Valor

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Author(s)

Casey L. Bond

Genre(s)

Age Range

13+

Release Date

February 25, 2022

ISBN13

978-1-0880-1451-6

ISBN10 or ASIN

Dragon. Warrior. Woman. To honor her brother’s dying plea, Vayl Halifex carries a message that might prevent war with the elves: the location of their captive princess. Fortune and circumstance align in her favor and Vayl’s life is forever changed when an opportunity arises that only she can seize. With the help of a matchmaker, she becomes the emperor’s newest concubine. The new role affords her unfettered access to the gilded mountain stronghold, where the princess is rumored to be hidden away. But she won’t take this risk alone. Her brother’s best friend, dragon warrior Estin, calls on the small army of elven assassins he leads to use their magic and might to flank her for the fight to come. The band of dragons takes Vayl into their fold and trains her as best they can before she’s whisked away to the palace. Unbeknownst to the warriors, a dreadful magic simmers in the gilded fortress. With those fiercely protective of the emperor closing in, and the dragon assassins disappearing one by one, Vayl’s chance at escape narrows to a sliver, along with her hope of finding the princess or fighting her way out of the palace. With her heart entwined with that of the dragon warrior she was never supposed to love, she begins to fear the price of her treachery will be her life… or his.

Editor review

1 review

Dark World Wrapped in Myths

November 17, 2022 (Updated: November 17, 2022)

Overall rating

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

When Vayl pretty much loses everything, she decides to take matters into her own hands to avenge her family, especially her brother. To do so, she enlists the help of his best friend, Estin. Even though she walks a dangerous path, he's willing to stick around and help her where she needs it. While doing so, they catch feelings and a sweet romance blossoms between them. While Vayl won't stop until her she has her vengeance, she still possesses a witty nature and isn't blinded by her feelings. With magic and elves involved, Vayl risks her life with every turn in her path, but she stays courageous and faces them with her head high.

VALOR is a fast-paced fantasy with a strong female lead who doesn't bend no matter what life throws at her. Vayl is an admirable character and I love how she can push through each and every challenge. The world-building is enthralling and wrapped in mythology that readers won't be able to get enough of. It's an easy read with an ending that I never foresaw, but that's a good thing to me. We need a little bit of different to spice things up! The only thing is I wish we got more moments of the romance between Estin and Vayl because it's a sweet one. I love the magic and elves because it gives this book just what it needs to be in the fantasy trope, yet Casey still manages to spin a tale different from others I've read in this same trope.

Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of fantasy, elves, royalty, and strong female leads. Casey L. Boyd hasn't disappointed me yet and I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.