I was happy to see Allen of Ellsworth's story continued. Even though it had been some time since I read Dauntless, it didn't matter as this book reads like a standalone, with cameos of familiar faces along the way.



I liked Allen's strong sense of duty and willingness to serve others, and he admires Gwen's unconventional ways and fighting spirit. I liked how he sees her beauty in ways that she can't, and always makes her feel heard and valued.



Gwen has a outwardly advantageous life, but behind it all is the painful truth of her gilded cage. I admired Gwen for being willing to stand up for herself and her mother.



I also really liked how it sets up well for the next book in the series, as Randel and Rosalind were some of my favorite characters in this book for how they supported Gwen in friendship.



There is action and daring, but at times the plot felt predictable, and the felt villains rather one-note, there were many things that I really loved, and while some elements that didn't click with me. I loved the strong faith lived by the characters, and also how well researched the story was in regard to jousting, very well done. Allan as probably my favorite, mostly because I had liked him from the first book in this story realm and so I had a headstart in liking him. Overall, this is an enjoyable read, perfect for fans of Medieval novels.



I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Chivalrous, book two of the Valiant Hearts series, was authored by Dina Sleiman. The book was released in September of 2015. It was produced by Bethany House Publishers.



Strong, independent Lady Gwendolyn Barnes has a dream, and that is to become a chivalrous knight like her older brothers. However, this fantasy is highly improper for ladies of Gwen’s time period of the A.D. 1200s. It doesn’t help matters that she has a dominant and abusive father who wants only to marry her off to a wealthy but equally insulting brute. Gwen decides to rebel, and enters into a jousting contest dressed as a man. There she literally clashes with a man named Allen of Ellsworth, a poor but kind and handsome newcomer. She finds herself attracted to him. But there are forces working to drive them apart. The two must fight to stay together in this adventurous novel.



The Valiant Hearts series has caught my eye ever since I had heard of it. I enjoyed and recommend the first book, Dauntless. The second title, Chivalrous, is still an excellent read. However, I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up. One reason for that is the fact that there is some talk that edges around the subjects of “making love”, and “reproductive organs”, though the book doesn’t delve too deep into either of those topics in my opinion. Also, one of the foul characters consults a witch and uses dark magic. However, the character is repaid for his evil deeds, and good wins out in the end. Lastly, there are some battle scenes in which the book describes characters being stabbed. Keep in mind, however, that this is a Christian book, so there is lots of talk about God and doing the right thing. In conclusion, though a little on the edge, I still enjoyed this book for the most part. I give it a positive review.



Thank you to Bethany House Publishers and to Dina Sleiman for providing me with a copy of Chivalrous to read and review. I was not required or paid to give a positive review.

Dina Sleiman writes another story of adventure and romance about young women in the Middle Ages who step out of conventional roles.

In Chivalrous, Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight and even trains with her brothers. However, when her parents plan her marriage to an overbearing man, she takes matters into her own hands. She enters the upcoming tournament impersonating a man. Allen of Ellsworth also enters the tournament and ends up facing the disguised Gwendolyn in the jousting contest.

Sleiman presents another 13th century young woman with courage to step outside the conventional role to find her true destiny. She isn’t waiting for a handsome knight to save her; she is willing to fight for her future. Gwendolyn bravely tries to escape the loveless marriage planned for her.

Chivalrous is both plot and character driven. The story is filled with plot twists that will engage the reader until the final page. One twist is a legend or prophecy; another is the plot to overthrow Gwendoyln’s father, the duke. Both play a central role in Allen and Gwendolyn’s future. Gwendolyn struggles with her worth as a woman in a culture where Divine Order reigns (nobles over peasants, men over women).

Like Dauntless, the faith elements in Chivalrous are strong but not overpowering. The characters struggle with understanding how their faith plays out in everyday life. While there is some sorcery mentioned, it is consistent with the thought of that time period, i.e., viewed as evil.

I never had a chance to review this before it expired. I'm sorry!