The Wisdom and Valor Treasury

A Windflower Saga Collection

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
976 Pages
Reviewed on 04/14/2018
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low income housing, and simple village water distribution systems.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

The Wisdom and Valor Treasury is brought to you by Aleksandra Layland and includes Of Wisdom and Valor: The Art of War; The Path of Peace, which is part two of the Windflower Saga Trilogy, and three novellas, Bind Not the Heart, Leofric of Longridge, and Keridwen Rose, part of the Sword of Ansgar. There is a plethora of books in this saga, and placing them in a treasury was an excellent idea. A reader can easily navigate related stories, following families and timelines from the past, through generations, without being concerned about reading out of order. The addition of these novellas really serves to enhance the story and world brought to you in the Windflower Trilogy.

I have read a number of books by Aleksandra Layland, and what a ride they have been. Whilst I'll admit I've not read them in order, having foreknowledge of what is to come also has its advantages. This is definitely a series of discovery, not only for the characters but for readers. I have no doubt I could read these two or three times and still pick up on subtleties and intricate details that I missed during my first read. This is a collection you will come back to time and time again. It is deep, detailed, and expressive, with plots that hold your focus with ease. The attention to detail and world building show signs of hours spent in developing a rich and complex world, and I get the impression that, as readers, we see just the tip of the iceberg. Aleksandra Layland has a real talent, and it is for precisely this reason I find myself continuing to read her work. If you're looking for an involved read with twists, surprises, conflict, drama and suspense then look no further than The Wisdom and Valor Treasury.

Lesley Jones

The Wisdom and Valor Treasury by Aleksandra Layland is a superb compilation of love stories and fantasy. Set in the medieval Kingdom of Kimbria, the story begins with the arranged marriage of Queen Keridwen and a mercenary warrior called Leofric. They have been chosen by the Royal Council to reign over the people. However, the Council, led by the ruthless Lord Gethin, has no intention of allowing them the freedom to rule. They have always enjoyed great wealth through the exploitation of the people, and they will ensure the status quo remains. Leofric begins to fall in love with his new bride and must decide whether his loyalty is to her or the Council. A gripping personal battle begins where Leofric must make a life-changing decision. Will he choose a future with Keridwen and the well being of the people or the life he has always known, one of terror, violence, and treachery? Included in this edition are three related novellas: Bind Not the Heart, Leofric of Longridge, and the beginning of Swords of Ansgar.

If you enjoy a story that has twists, turns, and intrigue throughout, then The Wisdom and Valor Treasury by Aleksandra Layland is the perfect book for you. The author is a master of creating a rich tapestry of characters who are very realistic and memorable. There is such detail woven into the story line and, from the outset, the book drew me into the medieval world of Keridwen and Leofric. The tension and suspense were terrific as we see Leofric face his inner battle. Lord Gethin was an absolutely vile creature and made my spine tingle. I have not read any other books in the series, but I don't think this was essential, as I could easily pick up the story. However, I will be reading the other tales in this saga. A superb book from start to finish and one that will touch every one of your senses. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be transported into a medieval world of love, loyalty, and fantasy.