What do you think?
Rate this book
VALOR: A Magical Historical Romance
★★★★★ Editorial Review ~ Reader's Favorite
With lush descriptions, spiritual undertones, and epic stakes, Valor weaves together romance, mysticism, and medieval intrigue into a powerful tale of sacrifice, destiny, and enduring love.
A WAYWARD DRUID WITH SUPERNATURAL POWERS JOINS A SPIRITED BAND OF TRUTH-SEEKING BROTHERS, BOUND FOR THE HOLY LAND.
Escape to the Middle Ages with the fierce heroine of this series, as her inherited gifts come to life on a perilous journey to the Middle East.
In distant lands, Ena must confront her darkest shadows to face an ancient force that still covets her powers, while Philip, now king of the Franks, struggles with the weight of his new regime—and his undying love for her—as the First Crusade threatens to consume them both.
As her path intertwines with Bernard Ato, the enigmatic Viscount of Nîmes, his loyalty to the Church and the campaign of the Holy War is a harsh reminder of Philip's vexing blind faith. Will Ena's growing attraction to Bernard hinder her journey—or ignite her purpose as an instrument of the Divine Feminine?
For those who love magical realism, profound romance, and historical fiction, Valor is a must-read. If you are captivated by enchanting worlds and gripping medieval tales, you will not be able to put down this riveting blend of history, chivalry, romance, and fantasy.
Buy your copy today and be swept away in the immersive world of Valor, Book Two of The Evensong Enchantments.
Elemental MagicSacred SitesThe First CrusadeSlow-burn RomanceDruidic ProphecyStrong HeroinePotential Triggers: killing, death, war, violence, trauma, loss and grief, famine and plague, attempted rape, demonic possession, religious persecution, graphic childbirth, near death experience.
Spice level = 1 out of 5 (no smut)
This book is suitable for ADULTS ONLY.
With lush descriptions, spiritual undertones, and epic stakes, Valor weaves together romance, mysticism, and medieval intrigue into a powerful tale of sacrifice, destiny, and enduring love.
A WAYWARD DRUID WITH SUPERNATURAL POWERS JOINS A SPIRITED BAND OF TRUTH-SEEKING BROTHERS, BOUND FOR THE HOLY LAND.
Escape to the Middle Ages with the fierce heroine of this series, as her inherited gifts come to life on a perilous journey to the Middle East.
In distant lands, Ena must confront her darkest shadows to face an ancient force that still covets her powers, while Philip, now king of the Franks, struggles with the weight of his new regime—and his undying love for her—as the First Crusade threatens to consume them both.
As her path intertwines with Bernard Ato, the enigmatic Viscount of Nîmes, his loyalty to the Church and the campaign of the Holy War is a harsh reminder of Philip's vexing blind faith. Will Ena's growing attraction to Bernard hinder her journey—or ignite her purpose as an instrument of the Divine Feminine?
For those who love magical realism, profound romance, and historical fiction, Valor is a must-read. If you are captivated by enchanting worlds and gripping medieval tales, you will not be able to put down this riveting blend of history, chivalry, romance, and fantasy.
Buy your copy today and be swept away in the immersive world of Valor, Book Two of The Evensong Enchantments.
Elemental MagicSacred SitesThe First CrusadeSlow-burn RomanceDruidic ProphecyStrong HeroinePotential Triggers: killing, death, war, violence, trauma, loss and grief, famine and plague, attempted rape, demonic possession, religious persecution, graphic childbirth, near death experience.
Spice level = 1 out of 5 (no smut)
This book is suitable for ADULTS ONLY.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2025
27 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Helyn Dunn
9 books5 followersChildhood trauma and a near-death experience are some of the threads of the tapestry that have shaped my creative endeavors over the years. Poetry, screenwriting and visual arts have been my passions. This creative path now includes writing fiction.
My debut novel, Sacrifice, the first book of The Evensong Enchantments series, is based on a previous screenplay. Like all of my stories, this is a work of Visionary Fiction.
The Visionary Fiction Alliance defines the term thus: "Visionary Fiction embraces spiritual and esoteric wisdom, often from ancient sources, and makes it relevant for our modern life. These gems of wisdom are brought forth in story form and in a way that readers can experience the wisdom from within themselves. It emphasizes and envisions humanity's transition into evolved consciousness. While there is a strong theme, it in no way proselytizes or preaches. Visionary is a tone as well as a genre. The ‘visionary’ element can technically be present in any genre and set in any time."
I have experienced many spiritual rebirths and I’m inspired to share the insights received as a result of these mystical encounters.
My writing is like my art—I am merely a channel for extra-dimensional truth and understanding the sacred beauty of life itself, and humbled to share my visions. I hope that my words and stories enrich anyone who is drawn to read them.
My debut novel, Sacrifice, the first book of The Evensong Enchantments series, is based on a previous screenplay. Like all of my stories, this is a work of Visionary Fiction.
The Visionary Fiction Alliance defines the term thus: "Visionary Fiction embraces spiritual and esoteric wisdom, often from ancient sources, and makes it relevant for our modern life. These gems of wisdom are brought forth in story form and in a way that readers can experience the wisdom from within themselves. It emphasizes and envisions humanity's transition into evolved consciousness. While there is a strong theme, it in no way proselytizes or preaches. Visionary is a tone as well as a genre. The ‘visionary’ element can technically be present in any genre and set in any time."
I have experienced many spiritual rebirths and I’m inspired to share the insights received as a result of these mystical encounters.
My writing is like my art—I am merely a channel for extra-dimensional truth and understanding the sacred beauty of life itself, and humbled to share my visions. I hope that my words and stories enrich anyone who is drawn to read them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 8, 2025
A Druid pregnant with an illegitimate child, a Viscount joining the Crusades, and three young men who are brothers from other mothers journey together to the Holy Land at the time of the Crusades. This is such a disparate group of people, it almost sounds like the start of some medieval joke. But these pilgrims are on serious quests, with different goals and unique ideals. Their personal agendas sometimes intersect, yet if the full truth were known, none of their goals truly align. How they came to be traveling companions and so much more is quite the story.
Helyn Dunn’s The Evensong Enchantments series began with Sacrifice, a well-titled tale that lays the foundation for the epic journey that continues here in Valor, Book Two. While this could be read as a stand-alone tale, no self-respecting fan of epic sword & sorcery fantasies would choose to do such a disservice to themselves and lose all the rich context provided in the first book. I’m so glad I took the time to go back and read Sacrifice before I began the journey in Valor. Simply understanding the relationship between the enigmatic, obviously single, and definitely pregnant Ena and the mysteriously absent father of her unborn child is worth beginning with the first book. Otherwise, the reader will most likely wonder what this woman’s fascination is with the man Philip, and why she would choose to travel in her state to a Holy Land under siege as Christians and Muslims battle for control of Jerusalem.
Ena, whose name means Bright Shining One, is a unique character; quite likable yet always having danced to a beat most are incapable of hearing. Many considered her flighty, spirited, or in need of a strong husband to tame her. One man knew the truth, but his death secured her freedom. As with all journeys fated by gods, Ena may start out alone, with nothing but her father’s horse. But the fates, gods, or spirits will manifest what she needs at just the right time. Her chance meeting with an ancient blind woman turned out to be just such an event. Aisling offers not only warmth, comfort, and food. She is a fount of knowledge and wisdom, setting Ena on the right path.
“We carry the stain of Christian blood in our hearts.
Now, this stain is not the stain of sin, original or otherwise. It is the stain of the secret.
The truth for which we all seek, dear one. Especially those with the blood of the stars in our veins. For it harkens to the songs of angels and cries with the tears of forgotten wisdom. Those who have come before us and those who will follow in our paths are beholden to us—the pure ones, the changelings, the sky wanderers.” (pg 11)
Ena soon meets up with the three “brothers” Darius, Fernando, and Christoval. Darius is generally the mouthpiece of the group, both by virtue of his ability to speak Ena’s language and the fact that he is naturally gregarious. He is also quite inextricably drawn to Ena. The brothers are going to the Holy Land. Not as pilgrims, they say, but as seekers of the truth.
It is through the brothers that Ena meets the Viscount of Nîmes, Bernard Ato. He seems to be a hard man, with thick walls and no desire to be social. But Ato is providing himself and his army to the Pope’s Holy Wars, thus giving passage to Ena and the brothers.
The darkness to Ena’s light is found in a venomous snake of a man, Lasiter. There is literally nothing good in this man’s soul. Powerful with evil forces and desiring Ena’s powers to complete his strength, Lasiter is a darkness that lives in the shadows, waiting for just the right moment to strike.
Valor has within its pages all that a fan of sword & sorcery fantasy, epic fantasy, or medieval fiction could desire. There is good vs evil, romance, treachery, the loyalty of strong friendship, the faith of the martyr, and the hope of a mother whose fatherless child will endure a harsh world. Themes explored here include the bonds of family, faith vs fate, and the wonder of blind trust in the darkest moments. This story is at times harsh and gritty, but also miraculous and wonderful.
Helyn Dunn has created fabulously rich characters, placed them in a historic setting, and allowed them to breathe their own life into this story of heartbreaking tragedy, staggering treachery, and joyful triumph. While Valor comes to a bit of a conclusion, this epic is not yet over. These characters have found places in my heart, and I wait with the anticipation of a child at Christmas for the next fantastic addition to The Evensong Enchantments series. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Start with Sacrifice, continue with Valor, and then wait with me for book three, Truth!
Helyn Dunn’s The Evensong Enchantments series began with Sacrifice, a well-titled tale that lays the foundation for the epic journey that continues here in Valor, Book Two. While this could be read as a stand-alone tale, no self-respecting fan of epic sword & sorcery fantasies would choose to do such a disservice to themselves and lose all the rich context provided in the first book. I’m so glad I took the time to go back and read Sacrifice before I began the journey in Valor. Simply understanding the relationship between the enigmatic, obviously single, and definitely pregnant Ena and the mysteriously absent father of her unborn child is worth beginning with the first book. Otherwise, the reader will most likely wonder what this woman’s fascination is with the man Philip, and why she would choose to travel in her state to a Holy Land under siege as Christians and Muslims battle for control of Jerusalem.
Ena, whose name means Bright Shining One, is a unique character; quite likable yet always having danced to a beat most are incapable of hearing. Many considered her flighty, spirited, or in need of a strong husband to tame her. One man knew the truth, but his death secured her freedom. As with all journeys fated by gods, Ena may start out alone, with nothing but her father’s horse. But the fates, gods, or spirits will manifest what she needs at just the right time. Her chance meeting with an ancient blind woman turned out to be just such an event. Aisling offers not only warmth, comfort, and food. She is a fount of knowledge and wisdom, setting Ena on the right path.
“We carry the stain of Christian blood in our hearts.
Now, this stain is not the stain of sin, original or otherwise. It is the stain of the secret.
The truth for which we all seek, dear one. Especially those with the blood of the stars in our veins. For it harkens to the songs of angels and cries with the tears of forgotten wisdom. Those who have come before us and those who will follow in our paths are beholden to us—the pure ones, the changelings, the sky wanderers.” (pg 11)
Ena soon meets up with the three “brothers” Darius, Fernando, and Christoval. Darius is generally the mouthpiece of the group, both by virtue of his ability to speak Ena’s language and the fact that he is naturally gregarious. He is also quite inextricably drawn to Ena. The brothers are going to the Holy Land. Not as pilgrims, they say, but as seekers of the truth.
It is through the brothers that Ena meets the Viscount of Nîmes, Bernard Ato. He seems to be a hard man, with thick walls and no desire to be social. But Ato is providing himself and his army to the Pope’s Holy Wars, thus giving passage to Ena and the brothers.
The darkness to Ena’s light is found in a venomous snake of a man, Lasiter. There is literally nothing good in this man’s soul. Powerful with evil forces and desiring Ena’s powers to complete his strength, Lasiter is a darkness that lives in the shadows, waiting for just the right moment to strike.
Valor has within its pages all that a fan of sword & sorcery fantasy, epic fantasy, or medieval fiction could desire. There is good vs evil, romance, treachery, the loyalty of strong friendship, the faith of the martyr, and the hope of a mother whose fatherless child will endure a harsh world. Themes explored here include the bonds of family, faith vs fate, and the wonder of blind trust in the darkest moments. This story is at times harsh and gritty, but also miraculous and wonderful.
Helyn Dunn has created fabulously rich characters, placed them in a historic setting, and allowed them to breathe their own life into this story of heartbreaking tragedy, staggering treachery, and joyful triumph. While Valor comes to a bit of a conclusion, this epic is not yet over. These characters have found places in my heart, and I wait with the anticipation of a child at Christmas for the next fantastic addition to The Evensong Enchantments series. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Start with Sacrifice, continue with Valor, and then wait with me for book three, Truth!
September 12, 2025
This book took my breath away!
I don’t know how, but this second installment in the series manages to surpass the first! The magic doesn’t just grow—it unfolds with a richness that pulls you deeper into the world, while the characters feel so vivid and real that they become a part of you. The emotional layers are profound, gripping your heart and refusing to let go. Romance, history, spirituality, and fantasy are woven together seamlessly, creating a story that defies genre and feels utterly unique. The writing is immersive, the stakes are higher, and the journey is unforgettable. I found myself completely lost in its pages and simply could not put it down.
I don’t know how, but this second installment in the series manages to surpass the first! The magic doesn’t just grow—it unfolds with a richness that pulls you deeper into the world, while the characters feel so vivid and real that they become a part of you. The emotional layers are profound, gripping your heart and refusing to let go. Romance, history, spirituality, and fantasy are woven together seamlessly, creating a story that defies genre and feels utterly unique. The writing is immersive, the stakes are higher, and the journey is unforgettable. I found myself completely lost in its pages and simply could not put it down.
July 9, 2025
Great series
Looking forward to book 3. I plowed through the first 2 in a week. The stories are well told and keep the reader's attention to detail.
Looking forward to book 3. I plowed through the first 2 in a week. The stories are well told and keep the reader's attention to detail.
November 26, 2025
Valor continues the story of Ena, a young woman of Druidic blood who is swept into a dangerous world of prophecy, ancient magic, and political turmoil. The book follows her as she flees her old life, confronts both human threat and supernatural horror, and discovers the depth of her own power. We watch her wrestle with grief, her lineage, her unborn child, and the complicated web of loyalty and love surrounding her. The story gathers tightly around themes of sacrifice, rebirth, and the heavy cost of destiny, pulling together threads of family, faith, and the lingering shadow of Philip’s death.
I found myself unexpectedly swept up in the book’s emotional weight. The writing carries a kind of earnest intensity. Scenes of violence or magic arrive suddenly, hitting hard, and then soften into quiet reflections or tender moments. I felt especially moved by the contrast between Ena’s fragility and the raw force emerging within her. Author Helyn Dunn’s descriptions often lean mystical or dreamlike, and while that sometimes made me pause to catch my bearings, it also filled the story with a sense of secrecy and wonder. I kept feeling a tug in my chest during scenes where Ena faces danger she is not ready for, and again when she discovers just how much strength she truly has.
I also found myself reacting strongly to the characters orbiting Ena. The monks who help her after she fears losing her unborn child offer a warmth and gentleness I didn’t expect. Their presence creates an almost sacred pause in the narrative, and I felt grateful for it alongside her. Later, the emotional shift in her relationship with Bernard surprised me with its sincerity and ache. Their connection is written with a kind of quiet yearning that feels grounded and mature, especially in scenes where Bernard drops his usual stoicism and speaks from a wounded but hopeful heart . The book leans into love, romantic, familial, spiritual, in all the ways it can save or break a person.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt a sense of completion and forward motion. The story opens a door toward a larger quest, and I closed the book with the impression that Ena has stepped into a fuller version of herself. There is a feeling of promise, shaped not just by magic but by courage and heartbreak and the people who have stood by her, even after losing Philip. I would recommend Valor to readers who enjoy emotional fantasy, rich inner journeys, and stories rooted in mythic symbolism. Anyone drawn to mystical historical fiction or tales of spiritual transformation will likely find this book deeply rewarding.
I found myself unexpectedly swept up in the book’s emotional weight. The writing carries a kind of earnest intensity. Scenes of violence or magic arrive suddenly, hitting hard, and then soften into quiet reflections or tender moments. I felt especially moved by the contrast between Ena’s fragility and the raw force emerging within her. Author Helyn Dunn’s descriptions often lean mystical or dreamlike, and while that sometimes made me pause to catch my bearings, it also filled the story with a sense of secrecy and wonder. I kept feeling a tug in my chest during scenes where Ena faces danger she is not ready for, and again when she discovers just how much strength she truly has.
I also found myself reacting strongly to the characters orbiting Ena. The monks who help her after she fears losing her unborn child offer a warmth and gentleness I didn’t expect. Their presence creates an almost sacred pause in the narrative, and I felt grateful for it alongside her. Later, the emotional shift in her relationship with Bernard surprised me with its sincerity and ache. Their connection is written with a kind of quiet yearning that feels grounded and mature, especially in scenes where Bernard drops his usual stoicism and speaks from a wounded but hopeful heart . The book leans into love, romantic, familial, spiritual, in all the ways it can save or break a person.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt a sense of completion and forward motion. The story opens a door toward a larger quest, and I closed the book with the impression that Ena has stepped into a fuller version of herself. There is a feeling of promise, shaped not just by magic but by courage and heartbreak and the people who have stood by her, even after losing Philip. I would recommend Valor to readers who enjoy emotional fantasy, rich inner journeys, and stories rooted in mythic symbolism. Anyone drawn to mystical historical fiction or tales of spiritual transformation will likely find this book deeply rewarding.
May 27, 2025
Once more my life was magically enhanced daily while reading Book 2 of Helyn Dunn's intriguing and exquisitely written series, The Evensong Enchantments. She has such a gift of language, transporting the reader to settings of great beauty, fearsome incidents, or magical happenings that fill one with tingles! All this resonates with me personally, strengthening, more than ever, my belief in Magic and the Spiritual Otherworld, where all the power truly lies! Book 3 can't come soon enough for me! Thank you, Helyn, for this soul-enhancing journey!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews