Book Review: The Valiant by Lesley Livingston

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The Valiant
The Valiant #1
Author: Lesley Livingston
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction
Released: February 14th 2017
Review Source: Razorbill

Lost to history, the story of the female gladiator has never been told. Until now.

Fallon is the daughter of a proud Celtic king and the younger sister of the legendary warrior Sorcha. When Fallon was just a child, Sorcha was killed while defending their home from the armies of Julius Caesar.

On the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Fallon is excited to follow in her sister's footsteps and earn her place in her father's war band. She never gets the chance.

Fallon is captured by ruthless brigands who sell her to an elite training school for female gladiators owned by none other than Julius Caesar himself. In a cruel twist of fate, the man who destroyed Fallon s family might be her only hope of survival. Now, Fallon must overcome vicious rivalries, deadly fights in and out of the arena, and perhaps the most dangerous threat of all: her irresistible feelings for Cai, a young Roman soldier and her sworn enemy.

A richly imagined fantasy for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Cinda Williams Chima, "The Valiant" recounts Fallon s gripping journey from fierce Celtic princess to legendary gladiator and darling of the Roman empire."

Like many of us, Fallon is determine to make her own fate. Living in the shadow of her sister Sorcha, Fallon wants her father realize she is worthy of being a warrior. Yet, things may not be as easy as she planned. Her father is determined not to lose Fallon, like he did with Sorcha and has other plans for her. However, Fallon knows in her heart she is meant for greatness and instead of facing her father's desires, she runs.

Just when Fallon thinks she is free of following her sister's steps, she becomes a slave. She is sold to a training school for female gladiator. In the process of being capture, Fallon realizes she is not as strong as she hope she would. But like few, she is determined to become the person she hope for and learns to fight, like a Valiant. She becomes the best. She becomes like Aria, unstoppable. All you can do is admire her for her strength and willingness.

The Valiant is a great story about friendship, politics, freedom and most of all self-discovery. At our moment of weakness, we learn our strength goes beyond what we think we are capable of. This is what Fallon learns. In this very journey, Fallon becomes a friend, a person to admire, and an example of to many of the girls in the training school.

There is a touch of romance but there is something greater, the bond of a sisterhood. It's a great story for our young generation to read as Fallon is an inspiration.

If you're a fan of historical fiction, this is a book not to be missed. If you love a story of friendship and sisterhood, then this is the book for you. If you're a fan of badass heroine, HELLO, pick this book up! Last but not least, if you're looking for an inspiration, then Fallon is your girl. The Valiant is a great story to read with incredible world-building, an engrossing plot, badass heroine, great supporting characters and captivating writing. Go read it!