Dauntless (Valiant Hearts Book #1)

Very good. Fun book some sexual tension. So political tension. Lot's of just life tensions. The Heroine is kind, caring and torn. The sub hero's are as honorable as they can be given the circumstances. Just a good fun read.

Dina Sleiman’s Dauntless is a young adult novel with so much more than what can be held within those two words. Young adult, or YA as the genre is referred to in the publishing industry, revolves around characters who experience a coming of age. While the Dauntless characters certainly experience maturation over the course of the novel, this story is about so much more than the transition from childhood to adulthood. Sleiman has created a world of both magic and reality within the confines of medieval England that brings readers into the hearts of teenagers and the world of adults. With a gripping tangle of faith, friendships, romance, and survival, Dauntless should be on everyone’s to-be-read list regardless of the reader’s age.

Hailed amongst some readers and reviewers as a female version of the story of Robin Hood, Dauntless stands on its own as a strong story that teaches readers about faith and love from the perspectives of teenagers fighting to survive during a time in which loyalty to the monarchy ensured your life. Merry, Timothy, and Allen—three of the main characters of Dauntless—form a dichotomy of beliefs and backgrounds that support the themes of the novel. Through Merry, Sleiman weaves such ideas as women’s roles, gender equality, and feminism; through Timothy, recognition within family; and Allen, leadership and perseverance to pursue one’s goals in life. Each of these characters experienced trials and tribulations in his or her life but found the courage to fight for their lives and dreams. All readers, but especially teenagers, will find Merry, Allen, and Timothy worthy examples of inspiration.

As a Christian fiction YA novel, I found Dauntless to have strong threads of faith that bring the messages of Christianity to readers without becoming overbearing. Sleiman presents her messages in both overt and subtle manners, making Dauntless an excellent choice for readers familiar and unfamiliar with the faith. Christian readers will appreciate the overt themes of staying strong in your faith through trials and blessings and of questioning God’s will, while readers not as familiar with Christianity will draw upon the subtler themes of kindness and unexpected blessings. I am not one who necessarily looks for preaching in novels, but when reading a Christian book I do want a strong presence of Christian themes, morals, ideals, messages, and description—Dauntless has all of these, and I hope to find more novels such as this one in the future

I have mixed feelings about this one. Having read some of the other recently published Christian YA "fairy tale" books, I know that they can be very hit-or-miss. I would say that this one was somewhere in the middle. I would actually give it 2.5 stars, but with some caveats.
I would have preferred a slightly more mature character in Merry. Though women were married off at a much earlier age during the time period, they were also expected to mature a lot faster. I had hoped that this would result in a more emotionally steady lead character than what is expected of most modern teens, but I did not feel that Merry ever really reached a point of emotional or spiritual maturity. I felt that the "men", particularly Allen, showed more consistent values and strength of character than either of the leads.
There is some cursing in the book. I could try to tell you that the word ba***rd is used in a historically appropriate context, but it really just comes off like the character is flat-out cursing. Not ok with me in a Christian book and, given that the age range for "YA" fiction is different for almost anyone you ask, I found this to be particularly unacceptable. Kids and teens are perfectly capable of understanding that those words exist, without having to run into them in unexpected and inappropriate places.
[*spoiler*] I also have to say that the love-the-one-you're-with-triangle felt really unnecessary, or at least could have been resolved much earlier in the story. The back-and-forth between Merry and Timothy was enough romantic tension in itself, and even that device felt a little overused.
I do want to include the positive aspects of the story!
It was paced fairly well. I did not find may instances where I was skimming or where it felt like it stalled. I would have liked to see more adult peripheral characters, but the ones that were there were well written. The era was very clearly depicted. References to rushes on the floors, guard costumes, and the tension within the "Christian" body at the time gave a believable picture. I did not notice many instances of modern language to disrupt immersion into the time period.
I think it is worth a read, but parents whose tweens or teens intend to read this should probably attempt to screen it first, due to brief language, some violence, and some rather sticky theological concepts. There is also a very overt "faith healing" toward the end. This may or may not bother you, depending on your own personal faith background.
I do plan to read the next one.

This book had me hooked from the first chapter. As I'm not a big fan of Robin Hood, I was a little skeptic at the beginning. But once I realized that this was more than your average legend, it quickly became one of my favorite books.

I've never read historical fiction outside of English class, so this was pretty new to me. The writing was absolutely astounding. Really. The narrative and dialogue had a traditional Robin Hood feel to it, but it seemed so modern and was so well-written that I could enjoy it and not feel tripped up or confused.

The story was one of those heart-wrenching, hilarious, gripping, action-packed stories that made you look forward to reading it every single moment of the day. I devoured this book and had dreams of Timothy Grey for the next week. It was so well-plotted, it left my critical writer brain awed in its perfection.

In all honesty, this book deserves it's five stars. Three cheers for Dauntless! *Hip Hip Huzzah!*

I was so pleasantly surprised by this book - it was so very good. Not that I didn't think it wouldn't be, but the depth that it had was so lovely to discover!
I read it on my Kindle, so it seems long at times (I had to listen to for the end half because my eyes grew tired, but I didn't want to stop!), but it was all really well written and carried through. Each character was marvelously strong, and yet vulnerable at the same time. I loved Merry - she was an inspiring character; storng, yet weak, and her realization at the end was perfect. I won't give away anything though. :)

I must say, though, I think my favourite character was Allen. Talk about a strong, spiritual leader kind of guy! He was so encouraging, and so faithful - and strong in his faith in the Lord. There was this one part towards the end that really touched me, amazed me, and brought me to tears through the demonstration of his faith, and the results! Wow! This author knows how to write. I was very impressed. :)

Between Timothy and Allen for Merry, I actually rooted for Timothy, because those two I thought were more suited for each other. I sure hope though, that as this series progresses, Allen gets his own story!

The only thing I wished could've happened, was that Merry's belief in God could've returned stronger and that have been the main focul point of the end. The end was still handled well, it was just a bit on the 'mushy' side. ;) Nothing bad at all - it was sweet. I just was hoping for a more conclusive ending for her relationship with God.

But yes, this was a fantastic story, one I greatly enjoyed and would recommend! Very medieval-y which I loved!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased review which I have given.

Merry Ellison was raised as the daughter of a Baron, but now she is the fearless leader of "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest"--a group of bandit children who have been outlawed due to their parents' crimes, and who now survive in the forest by stealing from the wealthy. Before going into hiding, Merry had been engaged to Timothy Grey, who now works as an assistant to the local earl, in service to the King. When their lives re-connect, they must each decide where their loyalties lie, and allow God to direct their futures.

I took a class on the mythology of Robin Hood as an undergraduate, and read tale after tale of various legends written mostly in Middle English and/or Early Modern English, so the idea of this kind of story was really interesting to me, especially with a strong female lead and Christian perspective.

I felt like the narrative was missing the expected edge. I cannot explain my disconnect, except that the tone seemed off. Merry seemed a bit soft, and too emotionally driven. I did not like the love triangle, which I felt was cheesy, distracting, and put Merry's focus too much on romance and not enough on her strong female identity (not that strong females are not also emotional and romantic, but that there should be more depth in addition to those elements). I also struggled to connect with the characters in general.

The theology was also interesting. The question comes up regarding whether stealing and violence are sins, or to be precedented in certain situations. The novel presents the latter, but I was a bit uncomfortable with this considering the young adult audience. I did like the second theological message that God is always with us, even when we are not with Him.

This is a story with lots of potential, but it did not come together for me as well as I would have liked. I do hope there will be more Christian stories written within this genre and time period.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House.

“Stealth, Anonymity, and Restraint” are the words seventeen-year-old Merry and her band of “men” live by in order to survive. Lady Merry Ellison was born of nobility, but everything changed when her baron father was deemed a traitor by oppressive tyrant King John. Now her family is gone and she’s an outlaw, but Merry finds new purpose protecting the orphans who survived that fateful day everyone in her village was murdered. Survival means having to resort to thievery, but her young comrades are as brave and stealthy as they come which leads them to be infamously known as the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest. Timothy Grey is the ninth child of Baron Greyham and strives to earn a title of his own. When the opportunity presents itself to do exactly that on the condition that he captures the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest, he jumps at the chance. But meeting the leader of the thieves rocks everything he believed to be true and forever changes all of their lives.

I’ve been dying to get my hands on this Robin Hood “spinoff” (if you will) for ages; ever since I saw the cover on my blogging pal Rissi’s blog. The title Dauntless immediately had me intrigued and upon learning more about what the book was about, it was a no-brainer must read. After all the excitement leading to it’s release, thankfully it didn’t disappoint! Dynamic characters, a gentle love story, meaningful message, and intriguing plotline made this a tale to remember.

Merry and her makeshift family MADE this book. I fell in love with little Wren and the other kids right away, laughing and smiling the whole time I was reading. Love triangles can either be really good or really terrible (in my experience) and this one was handled delicately and extremely well. I loved both Allen and Timothy, but was completely satisfied with the ending. Merry was a great kick-butt heroine. As Sleiman says on her website, “If you love Katniss Everdeen and Tris Prior, prepare to meet their historical counterparts.” To top it off this book held a deeper meaning than expected that made it very relatable, touching on topics like overcoming fear, seeking truth, and keeping faith. And the author did it all without being too “preachy”, as some of these books tend to be. Bravery, kindness, strength, family, and faith are integral parts of this story and I truly enjoyed every second.

If you like Robin Hood and exciting tales of heroism and faith, Dauntless is for you! This is my first read from this talented author (by the way, the reader’s note in the beginning was just plain awesome!) and I can’t wait to meet more of her dauntless heroines. I’m really hoping I don’t have to wait too long to read the next book in this series, Chivalrous!

*I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Reading Dauntless brought back a little bit of nostalgia for me. In my teen years, I remember going on a medieval reading kick, particularly after a fantastic medieval history course. While now I’ve developed a taste for urban fantasy, steam punk, and retold fairy tales, I still remember a lot from that time period, and this book brought it back in the best possible way.

As a character, Merry Ellison definitely qualifies as having a valiant heart. She is well-rounded and engaging as a protagonist. I enjoyed reading about her struggle between keeping her charges safe and longing for her old life as a noblewoman. Her bitterness about her family history was poignant and understandable. It made me want to strangle her sometimes for being so stubborn, but I was glad Sleiman didn’t make her journey back to grace too easy.

Timothy Grey is also a well-drawn character, and is hardly second fiddle to Merry. He has his own plans and goals, and they conflict with hers well. I applaud Sleiman for making strong, interesting male characters. Too often stories with strong females tend to discount or dumb down the male characters, as if the only way a woman can shine is if the men are dialed back. It was a pleasure to read a book where both genders were written in intelligent, respectful ways.

The writing is one of the strongest parts of this novel. No plot element is wasted; everything that happens contributes to the overall story. Sleiman is a true wordsmith, and uses beautiful descriptions effectively in order to set the stage of a medieval world without excessive detail. I also appreciate how, although this story is a romance, other aspects of love shine through as well, particularly familial and sacrificial love. I honestly expected more of a typical ‘all about the big kiss’ focus, and was pleasantly surprised to find a balanced plot, with decent action sequences and a definite spiritual, Scriptural journey. Also, the romance is handled sweetly and delicately, with longing looks and some mild flirting, but only a few hugs and a handful of kisses in terms of physical contact.

For all that, I did wish Dauntless featured more humor, but that’s a personal preference. Sleiman did intersperse her heavy scenes with light-hearted moments, particularly involving the children. I also felt that sometimes the pacing was off, particularly towards the end, when every plot point seemed to happen on top of each other, and a lot of information was thrown in. In addition, the introduction of the Big Bad was so cryptic throughout the story that in a way, it undermined his effectiveness.

Final Verdict: Dauntless is a solid piece of YA medieval action/romance literature, with strong characters and drama. While I always recommend that parents personally preview the material their children read, I find this book suitable for the teenage audience (understanding there is mild romance and some swordplay violence). I’m excited to see where Sleiman goes next in this series!

Dina Sleiman's debut medieval YA novel is sure to appeal to teens (and adults) who enjoy both romance and a bit of action! I admit I only have a basic understanding of the Robin Hood legend: The thief who steals from the rich to give to the poor. By necessity, Lady Merry Ellison falls into a similar role after her peasant band of young survivors latest hit turns up a chest of gold intended for the king’s tax. Forced to flee, the “Ghosts of Farthingale Forest” return near their old home in Wyndeshire. But what happens when Timothy Grey, a remnant of Merry's past, reappears?

Sleiman introduces three distinct teenage protagonists: Merry's physical skills in acrobatics, archery, and hand-to-hand combat brings to mind contemporary heroines such as Katniss Everdeen. But like Katniss, her emotional strength and vulnerability are juxtaposed to great effect. Timothy reminds me a bit of Prince Hans of the Southern Isles from Disney's Frozen, but in good ways! Also, just as Hans has twelve older brothers, as the Baron of Greyham's ninth child, Timothy has no large title to inherit. A scribe for the Earl of Wyndemere, Timothy's pursuit of a position of status leads him into conflict with his childhood friend, Lady Merry. One of the characters who I wish had more "page time" was Allen, a peasant that rose to become one of Merry's most trusted advisers, is bound to become more prominent in future books. Romantic triangles can be somewhat infamous in YA literature, but I felt that both Timothy and Allen were both valid suitors and the "triangle" wasn't too bothersome for me. The romance was appropriate (and still "sigh-worthy") for the maturity of the characters. Definitely recommended for fans of Lisa T. Bergren or Melanie Dickerson!

Dauntless touches on more weighty topics as well: Are all leaders in authority placed there by God? Should Christians submit to unjust rulers or subvert them through even violent means? What does it mean to be feminine? Where is God when evil occurs? Do the ends ever justify the means? I appreciate it when YA literature doesn't underestimate their audience.

I had high hopes for this book and I have to say, Dina Sleiman has given us a dauntless beginning to her Valiant Hearts series! I can't wait to read more from this author! While waiting for Chivalrous (Valiant Hearts #2), I think I'll read up on Robin Hood ...

[Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. No compensation was received and the opinions expressed are my own]

I have had the pleasure of reading previous novels by author Dina Sleiman and have always been quite pleased. The exciting cover caught my eye while I was browsing the books on Net Galley so I knew I was going to have to read it. I am here to say I'm glad I requested it!

Lady Merry Ellison a young beautiful daughter of a Baron who at seventeen should be dreaming of her beloved intended and her future children. Instead Merry has for the past two years been the fierce leader of a band of children who were forced into the woods the day their families were killed by an order of the King. Having no one to care for them Merry became a mentor to some, a mother to others, and now because of circumstances beyond their control; they are all known as the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.

Timothy Grey thinks he will forever be known as the sweet faced man-child of the Baron Greyham unless he can do something drastic that will catapult him to fame. So when the Earl he is assistant to, begins to talk about the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest and how they need to caught and brought to justice Timothy jumps at the chance to track them down! Never once does he think the leader of the Ghosts would be the one person that still haunts his thoughts and dreams.

Mrs. Sleiman is an outstanding writer who has created an exhilarating story, filled with a cast of various lovable characters. All will tug at your heart, from the sweet baby girl and her "sunshine men" to the oldest boys forced into early manhood. These are children that bravely fight against the atrocities still being forced on them because of the fatal mistake made by Merry's father. I must confess I was so drawn into the story that I found myself wiping tears one moment and rejoicing the next, definitely one of those tales that will bring a smile to your face for a long, long time!

***Special thanks to Net Galley for providing a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.***

My Review: 6/10

I really loved the historical aspects of this book. Medieval tales are not very common in historical romance, so even though there are nods to Robin Hood, it felt like a fresh tale.

Christian themes are more heavily woven in, which I enjoyed. I only wondered at Timothy's rapid change of heart. It was like a switch being flipped, and though we were often in his head, I didn't witness it. One minute he's telling Merry that King John is God's annointed and then just hours later, he's telling her that she was right. While I prefer slow, gradual changes, I'm not opposed to overnight shifts like this if it is done well, when the reader can see the catalyst.

The book was a little slow going for me, despite regular action scenes. There was a lot of build up about future plans and relocation, which real resolution happening all at once in about the last 15% of the book.

I really liked the character of Earl Wyndemere. I mean, he wasn't always likeable, but I liked how honestly he was portrayed. And I found his flaws interesting when compared with his virtues. No one is perfect. I mean, even David, who was known as a man after God's own heart, was a poor father.

If there is another book in this series, I will look forward to reading it and seeing what other Biblical questions are raised. Fingers crossed that we will get to see Allen reap his blessings!

Storyline - Merry Ellison has lost title, home, and family when her father rebelled against the king of England. Now living in the woods with a band of orphan children, they steal to survive. The only dream she will allow herself to have is to find a safe home for the children to live while she must remain hidden. And not fall in love. Their thievery has been noticed, dubbing them the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest since they are never seen. They are a wanted band. And the first one to catch on to them is Merry's betrothed, Timothy Grey. Fighting between duty and love, Timothy will have to decide to hand over Merry for her crimes or find another way. Yet, unbeknownst to Timothy, someone is out to destroy him. Will Merry find a way to care for the children and welcome love or will choices beyond their control determine their future?

Personal Opinion - Merry and Timothy's struggles to care for others and find a way in their life drives their decisions and causes conflict between them. Even though they love each other, they believe the other doesn't and both have been hurt enough in their life to be cynical. This bring believability and life to the characters for different reasons. Merry can't see another life for herself because she is wanted by the king and thought dead, leaving the only option to steal to survive and protect innocent lives, believing that is the only way her life can go. Timothy is the ninth child and not going to inherit anything so has to find a place for himself yet morns the lose of the woman he loves. These two have lot to deal with but are not the only one. The rest of the cast are develop into players themselves with wants, desires, and struggles themselves, such as one of the Ghosts in love with Merry and leaning on God for direction and a man in the castle jealous of Timothy and plans on destroying him. While all this character development was good and interesting, I expected a little more action because the story is based off Robin Hood. The story is good, jest would have liked more action sooner in the story.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Bethany House.

This sparkling new novel is aimed at juveniles or young adults, but to all my fabulous readers I just want to say that I know that adults will love Merry’s story as well. Merry Ellison is a fearless, courageous, and highly intelligent heroine and role model. Her journey is sure to please readers of all ages and keep them anxiously awaiting other great characters just like her. Merry has been dealt a tough lot, and now she and her followers must rely on their wits to guide them as they are on the run in a world that seems like it is about to come crashing down around them. Merry reminds me so much of a valiant Robin Hood; her actions are powerful and the message she sends as a strong female lead makes this book undoubtedly one of the best I have read this year!

Sleiman sends a strong message with the types of characters she writes; from what I can gather, this entire series will focus around strong women and the men that love them. There is something to be said for an author that can write characters who are far from perfect, makes bad choices and mistakes, but yet when we finish reading the books we feel as if we have lost our best friends. The author’s message is clear to young girls and boys alike; follow your heart, be brave, and allow God to lead and guide you. I cannot wait for what more the author has in store for this series and I am so humbled and honored that she allowed me to read and review this book. We all need a female Robin Hood to look up to; go out, pick up a copy of this book, and become enraptured in Merry Ellison’s story, just like I did!

***A free copy of this book was provided to me by the publishers at Bethany House and by the author, Dina Sleiman, in exchange for my honest review***

My Review:

Merry Ellison was born a Baron's daughter, now fast forward a few years after her fathers assassination--she leads a group of orphans through the forest. With the children's safety resting on her shoulders, she will do whatever it takes to keep them safe. As soon as the news spreads of this group that is known as the Ghosts of Farthingdale Forest, it soon takes on a life of its own by putting them in grave danger. Soon their fearless leader is captured, now what will the group do?

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, works as a scribe and second hand-man for the local Earl. When he discovers that the love of his life is still alive after all these years, he will do anything to protect her. when he steals her away from the Ghosts, he believes he has saved her from the enemy. Little does he know that he has set many things in motion that will possibly cost Merry and the group, their very lives.

As Merry lets Timothy back into her life after so long, she starts to discover that her feelings for him are still there. When Timothy discovers that Merry is in fact one of the "Ghosts" and that the other "Ghosts" are mere children, he must decide where his priorities lie. Who will he remain loyal to?

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.

What a fabulous take on Robin Hood! I confess that I haven’t read many Robin Hood stories, but I do know the general plotline well enough. And I can say that Ms. Sleiman has written a wonderful addition to the list. Action, adventure, romance, and a swashbuckling good time! What’s not to like?

Merry is such an intriguing young woman. Circumstances have led her to this place and these people where she has formed a new family for herself. From her men who “thieve” alongside her to the young orphans in their care, this ragtag group loves each other fiercely. And Merry, as their leader, understands all too well the way life throws some really hard knocks at you sometimes. But she determines that their present situation won’t be forever. I do love how she teaches them and cares for them. She refuses to accept defeat! Her care and concern, yet utter confidence in their abilities to save one another when needed or do their part in the care of the group is lovely to witness. Yet that courage (and fiery temper!) also cause her to be unable to accept help when it comes in ways that she hasn’t figured into her plan. So she has some learning to do herself.

I confess to not really being a fan of love triangles, so that part of the story disappointed me a bit. Even though there really is never any doubt which guy Merry is going to choose, the rejected one is such a good guy that I just wished he had more of a plotline than simply trying to convince Merry to love him. Yet the romance is cute and sweet. Most of the buildup has happened in the past since they’ve known each other for years, so present day is more focused on accepting what their hearts are telling them.

I did love the introspective moments! There are several times where Merry has a lot of time for thinking and writing. I really enjoyed her poetry as well. Even Timothy and Allen has moments where they had to do some thinking and/or plotting their next plan. Somehow the mix of narrators worked for me. I was a bit afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep track, but no worries there! And it helped keep the action going, which I appreciated. These are the times I like being the omniscient reader who knows what everyone is doing, while the characters themselves don’t! :D

So overall, this is a very fun adventure. Ms. Sleiman impressed me with her skill at writing a great story and now I’m anxious to read more of her writing. As well as go back and reread a few favorite scenes. Which is the nicest compliment I can give a book! Plus that cover is simply beautiful. The colors are perfect and that's just how I could picture Merry. Yay for great cover designers! :)

** I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.

Dauntless is the first novel in a new series, Valiant Hearts, by Dina Sleiman. I feel thrilled and privileged to get my hands on this copy. I couldn't read fast enough - I finished the thick book within 2 days. Thank goodness I started on a Friday or it would have disrupted the productiveness of my week! This was the best kind of disruption, though.
I started reading the book not realizing that it was a teen fiction. If I had known that before I started, I may not have read it at all. As it stands now, it was so good that I pre-ordered #2 before I even finished with #1.
The book is set in medieval times, which is very refreshing from the Victorian age that the market is saturated with. The author did a tremendous amount of historical research, and she explained her plot choices at the end of the book. I was fascinated with how much work she put into making this historically accurate. The author even carefully chose which type of English she would use for readability, since it would be impossible for us to understand an English-speaking peasant if the text were a perfect match to the era it is set in. I was beyond impressed.
To the author: If I really love a book, I will try to include a suggestion to the author. For this one, I had to think hard. I would say that the style in the beginning of the novel tipped me off to the fact that it was possibly a teen book. That changed very quickly, and I soon forgot I was reading juvenile fiction. I'm biased (so take this for what it's worth), but I preferred the more adult writing style evidenced later in the book as opposed to the first chapter or two. You rocked the historical angle. The uniqueness of the medieval setting instantly sets your book apart from every other book on the shelf, which is a very coveted. Writing a book set in medieval times must be very difficult, since there isn't much available to look to for inspiration. The caveat is that writing and editing could take quite a bit longer. My prayer for you is that after this book, you will be able to write and edit quickly so that readers won't have to wait too terribly long.
FYI, this book was a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an objective review.

After her father’s failed assassination attempt upon the king, Lady Merry Ellison became an enemy of the throne and an outlaw. Bold and uniquely skilled, she is willing to go to any lengths to protect the orphaned children of her former village—a group that becomes known as “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.” But Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety bring increasing trouble their way.

Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform a feat so legendary that he will rise from obscurity and earn a title of his own. When the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest are spotted in Wyndeshire, where he serves as assistant to the local earl, he thinks he’s found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he’s forced to reexamine everything he’s ever known and wanted.

Given the cover and the book description, I expected a Robin Hood retelling with a Hunger Games-style female protagonist, but that wasn't exactly what I got. The funny thing is, I found I enjoyed it more than I would have if it had been merely a retelling. While the novel is set in the same time, it is its own story and a fantastic one, so I didn’t feel like it was something I had read before recycled in a new package.

This is a fast paced novel with lots of action and tension from page one —there is always the tension of whether they will be caught, how they will survive, which side Timothy will ultimately choose, if Merry will be able to continue protecting the children without losing one. There is tension between right and wrong, whether the ends justify the means, whether we can be tough and tender simultaneously. And of course, there is plenty of romantic tension to be had between our hero and heroine, with a bit of competition from one of the young men in Merry’s band of thieves.

Merry is a very strong young woman who remains feminine despite the demands placed upon her. She is a leader, warrior, and protector, thrown into an extraordinary circumstance, doing the best she can for those she feels responsible for, but she retains her female qualities through it all, never shedding them to accomplish the tasks ahead of her. Sometimes she needs to push down emotion or deny her desires for the good of the group, but these qualities are exhibited in the male characters as well and are a mark of good leadership—she is always putting others first. Although unsure if she’ll ever be safe enough to indulge again, she remembers desiring pretty gowns, feasts with entertainment, and the promise of a family. They are good things appropriate to desire for a woman of her (former) station. Her current role may not be strictly traditional, but she never feels as if she has to become a man to fulfill it, and I think this is an important message for young women today.

Timothy tries for much of the novel to determine his place in society, torn between his upbringing and his feelings for Merry. He is not wishy-washy by any stretch, but just as many real people who strive for something for a long time, he reaches a point in the action where he has to decide if his goals are really as worthy as he believed them to be or if he is just continuing to do as he has always done. A strong female needs a strong male, and Timothy is that, despite his confusion about the changing world around him.

The secondary characters are a good mix of personalities that don’t blend into a mass of extras; they are individuals and are treated as such. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but that actually aids in the feeling of overwhelming need that is important to the storyline, and it helps to preserve some of the mystery when attempting to figure out who the villains really are, because it isn’t always obvious, which is a boon to the story.

We’re reading about a very different time here, and Sleiman does an excellent job of placing us within that time without overwhelming the reader. She uses an older form of British English for the dialogue to keep us within the setting without writing in a style that would be too difficult for modern readers to understand. The descriptions of clothing and setting provide depth and detail but don’t interfere with the action or slow the pacing down.

The strong spiritual component is well done, never coming across as preachy but seamlessly flowing from the characters. Merry has lost her faith as a result of her tragic history, but the faith of her band of children, despite circumstances, and their gentle witness to Merry in both word and deed is beautifully done. Merry’s struggle is understandable, but the author shows us a fuller, more peaceful life when God is allowed to direct our paths and heal our wounds.

Exceptionally conservative readers (and I put myself in that category) will likely be disturbed by the appearance of what is considered a curse word in today’s usage. While perhaps an appropriate use of the word in that day, used to refer to a man’s illegitimate parentage, I don’t believe it was necessary; the story would not have suffered by its omission and given its sole use as an epithet today, I would have preferred if it had not been used at all. Honestly, if that one word weren’t in here, this would have been a five-star read for me. That being said, however, if a mature teen reader is capable of reading references to someone’s illicit affairs and children issued from that relationship, I think them capable of handling that description. Just be aware that it is in there.

This book is geared toward teen readers, and I think it will definitely appeal to fans of recent dystopian novels; even though the setting is the past rather than the future, many similarities exist such as a corrupt government, unknown loyalties and strong female heroines. I believe this gives it great crossover potential into the general market and it is an excellent novel to introduce non-believers and other secular readers to the Christian fiction young adult genre.

With its complex storyline and rich detail, this outstanding young adult debut will appeal to adults as well as its intended demographic. I will be looking forward to reading her next novel as she picks up with one of the secondary characters and makes him the lead in the continuing story.

This review originally appeared at The Christian Manifesto (http://thechristianmanifesto.com/fiction/dauntless/) where I received an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I seem to be reading books within a theme - mostly about strong women. This is another and is geared towards young adults - but I really enjoyed it even though I'm old. I have always liked tales of Robin Hood and the idea of living off the land. When I was younger I spent many, many enjoyable hours in the woods near our home.

Lady Merry Ellison, daughter of a Baron who tried to assassinate the King, has been forced to live and hide in the forest after the King tried to wipe out their entire village. But Merry and the children from the village were hidden away before the Kings' men came through. After they were gone it was up to Merry to feed, clothe and take care of everyone - and continue to keep them hidden from the revengeful King. She had learned aerobatic tumbling skills from a young age and to live in the forest - strength, anonymity and restraint mottoes foremost - so she was well equipped to lead this young band. But sometimes they needed to take from the rich to survive.

Merry's friend Timothy Grey, the ninth son of a Baron, grew up with her and shared the same motto and skills. He was betrothed to Merry, but Timothy's family did not join with Merry's father in the assassination attempt and stayed on the good side of the King. Timothy thought Merry was killed long ago. In time since he longed to do something magnificent to earn a title of his own, as he was far down the line in his own family. Capturing "The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest" would impress the nobility and give him a chance of his own. Little did he know who those "ghosts" were.

This is the story of how Merry and Timothy find each other again, and the struggle to survive and do what is right, no matter the danger. Definitely a great read, pulls on your heartstrings and has deep roots in faith. Highly recommended! I really liked the cover too. Dina L. Sleiman is a new author to me, and can add me to her fan list. I'm looking forward to more in the series.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman was an interesting novel that was both interesting and compelling. The storyline was well written, if a bit slow at first, and it contained a good mixture of mystery, romance, danger, tragedy, and suspense. The book was written in third person, but it alternated between Merry, Timothy, Allen, and an unknown enemy. I liked how the author kept the enemy in the dark from the reader while still giving the reader glimpses into his thoughts, his hatred, and his plans.

I also thought the author did an excellent job portraying how harsh circumstances can cause people to doubt their faith and also how it is possible to return to faith and trust in God even when all hope seems lost. I thought Merry and Timothy were both intriguing characters, each with their own doubts, flaws, and strengths. I really liked Merry. She basically represented a female Robin Hood, and she was a very strong character with a great love for her band of children and intense desire to protect them at all costs. Timothy was a character that I had trouble connecting with initially. I thought at first that he was weak and easily persuaded by others, but he grew as a character as he found Merry and had to rethink what he believed about the king and about serving God. Another important character who was also a part of Merry's band was Allen. I really liked him, and while I felt really bad for him at times, I do hope he has a more major part in the next novel so I can learn more about him and what his future entails.

Overall I enjoyed Dauntless and I am very interested to see what the second novel in the Valiant Hearts series brings to the story, especially as this novel ended very well.

I received this novel from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Dauntless: Showing fearlessness and determination

I am a first time Dina Sleiman reader and I look forward to adding more to my collection!! I have to admit, unlike other reviews, I had a hard time getting into this story. Once I was able to connect with it more, it took off for me and I finished it rather quickly! This novel is geared more towards YA but as an adult in my thirties, I loved the story of Merry and Timothy!

I'm not a huge Robin Hood fan (which may be why it took me awhile to get into the book) but I loved the twist that Ms. Sleiman took on Merry's character. Merry is the true definition of Dauntless in this story as she is leading orphaned children on a quest to protect themselves from the evil deeds of the King. I find Merry's story very intriguing as she left (not by choice) a life of luxury and became an outlaw, or as the townsfolk would have it, a Ghost thief.

I was also intrigued by Timothy and found him quite humourous. The lengths he went to with Lady Merry had me in stitches at times! He's a true man's man and hero! I look forward to hearing more of him in future books in this series.

The person who I'm most in love with is Alan. This poor guy needs his own book and I hope the author has plans to include him in a story of his own. He reminds me of that bumbling teenager who just can't catch a break but when he's "caught" by a woman, will be the most loyal, faithful, loving person for her.

This was a fun read and one I would recommend to YA and adults alike! If you like medieval tales of intrigue and romance, this would probably suit you well!

I did receive a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, of which you have received here. Thank you to the author and the publisher for this reading adventure.

3.5 Stars

The story which takes place in Dauntless is entertaining, if a bit less grand of a story than Robin Hood. The message to it is far more personal, about the choices we make in life, rather than national, the distribution of wealth and power.

There is a love triangle, and for once I found myself on the side of the guy who you know wont win the girl. I had liked Allen for Merry far more than I had liked Timothy. Unfortunately, this might have been because Timothy was described in the beginning in a very feminine way (soft, with hair pretty enough to be a girls), where Allen was more masculine. It took me a while to believe that Merry could have found Timothy so handsome, and then even longer to decide what else she liked about him.

As an "enemy" to the King, Merry constantly had to worry about being arrested. I believe most everyone remembers King John from the Robin Hood stories and how tyrannical he was, so Merry's concern was well justified. That and her being a thief, a crime punishable by hanging, made the conflict very real. However, I was disappointed when, toward the end, the villain Hadley served as the climax (or at least the final conflict, as my book was missing about 20 pages before this). It was disappointing after the continued reminder of just how dangerous the king was.

There is a good bit of the story to love. The kids are adorable, Allen's pretty awesome, and the danger is historically accurate. Unfortunately, the ending disappointed me. I would have liked a little more conflict, as well as some more loose ends left to be tied up in the next book (which will probably be about Allen).

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Dina L. Sleiman makes her debut with this young adult Middle Ages novel about a young woman who courageously steps out to do what must be done, even if it is unconventional.

In Dauntless, Merry is an outlaw as a result of her father’s failed assassination attempt against the king. She is willing to go to any length to provide for the orphaned children from her village.

Timothy Grey, Merry’s former fiancé, serves as an assistant to the earl. Timothy wants to make a name for himself by capturing the “Ghosts of Farthingale Forest,” unaware that the leader is his childhood friend, Merry.

Sleiman presents a 13th century young woman with the skills and courage to step outside the normal role to lead others and help them survive. She isn’t waiting for a handsome knight to save her. Merry hardens her heart to God and to others in order to protect herself. Dauntless is about using your skills to do what needs to be done, but not abandoning hope especially when “God opens a window.”

Both plot and character driven, Dauntless is a welcome addition to young adult literature. Merry is a strong young woman who isn’t afraid to do whatever she needs to do in order to provide for the children in her care. She is a valiant heart – one who is fearless, both feminine and strong, open to love but not defined by a man. She is a role model to other young women, both in her story and to her readers.

Recommended for public libraries and school libraries. Fans of medieval young adult books by Melanie Dickerson and Lisa Bergren will especially enjoy this new author.

Carol R. Gehringer (originally posted on: worthy2read.wordpress.com , and in Christian Library Journal)

Disclaimer: Book reviews are my opinion of books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

Share this:

Pinterest
Google
Twitter
More

Leave a Reply

SEARCH
Search for:

Dauntless is the first of the Valiant Hearts series. It was released by Bethany House Publishers in 2015. It is authored by Dina L. Sleiman.
Timothy Grey is the youngest of nine children born to the Baron of Greyham. So it is only natural that he would want to rise up and make his mark on the world. As steward to the Earl of Wyndeshire in England, Timothy thinks that things are looking up. When he is entrusted with capturing the mysterious Ghosts of Farthingale Forest that are suspected to have come to town, Timothy is honored. But he finds himself in for more than he bargained for when he recognizes their leader.
Merry Ellison, born to the Baron of Ellsworth, finds herself outside the law when her father’s assassination attempt on the king backfires. She forms a group from the rescued children of her abandoned village, and they earn the nickname of the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest. Merry sacrifices much to preserve her precious band. But Merry finds it increasingly arduous when their reputation brings new threats – and one of them seems familiar…

I began reading this book, I must admit, with a bit of skepticism. I hypothesized it might have been very similar to a different book I had read recently. However, as I read on, I became enraptured in its pages. The excitement and colorful wording pleased me and drew me in. I am charmed by this book’s well-written plot, touching moments, romantic twists, and an extraordinary miracle I did not see coming. Some parts of it may have been a little typical, but the tidy ending made up for it. The message is a powerful one of a lost soul coming to Christ, and through Him past hurts being healed. I would recommend this book for adolescents ages thirteen and up, because there was one descriptive death and flashbacks of hangings. But overall, my opinion of this book is a pleasantly surprised one.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read this book.

Ghosts in Farthingale Forest? Are they real or not? One young nobleman, Timothy Grey, hopes to find them and bring them to justice. In so doing, he will do something significant in the eyes of others, something to bring the ninth child of the Baron of Greyham to the notice of other nobility. What Timothy does not know is that the Ghosts are children led by Lady Merry Ellison. All of their parents were killed by King John as rebels and they are only alive due to their cunning and some unusual skills. Merry and Timothy were expected to marry when she was a Baron’s daughter. Now, she is an outlaw. When Timothy finds Merry in the forest, he initially thinks she is being held against her will and unwittingly sets into motion a chain of events which bring her to the notice of King John who issues a warrant for her arrest and death. What can Timothy do to protect them? Will Merry’s hurt hardened heart ever open up to God and her lost love? Also, who is the mysterious enemy who wishes to see Timothy discredited or dead?
This is great book covers an unusual time period in England’s history, the reign of King John who was forced to sign the Magna Carta by a group of Barons. It vividly portrays the life of regular subjects under a cruel and unjust monarch. The reader will quickly come to love many of the children, including little Wren and Sadie. The struggles of Alan to find his place in the world and keep his deep faith in his Heavenly Father after losing his loving father, will tug at your heart. Timothy is caught in a real moral dilemma and he will have great appeal. Merry, herself, is a very unique Medieval lady who is trying to keep her people alive. She is a very sympathetic character.
There are some good notes by the author giving some important historical background. I truly enjoyed this book and hated to see it end. Fortunately, it is Book One of the Valiant Hearts series. I look forward to the next one.
I received this from The Book Club Network for my honest opinion.

Two years ago, Lady Merry Ellison’s life took a turn that stripped her of not only her title, but also her family and life as she knew it. Now committed to leading and caring for the other children from her village, Merry and her gang live in the forest and survive in any way they can—including hunting and stealing. Merry’s life isn’t the one she dreamed of but this group is her family.

Timothy Grey is determined to capture the Ghosts of Farthington Forest to win favor with the lord of the manor where he is scribe and attains to rising in power. But when he goes searching for the ghosts in the forest where he finds more than he dared believe or dream. But how can he save Merry from this band of thieves? Is she a prisoner or is she more involved?

Dina Sleiman’s young adult tale of intrigue, family, and love is engaging, exciting, and encouraging. And even those of us who have been out of the “young adult” range for years enjoyed it. With points of view from several different characters, you get a well-rounded view of life for several of the characters—the life Merry used to have as daughter of a lord, the life she had now as leader of a band of outlaws, Timothy Grey’s life as an employee for a lord, the point of view of Allen, the spiritual leader of Merry’s group, and readers will even see through the eyes of the enemy of Timothy’s.

Book one of The Valiant Hearts series by Dina Sleiman will definitely leave you ready for the next one (and I’m hoping in it we get to continue on with a certain one of the characters through this book).

Bethany House provided me with a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expresses are my own.

Author Dina L. Sleiman takes you back in time when castles on the hill were commonplace, nobleman had sword fights, and kings ruled the countryside. She describes all of it in such magnificent detail, that it kept me so absorbed that I read this book every chance I could.

Merry shows exceptional strength and courage through out living through this survival situation with the orphans. I do have to say though Timothy Gray was my favorite character in the end. His belief in God to help him to do what's right shines through.

The description of this book says its for teens, but as an adult I loved this book. I have to admit that it was a slow go for me at first (probably because I'm not used to reading about this era) but suddenly the book had me hooked and there was no stopping.

This wonderful book will leave you thinking about God in times of your hardships. Will you blame God or will you lean on him for support? We all hope for the latter.

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

The plot prickles. A ragamuffin band, orphans by village massacre, survive by pillaging like Ghosts of Farthingale Forests, led by warrior Merry, a fallen Lady, yet a teenager, but by Medieval standards already wifery gruel. Her once champion is now charged with Wyndeshire's protection against the ghost marauders. Timothy decreed, "Then capture them, I shall." Thus begins the challenge between the castle and a rogue band of tots-to-teens thieves. Those raised with a faith are forced to ignore that `not steal' commandment.

I pray conservative Christian reviewers accept Dina L. Sleiman's protagonist burglary brandishing bunch, accepting this poverty way of life in Medieval times. After all it is YA fiction. Even Peter Pan, notorious for like conduct, was a figment from the adventurous imagination of a Christian preacher. "Dauntless" errant youth operate in a neighboring forest not so far from legendary Robin's Sherwood, year 1216.

WARNING: male opinion ahead
Dina Sleiman self-acknowledges Robyn Hode [alt. sp.] in the story. Forest action in "Dauntless" is more like Robin's adventures as remembered by Maid Marian. I liked her very inventive coach robbery beginning. The end turned action packed, but too much of the middlin' offered was wooden sword child-play. Ach, living in the 13th century wilderness would involve Braveheart-like attacks from tusked boars, wildcats, and thief vs. thief. YAs may want added action too, `ceptin' the girls. Early reviewers, all women, like it. I like it, even with reservations, and await more in #2. Haste make ye to North Britania???
Rest assured, these juvenile delinquents of the wood are as lovable as Pan and Robin of the Hood.

In this retelling of Robin Hood, Merry is a young noblewoman that is forced to become an outlaw. She has decided to protect the orphan children in her former village, and created a band of thieves called, “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.” When she and her band steal a chest full of gold, King John wants the leader of the band captured and hanged. The young ambitious Timothy Grey vows to capture the leader. When he comes face to face with the leader, he comes face-to-face with his long-lost betrothed, Merry. Soon, Timothy must make the choice to save Merry or betray her.

After reading the second book in the series first, I thought that Merry seemed like a fun character. In Chivalrous, she was very lively, strong, and cool. Yet, after reading Dauntless, she seemed like an entirely different person. In Dauntless, Merry is emotionally distraught. She has witnessed the deaths of her parents. Throughout this book she mourns her former life and the life she could have had if her parents were still alive. This Merry seemed solemn and distant. She can also be very indecisive. However, she is very selfless and protective of the younger children. She is the mother figure in the book. She makes plans for her band and their future. She is also very stubborn. While Mary is told to be a strong protagonist, and is assumed that she can fight, I did not really see it in this book. Instead, she seems to be more of a damsel-in-distress. She always needs saving.

Overall, this book is about friendship, love, and courage. The message of this book is that there is always hope. This story is very fast-paced and filled with fun characters. It is filled with action and romance. This book is a great start to the Valiant Hearts series, and I can’t wait to read the third book. Dauntless is perfect for fans of the Robin Hood legend, Melanie Dickerson, Jody Hedlund, and Tamara Leigh.

Merry Ellison was labeled an outlaw the day her father failed in a plot to assassinate King John. The village was ordered slaughtered and burned, but not before the children were hidden safely away. Merry was the oldest and had participated in war games and tumbling. She took responsibility as the leader and over the past two years she trained the children as they grew older. They’ve done what they must to get by and their group has been given the name “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forests.” Merry just hopes that the rebellion will be over soon or France will come take control of England so that she can lead a normal life again.

Timothy Grey will never have anything to call his own, or so he believes. Being the ninth child, he knows he will have no property of his father’s. And the woman that he was betrothed to marry was killed in the rebellion. Now he has found employment with a local Earl and has accelerated from the position of scribe to that of the Earl’s personal assistant. When the Earl hears that the “Ghosts” may have moved into Wyndeshire, Timothy vows to capture them for the Earl in hopes of obtaining some land for himself in the future. However, he gets more than he expected when he finally discovers who the ghosts really are.

I’ve always enjoyed the tale of Robin Hood, so it was naturally an easy fit when I picked up this book. The tale is a bit different than ”robbing the reach to feed the poor” as it is more about the survival of the group. The story focuses on the two main characters of Merry and Timothy, who have a bit of history together from childhood. Merry struggles through being a strong leader and removing God from her life and focusing only on the survival of the group. Timothy focuses on God having put a tyrant King on the throne because of the Pope’s ordination of King John. The two characters clash quite a bit and have a romance between them as well.

The book flowed very easily. Sleiman knows how to keep her readers turning the pages to find out what is going to happen in the next chapter. She makes her characters develop easily and gives them all endearing qualities, even the villains. She makes it hard to develop hard feelings for a character when you start to feel sorry for them at some point.

I’m not totally sure of the historical accuracy of the dark ages period in the book, but she says as much in her historical notes section. Either way, readers will not be disappointed.