Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
Bethany House Publishers (2015), 368 pages
Description
Christian Fiction. Historical Fiction. Young Adult Fiction. Timothy Grey plans to earn a title by capturing Lady Merry and her band of orphan thieves. But will he carry out his mission when he meets their dauntless leader face-to-face?
User reviews
LibraryThing member Nextian
When Lady Merry Ellison's family and village were destroyed by the infamous King John, she escaped into the forest with the village's children to live off the land and whatever she could steal from unwary travelers a la Robin Hood. But a chance encounter with her former betrothed sets off a string
I wasn't expecting that much from this book because (let's face it) this trope has been done before. As such, I wasn't disappointed when it turned out to be a quick, light read with nothing to really recommend itself. It's good enough, but can't get much beyond that. I wish it had a bit more action to it and a lot less angst. But of course the angst seems to be a prerequisite for any YA book intended for females these days so not much chance of that.
I do have to give Sleiman some credit for doing a bit of research though. While situations and personalities have certainly been sanitized for modern audiences, she did a decent job of evoking the political and social setting of the day. And big kudos for including a version of "Sumer is Icumen In" which made my inner geek very happy.
Overall, I would say it's a good book. It's just not the sort of thing that legends are made out of.
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of events which puts the young bandits in danger once again.I wasn't expecting that much from this book because (let's face it) this trope has been done before. As such, I wasn't disappointed when it turned out to be a quick, light read with nothing to really recommend itself. It's good enough, but can't get much beyond that. I wish it had a bit more action to it and a lot less angst. But of course the angst seems to be a prerequisite for any YA book intended for females these days so not much chance of that.
I do have to give Sleiman some credit for doing a bit of research though. While situations and personalities have certainly been sanitized for modern audiences, she did a decent job of evoking the political and social setting of the day. And big kudos for including a version of "Sumer is Icumen In" which made my inner geek very happy.
Overall, I would say it's a good book. It's just not the sort of thing that legends are made out of.
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LibraryThing member renbedell
If you are looking for a YA romance book, then this book is up your alley. It even has the love triangle, although this one is handled much more maturely. My biggest gripe is the way the story is told. The author "tells" you instead of "showing" you. There is great detail in every person's
All in all though the book has some redeeming qualities. It does have a strong female character and the romance is handled really well.
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thoughts. The point of view will even change within conversations so you hear the thoughts of each person within the conversation. There is very little descriptions of what the characters are actually doing to show you what they are feeling or to demonstrate their personality. The second issue is the villain. There didn't seem to be any reason for their to be a villain in the story. The villain wasn't necessary for the story at all and could have been replaced by simply bad luck. All in all though the book has some redeeming qualities. It does have a strong female character and the romance is handled really well.
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LibraryThing member eyes.2c
an interesting addition to the milieu__________3 1/2 stars
Death came quickly when King John, enraged and battling recalcitrant barons, outlawed all who opposed him.
Lady Merry Ellison's family was no exception. All were slaughtered outright on her family holdings. All except Lady Merry and the
Timothy Grey had ties to Merry. As a neighbour and ninth child to the Baron of Greyham they were destined to marry. That past and promise is now gone, collapsed after the killing of the Ellison's and all their dependants.
Now two years later, Merry and her group unknowingly steal a fortune in King John's taxes. Retribution is at hand, John is furious and the 'ghosts' must move camp, closer to an area of forest where Timothy is serving the Baron of Wyndeshire. Tasked with apprehending the ghosts Timothy captures a likely lad in the forest--and it looks like all Merry's well thought out plans are at risk.
The Robin Hood milieu is given a new and interesting twist. I enjoy reading how writers take that theme and give it different legs. Take for example the Hunter of Sherwood series by Toby Venables, and one of my all time favourites, The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley. In Dauntless, Robin Hood is referenced by Merry as Robyn of the Hode. Certain aspects of this story show thoughtful reflection--a strong female character, the changing of the relationships between what were children and now are becoming marriageable young men and women, the reign of King John and his estrangement from the Pope with the resulting effect on his people, the divine right of Kings, the place of women in medieval society. Christian themes are woven into the storyline. Given that religion is the epicentre of people's lives in these times this is appropriate.
Certainly an interesting story.
A NetGalley ARC
Death came quickly when King John, enraged and battling recalcitrant barons, outlawed all who opposed him.
Lady Merry Ellison's family was no exception. All were slaughtered outright on her family holdings. All except Lady Merry and the
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children. An unusual young woman at 15 who could shoot and tumble. She trained and honed the survivors into a group known as 'The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.' Timothy Grey had ties to Merry. As a neighbour and ninth child to the Baron of Greyham they were destined to marry. That past and promise is now gone, collapsed after the killing of the Ellison's and all their dependants.
Now two years later, Merry and her group unknowingly steal a fortune in King John's taxes. Retribution is at hand, John is furious and the 'ghosts' must move camp, closer to an area of forest where Timothy is serving the Baron of Wyndeshire. Tasked with apprehending the ghosts Timothy captures a likely lad in the forest--and it looks like all Merry's well thought out plans are at risk.
The Robin Hood milieu is given a new and interesting twist. I enjoy reading how writers take that theme and give it different legs. Take for example the Hunter of Sherwood series by Toby Venables, and one of my all time favourites, The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley. In Dauntless, Robin Hood is referenced by Merry as Robyn of the Hode. Certain aspects of this story show thoughtful reflection--a strong female character, the changing of the relationships between what were children and now are becoming marriageable young men and women, the reign of King John and his estrangement from the Pope with the resulting effect on his people, the divine right of Kings, the place of women in medieval society. Christian themes are woven into the storyline. Given that religion is the epicentre of people's lives in these times this is appropriate.
Certainly an interesting story.
A NetGalley ARC
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LibraryThing member bluesalamanders
Merry barely escaped the destruction of her home and family, hiding in the woods with the village children. Now, with a price on her head and dozens of mouths to feed, Merry follows Robin Hood’s example and turns to outlawry. Merry also struggles with her lost faith as those around her continue
I was not the target audience for this book. Whether by accident or design, the description fails to mention that the book has heavy religious (specifically Christian) themes. I would not have requested this from Early Reviewers if I’d known.
But even putting that aside, Dauntless is at best a mediocre book. The writing is unengaging, the characters are uninteresting, and the plot is predictable. The book seems like it was written more to send a message than to tell a story, which is never a good idea. The most surprising thing was the sudden switch from historical fiction to religious fantasy - and even that wasn’t too surprising, since there was blatant foreshadowing along the way.
Overall, Dauntless was bland and disappointing. Not recommended.
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to believe.I was not the target audience for this book. Whether by accident or design, the description fails to mention that the book has heavy religious (specifically Christian) themes. I would not have requested this from Early Reviewers if I’d known.
But even putting that aside, Dauntless is at best a mediocre book. The writing is unengaging, the characters are uninteresting, and the plot is predictable. The book seems like it was written more to send a message than to tell a story, which is never a good idea. The most surprising thing was the sudden switch from historical fiction to religious fantasy - and even that wasn’t too surprising, since there was blatant foreshadowing along the way.
Overall, Dauntless was bland and disappointing. Not recommended.
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LibraryThing member KatKealy
I love Robin Hood stories and enjoy many young adult novels, so I expected to really like this one...
For some reason, it just didn't grab my attention. I never really cared for the main characters (any of them) or got invested in the book. Perhaps this is more of a very young adult book or older
It was a fast read, but I didn't have much time or feel like making time to finish it. Pretty disappointing.
For some reason, it just didn't grab my attention. I never really cared for the main characters (any of them) or got invested in the book. Perhaps this is more of a very young adult book or older
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child, though I can't see being interested in it too much then - I read books above my reading level when I was younger. Ha ha ha...It was a fast read, but I didn't have much time or feel like making time to finish it. Pretty disappointing.
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LibraryThing member theokester
Dauntless is a late-middle-grade / early-YA novel that takes elements from Robin Hood and medieval adventure stories and pairs them with a strong female lead akin to the Katniss or Pris characters of recent YA novels. The story follows the struggles of Merry Ellison, a young girl who's been hiding
Merry and the children have attracted some attention and been dubbed the "Ghosts of Farthingale Forest" but when they accidentally hijack a treasure chest filled with the king's gold they decide to relocate and find themselves suddenly receiving unwanted attention. Coincidentally, the nearest village to their new home is also the home to Lady Merry's once betrothed, a young man named Timothy Grey. Timothy is currently in the service of the local earl and has been tasked with hunting down the supposed Ghosts.
The novel was detail oriented and moved at a steady pace, albeit slower than the thrill-a-minute action of other recent YA books. Not surprisingly, we find our heroine caught in a romantic tangle of emotions as she tries to unravel her feelings towards Timothy, the man she once loved and the man currently tasked with bringing her to justice.
The writing is crisp and clean, filled with great nuances of history and vivid descriptions of the world of medieval England. While the slower pace of the story was sometimes predictable, I found the style and tone refreshing. The story and characters were thoughtful and methodical which made them feel a bit more real. When they were impulsive, their reactions were in line with their emotions and motivations. The romantic element felt a bit forced at times but generally felt believable.
In addition to the action-adventure and romantic plotlines, the book also explores religious motifs. Since the slaughter of her father and her village, Merry has essentially sworn off religion. Other members of her band remain devout with one of the older boys frequently trying to encourage her to re-associate herself with God. One of the children in the group has a sort of 6th sense and sees "sunshine men" that help and protect the group. The religion isn't terribly overt but it is clear that the book intends for the reader to get caught up in the religious turmoil in Merry's mind. This may be off-putting to some readers in this age, but it could also be a refreshing and non-confrontational way of getting people to think about their relation to God and explore their own thoughts on religion.
The novel is self-contained and ends with most loose ends tied up. And yet it is apparently part of a series but I'm not sure if it intends to use the same characters or present different stories with different characters who are similarly put to the moral and emotional tests.
The story was generally enjoyable and I found myself drawn into the lush historical settings, but overall I wasn't deeply engaged in the plot or terribly invested in the characters. While their introspection and contemplation made them feel more real, the movement and interaction fell a little flat for me. The book was a worthwhile read and was refreshingly wholesome in a world of questionable books. And yet, I don't feel compelled to search for the sequel. Admittedly as a middle aged man, I am definitely NOT the target audience. To younger readers, this could be a fun read. I just worry that its slower pace and methodical plot may not be enough to draw in the action-hungry readers of today.
***
3 out of 5 stars
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in the forests ever since John had her father and his household killed along with other supporters from his village. Merry escaped with the other orphaned children from the village. She's shunned her noble name "Lady Ellison" to live off the land and protect the children in ways reminiscent of the Robin Hood story.Merry and the children have attracted some attention and been dubbed the "Ghosts of Farthingale Forest" but when they accidentally hijack a treasure chest filled with the king's gold they decide to relocate and find themselves suddenly receiving unwanted attention. Coincidentally, the nearest village to their new home is also the home to Lady Merry's once betrothed, a young man named Timothy Grey. Timothy is currently in the service of the local earl and has been tasked with hunting down the supposed Ghosts.
The novel was detail oriented and moved at a steady pace, albeit slower than the thrill-a-minute action of other recent YA books. Not surprisingly, we find our heroine caught in a romantic tangle of emotions as she tries to unravel her feelings towards Timothy, the man she once loved and the man currently tasked with bringing her to justice.
The writing is crisp and clean, filled with great nuances of history and vivid descriptions of the world of medieval England. While the slower pace of the story was sometimes predictable, I found the style and tone refreshing. The story and characters were thoughtful and methodical which made them feel a bit more real. When they were impulsive, their reactions were in line with their emotions and motivations. The romantic element felt a bit forced at times but generally felt believable.
In addition to the action-adventure and romantic plotlines, the book also explores religious motifs. Since the slaughter of her father and her village, Merry has essentially sworn off religion. Other members of her band remain devout with one of the older boys frequently trying to encourage her to re-associate herself with God. One of the children in the group has a sort of 6th sense and sees "sunshine men" that help and protect the group. The religion isn't terribly overt but it is clear that the book intends for the reader to get caught up in the religious turmoil in Merry's mind. This may be off-putting to some readers in this age, but it could also be a refreshing and non-confrontational way of getting people to think about their relation to God and explore their own thoughts on religion.
The novel is self-contained and ends with most loose ends tied up. And yet it is apparently part of a series but I'm not sure if it intends to use the same characters or present different stories with different characters who are similarly put to the moral and emotional tests.
The story was generally enjoyable and I found myself drawn into the lush historical settings, but overall I wasn't deeply engaged in the plot or terribly invested in the characters. While their introspection and contemplation made them feel more real, the movement and interaction fell a little flat for me. The book was a worthwhile read and was refreshingly wholesome in a world of questionable books. And yet, I don't feel compelled to search for the sequel. Admittedly as a middle aged man, I am definitely NOT the target audience. To younger readers, this could be a fun read. I just worry that its slower pace and methodical plot may not be enough to draw in the action-hungry readers of today.
***
3 out of 5 stars
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LibraryThing member BookwormMama14
Medieval England, the ruthless King John sits on the throne. And Lady Merry Ellison has but one mission: To see to the safety of her “men”.
Set in the year 1216, England is in ruin. The nation is divided, scores of outlaws live in the forest and they do what they must to survive. Lady Merry
Dauntless is the first book that I have read by Dina Sleiman, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very engaging and quite the page turner. I loved how she used older English, but not so “olde” that I couldn’t understand the book. The “Historical Notes” were very informative and helpful to read. I wish I would have read it first, even thought there are a few spoilers in it. Her portrayal of the supernatural was very vivid. I liked it a lot! This story was a good reminder that things happen in our lives that we don’t always understand. But we must remember that God has a purpose for everything. Although we may never know why, we must trust Him and know that He truly knows best. Yes, I know, easier said than done. But in this story, the journey of reestablishing faith in God was amazing to behold and I pray that it brings you hope.
I received a free digital edition of Dauntless from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Set in the year 1216, England is in ruin. The nation is divided, scores of outlaws live in the forest and they do what they must to survive. Lady Merry
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will do anything to protect the orphans that make up their band known as “The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest”. Timothy Grey longs to become someone of power and authority. So he sets out to capture the ghosts, not knowing who their leader is. Will he turn in the ghosts and earn approval from his master? Or will he follow his heart and the leading of God? Dauntless is the first book that I have read by Dina Sleiman, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very engaging and quite the page turner. I loved how she used older English, but not so “olde” that I couldn’t understand the book. The “Historical Notes” were very informative and helpful to read. I wish I would have read it first, even thought there are a few spoilers in it. Her portrayal of the supernatural was very vivid. I liked it a lot! This story was a good reminder that things happen in our lives that we don’t always understand. But we must remember that God has a purpose for everything. Although we may never know why, we must trust Him and know that He truly knows best. Yes, I know, easier said than done. But in this story, the journey of reestablishing faith in God was amazing to behold and I pray that it brings you hope.
I received a free digital edition of Dauntless from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
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LibraryThing member MaryJensen
After Merry's village is destroyed, it is up to her to care for and protect village children that managed to escape the destruction with her.
Here's the thing. I really wanted to love this book. It the type of book that is usually right up my alley. And it is a solid entry into the league of YA
But I wanted to love this so much MORE. I wanted this to grab me from page 1 and be the new series that I find myself obsessing about. While I found it a solid book, it didn't grab me and hold on the way that I wanted it to.
**sigh** The search continues.
Here's the thing. I really wanted to love this book. It the type of book that is usually right up my alley. And it is a solid entry into the league of YA
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fiction with badass female protagonists.But I wanted to love this so much MORE. I wanted this to grab me from page 1 and be the new series that I find myself obsessing about. While I found it a solid book, it didn't grab me and hold on the way that I wanted it to.
**sigh** The search continues.
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LibraryThing member chrirob
Lady Merry is not a lady...not anymore. After the slaughter of their village, she and a few surviving children take shelter in the local woodlands and live by any means possible, both in and outside of the law. A few years later, a chance encounter brings her face-to-face with her once-betrothed
A good book with a very interesting story line. I look forward to the next tales of the Valiant Heart series.
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who assumed her dead. Will their love be rekindled or will another man light her heart with love? Who will survive when there is a price upon all their heads for thievery, lawlessness, and treason? Read the first book in Dina Sleiman's Valiant Hearts series to find out!A good book with a very interesting story line. I look forward to the next tales of the Valiant Heart series.
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LibraryThing member emmyson
Try as I may, I just couldn't connect like I wanted to with this book. The characters were flat and uninteresting to me. I'm such a character-driven reader that they make or break a story. No go here.
LibraryThing member caslater83
Eh, it was "okay." It's a good clean read. The plot was fair and the dialogue was okay. Nothing outstanding unfortunately. I didn't really feel that "connection" I often look for in a good book. To be honest, this isn't a book I'd keep.
LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
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
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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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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LibraryThing member Medievalgirl
I was not sure I would make of this novel before I read it. Dance of the Dandelion, the author’s debut novel published a few years ago really was not my cup of tea, but this one sounded promising and I had heard good things about it. I have to say I was pleased with what I read. It is a well
The girl in a traditionally male role in the medieval period had the potential to be problematic- yet I felt that Merry Ellison’s personality and characteristics were generally plausible and fitted in with the time period. There is evidence that women could use bows, and even on occasion led forces of soldiers into battle. She is strong, independent and a leader, but it not too militant or feministic. Nor is she confident in her abilities to the point of conceit- but worked with men and was prepared to accept help.
I also felt that Mrs Sleiman carried off the English setting well. Some novel in this genre written by Americans tend to be peopled by ostensibly British characters who just don’t cut the mustard, because they are very Americanized in their speech or attitudes. Or else some writers just display an obvious lack of knowledge for British culture or geography. Yet this Brit can confidently assert that this was not the case here.
The romance was clean without being overly mushy, and the plot was straightforward enough for the genre without being too predictable or simplistic. Generally, the story also seemed to be historically accurate and authentic- though I was a little concerned by the reference to the works of Terry Jones in the historical note, who is not considered the most accurate or reliable source by many historians.
I did spot a few issues, however. One was the frequent mention of ‘Divine Right of Kings’, a concept which was actually invented by the Stuart Kings in the 1600s and did not exist in the Middle - Ages.
I also felt that Merry’s religious doubts seemed rather too modern- and I do think the character who has ceased to believe in God because bad things happened to them is something of a cliché of the Christian Fiction genre.
Her beliefs about equality of the classes and monarchy also seemed to owe more to the modern age than the medieval age. Having a Medieval character who cares for the poor is one thing, but a medieval person expecting their fellows to espouse democratic and egalitarian ideals is a bit much.
Also, I did think the idea that nobles could just have criminals sumarily hanged didn't seem whoolly plausible- I thought that even peasants were supposed to have some sort of trial in the local courts that existed at that tme.
Generally, however, I really enjoyed this story and would happily read again and share it with a teenage reader. Thoroughly recommended.
I received an electronic version of this book free from the publisher and Netgalley for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
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written, Robin Hood like story plenty of action, adventure and romance, with a strong female lead, and a host of memorable and lovable supporting characters. I warmed to Allen- who I believe is the hero of the next story, and sweet little Wrenny. The girl in a traditionally male role in the medieval period had the potential to be problematic- yet I felt that Merry Ellison’s personality and characteristics were generally plausible and fitted in with the time period. There is evidence that women could use bows, and even on occasion led forces of soldiers into battle. She is strong, independent and a leader, but it not too militant or feministic. Nor is she confident in her abilities to the point of conceit- but worked with men and was prepared to accept help.
I also felt that Mrs Sleiman carried off the English setting well. Some novel in this genre written by Americans tend to be peopled by ostensibly British characters who just don’t cut the mustard, because they are very Americanized in their speech or attitudes. Or else some writers just display an obvious lack of knowledge for British culture or geography. Yet this Brit can confidently assert that this was not the case here.
The romance was clean without being overly mushy, and the plot was straightforward enough for the genre without being too predictable or simplistic. Generally, the story also seemed to be historically accurate and authentic- though I was a little concerned by the reference to the works of Terry Jones in the historical note, who is not considered the most accurate or reliable source by many historians.
I did spot a few issues, however. One was the frequent mention of ‘Divine Right of Kings’, a concept which was actually invented by the Stuart Kings in the 1600s and did not exist in the Middle - Ages.
I also felt that Merry’s religious doubts seemed rather too modern- and I do think the character who has ceased to believe in God because bad things happened to them is something of a cliché of the Christian Fiction genre.
Her beliefs about equality of the classes and monarchy also seemed to owe more to the modern age than the medieval age. Having a Medieval character who cares for the poor is one thing, but a medieval person expecting their fellows to espouse democratic and egalitarian ideals is a bit much.
Also, I did think the idea that nobles could just have criminals sumarily hanged didn't seem whoolly plausible- I thought that even peasants were supposed to have some sort of trial in the local courts that existed at that tme.
Generally, however, I really enjoyed this story and would happily read again and share it with a teenage reader. Thoroughly recommended.
I received an electronic version of this book free from the publisher and Netgalley for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
Merry Ellison once was a baron's daughter, esteemed a lady, and betrothed to her childhood friend. Following her father's assassination attempt on the king, she becomes an enemy of the throne with a death sentence should she ever be found. Her place in life is now to lead “The Ghosts of
Dauntless is the first novel in Dina L. Sleiman's Valiant Hearts series as well as the first novel I've read by her. The novel's eye-catching cover portrays Merry's intensity and convinced me to give the story a try. I read this book in two sittings. The medieval setting intrigued me, the story held my interest, the clean, sweet romance between Merry and Timothy flowed beautifully, and the final twist provided for a lovely ending. It's a keeper for my bookshelf and I plan to read it again in the future. I'm already looking forward to the sequel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."
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Farthingale Forest” who happened to be the orphaned children of the city her family was affiliated with. Stealing necessities becomes part of the way they survive. However, when a chest of gold is taken, their notoriety requires them to move their camp elsewhere. Merry is unaware that her former intended, Timothy Grey, serves as assistant to the local earl of Wyndeshire and that he's out to prove himself capable. Capturing a band of notorious thieves would certainly advance his goal of earning a title of his own. But when he finds Merry to be the leader of the thieves, his plans and beliefs are suddenly challenged. Read more in Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman.Dauntless is the first novel in Dina L. Sleiman's Valiant Hearts series as well as the first novel I've read by her. The novel's eye-catching cover portrays Merry's intensity and convinced me to give the story a try. I read this book in two sittings. The medieval setting intrigued me, the story held my interest, the clean, sweet romance between Merry and Timothy flowed beautifully, and the final twist provided for a lovely ending. It's a keeper for my bookshelf and I plan to read it again in the future. I'm already looking forward to the sequel.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."
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LibraryThing member clamagna
While “Robin of the Hode” is mentioned in this novel, the main character is 17-year-old Lady Merry Ellison who, like Robin, leads a band of men (or, rather, teenage boys) and lives hidden in the forest. And there are some girls in the group as well. They are not called the Merry Men; they are
Meanwhile, Timothy Grey, ninth child of a baron, has no chance of inheriting a title or anything else. His dream is to do something extraordinary and elevate his status to ‘legend.’ Lord Windermere gives Grey the chance by tasking him with being in charge of his castle… and capturing the Ghosts of Farthingale. But there is someone else trying to capture the Ghosts, if only to keep Grey from further elevation…
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known as the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest. They rob from the rich so they can survive. Merry’s father was stripped of his lands and title before being executed for plotting against the evil King John for refusing to honor the Charter of Liberties, leaving her an orphan. The attack on her town leaves quite a few children orphaned, so they band together with Merry as their leader. She vows she will do whatever it takes to protect these children. Everything she has experienced has caused her to question the existence of God. She believes she can only rely on herself. Will she find her way back to faith?Meanwhile, Timothy Grey, ninth child of a baron, has no chance of inheriting a title or anything else. His dream is to do something extraordinary and elevate his status to ‘legend.’ Lord Windermere gives Grey the chance by tasking him with being in charge of his castle… and capturing the Ghosts of Farthingale. But there is someone else trying to capture the Ghosts, if only to keep Grey from further elevation…
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
8.5 inches
ISBN
0764213121 / 9780764213120