Saville hates the fabrics her father adores, especially velvet and silk, as he has always valued them more than he ever cared for her. When he falls gravely ill, Saville is willing to do anything to survive, even if it means disguising herself in boys’ clothes and asking for a job sewing for the king.
Sewing a coat is much easier than untangling the gossip at court about an army of giants led by an unbeatable man. This army is marching toward Reggen with the intent to seize the throne. Yet, Saville believes that giants are mere tales and that no man is invincible.
That belief shatters when she encounters two scouts, towering like trees. She manages to trick them into leaving, but her victory is exaggerated into stories of giant-slaying. These tales won’t stop the Duke and his colossal forces. Only a brave and smart tailor girl can see through the rumors and save the kingdom once more.
Valiant Book Review
I’m a huge fan of fairy tale retellings, so I was excited to find a book that offers a fresh take, rather than another spin on Cinderella or Beauty and the Beast. “Valiant” cleverly reimagines the story of the “Brave Little Tailor” with a unique mix of fantasy, feminism, and romance. I absolutely loved it.
“Valiant” introduces us to 17-year-old Saville. Burdened with a neglectful father and his severe illness, Saville has no one to rely on but herself. Using her father’s tailoring skills, she poses as a male apprentice, a disguise that fools even the King, who then hires her to sew him a magnificent coat.
But things take a dramatic turn when giants, led by an evil Duke, threaten the city. Saville outsmarts the giants to save a young boy named Will, earning her the title of hero and an unexpected reward—marriage to the King’s sister. This is problematic for someone trying to keep her true identity hidden, making the plot feel Shakespearean yet tailored for younger readers.
Saville realizes she didn’t actually slay the giants and is not a boy, leading her to reveal the truth. Trust is hard to find in the royal court, and she must figure out how to stop the Duke. In this quest, she recognizes good qualities in the giants that others cannot see.
One of the standout aspects of “Valiant” is Sarah McGuire’s inventiveness in reimagining the fairy tale. Saville is a richly developed character whose pain over her father’s indifference and illness is deeply felt. You’ll root for her not just because of her empathy and intelligence, but because of her internal strength. Her kindness, especially in helping a starving boy, is truly touching.
And let’s talk about the romance! Saville’s relationship with Verras, the King’s cousin, is wonderfully developed, adding emotional depth not often found in children’s literature. Their charming, old-fashioned romance is delightful and endearing.
Overall, despite a slow start, I recommend “Valiant” to fans of authors like Robin McKinley, Shannon Hale, and Gail Carson Levine. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good fairy tale retelling.
Where To Read
You can find “Valiant” at your local bookstore, online, or on Amazon.
