Dauntless was not exactly what I was expecting when I agreed to review the book through NetGalley (ARC digital copy), but it did turn out to be a pleasant surprise. It was a fun play on the traditional Robin Hood. This tale is set during the same time period, and Robin Hood is even mentioned in the book.
Young “Lady” Merry finds herself in the unfortunate position of needing to care for a group of children and young adults when they flee for their lives after the murder of her father and their parents. Over time, they do just what is necessary to survive, and the become known as the ghosts of the forest.
Through a series of events Merry runs into an old friend Thomas which sets in motion events that can not be stopped nor controlled.
While the teenage romance angst was a little over-the-top as they were tortured by their emotions vs their duties, the book was a clean read that I’d have no issue allowing my daughter to read. The characters were well developed, and the story, while predictable at times, was quite good with enough twists to keep the reader engaged to the very end.
I look forward to seeing what happens in book 2 of the Valiant Hearts series.
Book Description:
Where Legend and History Collide,
One Young Woman Will Fight for the Innocent
Born a baron’s daughter, Lady Merry Ellison is now an enemy of the throne after her father’s failed assassination attempt upon the king. 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.” Merry finds her charge more difficult as their growing notoriety brings increasing trouble their way.
Timothy Grey, ninth child of the Baron of Greyham, longs to perform some 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 might have found his chance. But when he comes face-to-face with the leader of the thieves, he’s forced to reexamine everything he’s known.
About the Author:
Dina L. Sleiman holds an MA in professional writing from Regent University and a BA in communications with a minor in English from Oral Roberts University. Over the past eighteen years, she has had opportunities to teach college writing and literature, as well as high school and elementary classes in English, humanities, and fine arts. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three children. She can be found online at www.dinasleiman.com.
Book Details:
- Series: Valiant Hearts (Book 1)
- Paperback: 368 pages
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 3, 2015)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0764213121
- ISBN-13: 978-0764213120
- Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.6 x 0.8 inches
- Retail Price: $12.99
- Digital version also available
