Title: The Valiant
Author: Lesley Livingston
First published February 14, 2017
372 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780448493787 (ISBN10: 0448493780)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
Fallon is a fierce Celtic princess, with a heart set on vengeance against Julius Caesar for the death of her sister. But when she’s captured and sold to a school for female gladiators owned by Caesar himself, Fallon must learn to fight for her life in the arena.
Despite the brutal training and intense rivalries, Fallon finds herself drawn to Cai, a young Roman soldier who may hold the key to her survival. Can Fallon overcome her feelings and stand tall as a gladiator, or will she fall to the deadly forces that surround her?
The Valiant is a thrilling tale of love, war, and survival that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Editoral Review
The Valiant by Lesley Livingston is a young adult historical fiction novel that intricately weaves together elements of romance, adventure, and coming-of-age themes. First published on February 14, 2017, the novel presents a refreshing take on the classic trope of a young protagonist’s quest to prove herself in a male-dominated world.
Lesley Livingston, a Canadian author and actress, is best known for her popular Wondrous Strange trilogy. Her extensive knowledge on the topic of swordplay becomes evident through the vivid descriptions and use of technical terms throughout the narrative of The Valiant.
Set in ancient Rome, The Valiant follows the story of Fallon, a Celtic princess who is captured by slavers and forced to fight for her life in the infamous gladiator arenas of Rome. The obvious historical and cultural significance of the novel lies in the intricate details and descriptions of ancient Rome’s political and social hierarchy.
Livingston masterfully incorporates current themes and issues such as feminism, racism, and classism into her storyline. Fallon’s journey to break free from her genders limiting expectations is a recurring theme in the novel, and her experiences mirror many of the struggles that women face today.
One of the strengths of The Valiant lies in its impressive world-building. Livingston’s depiction of the brutal and complex world of Romes gladiator battles is a testament to her ability to paint a vivid picture in the readers mind.
Additionally, the character development of the protagonist, Fallon, is impressive. She is a relatable character that goes through a realistic transformation throughout the novel.
One limitation of the book is its predictability. The storyline follows a familiar path of the main character overcoming physical and emotional challenges to achieve a goal, which may be too formulaic for some readers.
Overall, The Valiant is an enjoyable read with its romance, action, and adventure, and it offers an excellent introduction to the world of ancient Rome for young adult readers. Fans of The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir will find The Valiant a welcomed addition to their bookshelves.
I would give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting its world-building and impressive character development. While the predictability of the narrative may not appeal to all readers, the overall enjoyment of reading the book is indisputable.
