Dauntless - by Elisa A Bonnin (Paperback)

About the Book

A teen girl must bring together two broken worlds in order to save her nation in this lush, Filipino-inspired young adult fantasy novel from debut author Elisa A. Bonnin.

Book Synopsis

A teen girl must bring together two broken worlds in order to save her nation in this lush, Filipino-inspired young adult fantasy novel from debut author Elisa A. Bonnin.

"Be dauntless, for the hopes of the People rest in you."

Seri's world is defined by very clear rules: The beasts prowl the forest paths and hunt the People. The valiant explore the unknown world, kill the beasts, and gain strength from the armor they make from them. As an assistant to Eshai Unbroken, a young valor commander with a near-mythical reputation, Seri has seen first-hand the struggle to keep the beasts at bay and ensure the safety of the spreading trees where the People make their homes. That was how it always had been, and how it always would be. Until the day Seri encounters Tsana.

Tsana is, impossibly, a stranger from the unknown world who can communicate with the beasts - a fact that makes Seri begin to doubt everything she's ever been taught. As Seri and Tsana grow closer, their worlds begin to collide, with deadly consequences. Somehow, with the world on the brink of war, Seri will have to find a way to make peace.

"Dauntless captures the best parts of every action-packed fantasy--breathtaking scenes of power and victory that push the limits of human tenacity. This is a triumphant tale of courage and self discovery that will make you believe in your own strength." --Kyllie Lee Baker, author of The Keeper of Night

Review Quotes

Praise for Dauntless:

A 2023 Rise: Feminist Book List Pick

"An epic fantasy mixed with heart-pounding action and a touch of romance, Dauntless will ensnare readers until the very last page. Elisa A. Bonnin's rich world building and gorgeous prose will leave you tearing through chapters. The rich magic, thrilling action and jolting twists will leave you craving more!" --Aiden Thomas, New York Times-bestselling author of Cemetery Boys and Lost in the Never Woods

"Fast-paced, original and fantastic, Dauntless is a breathtaking joy of a book." --Tasha Suri, award-winning author of Empire of Sand and The Jasmine Throne

"Dauntless captures the best parts of every action-packed fantasy--breathtaking scenes of power and victory that push the limits of human tenacity. This is a triumphant tale of courage and self discovery that will make you believe in your own strength." --Kylie Lee Baker, author of The Keeper of Night

"With a truly inventive setting and so many twists and turns, Dauntless takes you on a journey that's often bloody, sometimes sweet, but that always keeps you guessing until the very end. Likable characters and sweet romances only add to this wonderful mix of ultimately embracing the unknown with courage rather than prejudice." --Diana Pinguicha, author of A Curse of Roses

"An amazing read, full of non-stop action and breathless moments. Spending time with these characters was a delight!" --K.S. Villoso, author of The Wolf of Oren-Yaro

"Dauntless offers a compelling, complex narrative following a young teen soldier caught between two worlds and haunted by her past. Along with its slow-burn, sapphic romance and verdant jungle setting inspired by the Philippines, it's sure to capture readers' hearts and imaginations." --Sam Taylor, author of We Are the Fire

"Bonnin uses lushly described scenery and fantastical creatures to craft an action-packed adventure." -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Elisa A. Bonnin was born and raised in the Philippines, after which she moved to the United States to study chemistry and later oceanography. After completing her doctorate, she moved to Germany to work as a postdoctoral scientist. A lifelong learner, Elisa is always convinced that she should "maybe take a class in something" and as a result, has amassed an eclectic collection of hobbies. But writing will always be her true love. Publishing a book has been her dream since she was eight years old, and she is thrilled to finally be able to share her stories. She is the author of Dauntless and Stolen City.