A strong woman character? Robbing for the rich to help the poor?
King John. Rebellion. People injured. Families destroyed.
Intrigue, lost love, found love, mystery, murder and so much more.
I bring you .. Dauntless. Written by Dina L. Sleiman.
Over time we learn that Merry was the daughter of a man who had his entire village destroyed by order of King John for rebelling against him. The children of the village had been safely hidden away for their own good and now needed to fend for themselves.
Ms. Sleiman does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, entwining details of historical life within her tale. The need for strength of character was seen throughout the book as Merry sought to lead her band of survivors well, will her Ghosts of Farthngale Forest be captured? She showed good leadership while learning to accept her softer side as well.
Timothy Grey was a good counter point. Will he follow his hearts' ambition and capture the ghosts, or old love remembered help him remember who he truly is? What will happen if King John learns of that some of the village survived? Timothy Grey has an enemy.... will he find out who it is and why?
I must admit, I'd love to tell you for the story ends, but that would spoil it for you now wouldn't it? Suffice it to say, it was a good read.
I have to admit.... I wasn't real keen on how the story played out with sick little Wren. That's was just odd.
But take that part out of the book and you have a well-written tale that should be please most readers of historical fiction with a touch of romance in it.
Received Softcover edition of Dauntless.
Author: Dina L. Sleiman
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 363
Series: Valiant Hearts, Book One
Reviewed for : Nuts about Books