Valiant: A Modern Faerie Tale plunges readers into a gritty, enchanting urban fantasy, following seventeen-year-old Valerie as she navigates the aftermath of profound betrayal. Running away to New York City, she seeks anonymity and finds a makeshift family among squatters in the subway tunnels. This seemingly mundane escape quickly unravels into a dangerous entanglement with the hidden faerie world that thrives beneath the city's surface. Valerie's journey is one of self-discovery and survival, as she grapples with a new identity, the allure of a mysterious fae creature, and the precarious loyalties of her new friends.
The book handles sensitive topics like betrayal, abandonment, and the search for belonging with a nuanced hand. Valerie's initial trauma is a driving force, but the narrative focuses on her resilience and agency in a world that is both beautiful and brutal. The emotional arc is intense, starting with a sense of desperation and evolving into a thrilling, often perilous, quest for self-preservation and connection. It doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of the fae, presenting them as complex beings with their own intricate, often cruel, rules.
This book is specifically for young adult readers, aged 12-18, who enjoy dark fantasy, urban settings, and stories about protagonists finding strength in adversity. A parent might reach for this when their teen is exploring themes of independence, questioning societal norms, or simply seeking a captivating, immersive fantasy read. Parents should be prepared for scenes of peril, some unsettling magical elements, and the underlying theme of a child running away from home due to family issues. Younger teens might find some scenes intense, but the focus remains on Valerie's growth and determination. What sets Valiant apart is its seamless blend of contemporary realism with a deeply atmospheric and dangerous faerie realm, making the magic feel both ancient and intimately present in the modern world.
