Three from the Valley

Marilyn Yoakum
Tate Publishing & Enterprises (2006)
ISBN 9781598864045
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (7/07)


“Three from the Valley” is the first book in “Freedom's Common Ground” series.  After their land is invaded by giants, its residents must remain hidden in the hills in order to stay safe.  Realizing that they cannot  hide forever and will be unable to tend their livestock and crops,  three people challenge the council of elders to permit them to travel in search of possible allies to help them defeat their enemy.  Connelach and Cadelan were two men who had always stayed in one area because the council forbade traveling beyond the borders.  Along with Kinnoch, a teenaged boy who had just escaped from slavery in the land of the giants, they joined together to see what other lands and other peoples were out there.  In hopes of finding the Mountain People, some of whose residents were enslaved with Kinnoch, they determinedly endured a treacherous journey on foot.

The author's main point is that people who seemingly have nothing in common (including language, customs, etc) are still able to unite to reach a common goal, in this case finding a way to defeat their much-superior enemy.  Barriers and differences can be overcome if each side is willing to make an effort to consider and respect the ideas each side contributes.  Another important focus is that people need to take action instead of living in fear.  The three main characters gave up being with their families in order to try to defeat the giants and free their slaves.  They chose to act for the good of others instead of selfishly sitting back and waiting for someone else to take charge.

This book will appeal to a general audience, but it will be especially enjoyed by those who love adventures.  I found the initial travel sequence to be a little monotonous (i.e., travel, make camp, eat, sleep) but the pace picked up greatly once they reached their destination.

After reading this first book, “Three from the Valley,” I am looking forward to learning more about the likable characters that set out to make their land safe and their people free.  It will be interesting to see what further adventures they will experience as well as to see how they grow and change as a result of their endeavors.

Make comment on weblog