Courageous is an exciting historical read

Courageous is the third book in the Valiant Hearts series by Dina L. Sleiman and is a must-read for any history buff.

Focused on fictional characters, Rosalind of Ipsworth and Sir Randel Penigree, Courageous brings to life the adventures of children who were once eager to fight in the Holy Wars.

Rosalind and Randel are both on the same path – trying to pay for sins they had committed in hopes of easing the pain.  Rosalind has decided that she is unworthy of love, and Randel is determined to join the Knights of the Templar.  But on the way, they find themselves falling in love and finding that the only true path to redemption is through God.

I reviewed the first book in this series, Dauntless, last year and compared it to a Christianized Robin Hood.  But Courageous really dives into history with characters and events that actually came from that era.  The final book in Sleiman’s trilogy draws in all of the characters from her books to bring it back full-circle.

It may be hard to believe, but at one time, children were eagerly jumping aboard ships and heading to the Holy Land to reclaim the land for Christianity.  Sleiman breathes life into the memories of these children by creating believable characters of all ages who are focused on the battle before them.

Rosalind and Randel lead this band of unlikely warriors, praying for a chance to redeem themselves.  But it seems that evil lurks around every corner just to destroy their carefully-crafted plans.  Is there a traitor in their ranks?  And what could their motive be?

Behind the quest is Sapphira, a young teenage girl who claims to hear from God regarding their next steps.  But many of the adults in the group doubt the young girl’s spiritual insight and ignore her warnings about the enemy.

Will the children be successful in their quest, or will the doubt of the adults bring failure?  Is Sapphira truly who she claims to be?  And will Rosalind and Randel be able to forgive themselves?

If you are looking for a book filled with adventure, historical facts, and interesting characters, then Courageous is just the book for you!

*I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.