Ten Fingers Touching by Ellen A. Roth
Fairy tales promise that love can conquer the darkest forces, but Ellen Roth’s Ten Fingers Touching invites readers to consider an even more tantalizing possibility: that true love might be the most powerful magic of all. Roth’s debut novella opens with a wager between Good and Evil — a cosmic bet about the strength of human virtue. If Evil can successfully tempt a couple on their wedding night to touch a magical sphere before consummating their marriage, Evil will return to the land from which it was banished.
Not so fast, Good counters. If the couple touches the sphere, there’s one more chance of redemption: If the couple’s first and second child do not touch the sphere before the second child’s eighth birthday, Evil will be banished forever from the kingdom. Evil agrees to this amendment and succeeds in the first part of the bargain, setting in motion the curse on the couple’s future children.
We then find ourselves twenty years hence, where we meet Martak, the Master of the Forest, and Marianna, the intelligent and compassionate governess to seven-year-old Princess Rosy. Their fate becomes entwined with the wager between Good and Evil when Martak is charged with protecting the kingdom from Evil on a dangerous journey marked by supernatural threats, including sea dragons and treacherous storms. Meanwhile, Marianna confronts menaces of her own at home, proving herself more than a damsel in need of saving even as her circumstances grow dire.
Can these soulmates survive the mounting dangers and unravel the curse that imperils the Kingdom — without sacrificing their love or their lives?
A Lush, Spellbinding Read
From its first pages, Roth’s romantasy casts a spell, drawing the reader into a realm where enchantment, peril and devotion coexist in lush harmony. She sets a fast, engaging pace, layering adventure, romance, danger and ethical dilemmas in quick succession. The imaginative scope of her storytelling shines throughout.
Roth’s world is fully anchored in fairy-tale tradition: enchanted forests, supernatural beings, virtuous maidens, courageous heroes and the elemental battle between Good and Evil. Built on top of these genre tropes is a more literary layer that explores themes of fate, temptation, loyalty, forgiveness and the redemptive strength of love. There is also profound emotional depth beneath the story’s simplicity — a sense of innocence, even in the tactful touches of sensuality, and an affirmation that even in dark times, goodness and hope endure.
Roth’s prose is elegant and lyrical, often bordering on poetic, enhancing the story’s romantic spirit. The result is a magical atmosphere that pulls the reader in and leaves the world transformed long after the final page.
Multidimensional Characters with Wonderful Chemistry
The characters of Marianna and Martak are vividly brought to life, and their passionate, tender bond serves as both a beacon of hope and a fulcrum of danger as Evil encroaches the kingdom.
Marianna’s mix of beauty, bravery, intelligence and kindness resonates as that of a woman with agency and heart. Martak, raised in harmony with the forest and its creatures, emerges as loyal, rugged, intuitive and deeply devoted. Their chemistry is evident not only in their romantic longing for each other but also in their shared courage and moral clarity. Together, they embody the ideal fairy-tale couple while offering a sensual and emotional undercurrent suited to adult readers. Supporting characters, particularly the impetuous, lovable Princess Rosy, add brightness and innocence that contrast with the story’s darker elements.
Because the tale is modeled on classic fables, the narrative leans into simplicity rather than overly complex world-building. This doesn’t mean that the story is predictable; far from it. Roth introduces unexpected turns, keeping the plot engaging and building toward a satisfying resolution full of surprising revelations.
A Gorgeously Illustrated Work of Art
John Blumen’s full-page, full-color illustrations accompany Roth’s story and are one of the book’s most extraordinary achievements. Full of sumptuous color and vibrant scenery, the artwork is simply breathtaking, transforming the novella into a book appropriate for display on a shelf or coffee table.
The result feels like a classic fairy-tale picture book written for adults. At less than 100 pages, it can be read in one sitting, making it particularly appealing as an immersive yet not overwhelming read.
Ten Fingers Touching offers a romantic escape that blends enchantment, danger and tenderness in a beautifully illustrated package. It is an uplifting story for readers who appreciate timeless battles between Good and Evil, who relish the emotional purity of archetypal love, and who seek beauty — both visual and literary — in their escapist reads. Roth’s debut is imaginative, heartfelt and visually unforgettable.
About Ellen A. Roth:
Ellen A. Roth holds a PhD from the University of Pittsburgh, an MFA from Syracuse University and a BA from Goucher College. She spent the early years of her career as a registered art therapist, working with children with a variety of special needs. Cofounder of premier consulting firm Getting to the Point Inc., Ellen was named one of the Best 50 Women in Business in Pennsylvania, honored as a Woman of Distinction by Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, and is a recipient of the YWCA Tribute to Women Leadership Award in the category of Entrepreneur. A wife and proud mother, Ellen lives with her husband, Dr. Loren Roth, in Pittsburgh, PA. She has been fascinated with fairy tales since childhood and recently released her debut work of fiction, Ten Fingers Touching. She hopes everyone enjoys reading her story as much as she enjoyed writing it.
