Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Baltasar grows up in a world of absolutes, of black and white, right and wrong. Just as his brothers and sisters who went before him, the boy is groomed to follow only one road, at the end of which is a life no different from his parents' and grandparents'. His parents’ strict teachings and the naïveté that results, however, render him ignored and friendless, and Baltasar spends much time alone.

During one of his solitary wanderings in the countryside, he stumbles across an enchanted land and its melancholy, ageless ruler -- a land full of color and magic, and a bond that defies everything he’s always known about the world. But what’s unusual, tempting, and exciting doesn’t always lead to a clearer path, and Baltasar is forced to choose between two wildly diverging worlds, with each exacting a high price.

Erl-King is a retelling of Goethe’s ballad by the same title.

 

Book Review

Although Goethe's ballad of 'The Erl-King' and other similar legends portray the Erl-King as a malevolent, calculating ogre, existing only to murder, destroy, and scare, I believe that in Haden Thorne's 'Erl-King' that's not the case. Likewise, I do not see Baltasar as a misled, innocent youth, dazzled by the glamor which exists in the Erl-King's world.

What I see is two beings in love, destined to be together, but in danger of being torn apart by Baltasar's fear of the unknown. He's in a position that many people find themselves in. Does he stay with what he knows even with its soul-crushing reality, or does he dare leave it all behind and reach out for the beauty and promise that the forest spirit offers? Does he listen to his heart, or does he stay in the predictable shades of gray of his drab existence, just because he's always been told that the good of the family comes first and that anything else is pure selfishness? I found myself wanting to shout at both of them. I wanted to cheer on the Erl-King not to give up on Baltasar and, although I sympathized with him, I wanted to caution Baltasar that living life because of guilt is not a good way to go, for anyone involved. Regret can be an awful burden. It's quite a dilemma.

'Erl-King' is a magical love story, told in a ballad form and written in beautiful, lyrical prose which flows like poetry. It was a joy to read, exciting and vivid, while presenting an excellent picture of the dichotomy not only in the thought and feelings of Baltasar and the King, but, also, in explaining the nature of the two worlds involved—one vibrant, ever changing, refreshing, and the other oppressive, dull, disheartening. If you want to read an unusual love story full of gorgeous imagery which has a deeper meaning, then you may enjoy 'Erl-King'.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by JMS Books for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 5152 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	22-April-2012
Price	$2.99 ebook
Buy Link	http://www.jms-books.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_167&products_id=483