Rose of the Oath ~ Book Review

  Hello everyone!  I've been super busy lately, but today I'm popping in to review Hope Ann's newest Legends of Light novella. 

I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange fro my honest review.

Roses.  Wolves.  Mystery.

With the enemy armies approaching and her brother Eldric not yet returned from his trading trip, Elissa leaves her younger sisters and following the pull of a magical rose, finds Eldric held captive by a strange man in a rose filled valley.  Knowing that he is needed back home more then herself, she takes his place and as the days pass, finds that the stranger isn't as much of a beast as she once thought.  Raging against the King whom she feels cares naught for her, Elissa is torn between her growing feelings for her host, with whom she has grown comfortable, and the young captain, Dachs, who brings her news and insists that the Beast really is a beast and cares nothing about her at all.  Frustrated and confused, Elissa struggles to understand the strange events surrounding her and to find answers to her myriad of questions.  Can Elissa renew her faith and find her courage before it's too late?

  Elissa: I like Elissa.  She is strong, determined, responsible and loving.  She is also stubborn, bossy (in good way) and she has her share of flaws, but she is fiercely protective of those she loves.  Hope Ann also does a good job of portraying in Elissa how someone with a painful past can reject God thinking he doesn't care.

  Beast: I very much enjoy this version of the Beast.  He isn't actually a beast, just a very shaggy man who wears a cloak made of wolf skins.  He is smart, witty, charming (when he wants to be), occasionally growly, but always sorry afterwards and very sweet.  Now, he is by no means your perfect Prince Charming,  he has made a lot of mistakes in his life, oh boy! has he ever.  But he learns from them and more importantly, he repented of his wrong doings and has been forgiven.  He is an excellent example of how someone with a strong faith can weather the storms and come out stronger.

  The Bad Guy: I can't say very much on this subject due to spoilers, but as I have said before, Hope Ann knows how to write baddies!  I detest him!

  Elissa's Siblings: Helene and Klara were adorable, but since we don't see very much of them, there isn't much to say about them.  Eldric is great.  I love his devotion, his determination and his protectiveness of his siblings.

  This book doesn't have a very large cast of characters, which I don't mind, because there are less people to keep track of.  It does have some very well woven threads.  Also, though you don't have to read the short story prequel in order to enjoy and understand Rose of the Oath, some things will make more sense and you might be able to figure out plot lines more quickly if you do.

  On the whole I think this is a very well done re-telling of a classic fairytale.  I like how Hope Ann mixes fairytales and God's Word in a fresh and interesting way, that doesn't read like a sermon.

  I would rate this a 4 out of 5 stars because I loved it, but I have read Beauty and the Beast re-tellings that I enjoyed more.

  Warning: It does contain wolf attacks on humans, some of them little children, and other minor violence. 

  Also, the Beast and Beauty are alone in the castle (though absolutely nothing happens), there are no invisible or visible servants or servants transformed into magical household objects.