Monday, January 23, 2017

Review: The Valiant by Lesley Livingston


The Valiant by Lesley Livingston
Publisher: Razorbill
Publication Date: February 14, 2017
Rating: 5 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss/ARC

Summary (from Goodreads):

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."

What I Liked:

This book was incredible. I've not read any book - Young Adult or Adult - featuring female gladiators, so I was immediately intrigued, upon reading the premise. Discovering this book was truly a blessing, because this book was every bit as ferocious and kickbutt as the synopsis and the hype promised. I'm honestly stunned.

Fallon is the second daughter of the Celt king of the Cantii tribe of Prydain (Britain). Her older sister Sorcha was captured and killed by Romans years ago, and Fallon has grown up hating the Romans and desiring vengeance. Fallon is a fierce fighter, and wants to be a warrior of her father's war band. But she is captured by slavers, who take her to Rome and sell her to a woman who trains female gladiators. The Ludus Achillea  is filled with girls Fallon's age, who have been trained to be gladiators to serve Julius Caesar. Fallon must train to be deadly and vicious, in order to survive fighting in an arena, like all of the the other female gladiators of Ludus Achillea. Fallon must put aside her thirst for vengeance against Rome in order to survive and fighter for her freedom.

The first thing I want to say is that this book is nothing like Sarah J. Maas's (note the last line of the synopsis on Goodreads, also copied above). Maas's heroines (any of them, in any series) pale in comparison to Fallon and her fellow gladiators. I've always thought Maas's heroines were weak, and they definitely appear so, compared to the highly skilled ladies of this novel. I'm only bringing up Maas and her characters because of the synopsis above - don't let that "comparison" trick you. This book is nothing like Maas's, and for the better.

From the start, I liked Fallon, and was cheering for her. She is turning seventeen, and she is going to make a bid to her father to be a part of his war band, like her sister had years ago. But she is captured, dragged across lands and seas, sold, and then trained to be an even better fighter than she was. Fallon never loses her intense, defiant spirit. She was made and destined to be a gladiator, with her intelligence, defiance, persistence, and skill. Fallon isn't a merciless killer, and she is not without honor. I liked how human she was, how much she had to learn, and how far she had to become, in order to be a noticeable gladiator. 

She grows so much, emotionally and mentally as well. Being captured and taken from her beloved home and loved ones strikes an incredible amount of anger in Fallon's heart (as it should). But Fallon begins to realize that the world is so much larger than her Cantii tribe, and that there is more to Rome than she ever thought. I loved seeing Fallon mature as the story progressed. The book takes place over months, possibly a year or more, so it's a long time for a lot of character development (and Livingston delivers).

The world-building of this story is so beautifully written. I felt like I was in the ancient times, especially throughout Fallon's journey from Prydain to Rome. The descriptions of Rome, the markets, the warriors, the clothing - everything seemed incredibly realistic to the time period. It's clear that Livingston did her research very well. 

I am such a fan of the sisterhood and female friendships of this book. From the start, we know that Fallon deeply misses her sister Sorcha, and has mourned her death for years. Fallon is captured and chained to another captive, Elka, and while they don't hit it off at first, Elka and Fallon become friends during the journey. They are sold together to Lady Achillea, and train together. Their friendship, along with others, is powerful. It was especially encouraging to see this strong relationship, when not all of the female gladiators were intent on being part of the "sisterhood" of the Ludus Achillea. There are ruthless rivalries, and Fallon finds herself amidst several almost immediately upon entering the ludus.

I looove the romance! It's amazing, the journey Fallon is taken through, and not just her journey to becoming a gladiator. She doesn't expect to fall for a Roman decurion, and pretty much resists the attraction and feelings of affections that bloom, at first. It's somewhat of a hate-to-love romance, at least on Fallon's end. I think Caius Varro was intrigued by Fallon from the start, even when she tried to kill him. I loved their dynamic. Caius never tries to dominate or own Fallon, and he sees her as his equal. The progression of their feelings and whatnot is somewhat slow and subtle, and I loved it. Things do get a little heated but I also liked how the romance was not at the forefront at any point in the book. No love triangle!

Caius is probably my second or third favorite character of the book. He is an extremely skilled, extremely powerful Roman officer, and he is often at the academy, reporting for Caesar. He seems arrogant at first, but as the pair fall for each other, Fallon can see that he has her best interests at heart. He is a good man and an excellent match for her, in terms of personality and temperament. Did I mention that I'm a little in love with him? Swoooon.

The story builds to an epic showdown in which we finally get to see Fallon's skills and training be tested, as a true gladiator. She is fighting for Caesar, and the stakes are very high for her. The ending of the book gets very fast-paced and very thrilling. The whole book is well-paced and extremely engrossing, but the last quarter picks up speed.

The ending is perfect! There are elements that are extremely wonderful, and elements that are purposefully open-ended. I love that some things are hinted at, and you kind of have to imagine what life will be like in the future, for Fallon and ____ and _____, etc. But I also love that some things are very concrete ad permanent. I'm especially thrilled about something developments. I love that this book is a standalone, because it ends really neatly, and while I wouldn't mind seeing more from this world, I'm glad Fallon's story ends here!

What I Did Not Like:

I really can't think of anything worth mentioning, that I didn't like! You can probably tell how much I enjoyed the book. It swept me off my feet!

Would I Recommend It:

Historical fiction fan or not, I highly recommend this book! I don't tend to give super high ratings like this one often, but when I do, it's usually for an amazing book that is a new favorite. Female gladiators kicking butt should be enough to reel anyone in, but throw in the politics and intrigue of Julius Caesar and ancient Rome, some incredible world-building, an engrossing plot, a swoony (and forbidden) romance, and a fantastic ending, and you've got a winner. 

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded up to 5 stars. That did not take long! Only twenty-three days into the new year and I've handed out my first five-star rating. Granted, this is the thirteenth book I've read for the year already. Honestly, I would have been so disappointed had I not enjoyed this book, and I'm glad it turned out to be every bit as sensational as everyone said. The hype is strong with this one, and rightfully so!


Was this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments section!

54 comments:

  1. I knew it! I just knew that this book would be awesome. And, thank the gods that It's better than Maas' books. I needed a new fantasy with strong female characters, and I am definitely gonna be getting this. Your review has me excited as hell right now!!

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    1. I couldn't even believe the comparison with Maas's books! This is nothing like those series. I hope you like this book, Lekeisha!

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  2. Gosh you read fast Alyssa! :) I am so so excited now because of your review! SJM. Where to start? I hate Celaena but I like the other secondary characters. I feel SJM's side characters are so better than her mains, but maybe that's just my opinion. I haven't read her other ACOTAR series yet so can't really comment on that. Another thing- I am so sick of this thing which is writing that perfect for fans of this author or this book, I feel it is a shallow way of marketing and I am honestly so tired to see SJM mostly in these blurbs. Again, that's just my opinion hehe!
    Prabhleen @ Booksarelife987

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    1. Ha! I try!

      I hate Celaena, and Feyre, and pretty much all of SJM's characters, to be honest. I hate that this particular book is being compared to SJM's, because there is no comparison (i.e. this book is gold). I agree, it's annoying and irritating!

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  3. Ooh! I like that this is a standalone. Though I never fully trust that! I also love books set in Ancient Rome and female gladiators!! I know you said no triangle. But is there some sort of progression? Hoping that won't bother me! Glad this all worked for you. Hate to love romance is my favorite

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    1. It's not a standalone anymore, unfortunately! But let's hope The Defiant is even better and doesn't ruin things. o_o I do love a good hate-to-love romance!

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  4. Hey, great blog! I’ve nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award! Congrats :P See the post here:
    https://lessrealitymorebooks.blogspot.ie/2017/01/mystery-blogger-award.html

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    1. Thank you! Wow, I am three months late on this reply. D:

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  5. I didn't know this was a standalone, now I need to add the book to my TBR. And LOL at the SJM dig! I hate when books are compared to hers!
    The romance sounds amazing, but I'm more intrigued by the protagonist. I'm glad you found a new favorite, Alyssa!!

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    1. Baaahhh, it's a duology now. But that's okay! I think you should still read this one, Nick. :D Heh, I do not like SJM or her books. o_o

      Thank you, Nick!

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  6. I have never heard of this book and actually haven't read anything by this author, but this book sounds amazing! I love a strong female lead in a book as well as someone who grows throughout the book. I like the historical portion stays throughout the book. Great review!

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    1. Booo! I've not read anything else by the author, but I liked this book a lot. I don't think I'll try her backlist. This one is incredibly different, you know?

      Thank you, Kristyn!

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  7. YAAS, this is so great to hear Alyssa! The moment I was that 5 stars, I immediately perked up. Fallon sounds sooo kickass and three cheers to female friendships! The romance sounds super sweet/swoony as well, and three more cheers to awesome character development. Thanks so much for the awesome review... I recently got a copy of this, and can't wait to start now!

    - Aila @ One Way Or An Author

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    1. :D :D :D I'm glad you think so! I think you'd enjoy this one, Aila. If you read it, I hope you loved it!

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  8. <3 <3 This book was amazing!! I can't wait for the next!!

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  9. This book sounds awesome! I'm into Roman history so this seems like a novel I would really love. Thank you for the early review. Although, I don't know how you can find Celaena/Aelin weak from Throne of Glass...she is one of my all time favorite characters and so kickbutt. Different strokes I guess.

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    1. I think this book would be perfect for you!

      Please... Celaena needs lessons, ESPECIALLY from Throne of Glass/Crown of Midnight. Heir of Fire, I think she grew. I'm not reading the rest of the series, so I can't speak for the rest of the books.

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  10. OOoh nice! I admit, I was curious about this one and a bit hesitant. I loved learning about Greek and Roman mythology while this book isn't quite that, it's still in Rome from what I gather and I looooved Rome! LOL! This one might have to make it to my stacks eventually! Especially since I see you gave it 5 stars! Great review!

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    1. I know what you mean! I love this time period in history, so I thought it was fascinating. If you read the book, I hope you like it!

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  11. Ohhhh, a five star! I'm even more excited about this book than I was to begin with! It sounds amazing and I'm so happy to hear it really delivered with a strong heroine and a swoony romance, as well as a wonderfully developed setting. Can't wait to read this one!

    Thanks for the awesome review, Alyssa! Hope you have an awesome day!

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    1. Yes! Definitely a year-end favorite! The story was wonderful, as were the characters and the romance. I might need to reread this book soon!

      Thank you, Ashtyn! <3

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  12. Clearly I need to read this one ASAP because when you give a book a 5 star rating it tends to be a favourite for me too!!
    I wasn't intrigued about the book at first, I dunno why the convo of cover and title didn't intrigue me enough, but your review + female gladiator + no love triangle + standalone? YES PLEASE!

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    1. YES! Pili, you would love this book, I'm quite sure!

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  13. I hadn't even heard of this book, but after this review, I have grabby hands for it! LOL Great review! Thank you for putting this on my radar.

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    1. WOW! Well, I'm glad you have introduced it to you. I hope you enjoy it, Angie!

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  14. I don't know if this book would be a good fit for me or not, but I do like the idea of a female gladiator. I'm glad you loved it so much.

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    1. It was a kickbutt book! And there were plenty of sweet moments too. ;) Thank you!

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  15. awesome review!!! It got me really excited for this book, i've never read anything like it!
    Kariny @ kariny's boox frenzy

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    1. Thank you! If you read it, I hope you like it, Kariny!

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  16. Ahh! I've been waiting for your review on this one.

    FIVE STARS!!! That's super exciting - this one is on my TBR and now I really can't WAIT to read it!

    I'm super excited for this world, this plot, this everything!

    Thanks for the awesome review and for hyping this one up even more for me. :)

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    1. Yaaasss! I don't dish out the five-star rating too often, but this book deserved it. I hope you enjoy the book, Di!

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  17. Yayyy your first 5 star read of the year! I have this one on my TBR list. It sounds really good. Great review!

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    1. It was the perfect book to rate five stars! Thank you, Julie. ^_^

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  18. I completely agree with you! I read this book in December and really enjoyed it. Though I didn't give it five stars, I really appreciated how well done everything was! Fallon was a lot more kick ass than Celeana, that's for sure. The ending, like you said, was downright spectacular! I loved it! I wouldn't be upset at all if Livingston decided to write a companion novel of sorts. (Maybe about Sorcha!) Great review! I'm so glad to see you loved it!

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    1. It sounds like the sequel (The Defiant) is going to be a direct sequel! Which worries me, but I also think it will be okay. Let's hope!

      Thank you, Gennifer!

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  19. Omg I'm so happy to see such a positive review for this one! I wanted to read this one, but I've seen zero reviews so far and I wasn't 100% sure it was for me. Now I really want to get my hands on it. Excellent review!

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    1. Thank you, Erin! At this time, there hadn't been many reviews... I think that has changed in the last three months. :D I hope you love the book!

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  20. Great review! It looks interesting!

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  21. I don't know why I always feel surprised when I see your 5 stars rating! but it makes me want to read the book as soon as possible. The only book I can think of with female gladiators is Blood Red Road and I loved it! I'm sure I'll love this one as well.
    Great review, Alyssa!

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    1. Girl, *I* even feel surprised when I give a book a five-star rating! I don't do it often.

      I remember trying to read Blood Red Road but I didn't finish it. Something about the hero of the story bugged me. o_o

      Thank you, Lis! Happy reading!

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  22. I've had my eyes on this one. It sounds awesome! Great review!

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    1. You should give it a shot, Lauren! Thank you. :D

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  23. Ohh amazing review my friend. Ohh kick butt female gladiators please sign me up, I still haven't read a book with female gladiators yet. But I am so going to put this book on hold in the library today so I can be in line to check it out sooner than later when it comes out! Thank you for your great post Alyssa.

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    1. Katiria, I think you would like this book a lot! Hopefully you were able to get it from the library! Thank YOU. <3

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  24. I just knew this was going to be awesome! I can't wait for the 14th now :)

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  25. You sold me on this one! awesome review again! I've been waiting for this book, too!

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    1. Thank you, Zeee! I appreciate that! I hope you love the book. =)

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  26. Ahhhh :D YAY for five stars. <3 That's awesome. I have been excited about this one for months now. Now I'm even more excited :D Eee. So glad that you loved it so much Alyssa. <3 Yesss. It sounds so good. Yay for awesome romance too :D

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    1. Thank you, Carina! I hope you enjoy the book! I think you will. ;)

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  27. YAY! This is the rating I was hoping for when I clicked this post. I just got the audio a few weeks ago so I'm even more excited to listen to it now.

    Nereyda│ Nick & Nereyda’s Infinite Booklist

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    1. Yaaasss! I'm glad I did not disappoint! I bet you've read/listened to the book by now - I hope you liked it, Nereyda! <3

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