On Daylily's wedding day, she finally does what she's always wanted; she runs away. Her journey takes her into the mysterious Wilderlands, full of creatures and fairies. Foxbrush, her would-be husband, follows her intent on rescuing her, particularly before his cousin Lionheart gets to her. While in the Wilderlands, the three learn more about who they are than they ever expected, all while battling off forces that could kill them.

Though I haven't read the previous books in this series, SHADOW HAND is still fairly easily read alone, though I definitely think the reader can get the most background information by reading them all. Anne Elisabeth Stengl takes the reader into the heart of a land with magic around every corner that can be both deadly and awe-inspiring. I love the fairies and how much fun they add to the story. One of the things that I really adore is the surprisingly level of humor. It's definitely a more serious story, but the occasional witty dialogue is super nice. Daylily's character development is also very sweet, and I like how her interactions with Foxbrush start to change over time.

Though there are many things I like about SHADOW HAND, I did struggle with the writing sometimes. In some parts, the story kind of talks at you instead of showing you, and it kept me from really getting lost in the story. I could see it not being a problem for some readers, but for my personal preference, it didn't click with me as much as I would have liked it to.

Overall, if you like fairy-tale-esque YA fantasy, Anne Elisabeth Stengl's series might be a nice series to try. Though I do think SHADOW HAND is worth the read, I probably won't follow the rest of the series.

Book Summary

By her father's wish, Lady Daylily is betrothed to the Prince of Southlands. Not the prince she loves, handsome and dispossessed Lionheart, but his cousin, the awkward and foolish Prince Foxbrush. As her wedding day dawns, Daylily flees into the dangerous Wilderlands, her only desire to vanish from living memory.

But Foxbrush, determined to rescue his betrothed, pursues Daylily into a new world of magic and peril, a world where vicious Faerie beasts hold sway, a world invaded by a lethal parasite. A world that is hauntingly familiar.