‘Heroes of the Valley’ by Jonathan Stroud

  Young Halli Sveinsson has been raised on tales of heroes, stories of a time when men took up arms to defend their lands from outlaws, wolves and the dangerous Trows, vicious creatures that tunnel beneath the fields, pulling unsuspecting villagers to their deaths.
  But in Halli’s world, violence and swords are banned and disputes are settled by the Council, which enforces the rules of the valley on the twelve Houses of the Heroes.
  Halli lives in the House of Svein and is a descendant of the great hero, but he never quite fit in with the other villagers, often being made fun of for his shortness. But what Halli lacks in height he makes up for in spirit and bravery. His sharp mind and tongue often get him into trouble, and after his uncle is killed, he finds himself on the path to revenge. His journey takes him through the valley on a true hero’s quest.
  How much better it would have been to have lived in the age when heroes walked with swords at their belts, able to challenge one another when their honor was questioned. Ah, then Halli would have walked tall. Or at least moderately so.
  Jonathan Stroud’s “Heroes of the Valley” is a coming-of-age tale populated by engaging characters. Halli meets friends and foes on his journey and ultimately comes to discover the truth about himself, his family and the heroes of his land.
  Stroud is best-known for his “Bartimaeus Trilogy.” The first book, “The Amulet of Samarkand,” introduces Nathaniel, a magician’s apprentice who summons the powerful djinni Bartimaeus to help him steal a valuable amulet from a not-so-nice wizard named Simon Lovelace.
  “Heroes of the Valley” isn’t as funny as the very clever trilogy. Halli does have his smart aleck moments, but he never quite reaches the level of snark Bartimaeus dishes out. But "Heroes" is enjoyable, especially for fans of fantasy, young and old.
  A film version of "The Amulet of Samarkand" was in the works, but the movie was thrown into limbo after the deaths of two of the production company's principals.
  I'm sure the film version will get back on track, and until then, fans can tide themselves over with “Heroes of the Valley.”