TEN FINGERS TOUCHING
A tale of true love, mystery and adventure
written by
Ellen A. Roth
illustrated by
John Blumen
Getting To The Point, February 2015
Hardcover, 104 pages
About the book
Evil plots his return to power and Good fights to defeat Evil's sinister plan. Caught between them in this epic struggle are two young lovers - Martak, master of the forest, and Marianna, a beautiful maiden and governess to Rosy, the impetuous, young princess. Evil's desperate scheme to outwit Good and rule the Kingdom puts Martak, Marianna and the Princess at risk as they are drawn into the conflict.
Will the soulmates realize their "happily ever after?" Martak must first unravel the curse and destroy evil. In this land where magical forces vie for dominance, could true love be the most powerful weapon of all?
A beautifully illustrated tale for women of all ages, Ten Fingers Touching explores the complex nature of love and fate. It is an enchanting journey of romance, mystery and adventure. Ellen A. Roth's debut novella is an imaginative take on a classic genre-and a treat for the romantic soul.
Will the soulmates realize their "happily ever after?" Martak must first unravel the curse and destroy evil. In this land where magical forces vie for dominance, could true love be the most powerful weapon of all?
A beautifully illustrated tale for women of all ages, Ten Fingers Touching explores the complex nature of love and fate. It is an enchanting journey of romance, mystery and adventure. Ellen A. Roth's debut novella is an imaginative take on a classic genre-and a treat for the romantic soul.
My review
"Deeper meaning resides in the fairy-tales told in [...] childhood [more] than in any truth that is taught in life."
Regrettably, the big-screen renditions of many children's classics are replacing that shared mythology of old-school folktales with animated versions rich in special effects and dazzling scenography, but lacking in complexity and moral lessons. Whenever possible, make sure your kids' first gateway to fantasy is the original story.
However, if you're looking for a read that will breathe new vigor and freshness into the vastly exploited formula of the romantic fantasy, you'll find in Ten Fingers Touching by Ellen A. Roth a remarkable compendium of all the hallmarks of the fairytale genre: the use of enchantment, the magical motif, the supernatural creatures, evil vs. good, the exploration of human strengths and weaknesses, romance and morality are elegantly packaged in little over than one hundred pages. The vibrant illustrations are one of the most striking features of the book, along with the endearing quality of the leading characters.
Marianna is as delicate and feminine as Martak is rugged and masculine. She loves to talk, he loves to listen. He is the Master of the Forest, she is the Mistress of Books. Together they make a perfect whole and a 'high-chemistry' characters combo.
Geared more toward a young adult readership and with great emphasis on the romantic aspect of the story, Ten Fingers Touching is a satisfying read and a valid pick for fans of the genre.
Regrettably, the big-screen renditions of many children's classics are replacing that shared mythology of old-school folktales with animated versions rich in special effects and dazzling scenography, but lacking in complexity and moral lessons. Whenever possible, make sure your kids' first gateway to fantasy is the original story.
However, if you're looking for a read that will breathe new vigor and freshness into the vastly exploited formula of the romantic fantasy, you'll find in Ten Fingers Touching by Ellen A. Roth a remarkable compendium of all the hallmarks of the fairytale genre: the use of enchantment, the magical motif, the supernatural creatures, evil vs. good, the exploration of human strengths and weaknesses, romance and morality are elegantly packaged in little over than one hundred pages. The vibrant illustrations are one of the most striking features of the book, along with the endearing quality of the leading characters.
Marianna is as delicate and feminine as Martak is rugged and masculine. She loves to talk, he loves to listen. He is the Master of the Forest, she is the Mistress of Books. Together they make a perfect whole and a 'high-chemistry' characters combo.
Geared more toward a young adult readership and with great emphasis on the romantic aspect of the story, Ten Fingers Touching is a satisfying read and a valid pick for fans of the genre.
***Review copy graciously offered by the author in exchange for an unbiased and honest opinion.
About the author
Ellen A. Roth holds a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh and an MFA from Syracuse University. She spent the early years of her career as a registered art therapist, working with children with a variety of special needs. Co-founder of premier relocation consulting firm, Getting To The Point, Inc., Ellen was named one of the Best 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania.
No comments:
Post a Comment