Chivalrous (Valiant Hearts Book #2‪)‬

I fell in love with the Valiant Hearts series at first read. Sleiman’s style is very similar to Melanie Dickerson (one of my favorite authors). I would say Chivalrous is the best book though. It has it all: lovable characters (especially Allen and Gwendolyn), ancient prophecy and political intrigue along with a heartfelt message about a woman’s true spiritual value. This book is very empowering, and it is a must read for everyone!

This is part of a “true” series. To fully enjoy the story I believe that you need to have read the first book in the series, Dauntless, before reading this one.

At the very beginning we meet Gwendolyn “Gwen” and her maid Rosalind. Though, at the time, they were involved in very unladylike behavior. Before I finished the first chapter I had already been captivated by this strong and courageous woman.

After we get a really good look at who she is and what her family situation is we shift our focus to Allen of Ellsworth. He is one of the main characters in the first book of the series. We are caught up on what he has been doing since the end of that wonderful story. Then he sets out to follow his dream of moving to North Britannia to serve as a Knight in that dukedom. I truly admired his code of conduct before this story begins and it only grows throughout this novel. He struggles through part of the book trying to know what the right thing to do is and that only serves to make him seem more human.

The depiction of what family life was like for the nobility was a little eye opening. But then again this story is set in the Middle Ages. I absolutely loved the descriptions of the tournaments and sword fights.

I really enjoyed seeing how one firm believer in Christ was able to help direct others around him to start seeking God. At the same time he never tried to force anyone to believe as he did.

If you have ever enjoyed the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table you should read this wonderful story.

I received a free eBook copy of this novel through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Chivalrous, by Dina Sleiman, was lovely. It’s all about Gwyn, a woman who wants to be herself but is stifled by her parents and her society, and Allen, a common man who is elevated to a position he never desired. Both are thrown into betrothals they don’t want but try to make the best of the situation, even as they fall in love with one another. They struggle with their situation, misguided leaders, and social roles on top of the political turmoil of invaders and murder. And did I mention domestic abuse? Gwyn’s father is a volatile ogre who believes women must completely submit. Themes of domestic abuse, social roles, misguided leaders, and abortion give the sweet romance needed depth and twist the plot. I truly enjoyed Chivalrous and would recommend it to lovers of YA Historical Romance with a strong female protagonist.