Dauntless (Valiant Hearts) Paperback – March 3, 2015

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!

Okay... so first off i only started reading this book due to the title "dauntless" i automatically associated it with Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy,( which I ,by the way, am a big fan of). Of course I in no way expected it to anyhow associate with the dauntless faction in Divergent, but just for fun, i decided to read it.. Im pleased to it was a very good book aside from a few minor flaws... I thought the character of Merry was well-grounded and realisticilly believeable. However, a few things did bother me about her... like her indecisivness, or her lack of loyalty and friendliness to some other charaters in the story, or maybe all her daydreaming over a kiss with a childhood friend like seriously the entire book sortof got a bit annoying after a while... Over all though, I thought the author established a very deep and pleasant overall personality for the star of the story. All the other characters were well grounded also and enjoyable to read about. As for the story itself... well first off, i loved the fact that it didnt seem clichied or boring, and the way it always kept things new with some fun twists and turns. The way legend and reality met i thought was well establish and generally well done. I also loved how the author weaved Christianity into the book and some touching concepts along the way it make the story inspiring and meaningful as well as entertaining and fun-to-read. However, at times I thought that that all the romance drama got tiring and slightly sappy and all the conflict about whether or not Merry should trust her childhood friend who in no way ever gave her an unexplainable reason not to also got on my nerves after a while. Overall though, this is a good book and i recommend it.

Steeped in the adventures of Robin Hood, but with more heart, Dauntless tells the story Lady Merry Ellison, a young woman whose family was killed for standing against the unjust King John. Merry and a small group of infants, children, and adolescents, survive King John’s brutal attack and escape into the deep forests of Farthingale. Merry teaches her band of “ghosts” to read, hunt, fight, and even steal to survive; but she also tries to teach them to respect life, even as she struggles with what happened with her own family. After two years of tough survival, Merry’s young band of outlaws are a close knit family who respect and help one another. To prevent capture they are forced to keep moving to different forested areas. One move brings them to Wyndeshire, and into the path of Timothy Grey, a young man trying to prove himself as the youngest of his siblings. He is determined to gain fame, fortune, and respect by capturing The “Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.” However, when Timothy crosses paths with Merry, the past comes back to haunt both of them and sets off a series of events that lead to danger and possibly death for them and the children! Yes, this is young adult, but I loved the characters and how they grew and matured and endured through their trials. I loved the capable Merry, her ability to lead, and her desire to protect those entrusted into her care. Handsome Timothy proved to have integrity worthy of a nobleman. But my favorite character was Allen of Ellsworth. Though of low birth, he had the heart of a true knight and was a man after God’s own heart. I can’t wait to read his story in Chivalrous, (Valiant Hearts book 2). Final thought – This book would make a wonderful adventure movie for the entire family!

Exciting and tense throughout. A well written book that deserves a wider audience. Enjoy this window on Medieval Britain and its depiction of the fight against the evil of the reign of King John.

A wholesome Christian novel, with adventure and intrigue. Definitely worth while for teenagers looking for a book with higher purpose and meaning.

A lovely story for youth or anyone who enjoys medieval fiction. While the author did take liberty with certain aspects of history, one never knows all the untold tales that exist. This could very well be one, we just don't know it.I enjoy Robin Hood stories but feel moral conviction at certain parts; for example, the parts showing any glorification for thievery.I would not categorize Dauntless as a "retelling" of Robin Hood, necessarily, though it is very Robin Hood-esque in feel. The author adds some very unique details that make Merry, the main character, almost opposite of the traditional "damsel in distress".There was no super sappy love story, but, rather, a sweet, budding love. The characters deal with real doubts, concerns, fears. I felt a steady tension throughout the story, as I didn't know how the author would, or could, possibly weave this tale to end well. I knew it would, but the conflict and circumstances gave one a true sense of how dire things were for the protagonist and her friends. The tension was realistic in many ways, and due to this, I would not categorize this as a light read.I loved how the author wove touches of encouragement and spiritual wisdom throughout the pages. Not in a heavy manner, but with a delicate spread that allowed some measure of hope and edification to exist even in the midst of the most challenging situations." A way to be strong and stand firm without growing bitter and heartless."Did I feel that this story was realistic? No. There were some situations that almost moved too quickly and were hard to follow, or imagine. But it is easily a lovely candidate for a spot on the New Classic Fairy Tale (without fairies) List. There was a huge dose of whimsy, action, and strategic creativity.If one is looking for a story with a strong female protagonist who is independent, capable, responsible, resilient, talented, and still classy, then Dauntless is just what you may be looking for.If one likes Robin Hood or books taking a stand for justice, defending the helpless and oppressed, and books that encourage selflessness, loving your neighbor, kindness to others in need, and an open heart in the life journeying, especially spiritually, then Dauntless is for you.Dauntless made me recall Howard Pyles' "Robin Hood", R.M. ArceJaeger's "Robin: Lady of Legend", and Amanda Bradburn's and Emily Bradburn's " Little Red Robin Hood (The Underthieves Book 1)".

Good book

More a teen age story than adult