Daphne and the Silver Ash

Jun 20, 2011 Cate rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone. It is definitely worth a try.

Shelves: 2011-reads, lt-giveaways

A Reading Good Books Review.

I must admit, I have not heard of the author before, even with his other name, Joseph Robert Lewis. Well, I am not much for sci-fi and it has been a long time since I read anything from the fantasy genre outside Tolkien. So I went into this totally blind, not knowing what to expect.

Daphne and the Silver Ash is a novella about Daphne, a 19-year-old wife and mother from Trevell. It says in the book that she is an “unshod shoemaker”. Ironic much? Anyway, she made her li...more A Reading Good Books Review.

I must admit, I have not heard of the author before, even with his other name, Joseph Robert Lewis. Well, I am not much for sci-fi and it has been a long time since I read anything from the fantasy genre outside Tolkien. So I went into this totally blind, not knowing what to expect.

Daphne and the Silver Ash is a novella about Daphne, a 19-year-old wife and mother from Trevell. It says in the book that she is an “unshod shoemaker”. Ironic much? Anyway, she made her living making the best boots in Trevell. But the town was not doing so well. Business was slow so she took any job she could. Her husband was Justin, a city guard. They had a young daughter named Violet. Trevell’s fortunes were linked to a spirit tree, the Silver Ash where the nymph Bryn lived with the phoenix Serafina. It was time for the phoenix to be reborn and Trevell to thrive again.

But Serafina was scared. Something was not right. An enemy army was marching towards them to take over Trevell in her time of vunlerability. It is up to Daphne to make things right.

I cannot really give a full review without giving away the rest of the story and/or the ending. With approximately 27,000 words, the story is pretty straight to the point, did not veer away from the main premise. It took me a more or less three hours (with breaks within that time haha) to read the whole thing, so yes, I can say it is a good afternoon read. The writing was clear and easy to understand.

The author also labeled this as a fairytale. I can see that. It has all the ingredients… lore, undisclosed time/era, far away place, magic… except for the ending which was not “happily ever after”. (Yes, this does not have a particularly happy ending, folks.) I have seen a review clamoring for a sequel, possibly with a happier one. Personally, there is no need. This is a great standalone piece.

Rating: 4/5.

Recommendation: I say give it a try. Cute little story. Everyone can find something they like about it.(less)

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Jan 03, 2013 Tracey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, fantasy, ltmg

This was a novella received through LibraryThing's Member Giveaways. It is a short, sweet, melancholy yet ultimately hopeful story, aching with a feeling of might-have-been and will-never-be-again as one thoughtful and gallant young woman tries to deal with the repercussions of what three selfish and powerful magical beings have done, each in their own self-interest. It is nicely conceived, based on folklore – some very nice worldbuilding which would lend itself very well to a longer work, perha...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Amy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Daphne is a 19-year-old girl who has quite the affinity with the spirits around her. In the center of the town she lives in is a Silver Ash. A very special silver ash. In this tree lives a phoenix and a nymph who revitalize and renew the town once a century. Without this rebirth, the city would fall into ruin and everyone would perish.

As the time of this rebirth approaches, it is discovered that something is seriously wrong. Never in all of the centuries the tree has stood has a single leaf fall...more Daphne is a 19-year-old girl who has quite the affinity with the spirits around her. In the center of the town she lives in is a Silver Ash. A very special silver ash. In this tree lives a phoenix and a nymph who revitalize and renew the town once a century. Without this rebirth, the city would fall into ruin and everyone would perish.

As the time of this rebirth approaches, it is discovered that something is seriously wrong. Never in all of the centuries the tree has stood has a single leaf fallen from the silver ash. Now the ground is littered with sticks and leaves. The tree is dying. The phoenix that normally dies and brings new life with her rebirth refuses to depend on the dying to tree to help her back to life. What happens from here leaves Daphne in a position she never dreamed of being in.

There isn't much more I can tell you about the story line at this time without giving too much away. It was a very short story, and I don't want to spoil the story for anyone. I am internally debating whether or not this is a book meant for younger children or older children. The brevity of the book, and the simplistic storytelling lead me at first to believe this was meant for elementary school children. But the events that unfold and the ending of the story made me rethink my position.

This story is based off many legends and old folklore. There is the opportunity to get younger kids interested in folklore after they read this book if the right literature is presented to them right away as a companion to this book. At just barely over 50 pages long, it is short enough to keep a young reader's interest while being long enough to make them think they really got a "long" book.

I believe this book teaches some great lessons. At one point, Daphne must make a decision - and she makes the right one - even when it is the hardest thing she will ever have to do. But she does it because it is the RIGHT thing to do. She puts the lives of all others before her own life. It shows true love and heroism. A very important value to instill in children while they are still little.

I would recommend this to anyone with younger children who get excited about fantasy, folklore, and a smidge bit of action. (It's nothing violent, so no worries on that front)
(less)

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Jul 23, 2011 Dee Wy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, fantasy

This charming fairy tale is an easy, quick read. I believe my ten-year-old grand-daughter would have no trouble reading it and enjoying the story.

Daphne is a young woman, wife to Justin and mother to her baby daughter, Violet. Suddenly she finds herself embroiled in a desperate bid to save her city, friends and family, if only she can determine why the Silver Ash tree is dying.

Daphne's tasks are dangerous, but she carries on with great courage and determination until a resolution is found. Final...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Aimeekay rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow. Yup that pretty much sums up how I feel about this one. Of course I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the author’s previous works so it wasn’t that surprising that I enjoyed this one too. But still there’s always a chance that this might be that one book that doesn’t work for some reason right?

The city of Trevell renews itself every hundred years or so with the rebirth of the Phoenix and the Silver Ash. This time however something has gone wrong and it is up to Daphne to help fix it.

I loved thi...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Aimeekay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Yup that pretty much sums up how I feel about this one. Of course I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the author’s previous works so it wasn’t that surprising that I enjoyed this one too. But still there’s always a chance that this might be that one book that doesn’t work for some reason right?

The city of Trevell renews itself every hundred years or so with the rebirth of the Phoenix and the Silver Ash. This time however something has gone wrong and it is up to Daphne to help fix it.

I loved thi...more

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Apr 22, 2012 Mirrani rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished-and-reviewed

As a fairy tale for young adults, Daphne and the Silver Ash is rich in the culture and history of a place that is a world we recognize, but is not a part of us. It is in a fantasy setting and fantastical things happen, described in full, beautiful detail, bringing back memories of listening to books read to us by our parents at bedtime. Though it is a mythical book of sorts, it was interesting to find that as a reader you were surrounded by somewhat more modern things like muskets and doctors as...more As a fairy tale for young adults, Daphne and the Silver Ash is rich in the culture and history of a place that is a world we recognize, but is not a part of us. It is in a fantasy setting and fantastical things happen, described in full, beautiful detail, bringing back memories of listening to books read to us by our parents at bedtime. Though it is a mythical book of sorts, it was interesting to find that as a reader you were surrounded by somewhat more modern things like muskets and doctors as opposed to bows and arrows and magical shamans. These things build on to the story, creating a sense of time that is away from time and added an interesting dimension to the characters and their surroundings. There is magic, but there is technology, there is belief in these otherworldly creatures, yet there is some science and understanding. Truly a unique point of view from most books of this type.

The descriptions throughout the book cause the visual image come alive in the reader’s mind, making the fictional place believable as a real location, someplace you would want to see and explore. You can see the crumbling rocks and the shine of the phoenix, hear the whispers of the nymph and the sounds of the muskets. While we know only some of the story of the characters so far, the end of the book promises that more will come from this beautiful world of magic and strength, something that any reader should look forward to once they’ve reached the last page, which comes all too quickly. It is clear that much time and thought was put into this world, may the life of the tree spread outward into more stories of strong women and bring even more hope to this community within a world all its own.

Note: Though this book was a free gift from the author, the content of my review was in no way influenced by the gifting. The book speaks for itself and my review would have been worded just this way even if I'd gone out and bought it. I also give bonus points for Text To Speech enabling on Kindle format.... but that also wasn't a factor in the above review.(less)

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Jul 10, 2011 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Daphne must overcome a Phoenix’s reluctance to be reborn and thus makes the ultimate sacrifice in order to save her family, a silver ash tree and the village of Trevell, for the benefit of future generations.

***

Author Joss Llewelyn used John Oxenford’s translation of “The Ash Tree” from a Welsh folk song as the basis for the main character, a silver ash tree. His tale of self-sacrifice and greed is told through an ordinary woman’s extraordinary sacrifice to save her family and the village of T...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Jenn of Frequent Reader, Infrequent Blogger rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult-novels, review-written, own, e-pub

RECEIVED FROM: Library Thing Member Giveaways for Review Purposes

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Daphne is a young mother living in the enchanted city of Trevell. The city is cared for by the union of a phoenix and a silver ash tree, every hundred years the phoenix renews it's spirit into the great tree and the phoenix, the tree and the city are reborn anew, fixed and shiny again. In the interim, near the end as the phoenix fades before rebirth the city slowly dwindles away, dirty an...more RECEIVED FROM: Library Thing Member Giveaways for Review Purposes

***NOTE MY REVIEWS OFTEN CONTAIN SPOILERS***

Daphne is a young mother living in the enchanted city of Trevell. The city is cared for by the union of a phoenix and a silver ash tree, every hundred years the phoenix renews it's spirit into the great tree and the phoenix, the tree and the city are reborn anew, fixed and shiny again. In the interim, near the end as the phoenix fades before rebirth the city slowly dwindles away, dirty and falling apart with small harvests and sick people. Unfortunately for the people of Trevell, the silver ash is dying and when it is time for the phoenix's rebirth she refuses to be reborn into the tree because she doesn't want to die too. Instead she merges her spirit into Daphne's body much to the anger of all the city's resident. Now Daphne must figure out how to save the tree and the city before they kill her because the believe she stole the spirit of the phoenix from them.

This story is a delightful short read which combines a variety of ancient myths from multiple cultures into one fairy tale like story. The musical lilt of the authors voice slowly draws you and immerses you in the lives of Daphne and the people of Trevell. The book does read like a fairy tale and is in many parts told to the reader rather than shown. A closer point of view would have allowed for both a faster pace to this novel that I think could have greatly benefited the work. And while I also believe it would have allowed for a better connection to the characters within the story with a closer voice than the one provided, the distance narrator-like voice actually does still work for this novel. That's not something I'd usually say with a modern novel, but Llewelyn manages to pull it off brilliantly.

The opening actually reminds me of the beginning of the movie Ella Enchanted, (I haven't had the opportunity to read the book yet) though it doesn't seem quite as silly as that movie is presented at it's opening. Reading it I was surprisingly able to still connect to the main character of Daphne, though the distance of narration made it difficult to connect to any character beyond Daphne. You could sort of feel their plights through their actions and words, but they seemed too far away to really relate. However with the manner in which this story is told, it doesn't matter in the same way that it normally would within a novel when you can't really relate to a character. Due to the fact that it's based on this blending of myth, it reads much like a myth where it's less important to connect to the characters within the story and more important to grasp the morals or lessons portrayed through the story.

While the novel is on the short side, Llewelyn manages to neatly pack everything needed within the text leaving the reader with a sense of fulfillment upon finishing the story that's actually becoming uncommon among other recently published literary works. While his summary at the end promises future works from Daphne's world, the writer doesn't feel the need to leave the many frustrating lose ends common in recent works from other writers.

This is a well written fairy tale and the only fault I can find with it is that I think it might have been more exciting in a more real-time close narrative. However even without that, it's an excellent read that once you begin you'll have trouble putting down. I highly recommend this book to younger readers, though I think many adults will still find enjoyment in the tale of Daphne and her city as well. (less)

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Jun 18, 2011 Rhonda rated it 4 of 5 stars

I admit to tearing up at ending. Liked the short story. Daphne is a newly wed wife and new mother. Justin her husband is a soldier and commands a small unit.
Daphne walks and carry her baby to the park and in the middle is a great silver ash tree. Daphne calls out to Bryn the nymph she brought someone to meet her.
As she is showing off her baby starts crying the Daphne starts singing to comfort her. Soon the whole park is quiet the great phoenix has flown down to listen to her and no one ever see...more

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Jun 15, 2011 Maxine McLister rated it 4 of 5 stars

When I was a child, I loved fairy tales. I would take my well-worn copy of the Brothers Grimm to my favourite hiding place under the rose bush in the backyard and, from there, I would be transported to magical worlds: I lost my glass slipper with Cinderella, I slept for a hundred years with Sleeping Beauty, crept, terrified, towards the forbidden closet with Bluebeard's wife. Not for me the sanitized Disney versions - I wanted the red hot clogs and the evil wolf and, if things didn't always end...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Wendy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Daphne and the Silver Ash by Joss Llewelyn was a wonderfully written fairy tale. The city of Trevell has a beautiful Silver Ash tree where every century a phoenix is reborn. Daphne has the gift of song and is summoned by Serafina, the phoenix, to sing to her. Instead of the phoenix being reborn in the silver ash tree, she takes over the spirit of Daphne. From there is the fight to save Daphne, the Silver Ash tree, and the city of Trevell from being destroyed by the rival city Kerys' army. Daphne...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Billie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, magic-powers, mythology, nook, books-i-own

The first word that comes to mind to describe this book is beautiful. It is so beautifully written, the characters are beautiful and the story itself was beautiful!

Yes, it is a very short story, only 76 pages on my nook, but every page was worth it. It isn't that this is too short, more that it is an opening for something larger later on. It really grabbed my attention and would not let go.

Daphne is a strong, smart and determined character. She is the perfect person for a story like this one. I...more

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Dec 17, 2011 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

One day as Daphne sings to her infant daughter under the silver ash tree that is the center and health of her town the Phoenix, Seraphina, flies down to listen, Every hundred years the phoenix is reborn in the branches of the ash tree and the ciry is restored to splendor. This year Seraphina does not want to be be reborn in the tree and hides her spirit in Daphne who is forced to flee from the towns people who think she has stollen the great birds spirit. Now Daphne must figure out how to remove...more

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Jul 03, 2011 Emily rated it 4 of 5 stars

A very nice change of pace in most fantasy novels, Instead of having to keep your mind straight in everything and everyone you actually get to focus on the main character and really learn to grow and love her. It's fast paced and really page turning even the ending through me for a loop and in a way I find myself hoping that there will be more to it later perhaps a sequel? One can only imagine what that might intell though as to the story and what more could go on. There are alot of open spaces...more

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Jun 13, 2011 Courtney rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: librarything

Daphne and the Silver Ash is wonderful fairy tale that shows the strength women can have against all odds. The descriptions of the town and the scenes are wonderful, allowing the reader to feel immersed in the story as if they were there with Daphne.

It is nice to see a story where a woman plays the center role and is not depicted as weak, needing help, or a damsel in distress which so common among fairy tales. Overall a great find, and perfect for that day where you don't want to start a huge r...more

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Aug 08, 2011 Books to the Sky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Check out more reviews at Books to the Sky.

While this was a very short book (a mere 108 pages) it was very well written. I had no troubles picturing the world that the author had created.

I loved the story behind the Silver Ash and how it came to be in Daphne's town. Unfortunately, Daphne gets dragged into the problem of the story without wanting to and ends up risking her life to save the town she lives in.

What struck me was how the townspeople were angry with Daphne, without knowing the full st...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Jane rated it 3 of 5 stars

I won this e-book from LibraryThing Members Giveaways. This book is a short story consisting of only 105 pages. However, it was a fun read. Full of fantasy, myth, adventure and an almost historical element. It kept me going and is a story that would appeal to all ages. Joss Llewelyn is an established author of science fiction and historical fantasy novels under the nom de plume Joseph Robert Lewis.

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Jun 22, 2012 Gyula rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Daphne and the Silver Ash is really a fairy tale, with all the ingredients: magic, far away town depending on the miracle of the rebirth of the Phoenix, magical characters. I don't read these kind of stories often, but I enjoyed this one. It has a certain fascinating atmosphere.
The way the young Daphne played the key role in saving the town was compelling. I hoped for happier ending, but this one makes sense too, and fits into the story.
It's a nice read when you are not in the mood to start a l...more

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Jun 25, 2011 Traci rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: library-thing-wins

This is a nice little fairy tale that is actually a collection of myths and legends. Daphne, the main character is inhabited by two spirits and she must come to terms with this and try to save her city, her friends and her family.

It has all of the usual elements fairy tales contain. I liked it. This would be a great story to share with your children.

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Jun 19, 2011 Raina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult

This was a short story about a dying city and how Daphne tries to save her people and the Silver Ash, the tree that helps the city be reborn again. It's a quick read but it's engaging and original.

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Jun 24, 2011 Annabel rated it 5 of 5 stars

You can read my review on my blog:

http://mybookaddiction.blogspot.com/2...

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Jun 22, 2011 Releanna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2011

this is a wonderful fairytale, based on many myths, told by a true master of storytelling!

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May 15, 2013 Willow Webster rated it 5 of 5 stars

Another awesome book by this author. Read & enjoyed every single one so far. 5 stars!

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Sep 05, 2011 Kae Cheatham rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I downloaded Daphne and the Silver Ash on recommendation from several Goodreads groups and from the author.

The language and vivid descriptions really kept me reading. Joss Llewelyn builds a very visual world, where the environment and characters are interesting and strong. Full of action, I expect this fantasy novella to be a real hit, especially with younger readers.

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Jan 12, 2013 Margaret rated it 2 of 5 stars

Pure fairy tale fun!

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May 22, 2013 Animeparty marked it as to-read

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Apr 24, 2013 Ðɑηηɑ marked it as will-not-read

Apr 11, 2013 Lindsey marked it as to-read

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