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Dauntless Valiant Hearts Volume 1 Dina L Sleiman Books

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Dauntless Valiant Hearts Volume 1 Dina L Sleiman Books

Merrie Olde England is not so merry during the time of King John. Many know the Robin Hood legend in which the noble Robin robs from the rich in order to take care of the poor oppressed by John and his sheriffs. Building on this framework, but with a fresh voice, Dina Sleiman’s Dauntless takes the reader into a time of chivalry and honor, with an endearing young heroine determined to protect the most vulnerable. The first book in her Valiant Hearts series, Dauntless presents the story of Lady Merrie Ellison and her Ghosts, the children of her village left orphaned by the ruthlessness of King John. They live by their wits in the forest hoping to one day re-enter society.

Dauntless is a YA novel that will appeal to high school girls. Main character Merrie Ellison is a courageous and determined young woman who doesn’t let her weaker sex keep her from protecting those she loves. Smart and talented in the ways of defense, she leads her band while eluding detection from the kings’s men. There certainly is danger in the forest, and Merrie must use her wits and her loyal men to escape from her childhood friend Timothy. The characters are wonderful, and the romantic thread is just right. The adventures of the group keep the pages turning. Historical details abound and add a depth of authenticity. Merrie wrestles with injustice leading her to reject God as impotent or cruel. That struggle is the main thrust of the spiritual thread woven throughout the novel.

I liked Dauntless and would not hesitate to recommend it. There are two more novels in the series as well — lots of reading adventures!

Recommended.

Audience: young adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)


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Dauntless Valiant Hearts Volume 1 Dina L Sleiman Books Reviews

I so enjoyed “Dauntless”! It was most definitely action packed, but also unexpectedly had an emotional side to it that did pull at my heart strings.

I really liked how the story started off with Merry and how it progresses to her meeting Timothy. It was interesting reading from both of their perspectives concerning situations in the moment as well as the past. I can't say if I had a preference in reading Merry's or Timothy's point of view because I could relate to both of them in some kind of way. Plus they both had a powerful emotional journey throughout the story that left me wanting to read more.

I felt the message in “Dauntless” encouraged readers to seek God's path for their life and pray about what it is. Dina showed through both characters that God is definitely in one's life despite hardships that one might go through. This definitely spoke to me because I know I have been guilty of questioning where God was in hard situations, but like how Merry experiences something powerful in a certain scene, I have too. It’s through moments and conversations similar to Merry’s that remind God is indeed with me in every situation.

I recommend “Dauntless” to readers who love a good medieval story with a strong heroine and action that keeps you turning pages.
I work with teens through an educational charity I run that supports underprivileged schools. I'm always looking for inspirational YA literature to send to our teens, most of whom are desperate for a role model. Dauntless by Dina Sleiman, a story of adventure and romance set in Medieval Times, qualifies on every level.

Having well-rounded main characters is essential to inspirational fiction, in my opinion, and especially for teens who have an excellent "fake" radar and who want to connect with the problems/weaknesses of others (so they don't feel alone in their own problems.) Dauntless, a spin on the classic fairy tale Robin Hood, steps forward with a new beloved bandit, a young woman. Lady Merry has lost her nobility, she's resorted to stealing to survive, and though she's the leader of the outcasts in her village, she feels very much alone. Merry is scared, she misses her parents, and she longs for her old life in the castle, but not for a second does she waver in her new life as a nomad, a mother to the orphaned children in her care, and a fierce hunter. Sleiman gives her readers a courageous heroine with loyalty in spades, who is also frightened and alone. You can't help but love her.

There are no lulls in the plot. The action is well-paced and interlaced with subtle (exciting) romantic developments from beginning to end. The story is anything but predictable and being a part of a series, it leaves you guessing (hoping for) the outcome. Merry's story of survival and love for the other outcasts and orphaned children, known as the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest, is further complicated by the dreams and ambitions of her supporting male character, Timothy Grey. Timothy is meek and dutiful, but the youngest of nine siblings, he has a strong desire for his own title and respect. Capturing the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest could be his big break, until he encounters their leader . . .

The quality of writing in Dauntless sets a standard for teens which will positively influence them in terms of the books they choose to read in the future and in their own writing. Sleiman does not miss an opportunity to bring a scene alive with unique descriptions, and at the same time, she doesn't slow down the plot with unnecessary adjectives and adverbs. She even weaves the vibrant forest into the character of Lady Merry, so that Merry almost becomes her natural surroundings when stealing loot from nobility passing through in their wagons.

Dauntless shows God's work in the characters' lives when they have faith and treat others with empathy and kindness. Teens may not admit they're looking for spiritual direction in their lives, but when they find it through something they enjoy, such as a great book, it becomes an example they're likely to follow. Through the trials and victories of the varied characters, and especially through Merry's story, Dauntless leaves a heart-warming and lasting impression, not just for teens, but for adults, as well. I'm in my forties, and the story, the characters, and the underlying message have me excited for the sequel!
Merrie Olde England is not so merry during the time of King John. Many know the Robin Hood legend in which the noble Robin robs from the rich in order to take care of the poor oppressed by John and his sheriffs. Building on this framework, but with a fresh voice, Dina Sleiman’s Dauntless takes the reader into a time of chivalry and honor, with an endearing young heroine determined to protect the most vulnerable. The first book in her Valiant Hearts series, Dauntless presents the story of Lady Merrie Ellison and her Ghosts, the children of her village left orphaned by the ruthlessness of King John. They live by their wits in the forest hoping to one day re-enter society.

Dauntless is a YA novel that will appeal to high school girls. Main character Merrie Ellison is a courageous and determined young woman who doesn’t let her weaker sex keep her from protecting those she loves. Smart and talented in the ways of defense, she leads her band while eluding detection from the kings’s men. There certainly is danger in the forest, and Merrie must use her wits and her loyal men to escape from her childhood friend Timothy. The characters are wonderful, and the romantic thread is just right. The adventures of the group keep the pages turning. Historical details abound and add a depth of authenticity. Merrie wrestles with injustice leading her to reject God as impotent or cruel. That struggle is the main thrust of the spiritual thread woven throughout the novel.

I liked Dauntless and would not hesitate to recommend it. There are two more novels in the series as well — lots of reading adventures!

Recommended.

Audience young adults.

(Thanks to Bethany House for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)