What a delightful take on a female Robin Hood! I liked having such a strong, capable, intelligent yet compassionate young lady as the main character. This story of survival was well written giving each character a unique set of talents. I really enjoyed the mix of legend, action, suspense and the set in medieval times. Young, older and in between will enjoy this story of Lady Merry Ellison!

I was gifted a copy from The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) for my honest opinion which I have given.

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 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 couldnt 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 dont 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.

The story takes place in Medieval England in 1216. Although this book is geared to young adults I enjoyed it very much. A great read for teenage girls. I love historical fiction books and Dina's Dauntless is a winner.

Merry Ellison a female heroine is fashioned after Robin Hood. She is born a Baron's daughter. After her village is destroyed she is determined to protect the orphaned children. They are known as the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.

Timothy Grey's father is the Baron of Greyham. He wants to earn his way and gain a title of his own.

When Timothy meets Merry in Wyndeshire will he choose the fame he is seeking or love? Will Merry find love? Will it be Timothy?

I love the way Dina blends faith into the story.

You will find a fast paced story of action, adventure, suspense, mystery, with humor, laughter, romance and faith.

Dina is a talented writer with well defined characters and a great story. I look forward to reading the second book in this series.

Even if you are an adult and you love fictional history I think you will like this one. I sure did.

I received a free copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

Dauntless is a the story of a female Robin Hood. It includes many twists and turns, suspense, and action set in the medievil times. I look forward to reading Book 2 in the Valiant Hearts series.

I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

Dauntless

Valiant Hearts 1

By Dina L. Sleiman

Lady Merry Ellison is no more. Her father's attempt to dethrone King John failed - ending in the slaughter of her family and most of those living in the village that her father ruled. But Merry along with most of the children survived and Merry is determined to protect these young innocents no matter the cost.

But Merry and her young "band" must remain hidden because if word reached King John that the children of Ellsworth and the Baron's own daughter had escaped the slaughter they would be hunted down. But to survive they need to borrow and steal upon occasion, earning them notoriety as The Ghosts of Farthingale Forest.

But when Merry is spotted by the young man to whom she had been promised as a bride, life becomes suddenly much more complicated. Timothy Grey believing she's been held a prisoner is determined to save the young woman he thought dead these past two years.

Timothy is determined that Merry shall be safe, but the King's anger has yet to abate and Merry knows that Timothy's loyalty lies with the King. But when the heart is involved where does loyalty truly lie? This is the question that Timothy and Merry must work through if they are to have a future - whether together or separately.

Though marketed for the Juvenile / Young Adult market anyone who loves well-written historical fiction will enjoy this the first book in the Valiant Hearts series. If you enjoy Robin Hood give Merry Ellison and her band of ghosts chance to join your shelves, you'll enjoy the trip to 13th century England.

I was provided a copy this book by the publisher Bethany House through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.