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Valor
Dragon. Warrior. Woman.
To honor her brother’s dying plea, Vayl Halifex carries a message that might prevent war with the 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.
Mulan meets The Hundredth Queen in this romantic epic fantasy, perfect for fans of the Throne of Glass series and These Hollow Vows.
"Riveting until the very last page." - A. Lonergan, award-winning author of the Crimson Pack Trilogy.
"Absolutely wonderful! Valor is an elegantly written story with a heroine worth rooting for!" - author Elle Madison
"With fairytale elements of Mulan, including a brave heroine willing to risk her life to avenge her family's honor, a patient hero who teaches our female mc the role she must play, plus a daring journey to face the emperor, Valor is an epic, standalone young adult fantasy romance that is a must read." - USA Today bestselling author Raye Wagner
To honor her brother’s dying plea, Vayl Halifex carries a message that might prevent war with the 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.
Mulan meets The Hundredth Queen in this romantic epic fantasy, perfect for fans of the Throne of Glass series and These Hollow Vows.
"Riveting until the very last page." - A. Lonergan, award-winning author of the Crimson Pack Trilogy.
"Absolutely wonderful! Valor is an elegantly written story with a heroine worth rooting for!" - author Elle Madison
"With fairytale elements of Mulan, including a brave heroine willing to risk her life to avenge her family's honor, a patient hero who teaches our female mc the role she must play, plus a daring journey to face the emperor, Valor is an epic, standalone young adult fantasy romance that is a must read." - USA Today bestselling author Raye Wagner
358 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
291 people are currently reading
3158 people want to read
About the author
Casey L. Bond
59 books1,669 followersRONE Award-winning author Casey Bond lives on a rural farm in West Virginia with her husband and their two beautiful daughters. She writes phoenixes – gloriously flawed and morally gray characters that fiercely rise from the ashes of their circumstances.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
Worldbuilding is one of her favorite pastimes. She thinks thunderstorms are better than coffee and that watching a meteor shower is the closest thing to magic you might ever see. She’s a firm believer that every amazing book needs a world you want to wrap yourself in, a character you want to win, and a love you would fight for.
Casey is the author of When Wishes Bleed, Gravebriar, House of Eclipses, and Where Oceans Burn.
@authorcaseybond on social media sites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
February 23, 2024
2.5⭐️ I thought this had pretty good potential, it gave Mulan vibes in the beginning so I was excited. About halfway through it just felt really rushed. I needed more character/plot development to really bring this home. I skimmed the last 10%. This could’ve been better as a duology to give it the time it needed to develop.
March 5, 2022
This one was so great! It was a total cover-read, but I don't regret anything. I loved this one, and I can't wait to read more of Casey's books.
Even though it was a very minor part, I loved the romance. Estin and Vayl were so adorable together! Watching them slowly connect despite it all was addicting. And what was even better was that there wasn't a huge miscommunication! Estin and Vayl actually communicated. It was so refreshing to see a healthy romance in YA, and i loved it. Romance isn't typically something I'd rave about in a fantasy, but this one deserves all the hype.
Another thing I loved was the ending. Although it wasn't the ending we typically see in fantasies, I really enjoyed it. While reading, I'll admit that it slightly frustrated me. I wanted more from the characters, and I wasn't ready to leave the world. Upon further thought though, I really appreciate the way the ending left our characters and the world.
There's so much more I could say about this one, but the major points have been hit. This one was a great read, and I'd definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Book of Matches Media for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Even though it was a very minor part, I loved the romance. Estin and Vayl were so adorable together! Watching them slowly connect despite it all was addicting. And what was even better was that there wasn't a huge miscommunication! Estin and Vayl actually communicated. It was so refreshing to see a healthy romance in YA, and i loved it. Romance isn't typically something I'd rave about in a fantasy, but this one deserves all the hype.
Another thing I loved was the ending. Although it wasn't the ending we typically see in fantasies, I really enjoyed it. While reading, I'll admit that it slightly frustrated me. I wanted more from the characters, and I wasn't ready to leave the world. Upon further thought though, I really appreciate the way the ending left our characters and the world.
There's so much more I could say about this one, but the major points have been hit. This one was a great read, and I'd definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Book of Matches Media for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
January 19, 2022
Absolutely loved this book and the world building Casey L Bond created within Valor. Of course Dragon was my favorite character and I call dibs on him lol Valor had me intrigued from beginning to end. Once starting, there was no putting it down. The was so much drama unfolding of each turn of the page that I was captivated and needed to know what else was to come. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. Can't wait to see what Casey Bond comes up with next!
June 9, 2022
Страшно добра идея, но безкрайно неподходяща за стендалоун. Неиздържани отношения, безуспешни опити за plot-twist, кофти персонажи, които ДОРИ НЕ СА ОПИСАНИ. А наистина имах желанието да се влюбя в нея...
February 25, 2022
"Sometimes, when what you needed to say might hurt someone, you put it off to give yourself time to build the strength and courage to inflict the wound."
The plot is well written and well paced. The world building is fascinating filled with elves on war with humans as well as people with variety of gifts depending on which god/goddess claim them.
All the characters are great and likeable. Especially, Valor as the main character in this story. She has been through a lot but she stayed strong to avenge her family. I really like seeing her develop from the beginning until the end.
I love knowing about the other warriors, how they took Vayl to become a part of their family and also how they teach her to be stronger.
I have to admit the small twist at the end really surprised me! I'm satisfied with how things turn out in the end with the gods decision and everyone got the ending they deserved.
Overall, this is a really good standalone. A captivating and great vengeance story with a roller coaster of emotions from grief and losses to sweet and healing moments.
I'm looking forward to read more books from Casey Bond!
A huge thank you to the Casey L. Bond for giving me this digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, also thank you to Book of Matches Media for allowing me to be a part of the book tour!
The plot is well written and well paced. The world building is fascinating filled with elves on war with humans as well as people with variety of gifts depending on which god/goddess claim them.
All the characters are great and likeable. Especially, Valor as the main character in this story. She has been through a lot but she stayed strong to avenge her family. I really like seeing her develop from the beginning until the end.
I love knowing about the other warriors, how they took Vayl to become a part of their family and also how they teach her to be stronger.
I have to admit the small twist at the end really surprised me! I'm satisfied with how things turn out in the end with the gods decision and everyone got the ending they deserved.
Overall, this is a really good standalone. A captivating and great vengeance story with a roller coaster of emotions from grief and losses to sweet and healing moments.
I'm looking forward to read more books from Casey Bond!
A huge thank you to the Casey L. Bond for giving me this digital copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion, also thank you to Book of Matches Media for allowing me to be a part of the book tour!
March 16, 2022
What a strong MC Vayl is! After everything she had to endure, from the fire that took her mother from her, to basically starving, to caring for her invalid father, to losing her brother, her spirit never falters. After discovering who was responsible for her father's condition and her brother's demise, she vows to avenge them. She's determined, she's companionate, an all round lovely character. She finds herself allied with a group of people who help ready her for her daunting task. What would that be, you might be asking, well, you'll have to read the book to discover that! The characters are in fact, all a pleasure to read and relate to. Etin, Asra and Indiri add an element of authenticity to the plot, but my best are the gentle giant, Grady and Lily. It's a slow burn romance between Vayl and Etrin and a constant niggling of "will they, won't they" which I won't divulge! The pace is by no means fast but a steady good build up, which kept me interested throughout. Vayl has less than 2 weeks to prepare before she enters the lions den and when she does, the events unfold unexpectedly. Quite dramatic scenes occur in the palace, none of which I could predict. An enjoyable read with a sweet HEA
September 1, 2022
3.5⭐
I didn't like the ending. I felt same as valor felt towards krisi/kirsi (I forgot). Sudden conscience is a bad trope for antagonists. And I didn't even believe her. So I understand why valor couldn't accept her but I also understand why the dragons did and Estin couldn't abandoned his responsibility. Cause she's still their queen. The power didn't shift. And why the heck not? That was unsatisfying. Following by estin and valor's separation. They had the portal thing so why they had to live without seeing each other. They both understood and respected each other's decision so why? I'm bitter about it. I'm bitter about the main plot entirely cause why would you go and rescue someone who is not giving a fuck about it? Yeah.....that and the ending irked me. But I still loved the book. The journey was amazing, the characters were fun. I felt for valor. Many things left unsaid tho.
I didn't like the ending. I felt same as valor felt towards krisi/kirsi (I forgot). Sudden conscience is a bad trope for antagonists. And I didn't even believe her. So I understand why valor couldn't accept her but I also understand why the dragons did and Estin couldn't abandoned his responsibility. Cause she's still their queen. The power didn't shift. And why the heck not? That was unsatisfying. Following by estin and valor's separation. They had the portal thing so why they had to live without seeing each other. They both understood and respected each other's decision so why? I'm bitter about it. I'm bitter about the main plot entirely cause why would you go and rescue someone who is not giving a fuck about it? Yeah.....that and the ending irked me. But I still loved the book. The journey was amazing, the characters were fun. I felt for valor. Many things left unsaid tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2023
3.5 stars rounded to 4
I absolutely loved the first 100-150 pages of this novel - I was with Vayl/Valor and ready to see her truly learn how to succeed. The middle and ending, for me, was a bit rushed. Since it is a standalone, I wish the pacing had been more consistent throughout. Honestly, I think this would have worked better as a duology in which book one Vayl and the group of elves who refer to themselves as dragons take out one villain and then book two they take out the other.
Bond's prose is good, her worldbuilding is phenomenal, and I was definitely rooting for the characters we meet in this novel! If the pacing had been more consistent and the ending felt more deserved, this would have been a definitive 4 star read, if not a 5 star read.
Based on this read, I plan on reading more of Bond's works and look forward to what stories she has to share in the future!
I received Valor as a gift - all thoughts and opinions mentioned here are my own.
I absolutely loved the first 100-150 pages of this novel - I was with Vayl/Valor and ready to see her truly learn how to succeed. The middle and ending, for me, was a bit rushed. Since it is a standalone, I wish the pacing had been more consistent throughout. Honestly, I think this would have worked better as a duology in which book one Vayl and the group of elves who refer to themselves as dragons take out one villain and then book two they take out the other.
Bond's prose is good, her worldbuilding is phenomenal, and I was definitely rooting for the characters we meet in this novel! If the pacing had been more consistent and the ending felt more deserved, this would have been a definitive 4 star read, if not a 5 star read.
Based on this read, I plan on reading more of Bond's works and look forward to what stories she has to share in the future!
I received Valor as a gift - all thoughts and opinions mentioned here are my own.
February 26, 2022
Casey Bond has once again created a world steeped in modern mythology where a girl who thought she was forsaken by the gods discovers she has the heart of a warrior.
Having lost everyone she has ever loved, Vayl finds herself on a dangerous journey of revenge in a quest to end the rule of a deadly empire. Along the way she discovers that family is not always blood and that friendship and loyalty can truly mean everything.
Valor is an amazing coming of age story and Vayl is a heroine like no other that finds herself along a dangerous path she never could have imagined. Her strength and cunning, her courage to forge ahead even when she is terrified, her loyalty and her caring heart along with an amazing group of unexpected allies will have their loves forever changed as they battle to free those enslaved and create a world all can live freely in.
As always when reading one of Casey’s books, I found myself in a fantastical world that felt real even though it's an impossible myth. Where every page has deeped meaning. Where the characters possess depth and inner strength and decisions are never made lightly. Where family and friends mean everything. And, when someone who feels they have nothing to offer learns just how important they truly are. Valor has all of these things along with a complex plot that is pushing forward at a thunderous pace leaving readers feeling every emotion the characters experience. 5 stars for this fantastical adventure.
Having lost everyone she has ever loved, Vayl finds herself on a dangerous journey of revenge in a quest to end the rule of a deadly empire. Along the way she discovers that family is not always blood and that friendship and loyalty can truly mean everything.
Valor is an amazing coming of age story and Vayl is a heroine like no other that finds herself along a dangerous path she never could have imagined. Her strength and cunning, her courage to forge ahead even when she is terrified, her loyalty and her caring heart along with an amazing group of unexpected allies will have their loves forever changed as they battle to free those enslaved and create a world all can live freely in.
As always when reading one of Casey’s books, I found myself in a fantastical world that felt real even though it's an impossible myth. Where every page has deeped meaning. Where the characters possess depth and inner strength and decisions are never made lightly. Where family and friends mean everything. And, when someone who feels they have nothing to offer learns just how important they truly are. Valor has all of these things along with a complex plot that is pushing forward at a thunderous pace leaving readers feeling every emotion the characters experience. 5 stars for this fantastical adventure.
May 24, 2022
As always, I love Casey's world building and story telling abilities. The characters were also enjoyable. I would've loved for this to be a duology so the characters had more time to build relationships and then a longer fall from grace for the 'villain'. Because I really hated the villain, but I wanted more time to hate them. 😅
That being said, the book did have a proper ending and a happily ever after.
That being said, the book did have a proper ending and a happily ever after.
April 1, 2022
Não conhecia a escrita da Casey mas nesse livro ela me conquistou. Foi uma delicia de ler, de estar imersa nesse mundo que ela criou. Cada personagem único e amável (ou detestável) do seu jeito.
Gostei muito de estar nessa jornada junto com a Vayl, de descobrir coisas, crescer e me apaixonar. Gosto que ela é uma personagem forte, firme nas suas crenças e não se deixa enganar facilmente.
Sinto que por um leeve momento no meio o livro ficou um pouco lento e o final foi um pouco rápido. Mas gostei que teve um desfecho. Não sei se existem outros livros desse mesmo universo ou se a autora pretende escrever mais sobre essa saga, mas eu sou fã de livros únicos de fantasia então fiquei muito feliz por ter um final de fato. (Apesar de que, contrariando as expectativas, eu super leria mais um livro com esses personagens)
Gostei muito de estar nessa jornada junto com a Vayl, de descobrir coisas, crescer e me apaixonar. Gosto que ela é uma personagem forte, firme nas suas crenças e não se deixa enganar facilmente.
Sinto que por um leeve momento no meio o livro ficou um pouco lento e o final foi um pouco rápido. Mas gostei que teve um desfecho. Não sei se existem outros livros desse mesmo universo ou se a autora pretende escrever mais sobre essa saga, mas eu sou fã de livros únicos de fantasia então fiquei muito feliz por ter um final de fato. (Apesar de que, contrariando as expectativas, eu super leria mais um livro com esses personagens)
January 24, 2024
So so so good definitely recommend. Wish it would have been strung out a little longer love a good strong female main character. Could have used a little more spice in the romance department but was so good if you are into a darker fantasy.
February 27, 2022
Casey NEVER disappoints. Everything about her writing is flawless!
February 21, 2024
Incredible stand-alone fantasy that is deliciously written and fast paced. Highly recommend as a good palette cleanser from huge and complicated fantasy series.
August 21, 2024
2.5. The story line is interesting but it’s not as well done as it could be
March 10, 2022
What can I say? Beautiful, heartbreaking, challenging, twisty, warm and welcoming. From start to finish Casey does it again, this by far, is my favourite book she’s written to date. 👏🏼👏🏼
November 9, 2024
This was an enjoyable read but certain aspects felt a bit rushed. There were moments where I was confused at the severe change in character or specific details had emphasis but no purpose to the story.
It’s not winning any awards but it was a nice book to get out of a reading slump.
It’s not winning any awards but it was a nice book to get out of a reading slump.
February 13, 2024
It took me 6 days to trudge through this book because every time I thought "surely it will pick up from here" it didn't. My hopes were too high based on the average good reads score.
I went into this book expecting A LOT more to go on then what actually ended up happening. Literally from 18% into this book until just about 62% of this book is spent on the THREE DAYS that she is getting lessons from the matchmaker and the dragons. THREE DAYS. And then when she's finally at the palace I'm expecting a lot of action from the get go, she's gonna seduce the emperor, she's gonna spy around, NOPE. Plot armor follows Vayl around so heavily everything just magically works out for her and the ending is just so rushed. The best part was the last 5% when we get to hear about their little found family after the "war" is over but there was no war and it went so quick. That 40% spent on nothing happening could have been spent on us seeing how they recover after the trauma they faced - that we never got to see them face by the way.
Also Indri and Asra had WAY MORE CHEMISTRY than our main love interests did? Estin doesn't love Vayl, he just wants to be in love with someone. Vayl doesn't love Estin, she just wants to cling to the last piece of her brother. I genuinely thought from Estin's reaction to hearing about her brother that he would be gay - nope. It's just so - blah.
I went into this book expecting A LOT more to go on then what actually ended up happening. Literally from 18% into this book until just about 62% of this book is spent on the THREE DAYS that she is getting lessons from the matchmaker and the dragons. THREE DAYS. And then when she's finally at the palace I'm expecting a lot of action from the get go, she's gonna seduce the emperor, she's gonna spy around, NOPE. Plot armor follows Vayl around so heavily everything just magically works out for her and the ending is just so rushed. The best part was the last 5% when we get to hear about their little found family after the "war" is over but there was no war and it went so quick. That 40% spent on nothing happening could have been spent on us seeing how they recover after the trauma they faced - that we never got to see them face by the way.
Also Indri and Asra had WAY MORE CHEMISTRY than our main love interests did? Estin doesn't love Vayl, he just wants to be in love with someone. Vayl doesn't love Estin, she just wants to cling to the last piece of her brother. I genuinely thought from Estin's reaction to hearing about her brother that he would be gay - nope. It's just so - blah.
December 11, 2023
Really loved the first 3/4 of the book but the ending was what brought down my rating. It had so much potential but was rushed and felt unfinished. Also, there were major editing errors in the book.
March 4, 2022
"You gave me something that filled more than this bowl could ever hold." He grinned widely. "You gave me hope."
5 stars
I would usually provide a summary of the book here. But to be honest my mind can't relive this book nor put it into a few sentences.
Casey L. Bond is such an amazing writer. In fact from reading the first chapter and experiencing a snipet of her writing I coud alreaedy tell that this book would be amazing. But I didn't know just how much I would love it. Bond has quickly become one of m favourite authors and I cannot wait to read more from her.
valor was such a well-rounded book. The start was amazing and slowly introduced us to the world and characters, the whole middle was the best, theres no other way to describe it. I could not put the book down and couldn't stop thinking about what would happen next. And then the ending. I usually hate endings because the author can never really end a book. But the way Bond rounded out this story was just so amazing.
The world-builidng was jsut perfect and I really understood the world and the Gods and how their society was built. I could see the scenes playing out in my head and was captivated the whole time, when I was reading this book it was like nothing else was there. And I was having a very bad day when I finished this and it just made it so much better.
The characters were all so loveable and written so well. I can't say enough how amazing Casey L bond is as a writer. ANd now I would usually go on about why I liked the characters but again I don't think I can write this in a few simple sentences.
Casey L. Bond is really an amazing writer and she really infused emotion throughout this book. I cried at times and I really felt anger and hurt and just wow. As you can tell I cannot stop thinking about this book and this review is pretty bad because I am no actually telling you why you should read it but if it had this effect on me, I think you might want to read it.
You have to read this book. You have to. Because I cannot explain how much I enjoyed this world, the characters and everything about this book here. I may come back to this in a few days and write more but who knows. I really don't know what to say expect Thank you to Casey L. Bond for writing this book. And thank you to Bookofmatchesmedia for providing me with an ARC of this book so i could experience the joy of reading this.
~ Abby
5 stars
I would usually provide a summary of the book here. But to be honest my mind can't relive this book nor put it into a few sentences.
Casey L. Bond is such an amazing writer. In fact from reading the first chapter and experiencing a snipet of her writing I coud alreaedy tell that this book would be amazing. But I didn't know just how much I would love it. Bond has quickly become one of m favourite authors and I cannot wait to read more from her.
valor was such a well-rounded book. The start was amazing and slowly introduced us to the world and characters, the whole middle was the best, theres no other way to describe it. I could not put the book down and couldn't stop thinking about what would happen next. And then the ending. I usually hate endings because the author can never really end a book. But the way Bond rounded out this story was just so amazing.
The world-builidng was jsut perfect and I really understood the world and the Gods and how their society was built. I could see the scenes playing out in my head and was captivated the whole time, when I was reading this book it was like nothing else was there. And I was having a very bad day when I finished this and it just made it so much better.
The characters were all so loveable and written so well. I can't say enough how amazing Casey L bond is as a writer. ANd now I would usually go on about why I liked the characters but again I don't think I can write this in a few simple sentences.
Casey L. Bond is really an amazing writer and she really infused emotion throughout this book. I cried at times and I really felt anger and hurt and just wow. As you can tell I cannot stop thinking about this book and this review is pretty bad because I am no actually telling you why you should read it but if it had this effect on me, I think you might want to read it.
You have to read this book. You have to. Because I cannot explain how much I enjoyed this world, the characters and everything about this book here. I may come back to this in a few days and write more but who knows. I really don't know what to say expect Thank you to Casey L. Bond for writing this book. And thank you to Bookofmatchesmedia for providing me with an ARC of this book so i could experience the joy of reading this.
~ Abby
June 11, 2022
A Mulan inspired tale of revenge, forbidden love and family both blood and found. Sounds great right? Alas, I was disappointed with this one.
The book follows Valor, a peasant from the countryside as she comes to grip with the tragic loss of her family. She’s revenge-filled but at the same time brave, strategic and stoic. As a character I actually liked her, I love that she was committed to the cause and didn’t let romance steer her away from her plans. It was refreshing.
What let this book down for me was it’s mishmash of ethnically ambiguous yet ~ kinda ~ Chinese inspired world-building. It made it hard to visualise the world but it was also an uncomfortable experience - borrowing items from a mix of cultures without engaging with them or doing them justice. I don’t know, it just felt off to me.
The key plot points of this tale - a matchmaker preparing Valor for her infiltration of an emperors harm, a mysterious rebellion - were interesting enough. But the muddy world, mixed with a hasty ending and odd baddie reveal just didn’t work for me.
The book follows Valor, a peasant from the countryside as she comes to grip with the tragic loss of her family. She’s revenge-filled but at the same time brave, strategic and stoic. As a character I actually liked her, I love that she was committed to the cause and didn’t let romance steer her away from her plans. It was refreshing.
What let this book down for me was it’s mishmash of ethnically ambiguous yet ~ kinda ~ Chinese inspired world-building. It made it hard to visualise the world but it was also an uncomfortable experience - borrowing items from a mix of cultures without engaging with them or doing them justice. I don’t know, it just felt off to me.
The key plot points of this tale - a matchmaker preparing Valor for her infiltration of an emperors harm, a mysterious rebellion - were interesting enough. But the muddy world, mixed with a hasty ending and odd baddie reveal just didn’t work for me.
March 15, 2022
As far as retellings go, I think this one missed the mark significantly. The story itself doesn’t much resemble Mulan. Yet, there are certain similarities.
Looking at the story as it’s own unique thing, the world is quite diverse and relatively fleshed out for the humans. The Elvish part of the world is still fairly mysterious.
The beginning and the later middle parts of the book really pulled me in. The training section though, I found quite boring, even if they were necessary for characterization and romance.
The Kirsi twist was quite good, but I do still have some issues with how Kirsi was talked down. It just… felt too easy.
I did also notice a mistake. At one point the emperor called Vayl by her real name Vayl instead of her fake name Valor. If this was done intentionally, there’s a lot of implications to it. If not, it’s a sizable boo boo.
Looking at the story as it’s own unique thing, the world is quite diverse and relatively fleshed out for the humans. The Elvish part of the world is still fairly mysterious.
The beginning and the later middle parts of the book really pulled me in. The training section though, I found quite boring, even if they were necessary for characterization and romance.
The Kirsi twist was quite good, but I do still have some issues with how Kirsi was talked down. It just… felt too easy.
I did also notice a mistake. At one point the emperor called Vayl by her real name Vayl instead of her fake name Valor. If this was done intentionally, there’s a lot of implications to it. If not, it’s a sizable boo boo.
July 3, 2022
I liked the myth and the characters. I really liked that twasnt stretched to a duology. However, the climax of events happened suddenly and I couldn’t believe Kiris finally saw reason just because of the popular line “ he’s not worthy of you”.
February 15, 2024
You know a book is good when it makes you late for work.
Even reading it the second time around.
Even reading it the second time around.
September 19, 2024
"Love does not perish with death."
I loved this book so much. I loved Vayl and how she loved her family and how she would stop at nothing to get revenge or justice, depending on how you look at it, for her father and brother. I did feel bad for her and her brother and father for losing their mother in a fire and that their father was injured a while ago and couldn't move easily. I loved how at the beginning of the book, Vayl is talking to her mother about how if she had been born a boy she would have been named Valor but that Valor was still in her. It was really an interesting storyline with the elves and how Zaire saw and heard things he wasn't supposed to where they were held in the dungeon. I hated Lord Favian from the get-go, since he was the one who not only hurt Vayl's father but also Zaire. And lead to their deaths. It was cool how Zaire wrote the message on Vayl's back for the Dragon and it stayed. And he also gave her his dagger. I loved the blind man Vayl met and how kind he was. I loved the matchmaker and her assistant. And the seamstress. I loved how Zaire trusted the matchmaker with what happened to their mother, which surprised Vayl. It was really cool how the matchmaker was a Heart Reader which is why she seemed to understand things so well. I loved that the Dragon, as he was called, knew her brother Zaire well and they were close. It was interesting how Zaire had been helping him find his sister. I was so pissed when it was revealed that Favian was cutting off the tops of elves' ears, such an ass. The point was to shame them since elves are very proud of them and all are a little different from each other. It angered me, even more, to learn he did worse to gifted elves, thinking them abominations. It was interesting to learn that the Dragon's sister Kirsi who was to be their people's queen was with Cassius, since she loved him. But it wasn't good for the elves since they are similar to bees in the way that they all contribute to the queen's vision for the kingdom and they had no leader with her gone and couldn't get through the barrier she created. It was nice to learn the Dragon's name, Estin but Vayl could only call him that when they were alone. I loved how Estin and his brother Asra were teaching Vayl how to fight and kill while the Matchmaker was teaching her to be a concubine, grace, and etiquette. And it was nuts how she had to learn all of it in less than two weeks. I loved when Vayl met Grady, and Indri. I loved the training with Vayl and Grady, since he was so much bigger than her and made it a good challenge for her. I loved the running scene with the group, I loved the forming bonds during that time. I was already shipping Estin and Vayl so hard at this point, they were just so cute. I liked that Estin offered her a way out, to go to the elves to escape but she didn’t want to run. I loved that the elves didn't have matchmakers but formed their own bonds, bonds that weren't unbound, even when one died. It's thought it was so cute that Asra and Indri were a thing, they were very cute together. I also loved how kind Indri was and how badass she was. I thought it was cool how the stone called intervallim, which transported people, was made by the God Urit and the stone glacieris was created by Zairitus and it was used by Zaire to write the message on Vayl's back for Estin at the beginning. I loved how Estin had a piece of intervallim put into a necklace for Vayl. It was wild how vivid Vayl's dream of the fire that killed her mother was, and with Rata being there and Vayl dreaming she was on fire. But I was shocked that Estin was there and ended up taking her to the camp to help her. I loved that he was a Dream Walker, which was how Estin knew what was happening and was there. It was interesting how Kirsti seemed to be losing her power and it was suspected to be because she was in love with Cassius who had many concubines and Kirsti was probably heartbroken over it and she was just letting her power drain. I kind of liked that they snuck to the wall and Vayl met Estin and Asra’s mother and I liked her. I was absolutely shocked when we learn that in the last few weeks, maybe months at most, about one hundred of the concubines had been killed. Like what the hell. I really hated Cassius, he not only had the elves' points cut off he had them nailed behind his throne for them to see and he and a few of his concubines made a party of sorts when they were cut off. The more I read about him the more I hated him. And also Favian who was a complete creep, not just a murderer. I hated him so much too. Both brothers were horrible. I loved that Estin, Asra, Grady, and Indri followed Vayl and Favian to the palace and Vayl also discovered Asra's gift, camouflage. I was really disturbed that Favian had his men cut out their own tongues so that they could never tell his secrets, to prove their loyalty to him. I was hoping so badly that at that moment he would die. It was interesting how the concubines also guarded the Emperor. I found it totally plausible that the twins were doing the killings, they kind of creeped me out. Plus they also got really jealous of any who took Cassius' attention from them. I loved that Vayl prayed to Rata to help the poor woman who was helping her get ready and couldn't get the fire going and was nervous and I was glad Rata helped her. I was shocked that when Vayl met not only Cassius but also the twins, the twins were elves, like what? I liked how Estin helped Vayl figure out what caused the fire while she was dreaming of it, though it was sad, since it was an accident, her father knocked over a candle and everything caught on fire. And Vayl suspected that the reason he never spoke of it or her mother was because he blamed himself. It was also interesting to find out that Rata saved both Vayl and Zaire from a fallen beam. I was so happy when Estin and Vayl finally kissed, like it took you long enough! Though it was in her dream. I was so shocked that some of the other women were elves, since there was a war going on between them but also given what they were there for, maybe some had no choice. I was so pissed at Cassius when he killed a servant for stealing food, the man just wanted to see his daughter smile on her birthday. I really was hoping Cassius died, like I was rooting for it so much more then. I was even more pissed when it was revealed that the matchmaker and her assistant were there and that their tongues had been cut out. For being suspected traitors. I was glad Vayl lied to Cassius though, trying to protect them. I was stunned when Estin took over Cassius' body and I was so worried about Indri and Asra while they were searching for Kirsi. I almost cheered when Vayl finally killed Favian, so glad. I loved that she freed the matchmaker and her assistant. I was really worried when Estin and Vayl had been caught by Cassius and the horrible twins but they were taken to the throne room but when Vayl tried to fight she got hurt. I was surprised when it was discovered that Kirsi was pretending to be different woman because of her jealousy. I was blown away by her power when she just exploded the windows. And then she turned her eyes like a snake with fangs and bit the king, poisoning him and killing him. I was both shocked and really pissed to learn Kirsi was the one who tortured Indri, and made her see Asra getting flayed, over and over. I loved how Indri and Asra were reunited though. I loved how Vayl went home and got her animals back and took Lilly, her maid while in the palace, with her. And how Indri and Grady joined her and later Asra, so he could be with Indri. I liked that there was a new government in place that would benefit all. I was so glad when Estin came back to Vayl. I was actually happy to learn that Kirsi was stripped of her powers by the gods and that they were given to a new queen. I was rolling my eyes that Estin's mother was hoping there would be between Estin and the new queen but his heart already belonged to Vayl. I was glad that Kirsi had been locked in a prison cell but I was stunned to learn she was next to her father who was imprisoned for trying to find a way to siphon their mother's powers, no wonder Kirsi was messed up. I was so damn happy when Estin found Vayl's mother's grave, I was so glad he could do that for her. I loved how Estin gave the fabric Zaire had given to Vayl, to the matchmaker, and Sylvie to make into a beautiful dress with dragons, cherry blossom trees, peacocks, and dragonflies on it. I loved this book and the characters and story so freaking much. Casey has done it yet again.
Edit: 2024:
Favorite quote(s): "Sometimes, when what you needed to say might hurt someone, you put it off to give yourself time to build the strength and courage to inflict the wound."
I loved this book so much. I loved Vayl and how she loved her family and how she would stop at nothing to get revenge or justice, depending on how you look at it, for her father and brother. I did feel bad for her and her brother and father for losing their mother in a fire and that their father was injured a while ago and couldn't move easily. I loved how at the beginning of the book, Vayl is talking to her mother about how if she had been born a boy she would have been named Valor but that Valor was still in her. It was really an interesting storyline with the elves and how Zaire saw and heard things he wasn't supposed to where they were held in the dungeon. I hated Lord Favian from the get-go, since he was the one who not only hurt Vayl's father but also Zaire. And lead to their deaths. It was cool how Zaire wrote the message on Vayl's back for the Dragon and it stayed. And he also gave her his dagger. I loved the blind man Vayl met and how kind he was. I loved the matchmaker and her assistant. And the seamstress. I loved how Zaire trusted the matchmaker with what happened to their mother, which surprised Vayl. It was really cool how the matchmaker was a Heart Reader which is why she seemed to understand things so well. I loved that the Dragon, as he was called, knew her brother Zaire well and they were close. It was interesting how Zaire had been helping him find his sister. I was so pissed when it was revealed that Favian was cutting off the tops of elves' ears, such an ass. The point was to shame them since elves are very proud of them and all are a little different from each other. It angered me, even more, to learn he did worse to gifted elves, thinking them abominations. It was interesting to learn that the Dragon's sister Kirsi who was to be their people's queen was with Cassius, since she loved him. But it wasn't good for the elves since they are similar to bees in the way that they all contribute to the queen's vision for the kingdom and they had no leader with her gone and couldn't get through the barrier she created. It was nice to learn the Dragon's name, Estin but Vayl could only call him that when they were alone. I loved how Estin and his brother Asra were teaching Vayl how to fight and kill while the Matchmaker was teaching her to be a concubine, grace, and etiquette. And it was nuts how she had to learn all of it in less than two weeks. I loved when Vayl met Grady, and Indri. I loved the training with Vayl and Grady, since he was so much bigger than her and made it a good challenge for her. I loved the running scene with the group, I loved the forming bonds during that time. I was already shipping Estin and Vayl so hard at this point, they were just so cute. I liked that Estin offered her a way out, to go to the elves to escape but she didn’t want to run. I loved that the elves didn't have matchmakers but formed their own bonds, bonds that weren't unbound, even when one died. It's thought it was so cute that Asra and Indri were a thing, they were very cute together. I also loved how kind Indri was and how badass she was. I thought it was cool how the stone called intervallim, which transported people, was made by the God Urit and the stone glacieris was created by Zairitus and it was used by Zaire to write the message on Vayl's back for Estin at the beginning. I loved how Estin had a piece of intervallim put into a necklace for Vayl. It was wild how vivid Vayl's dream of the fire that killed her mother was, and with Rata being there and Vayl dreaming she was on fire. But I was shocked that Estin was there and ended up taking her to the camp to help her. I loved that he was a Dream Walker, which was how Estin knew what was happening and was there. It was interesting how Kirsti seemed to be losing her power and it was suspected to be because she was in love with Cassius who had many concubines and Kirsti was probably heartbroken over it and she was just letting her power drain. I kind of liked that they snuck to the wall and Vayl met Estin and Asra’s mother and I liked her. I was absolutely shocked when we learn that in the last few weeks, maybe months at most, about one hundred of the concubines had been killed. Like what the hell. I really hated Cassius, he not only had the elves' points cut off he had them nailed behind his throne for them to see and he and a few of his concubines made a party of sorts when they were cut off. The more I read about him the more I hated him. And also Favian who was a complete creep, not just a murderer. I hated him so much too. Both brothers were horrible. I loved that Estin, Asra, Grady, and Indri followed Vayl and Favian to the palace and Vayl also discovered Asra's gift, camouflage. I was really disturbed that Favian had his men cut out their own tongues so that they could never tell his secrets, to prove their loyalty to him. I was hoping so badly that at that moment he would die. It was interesting how the concubines also guarded the Emperor. I found it totally plausible that the twins were doing the killings, they kind of creeped me out. Plus they also got really jealous of any who took Cassius' attention from them. I loved that Vayl prayed to Rata to help the poor woman who was helping her get ready and couldn't get the fire going and was nervous and I was glad Rata helped her. I was shocked that when Vayl met not only Cassius but also the twins, the twins were elves, like what? I liked how Estin helped Vayl figure out what caused the fire while she was dreaming of it, though it was sad, since it was an accident, her father knocked over a candle and everything caught on fire. And Vayl suspected that the reason he never spoke of it or her mother was because he blamed himself. It was also interesting to find out that Rata saved both Vayl and Zaire from a fallen beam. I was so happy when Estin and Vayl finally kissed, like it took you long enough! Though it was in her dream. I was so shocked that some of the other women were elves, since there was a war going on between them but also given what they were there for, maybe some had no choice. I was so pissed at Cassius when he killed a servant for stealing food, the man just wanted to see his daughter smile on her birthday. I really was hoping Cassius died, like I was rooting for it so much more then. I was even more pissed when it was revealed that the matchmaker and her assistant were there and that their tongues had been cut out. For being suspected traitors. I was glad Vayl lied to Cassius though, trying to protect them. I was stunned when Estin took over Cassius' body and I was so worried about Indri and Asra while they were searching for Kirsi. I almost cheered when Vayl finally killed Favian, so glad. I loved that she freed the matchmaker and her assistant. I was really worried when Estin and Vayl had been caught by Cassius and the horrible twins but they were taken to the throne room but when Vayl tried to fight she got hurt. I was surprised when it was discovered that Kirsi was pretending to be different woman because of her jealousy. I was blown away by her power when she just exploded the windows. And then she turned her eyes like a snake with fangs and bit the king, poisoning him and killing him. I was both shocked and really pissed to learn Kirsi was the one who tortured Indri, and made her see Asra getting flayed, over and over. I loved how Indri and Asra were reunited though. I loved how Vayl went home and got her animals back and took Lilly, her maid while in the palace, with her. And how Indri and Grady joined her and later Asra, so he could be with Indri. I liked that there was a new government in place that would benefit all. I was so glad when Estin came back to Vayl. I was actually happy to learn that Kirsi was stripped of her powers by the gods and that they were given to a new queen. I was rolling my eyes that Estin's mother was hoping there would be between Estin and the new queen but his heart already belonged to Vayl. I was glad that Kirsi had been locked in a prison cell but I was stunned to learn she was next to her father who was imprisoned for trying to find a way to siphon their mother's powers, no wonder Kirsi was messed up. I was so damn happy when Estin found Vayl's mother's grave, I was so glad he could do that for her. I loved how Estin gave the fabric Zaire had given to Vayl, to the matchmaker, and Sylvie to make into a beautiful dress with dragons, cherry blossom trees, peacocks, and dragonflies on it. I loved this book and the characters and story so freaking much. Casey has done it yet again.
Edit: 2024:
Favorite quote(s): "Sometimes, when what you needed to say might hurt someone, you put it off to give yourself time to build the strength and courage to inflict the wound."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2022
Valor by Casey L. Bond
Reviewed by Katy Grant
The humans and the Fae had long lived in peace; indeed, both had the freedom to choose to live in the magic enhanced land of the Fae or the more normal land of the humans. They could also choose who they would bond with, no matter the race. Until the day, Kiris, daughter of the Queen and next in line to rule the Fae, fell in love with a human named Cassius. A war began, a wall built to separate the two lands. A world divided by a love so strong that it became an obsession. For, it was Kiris who enforced the wall with magic that locked her people on one side. For although humans could cross, no Fae could pass through or even diminish the force of magic. Sadly, when this was done, the Fae on the human side had no chance to escape. As many as could be found, were placed in dungeons within the Golden Palace and tortured for the pleasure of Cassius. Now the emperor, Cassius along with Flavin, the Lion, his blood thirsty brother by his side, would stop at nothing, including torture and murder, to hold sway over all those that lived in his realm.
As the years passed, the only one to prosper was Cassius and Flavin. It was into this world that Vayl, Zaire, her brother and her parents lived. Her father and been so badly injured in service to Emperor, it was left to Vayl’s mother to support the family, until the night a fire destroyed their home and took her life for saving her family. Now it was left to Vayl and Zaire to tend their father and provide for the family. When he became of age, Zaire joined the army and served under the Lion, returning home only infrequently. The last time, he returned home he had been mortally wounded. As he lay dying, he begged his sister to take a message to the rebel leader who fought to free the Fae princess and destroy the wall.
Seeing his eminent death on the horizon, Vayl’s father had consigned her to become one the emperor’s concubines. With his death and then shortly thereafter, Zaire’s, Vayl would go the matchmaker to be prepared for her role in the palace. She went with but one thought, revenge. For with his dying breath Zaire told her of the Lion and how he had disabled their father, to silence him and had mortally wounded Zaire for aiding the rebels. Along her journey, she will meet others fighting against the emperor’s tyranny and brutality, become part of the resistance group, make lifelong friends, learn to love, face horrors and betrayal beyond imagine. But would she survive to put an end to the Lion?
As always, Casey Bond’s world is rich in lore, characters that come to life on the pages, and sadness as some have only a short journey in the tale. She doesn’t pull any punches when telling a tale, so there is heartbreak, pain, and many times only little hope in sight. But in the end, she leaves us with a rich story that you didn’t imagine before you opened her book. There are twists and turns that make this an adventure hard to put down. Be prepared to shed some tears, join the rebel cause, wonder how people so villainous could step into power and how love might become so warped that it could destroy the innocent without blinking an eye. I would recommend this book for teens and adults alike who enjoy well imagined, extremely readable magical tales, that travel a dark road before a ray of light may be seen.
Reviewed by Katy Grant
The humans and the Fae had long lived in peace; indeed, both had the freedom to choose to live in the magic enhanced land of the Fae or the more normal land of the humans. They could also choose who they would bond with, no matter the race. Until the day, Kiris, daughter of the Queen and next in line to rule the Fae, fell in love with a human named Cassius. A war began, a wall built to separate the two lands. A world divided by a love so strong that it became an obsession. For, it was Kiris who enforced the wall with magic that locked her people on one side. For although humans could cross, no Fae could pass through or even diminish the force of magic. Sadly, when this was done, the Fae on the human side had no chance to escape. As many as could be found, were placed in dungeons within the Golden Palace and tortured for the pleasure of Cassius. Now the emperor, Cassius along with Flavin, the Lion, his blood thirsty brother by his side, would stop at nothing, including torture and murder, to hold sway over all those that lived in his realm.
As the years passed, the only one to prosper was Cassius and Flavin. It was into this world that Vayl, Zaire, her brother and her parents lived. Her father and been so badly injured in service to Emperor, it was left to Vayl’s mother to support the family, until the night a fire destroyed their home and took her life for saving her family. Now it was left to Vayl and Zaire to tend their father and provide for the family. When he became of age, Zaire joined the army and served under the Lion, returning home only infrequently. The last time, he returned home he had been mortally wounded. As he lay dying, he begged his sister to take a message to the rebel leader who fought to free the Fae princess and destroy the wall.
Seeing his eminent death on the horizon, Vayl’s father had consigned her to become one the emperor’s concubines. With his death and then shortly thereafter, Zaire’s, Vayl would go the matchmaker to be prepared for her role in the palace. She went with but one thought, revenge. For with his dying breath Zaire told her of the Lion and how he had disabled their father, to silence him and had mortally wounded Zaire for aiding the rebels. Along her journey, she will meet others fighting against the emperor’s tyranny and brutality, become part of the resistance group, make lifelong friends, learn to love, face horrors and betrayal beyond imagine. But would she survive to put an end to the Lion?
As always, Casey Bond’s world is rich in lore, characters that come to life on the pages, and sadness as some have only a short journey in the tale. She doesn’t pull any punches when telling a tale, so there is heartbreak, pain, and many times only little hope in sight. But in the end, she leaves us with a rich story that you didn’t imagine before you opened her book. There are twists and turns that make this an adventure hard to put down. Be prepared to shed some tears, join the rebel cause, wonder how people so villainous could step into power and how love might become so warped that it could destroy the innocent without blinking an eye. I would recommend this book for teens and adults alike who enjoy well imagined, extremely readable magical tales, that travel a dark road before a ray of light may be seen.
March 10, 2024
I got this book during one of the Stuff Your Kindle Days last year and the book sounded interested and I went into this book completely blind.
This book is based on Vayl Halifex and she is honouring her brother’s dying plea and carries a message that might prevent the war with the location of their captive princess. Fortune and circumstances align in her favour and her 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 rumoured to be hidden away. But she won’t take this risk alone. Her brother’s best friend, dragon warrior Estin, calls on to 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 take Vayl into their fold and trains her as best they can before she’s whisked away to the palace.
This book was so good. It was well-written, and the pace was just perfect. I loved the found family aspect and how the girls stick together even if all the men are protective of them, but they can kick ass themselves. It took me way too long to realize it was a best friend’s brother romance! I loved the romance between Vayl and Estin, it was so sweet and adorable. I enjoyed the storyline and how everything was tied-up by the end because I was getting worried as it went on that it was going to end on a massive cliffhanger. I liked the fact that they didn’t make Valyn queen, most fantasy will make the young main character as the leader of the country and she was like nope, not doing it. I’m going home to fix my house and grieve my family. It was a refreshing read.
I would have loved for this to be multiple POV with the dragons so we could see what they were feeling during the last battle. Even though Estin came back in the end, I wanted the whole group to be reunited. Plus, I wanted to see a big show down between the princess and Vayl. Vayl fully called the Princess out and basically called her a traitor and the princess just took it on the chin and that was the end of it. I wanted more from that bit alone.
This was the first book of Casey L. Bond I've read and I’m looking forward to read more of her work.
This book is based on Vayl Halifex and she is honouring her brother’s dying plea and carries a message that might prevent the war with the location of their captive princess. Fortune and circumstances align in her favour and her 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 rumoured to be hidden away. But she won’t take this risk alone. Her brother’s best friend, dragon warrior Estin, calls on to 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 take Vayl into their fold and trains her as best they can before she’s whisked away to the palace.
This book was so good. It was well-written, and the pace was just perfect. I loved the found family aspect and how the girls stick together even if all the men are protective of them, but they can kick ass themselves. It took me way too long to realize it was a best friend’s brother romance! I loved the romance between Vayl and Estin, it was so sweet and adorable. I enjoyed the storyline and how everything was tied-up by the end because I was getting worried as it went on that it was going to end on a massive cliffhanger. I liked the fact that they didn’t make Valyn queen, most fantasy will make the young main character as the leader of the country and she was like nope, not doing it. I’m going home to fix my house and grieve my family. It was a refreshing read.
I would have loved for this to be multiple POV with the dragons so we could see what they were feeling during the last battle. Even though Estin came back in the end, I wanted the whole group to be reunited. Plus, I wanted to see a big show down between the princess and Vayl. Vayl fully called the Princess out and basically called her a traitor and the princess just took it on the chin and that was the end of it. I wanted more from that bit alone.
This was the first book of Casey L. Bond I've read and I’m looking forward to read more of her work.
April 3, 2025
OK, first things first, I was disappointed to discover there were no actual dragons, just a group that calls themselves the Dragons. Not a deal breaker, but it still made me sad. After that initial disappointment, I thought that this was a fine (if unexceptional story). It is, in fact, a fine version of what it is. But that's also the problem. It's a fine version of a story that there are 47 gagillion versions of. There's nothing particularly new. So, if you know you like new-adult (bordering on YA) stories of young women triumphing over adversity to save the day and falling in love on the side, you will likely like this one as much as any other.
Having said all of that, I find myself lately becoming more aware of and on guard against sneakily fundamentalist stories, and I have to wonder if this isn't one of them. Sure, Vayl has a backbone and fights for what she believes in. But when it comes down to it, she takes all the power offered her and gives it to a man she barely knows so that she can go home and be a wife and, one presumes, mother (given the conversation she has with Estin toward the end).
Sure, she offers up a help-meet to that man...in the form of a mute woman. A woman, I might add, whom Vayl does actually know and trust, who would have made a good leader. Plus, the only other young woman of power left to her own devices goes rogue and evil over a man. I would argue this serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when women are allowed too much freedom and power. They can't be trusted with it. Then, add the fact that with the exception the Fae queen, literally every other woman in the book is related to serving male sexual desires in some fashion (a matchmaker pimping out concubines, her assistants, concubines, a maid that is hinted to have been a past concubine, a fae assassin in a new and exciting sexual relationship with another fae assassin, etc.) When I really start thinking about it, it's not even subtle.
None of this is helped by the author thanking God, first and foremost, in her acknowledgements. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with that, obviously. But it does stand as a datapoint when one is looking at a (fantasy) story that so matches the fundamentalist agenda of seeing women as best serving in the home and as subordinate (silent) partners to men in positions of authority. I'm just saying.
Having said all of that, I find myself lately becoming more aware of and on guard against sneakily fundamentalist stories, and I have to wonder if this isn't one of them. Sure, Vayl has a backbone and fights for what she believes in. But when it comes down to it, she takes all the power offered her and gives it to a man she barely knows so that she can go home and be a wife and, one presumes, mother (given the conversation she has with Estin toward the end).
Sure, she offers up a help-meet to that man...in the form of a mute woman. A woman, I might add, whom Vayl does actually know and trust, who would have made a good leader. Plus, the only other young woman of power left to her own devices goes rogue and evil over a man. I would argue this serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when women are allowed too much freedom and power. They can't be trusted with it. Then, add the fact that with the exception the Fae queen, literally every other woman in the book is related to serving male sexual desires in some fashion (a matchmaker pimping out concubines, her assistants, concubines, a maid that is hinted to have been a past concubine, a fae assassin in a new and exciting sexual relationship with another fae assassin, etc.) When I really start thinking about it, it's not even subtle.
None of this is helped by the author thanking God, first and foremost, in her acknowledgements. Not that there is anything inherently wrong with that, obviously. But it does stand as a datapoint when one is looking at a (fantasy) story that so matches the fundamentalist agenda of seeing women as best serving in the home and as subordinate (silent) partners to men in positions of authority. I'm just saying.
November 17, 2022
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.
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.
March 6, 2022
A great new YA fantasy read!
Vayl has lost a lot. Her Mother died when she was young, her brother went to serve in the Emperor’s army—drifting in and out of her life unpredictably—and her Father has been in declining in health since his own time as a soldier ended with a near-mortal injury. But when her Father and brother die in rapid succession, both of their dying requests for her to go to the same place, to meet with the matchmaker, Vayl’s determined to see her brother’s request through. In delivering her brother’s message to the Elven leader of a group of spies and assassins, Vayl becomes determined to not only fulfill his request, but to seek out vengeance.
And, as it turns out, she’s in the perfect position to do so, as well as help the dragon assassins in searching for their hidden, future queen. But, in order to do so, she has to enter the Emperor’s palace as his newest concubine under an assumed name. A choice which turns out to be far more dangerous than any of them anticipated.
I loved this from start to finish. The world building is fantastic, the characters compelling, and the story gripping and heart-wrenching in so many ways every single step of the way. You can see the roots in the ballad of Mulan with the fresh take in a magical world, and hearing it described as Mulan meets the Hundredth Queen only gives me yet another book to add to my TBR (since I’ve yet to read HQ myself). I think that Valor will appeal to readers who enjoy the work of Sarah J Maas, Jennifer Estep (especially the Crown of Shards/Gargoyle Queen World), and Jennifer Armentrout’s From Blood & Ash series. I’d even go so far as to say the world has all the richness of Mercedes Lackey’s Elemental Masters or 500 Kingdoms series, or Tamora Pierce’s Tortall! I’m almost disappointed that it’s a stand-alone, because I just want some more time with Vayl, Dragon, and all the dragons! Looking forward to what Casey Bond dreams up next.
Vayl has lost a lot. Her Mother died when she was young, her brother went to serve in the Emperor’s army—drifting in and out of her life unpredictably—and her Father has been in declining in health since his own time as a soldier ended with a near-mortal injury. But when her Father and brother die in rapid succession, both of their dying requests for her to go to the same place, to meet with the matchmaker, Vayl’s determined to see her brother’s request through. In delivering her brother’s message to the Elven leader of a group of spies and assassins, Vayl becomes determined to not only fulfill his request, but to seek out vengeance.
And, as it turns out, she’s in the perfect position to do so, as well as help the dragon assassins in searching for their hidden, future queen. But, in order to do so, she has to enter the Emperor’s palace as his newest concubine under an assumed name. A choice which turns out to be far more dangerous than any of them anticipated.
I loved this from start to finish. The world building is fantastic, the characters compelling, and the story gripping and heart-wrenching in so many ways every single step of the way. You can see the roots in the ballad of Mulan with the fresh take in a magical world, and hearing it described as Mulan meets the Hundredth Queen only gives me yet another book to add to my TBR (since I’ve yet to read HQ myself). I think that Valor will appeal to readers who enjoy the work of Sarah J Maas, Jennifer Estep (especially the Crown of Shards/Gargoyle Queen World), and Jennifer Armentrout’s From Blood & Ash series. I’d even go so far as to say the world has all the richness of Mercedes Lackey’s Elemental Masters or 500 Kingdoms series, or Tamora Pierce’s Tortall! I’m almost disappointed that it’s a stand-alone, because I just want some more time with Vayl, Dragon, and all the dragons! Looking forward to what Casey Bond dreams up next.
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