Mundie Moms

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

THE VALIANT by Lesley Livingston / Blog Tour: Book Review #TheValiant


By: Lesley Livingston 
Published by: Razorbill 
Released on: February 14th, 2017
Series: The Valiant #1
Purchase fromPenguin | Amazon 
Add it to Goodreads
Source: arc from publisher / purchased copy
Rating: 5 Stars - I LOVED It

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.

Sensational! The Valiant has everything I love! A strong heroine, a romance that swept me off my feet, gladiator battles, lush world building, and a rich Roman history. Not to mention a sisterhood of female gladiator warriors, and a strong female lead character whom I loved getting to know. 


I absolutely love Fallon. She is brains, strength, both inner and outer, fearless, and a true leader. She is out to prove that through a lot of dedication and hard work, she can fight along side the men on the battle field. She can be the fearless warrior her sister was. Fallon has a drive, and fearlessness I greatly admire. I also love that she is intelligent as much as she is strong. She is not one to back down, and as she puts it, hide. She has nothing to lose. She's someone who channels her heartache, and her wanting to help others, and makes something of it. She takes action, even when she's backed into a corner or arena. Fallon is a character who knows how to play the role she's been thrown into, and I for one can not wait to see what she does next.


There are some well written characters in this book, all of whom I enjoyed getting to know. There's so much more to the characters than what meets the eye. I loved how intertwined some of them are, and the roles they play in this book. I absolutely love that the women in this book as just as strong as the men, both physically and mentally. They're intelligent, know what they're doing, and not to be underestimated. This book is girl power. 


Aside from Fallon, there's a few characters who may have stolen my heart. One of them is Cai. I really enjoyed the way Cai and Fallon's relationship was built. It's very complex, and for good reason. The societal status's are something that can't be ignored. What they both feel for each other can't be denied either. Their relationship is just so good! The romance is fabulous, and so well written, but it takes a back seat to the sisterhood in this story. The women in this book, both good and bad are so well written. 
I felt like I got them. I understand who they are and the decision they make. I loved the sisterhood of gladiators. Thought brutal at times, it's fierce, loyal, and something more. 


The history in this book is one of my favorite elements, second to the character development, and over all storyline. My word, I felt like I stepped back in time. I LOVED it! I can't imagine the research that went into this story. The world building is just as amazing! It's lush, vivid and one that is so detailed it was easy to visualize it as I read the book. I loved being apart of Fallon's story, and feeling like a piece of history came alive. 


THE VALIANT is epic story where freedom has a price and love can be a dangerous thing. This is a beautifully told, captivating story. With a sweeping romance, epic battles and a strong heroine, I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about this book, I didn't want it to end. This is Lindsey's best book yet! It's a must read.


** ** ** ** ** 

I have been waiting for this book to be out since I first read the manuscript last Spring. It was one of my favorite reads for last year, and having re-read the arc and book this year, it will be one of my favorite reads this year as well. I am so excited this book is finally out. It is SO good. I even stole my own quote off the back of the arc, and included it in my review. I love this book. I hope this one read you guys enjoy as much as I did. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. 

Don't miss the first part of today's blog tour. Check it out & ENTER TO WIN HERE!

5 comments:

  1. I CAN'T WAIT to get my hands on this one!!! I LOVE her <3

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  2. Aw I'm so glad you enjoyed this! I've been hearing great things about it and I can't wait to pick it up, it sounds incredible! Great review!

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  3. The buzz on this one has been good, and I am trying to read something beside contemporaries. =)

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  4. I love that this book has both epic battles and a foot sweeping (off) romance :) that is so perfect for me! I'm glad you loved this one. I think I will too :)

    Michelle

    My 6 year blogoversary

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  5. YAY :D So glad you loved this book so much sweetie. Yesss for good romance. <3 Gosh, I must read this shortly. Thank you for sharing your lovely thoughts :)

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