Valiance: A Collection of Short Stories of Courageous Women, by Melion Traverse, is a refreshingly unique short story collection. From zombies to fantasy warrior-led kingdoms, there is a tale for everyone. Each tale is has a twist; whether there is unexpected action or an eccentrically complex narrative voice, the reader is submerged into a fantasy world so fascinating and equally didactic about what courage truly is.
"A Cord Silver and Invisible"
I enjoyed this story about a girl and her griffin who is magically bound to her. She is on a quest to free her griffin from herself, but it would come with a terrible price. It was one of my favorites. It truly shows that our choices always affect others.
"A Sacrifice of Blood and Future"
This story was probably my favorite. I love the fact that not every boy must be a hero through strength and battle or fall in their parents' footsteps. This story shows that wit and sacrifice can be the bravest actions. It was cool how it ties in with the first story.
However, I was expecting that same connection in the next story since it seemed to be a similar world, but it was not.
"The Sword’s Squire"
After I realized, it was not tied into the previous story, I enjoyed how this possessed sword could speak inside the character's mind. She goes to fight to join a "holy" order of knights. Can't say more, but this one ends as you would not expect. I found that refreshing.
"Lives Beyond the Portal"
A girl finds a portal where she is able to live many lives within her own. It was an interesting story on the surface, but my overly analytical mind saw this as an extended metaphor for what books do for us as a way to escape and live many lives vicariously. Whether that was the intention or not, it added an amazing layer of meaning for me as a reader.
"A Particularly Powerful Lunar Event, a Completely True Story"
This one was interesting. A werewolf meets a mysterious man who has some dark secrets. Being told from a female werewolf's perspective, her and her fae roommate's blasé attitude toward her condition automatically shifts your mind as a reader that these are everyday elements in this world. Basically, the "weird" factor feels normal. I enjoyed the narrative style that was quirky and laid back despite the situations the character was in. It is dark, but funny, and has a cute ending. I feel it represents accepting people for who they are, that our weirdness--no matter what it might be--should be easily accepted as the norm.
"The Mad Scientist’s Daughter"
Like the last story, again the strength is the narrative style, making weird things like a zombie seem absolutely plausible. To me, it is a cute story about acceptance and realizing when stigma is lifted, people--and zombies--are more alike than we realize.
In short, these stories were entertaining and were full of lessons about the different forms of courage that we all innately have within us. The fantastical elements make finding that out all the more satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed these tales.
If interested, grab the book here.