of dawn, if the drums’ promise was true, he would be born again in blood and bear a new name.

Hands shaking with what he desperately hoped wasn’t fear, he tightened his belt and searched the room for his sickle blade. He saw the bone handle, white in the moonlight, protruding from beneath his bed pile, and swiftly took it up. The bronze gleamed dully, like the carnivorous tooth of an ancient beast.

A shudder ran through his sister’s body. Gaho, sensing her distress, turned to her. She grasped her supporting branch hard, and the smile was gone from her face. “Gaho,” she said, “will you do it?”

“I will,” said Gaho, his voice strong with mounting excitement.

But Ita reached out to him suddenly, catching his weapon hand just above the wrist. “I will lose you,” she said. “My brother . . . I will lose you!”

“You will not. You will lose only Gaho,” said the boy, shaking her off, gently, for she was not strong. Without another word, he ducked through the door of his small hut—one he had built for himself but a year before in anticipation of his coming manhood—and stood in the darkness of Rannul Village, eyes instinctively turning to the few campfires burning. The drums were very near now, and he could see the shadows of waking villagers moving about the fires, building up the flames in preparation for what must surely follow. He felt eyes he could not see turning to his hut, turning to him. He felt the question each pair of eyes asked in silent curiosity: Will it be tonight?

Tonight or no night.

Grasping the hilt of his weapon with both hands, Gaho strode to the dusty village center, which was beaten down into hard, packed earth from years of meetings and matches of strength held in this same spot. Tall pillars of aged wood ringed this circle, and women hastened to these, bearing torches which they fit into hollowed-out slots in each pillar. Soon the village center was bright as noonday, but with harsh red light appropriate for coming events.

Gaho stood in the center of that light, his heart ramming in his throat though his face was a stoic mask. All the waking village was gathered now, men, women, and children, standing just beyond the circle, watching him.

The drums came up from the river, pounding in time to the tramp of warriors’ feet. Then the warriors themselves were illuminated by the ringing torches, their faces anointed in blood, their heads helmed with bone and bronze, their shoulders covered in hides of bear, wolf, and boar. Ten men carried tight skin drums, beating them with their fists. They entered the center first, standing each beneath one of the ringing pillars. Other warriors followed them, filling in the gaps between.

Then the chieftain, mighty Gaher, appeared. He carried his heavy crescent ax in one hand, and Gaho saw that blood stained its edge—indeed, blood spattered the blade from tip to hilt and covered the whole of the chieftain’s fist. Gaher strode into the circle, and the boy saw more blood in his beard. But he also saw the bright, wolfish smile and knew for certain that his sister had been correct. The night of naming had come.

“My son,” said the chief, saluting Gaho with upraised weapon.

“My father,” said Gaho, raising his sickle blade in return.

 “Are you ready this night to die and live again?” asked the chief. His voice carried through the shadows, and every one of the tribe heard it, and any and all listening beasts of forests and fields surrounding. “Are you ready this night for the spilling of blood that must flow before life may begin?”

Gaho drew a deep breath, putting all the strength of his spirit into his answer. “I am ready, Father.”

Gaher’s smile grew, the torchlight flashing red upon his sharpened canines. He turned then and motioned to the darkness beyond the torchlight.

The sacrifice was brought forward.

AUTHOR BIO:

ANNE ELISABETH STENGL makes her home in North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed Tales of Goldstone Wood. Her novel Starflower was awarded the 2013 Clive Staples Award, and her novels Heartless, Veiled Rose, and Dragonwitch have each been honored with a Christy Award.

To learn more about Anne Elisabeth Stengl and her books visit:www.AnneElisabethStengl.blogspot.com

 You can pre-order the book here by clicking this button! Feel free to share the button and the link on your blog!

And Anne Elisabeth has also provided a Rafflecopter giveaway! 

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Book Review--Golden Daughter by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

It is clear from the beginning that this tale is unique from all the other Tales. It takes place in a far different and more ruthless world than we have met before in the series. Even the time we spend in the Between is a different place than we have seen. But despite almost an entirely new cast and setting, this Tale is VITAL to the series. I dare not reveal all the incredible things revealed here. It is the first night of Moonblood. It is the first part of Sunan's history (it is hard to believe that this Sunan is the same Sunan we love later on). And we learn the history of the Goldstone. And--oh, so much!

Any newcomers into Goldstone Wood might be surprised to find out Golden Daughter is "Christian" fantasy. After all, most of the characters and the very culture dedicates itself to their goddess, the moon. And while some perform their rituals with hypocritical ease, others carry out their dedication with disturbing loyalty. Unlike most Christian fantasy, this doesn't take the point of view of the "Christian" character.

This is the real world. Not to say that is actually exists, but because the foundation of it is true. A corrupt world. Fallen. Deceived. As such, there is false religion, and people devoted and aloof to it. There is an awareness of the more lewd sides of the world that adds a certain maturity that wasn't so present in other Goldstone Novels. It shows us that men trying to connect with the spiritual worlds without God's summoning leads to damaging consequences. But this book takes us by the hand, and guides us through the lies, shows the fragility of the promises of the world, and brings us to a profound and beautiful portrayal of God's character and ultimate power.

And actually, there does turn out to be a parallel here with a familiar Bible story. But perhaps because it is so obvious, we overlook it, because I never recognized it until thinking about the story later. 

This is definitely the most violent of the Tales so far. Not really graphic or disturbing, but it still packs some punch. It might be a bit too harsh for the very sensitive reader. The headcount by the end is rather high....and Anne Elisabeth has this way of making you feel each one, even the people you didn't particularly like.

That is another of her gifts. Creating real people, so real you have trouble liking them. Oh, to be sure, there are plenty of characters to love here: Sairu--one of the funnest and most darling (and deadly) female characters I've met in a while, Jovann--who is AWESOME, Eanrin--who...who brings a whole new level to the words "I love him." But then we have characters who we see or know to commit heinous and cold deeds--characters who we might call "bad"--shock us with their depth. They may have few loves and loyalties left, but to those few they cling with a resilience that is truly admirable. We also have plain evil characters who are just totally consumed with evil.

The Dragon reaches a new tier in villainy here. (Somehow it is more chilling when a villain kills an innocent, cute little animal, than say, a random brash knight. Okay, fine, it was the way he killed the animal.)

And then there is Lady Hariawan...she is...nothing. Not to say the reader doesn't see other sides, things she might be...but the decisions she makes, the road she takes...she acts soulless. This aspect of her character is completely intentional and necessary. It is even explained, if you read between the lines and know the laws of Faerie. But really, I think I despise her more than any other character I've met in Goldstone Wood. Gleamdren (in Starflower) was cute and funny in her annoyingly selfish way. Hariawan is chilling, using other people for her own ends with absolutely no true care in her heart. Indeed, Sairu's continuous devotion to her was one of the only things I couldn't understand. I guess being raised to always protect your master is pretty strong. Sairu's loyalty wasn't unrealistic, just not something I could relate to. The same goes for a few other motivations in the story; they weren't flaws, just not something I understood.

Foreboding, strange, and ruthless are the worlds through which this tale weaves. It is difficult to discern what the will of the Song Giver is, what role the characters will play. But to those who are willing to take the journey, they will find a beauty at its peak, a hope of infinite glory. I do not believe I have yet read in a fantasy a more powerful, more beautiful representation of God as is found here in these pages. Indeed, in the midst of reading it, I found my eyes swimming with tears, for the potency of His majesty, love, and grandeur rang true in my own life.

And that is the work of a master storyteller.

Literary Blog Party--Faith and Fantasy

I'm participating in Joy's blog party! Today she asks us questions about Fantasy and Faith. And my answers are super long, so hang tight! Here we go!

1. Taken from a Christian perspective, what are your thoughts and feelings on the fantasy genre in general? Do you hold to any convictions or guidelines on things like magic, sorcery, fantastical elements or allegory in fantasy books?

I love fantasy, but I am picky about what sort I read or watch. Much depends on what world it takes place in. In a fantastic world of the author's imagination, I accept that there are different physical rules. Personally, I prefer magical powers to be born or given, not learned or consumed which is just too much like the drugs and sorcery of this world. When the author connects their fantasy to THIS world, my guard goes up ten times, because now they're involving the place I live in and changing the rules to what I believe. This is the world my God created and it lives under His law. Though great Christian fantasy authors have entwined fantasy into this world, like Lewis, Tolkien, and Ashlee Willis, this is the reason I won't ready fantasy such as Harry Potter. 

 

2. Who are some of your favourite fantasy/fairy-tale authors? (you can name up to three.)

Anne Elisabeth Stengl

J. R. R. Tolkien

Lloyd Alexander

3. Have you read The Chronicles of Narnia books, or watched any of the movies? Which, if so, are your three favourite books?

The Horse and His Boy, The Magician's Nephew, and The Last Battle (Is there any better ending to a fantasy series than in Heaven?)

4. How many books by J.R.R. Tolkien have you read and enjoyed so far? Can you choose a favourite book (The Lord of the Rings can be considered one book ;)?

The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Simarillion, The Tolkien Reader (including many of his short stories, poems, and essay), and good chunks of The Lays of Beleriand and The Unfinished Tales.

As much as I love his Lord of the Rings, I probably love The Hobbit more because it's so FUNNY. And I have Tolkien's World From A to Z: The Complete Guide to Middle-Earth by Robert Foster, that tells me pretty much anything I want to know. :)

5. Uhm. . . since, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien were friends, I will not risk causing further estrangement to the history of their friendship by pitting them against each other! However, being the mastermind of mischief that I am, I will toss this question your way: which of the two are you most fond of in sense of storytelling, characters, themes and what personally touches/inspires you the most: The Lord of the Rings, or The Chronicles of Narnia?

C.S. Lewis definitely came up some amazing ideas and brought the truth of our God to the fantasy world as few have ever done. I read his books in childhood constantly. But when I discovered Lord of the Rings I discovered an entire other world that has inspired me for my own stories again and again!

6. Are there other books and movies of the fantasy/fairy-tale/legend genre that have you read and loved, especially from modern authors? Please tell us a little bit about them.

The Tales of Goldstone Wood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl completely astonished me. I picked up the first book at the library without any idea that I was picking up the most genius fantasy series I've ever read (I like it even better than Lewis or Tolkien)! Her messages of God's undeserved grace given to real people in a complicated world of fae and mortals absolutely enchants me. 

I also enjoyed Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson though his story was a bit heavier than I'm used to (lots of violence) and his worldview was Morman, but still, his crafting of worlds, magic, and characters was flawless and his action scenes were the best I've read. I've only read the first book, but his writing kind of inspired me.

I also enjoy (don't laugh) the TV series, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. Now the world view is definitely Eastern philosophy, which is a bit more prevalent and bothersome in season 2 of Legend of Korra. But when grounded in Christian faith, I think it is good to be aware of where other people are coming from in their beliefs. This show (it takes a few episodes to get used to the animation) is so packed with the themes of good vs. evil, sacrificial love, the importance of family, courage in the face of impossibilities, and wonderful characters who can seem so REAL at times....well, I really enjoy it. :)

7. Have you read any Christian allegories, such as Pilgrim's Progress, Holy War or Hinds Feet on High Places? 

Yes, I have read Pilgrim's Progress! And I have yet to read Hinds Feet on High Places, though I've heard many wonderful things about it!

8. Share some of your most well-loved heroines from fantasy tales in literature (books, movies, modern and classics), and why you love them so much! What virtues/traits in them would you like to have yourself?

Though I haven't read Chronicles of Narnia recently, Lucy is always an inspiration in her steadfast faith in Aslan!
For the more tough heroine, I love Harry from The Blue Sword. She's so normal (or she thinks she is), but her training to be a warrior and hero is believable and her ability to take it all in stride is admirable!
Also, Imraldera from Tales of Goldstone Wood encourages me to love even my enemies!
Eowyn's courage in the Lord of the Rings (especially the movie) is awesome. Go girl!

9. Which land would you rather go, dwell in, or be a part of: Middle-Earth, or Narnia? (or maybe some other fantasy-land, you share!)

Middle-Earth. Take me to the elves!
 

10. What kind of fantasy are you most fond of? Fantastical and "fairy-tale-ish" like Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella, or rather the mythological, high-epic-fantasies such as Tolkien's?

The high epic fantasy of Tolkien really appeals to me, but it depends upon the author. I can also enjoy the more innocent, creative fairy tales, so long as they don't get too bizarre, because I like beautiful, not bizarre.

11. Which is your favourite fairy-tale?

Of the classics, probably Beauty and the Beast. However, when reading others, I really was intrigued by the potential of retellings in The Golden Branch and Prunella.

12. List some of your most well-loved movie adaptions of fantasy tales (this does not include Disney fairy-tale animations). 

The Lord of the Rings! I am so, so, so in love with those movies! And the Narnia movies are really well done too, even if they're departing a bit from the books. And I was super impressed with the re-visioning of the Sleeping Beauty tale in Maleficent.
 

13. Who are your favourite heroes from fantasy books? (you may list as many as you like!) Tell us a little bit about why you love them so much :).

Oh...heheh...I have too many to mention, heheheh, but here goes:

Eanrin (Tales of Goldstone Wood)--Bard, knight, faerie, cat, man...Eanrin is many things, and though he shields himself with a selfish exterior, he is one of the noblest heroes of all!
Eugenides (The Queen's Thief)--The most cunning and clever hero I've ever encountered, never failing to surprise the reader with his wit and nobility! Now, I admit, The Queen's Thief is more mythical than fantastical. But it works, right?
Etanun (Tales of Goldstone Wood)--Like the classic knights of lore, Etanun had stood as the figure of courage, strength, and goodness before his own sin shamed him...leaving him with a better understanding of grace and true love than many...
Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender)--Okay, so he's also in graphic novels (those count as books, right?) Watching his growth from a tormented young villain to a self-sacrificing leader of heroes...it's cool.
Finrod Felagund (The Simarillion)--He's not in many stories, but his courageous death in the tale of Beren and Luthian made me look everything else up about him and he's one of my favorite literary elves!
Corlath (The Blue Sword)--How exactly do I describe this guy? He's cool. Just cool. Really cool.
Nock (The Door Within Trilogy)--Personally, I enjoyed Nock better than Legolas in the literary world! He was kind of more like the Legolas of the movies (if this was a movie list, Legolas would be at the top).
Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings)--In the book and in the movie, he's a great hero!

14. Saddest moment in any fantasy tale you've either watched or read?

The Battle of Tears in The Simarillion! WHHHAAAAAAA! My Fingon was killed by balrogs, and I blame this battle on Maedhros's beginning collapse under his curse and eventual madness and suicide. Plus, like everything else that could have went wrong in that battle happened. Tolkien might be one of my favorites, but he sure knew how to rip out my heart. Grrrrrrr....

Watched? I got pretty teary-eyed in the climatic duel between Zuko and his sister in Avatar: The Last Airbender. I mean, it was an epic and awesome fight (one of the best), but it was really sad to see her mental breakdown. :(

15. How did you get into The Lord of the Rings and Middle-Earth books/movies? (If you're not into LOTR than you can talk about how you got into Narnia instead).

Well, it was a pretty big thing when it came out, but I was too young to watch it at first. After I learned the storyline from my big brother (Star Wars was good and Lord of the Rings was evil until my brother switched sides, so thus did I), my parents decided I could watch a heavily edited version of the movies, closing my eyes during all the violent and ugly parts. I had the cues on where to stop looking memorized better than my parents! Now, of course, I can watch the whole movie, but I've still chosen to not watch a few certain scenes. And after I became an avid lover of Middle-Earth, I had to read the books! 
 

16. Give a list (preferably with pictures!) of your favourite fantasy/medieval costumes/armor/gowns and from which movie/character they come from.

I'm kind of uncertain about the whole rules of which sites will allow you to share their pictures or not, so I'm going to not use pictures. But hopefully they should be pretty familiar!

Susan's farewell gown from Prince Caspian. It's sooooooo pretty. :)

Pretty much any kind of elven attire is great. 

And a few of my favorites come from my OWN stories...these two belong to bad guys, but still...I adore their armor. *sigh*

17. Which fantasy/fairy-tale has inspired and influenced you the most?

The Tales of Goldstone Wood. Reading this series has opened up my eyes in new ways for a epic worlds and characters to be revealed on the page. It begins like a beautiful picture, then unfolds into a tapestry and is still unfolding! It also has really taught me how to create real characters and reflect my beliefs in a fantasy setting.

18. Favourite character in Tolkien's Lord of the Rings/Hobbit universe? Favourite character in The Chronicles of Narnia? (Choose 1 each)

Does this count movies? If so, Legolas. If not, maybe Bilbo Baggins, because my brother's version when he was reading aloud is just too cute. The movie version of him is pretty delightful as well.
Aravis from The Horse and His Boy. She was just awesome, and I always thought she should be played by one of my cousins, though that cousin is too old now. :(

19. Favourite friendship in a fantasy book/movie/series?

Legolas and Gimli! They are so much fun! And if you didn't have enough of them, a similar and just as enjoyable friendship can be found in Nock and Mallik in the Door Within Trilogy.
 

20. Which villain of fantasy strikes the most dread and loathing in you? Which foe strikes the most pity?

Do Melkor and Sauron count as one? I probably loathe them the most when they kill some awesome elf I love (which covers about every elf). Curse them! Ungoliant was loathsome. Ooog.

As for pity...hmmmm...I guess I pity the Dragonwitch from Tales of Goldstone Wood the most. But at the same time, I don't, because she completely let herself collapse under the sorrow she went through and let her life being ruined by jealousy and bitterness. I was just so, so, so sad when she refused to let herself be redeemed.

I truly pity Murtagh from The Inheritance Cycle, even though I mostly read about what happened to him, not actually read it. Some will argue that he wasn't a villain, because he was literally forced and tortured by the extreme into becoming a bad guy...(Spoiler)...which he overcame by the end. But man...that guy had nothing going for him. He was just so hopeless....(another reason Christian Fantasy should be some of the best out there...it has hope.)

21. Share some of your most well-loved quotes from fantasy books/movies :). 

 "Thus does poet's work progress! Do please withhold all judgment until further notice!"-Bard Eanrin, Starflower

"That still counts as one!" Gimli to Legolas upon the elf's defeat of an entire oliphant and crew (The Return of the King movie)

"I love you."--Etanun, Dragonwitch (You'll have to read the book to understand why I burst into tears at this moment.)

"Eragon."
"Do you know any other word than my name?"
"No." --Eragon and Sapphira, Eragon

"What is that, an awl?"
"No, Your Majesty, no, as you can see, it is a very fine needle."
"It does feel like a needle--it feels like you're spent too much time working on people who don't pay you and you should--ow! Ow! Ow!" --Eugenides vs his physician, The King of Attolia. He's the whiniest hero I've ever encountered, and how we love him for it. :)

22. Favourite battle in a fantasy book or movie?

The Battle of the Pelanor Fields in the movie! Oh...Eowyn and the Witch-king...and best of all...Legolas and the oliphant. :D

Oh. But I just remembered the climatic battle in Avatar: The Last Airbender--Sozin's Comet. Hm. After three seasons it was something else to see brother and sister clash, and rarely, rarely have I seen the hero with such deadly control and power over the outcome as the Avatar chasing down Ozai. It was kind of awesome to see the villain on the terrified side of things. :D

23. Tell us which romance couple you love best in any of the fantasy stories you know about.

Eanrin and Imraldera. Though technically they haven't started an official romance, because of some big complications. So if we're going with an actual romance...Eugenides and Irene from The Queen's Thief. Wow, they are so unlikely and so wonderful together!!!!

24. Elves or dwarves? Gondor or Rohan? Aragorn or King Tirian?

 Elves. Hands down. Rohan. They're all about horses. Aragorn. I didn't even know who King Tirian was....oh wait, now I remember! He was awesome too...but Aragorn.

25. Who is your favourite side-kick (secondary character) in books/movies of this genre? (you are welcome to choose more than one ;). 

 In the movie Maleficent, Diaval simply charmed my socks off. He was so sweet and noble! And I suppose Legolas could be counted as a side-kick. If so, then definitely him! He saved so many members of the Fellowship (Gandalf, Aragorn, Bormier, Gimli)!

In books, I'm reminded of Flewfduer Flam from The Chronicles of Prydain. He had me laughing all throughout the series and crying in the last book!

26. List five fantasy novels you are especially looking forward and eager to read in the near future.

Golden Daughter by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Storm Siren by Mary Weber

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier
East by Edith Pattou
Ebon by Robin McKinley (actually, who knows when this one is coming out!)
 

27. Which fantasy work struck you with the most sense and depth of faith and the author's perception of morality, ethics, the distinction and battle between good and evil, and the Christian walk? Can you share a little bit about it?

Once again, I would have to say the Tales of Goldstone Wood. With an understanding heart, the author reveals the desires, strengths, and weaknesses of the human heart (even if fay) and the ultimate failure to save ourselves. She shows how we are in need of a savior and undeserved grace and that it is not by our strength that we can become heroes. Though only the first book is a clear allegory (the love story of the us and Christ), the rest of the series creates characters as real as someone next to you and leads you on their journey to redemption through the love of the Prince of the Farthest Shore. It's really beautifully done.

28. What was the first fantasy novel you ever read and how did it strike you?

I don't know! I imagine it was the Chronicles of Narnia. They were the prevalent and pretty much only fantasy in my childhood, so they definitely started me on my love of the genre!

29. What would inspire you to pick up a work of fantasy literature or watch a fantasy film? 

What do you believe are both the benefits, negatives and overall effects of enjoying this genre?

A good cover is usually the first thing to catch my attention! I'm drawn to beautiful things, not strange, as aforesaid, and too dark of a cover can be intriguing, but I'll need some assurance of light. I rarely pick up any story or movie without first having it recommended from a trusted source and often researched by myself. 

As a character in fantasy says, "You'll rarely find more truth than in fairy tales." Authors of old and now new ones are bringing forth stories that parallel our own. Oh, we not have special powers or a quest to destroy an evil ring. We may not meet elves or ever have to fight goblins. But there is evil in this world and fantasy reminds us of the more supernatural things at stake when it is easy to get caught up in the material humdrums of life. There is a dark lord, there is a war, temptations ensnare us, and we fight battles of our own. Granted, some fantasy will teach improper truths, as is the case in most genres. People might become more caught up in the fantasy than the real world and might even become attracted to magic, which in this world will get them into darkness, not light. But for those who measure their fantasy by the truth of God, they will see heroes struggle, yet have victory, and they will be reminded that there is a happily ever after.