"Valor Wings" by Sam Subity is an exciting blend of history and fantasy that reimagines the Dunkirk evacuation with dragons at its heart. Published by Scholastic Press and released on September 17, 2024, this 288-page novel takes readers on an unforgettable journey through war-torn Europe. Subity’s novel follows Iris, a young girl from a small English village, who cares for a dragon named Galahad. When he is sent to war, and her brother is trapped in France, Iris devises a bold plan to save them both. Meanwhile, in Belgium, Max and his grandmother flee the advancing German troops, separated along the way. With danger at every turn, Iris and Max’s stories converge in a thrilling tale of courage and friendship. "Valor Wings" is part of a book tour sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours and is available in hardcover and eBook formats.
My Review
Imagine the chaos and heroism of World War II, then add a majestic dragon at the heart of it all! Valor Wings by Sam Subity transports readers to a unique retelling of the Dunkirk evacuation, offering not just military battles and heart-pounding danger but also the magic of dragons. In this 288-page historical fantasy, Subity expertly balances history with mythical elements to create an adventure that soars, tugging at the heartstrings while igniting the imagination.
Plot Summary
Valor Wings is set against the backdrop of May 1940, with Europe plunging deeper into the turmoil of war. In a small English village, young Iris is the only person unafraid of the dragon in the woods—Galahad. She’s cared for him since he was a baby, but when Galahad is accused of stealing military rations, Iris makes a difficult deal to save his life, sending him off to war. Soon after, Iris learns that her brother is trapped in France, surrounded by advancing German troops. Determined to rescue both her brother and Galahad, Iris hatches a plan that risks everything.
Meanwhile, across the English Channel in Belgium, Max’s life takes a terrifying turn when the Germans invade. Forced to flee with his grandmother, their journey toward safety in France is fraught with peril. When they are tragically separated, Max must continue alone, relying on his own courage to survive.
Iris and Max’s stories steadily converge as they both seek to save the people they care about, with the looming threat of war and the promise of hope driving them forward. Subity beautifully weaves their narratives together, culminating in a thrilling climax where their valor will be tested in ways they could have never imagined.
What Makes Valor Wings Shine?
✨ Dragons in War-Time Europe: The premise of Valor Wings hooks you immediately. Sam Subity has combined the stark reality of World War II with the magic and majesty of dragons. The Dunkirk evacuation, a significant historical event, becomes even more captivating with the addition of Galahad, a loyal and misunderstood dragon. Subity’s ability to interlace fact and fantasy makes this book truly unique. If you’ve ever wondered what the heroism of WWII would look like with dragons, Valor Wings has your answer.
✨ The Characters: Iris and Max are unforgettable protagonists. Iris is strong-willed and compassionate, and her relationship with Galahad is a poignant reminder of loyalty and friendship. Max, on the other hand, embodies resilience as he navigates the horrors of war alone. Their journeys of survival and bravery reflect the human spirit’s endurance in the face of immense challenges, and Subity writes them in such a way that you can’t help but root for them every step of the way.
✨ The Historical Context: What I truly loved about Valor Wings is its rich historical backdrop. Subity meticulously reimagines the Dunkirk evacuation, preserving the tension and emotional weight of the real event while seamlessly integrating his fantasy elements. This blend of history and fantasy creates an immersive experience, making you feel both the gravity of war and the wonder of dragons.
What I Liked
🌟 The historical element is handled brilliantly, with Subity crafting a fascinating narrative around one of WWII’s most intense moments. The dragons aren’t just a gimmick—they feel integral to the world-building. Their existence within this war-torn setting adds depth, making the story feel original and captivating.
🌟 The themes of hope, friendship, and courage run deep throughout the novel. Both Iris and Max’s journeys, while set in extraordinary circumstances, feel relatable. Their struggles resonate with readers, reminding us of the importance of holding on to hope even in the darkest times.
🌟 The plot, though firmly rooted in historical events, has enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. The convergence of Iris and Max’s stories was particularly well done, with the final act delivering both emotional payoffs and high-stakes action.
What I Didn’t Like
🔻 At times, the pacing felt a little slow, particularly in the early chapters. It took a while for the main action to kick in, and while the character-building was important, I found myself wanting a bit more urgency in the plot earlier on. However, once the story gets going, it’s a thrilling ride that more than makes up for the slow start.
Final Verdict: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Valor Wings is a brilliant reimagining of a pivotal moment in WWII history, made even more compelling by the addition of dragons. Sam Subity’s unique blend of fantasy and history shines in this novel, and his strong characters, thrilling plot, and rich themes of friendship and courage make it a must-read for both fantasy lovers and history buffs alike. While the pacing may lag slightly in the beginning, the emotional payoff and the exhilarating climax are well worth it.
If you’re a fan of historical fantasy, or if you’ve ever wondered what WWII would look like with dragons, then Valor Wings is a book you won’t want to miss!
Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
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