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"En and enshkai. Power and exploration. Knowledge and discovery. Stillness and motion. Serenity and dauntlessness."

Where do I even begin with this review? This book absolutely amazed me. So beautiful, atmospheric, surprisingly emotional, and so gripping from the first page to the very last. I am so happy I was able to read an early version of this book and I can't wait for it to be out in the world, I will be begging any and all readers I know to pick this up. And I will inevitably reread once I snag a hard copy.

First, let's start with the world that Elisa Bonnin has crafted. I was a bit hesitant after the first few chapters, I wondered if I was going to enjoy the setting and if I was going to be able to see it clearly. I felt like the beginning was out of nowhere and just kind of threw us into Seri's story with no direction. But when Eshai came into the picture and Seri's training really began, I quickly became enamored with Bonnin's lush and atmospheric writing. I really felt like I was with Seri, Tsana, and Eshai in the depths of the unknown and known worlds. Bonnin is great at creating atmosphere for readers and I was so sad to leave at the end of the book.

I really found the concept of the beasts, their ability to either be bonded or feral, and the abilities valiants acquired from their killed beasts to be super fascinating. Bonnin is really creative and I really feel like she brought something fresh and new to the table. The fantastical elements weren't super in your face, so I think that this book can appeal to fans of YA fiction and YA fantasy both. The fantasy was practical and well thought out.

These characters... wow. All three leading ladies, Seri, Tsana, and Eshai, are all such powerhouses. I adored them all. They were so different from one another and had their own vices and virtues, which I really appreciated. I think that a lot of authors attempt to portray female strength with hyper-masculine characters that reject the idea of femininity and womanhood as a way to say, "hey, women can be just as strong and brave as all of the leading men that society cherishes so dearly." And while I understand this, I feel like it sometimes defeats the purpose of showcasing strong women. Bonnin's characters maintain their femininity, they don't reject "girlish" behaviors, they do brave and strong things, and are also unafraid to show their weaknesses. I can't tell you how many times I've read the classic "heroine starts crying and then immediately stops herself because she thinks it's a weakness" scene. Tsana cried A LOT. And I loved it. Seri never tried to stop her, she held her and let her get it out. Seri grieved, PAINFULLY. She shouldered blame, she felt guilt, and she didn't attempt to ease her sufferings. She welcomed it and handled it gracefully. Eshai let herself fall in love and didn't view romance as something that hinders her ability to lead (another classic heroine move). These women are so brave, intelligent, fierce, and REAL. I couldn't love them more, and I have a little preference for Tsana. I loved all the mistakes she made and all her attempts to redeem them.

Now, let's talk about that beautiful sapphic romance. I fell HARD for Tsana and Seri's story. They had so much chemistry and I was rooting for them so hard. I was a bit disappointed about how much of a subplot it was. I was really hoping their relationship would have been the focus. But I loved the content that we did get. Their hesitant kisses, the shy hand holding, the long glances. I was squealing reading their scenes. They are so so good together. They are now one of my new favorite book couples!

And that ending... SO good. What a beautiful epilogue. I was so happy for Eshai and Lavit and Eshai and Seri had such a tender reunion. What a beautiful friendship they have, I really loved how they were still so supportive and happy for each other despite the time away. And they grew into their new lives so well. I was so happy for Seri and Karai specifically, they are great together and I was so thankful Karai made it out alright in the end. I love their bond! And, I am hoping and wishing and praying and manifesting that we will get a sequel. That ending set one up SO PERFECTLY. Shall I beg? Please, please, please, continue this story. I need more Seri and Tsana! I did not get enough of the sapphic cuteness and I need them to live happily ever after and marry and have the cutest little life ever with Karai and Asai. This is me begging!!!!! There is so much more than can be explored within this world and with these characters. I would devour anything else Bonnin writes about these girls and this world.

Overall, Dauntless was a phenomenal book. I am going to recommend this to... pretty much everyone I know. I won't stop thinking about this book and Seri and Tsana for a good long while.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy in exchange for an honest review!

Dauntless - 4.5/5 Stars