I definitely recommend to those who love historical. ( )

I wrote a full review of "The Valiant" on my blog, here:
http://deborahembury.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-valiant-by-lesley-livingston-book....

I mention a couple things that happen later in the book, but it's nothing spoilery! :) ( )

My favorite books are those where I open the cover, dive in and the world around me fades until I close the book. This is such a story. I picked it up at the library yesterday afternoon and was done by the time I turned out the light several hours later. So satisfying and I'm ready to read the next in this trilogy. ( )

Historical fiction that starts off in Roman Britain. Good main character, good side characters. Has a satisfying conclusion that doesn't read like it is setting up a series.

I didn't like the second romance because it was too bland and expected. I see why it was included for thematic reasons, but i think it would have been a stronger book if Fallon had been allowed to not be in a romance. (Side note - yes i am complaining about the inclusion of a romance plot for a book i read for a romance book club.) I would have liked more time with Fallon, Elka, Cass, and possibly Charon. ( )

“We were castoffs and slaves, orphans and unwanteds and used-to-be princesses...and we were mighty.”
― Lesley Livingston, The Valiant

3.5 stars.

I enjoyed this book although I almost stopped reading at the beginning. It takes some time to really get going. It was tough for me to get into it but with time I was able to do so. I am glad I gave it a chance. It was interesting!

So this book is about princess Fallon who is kidnapped and taken to a special school for female Gladiators. Here, Fallon must learn the craft of the Gladiator.

This is not normally the type of book I'd read but I am glad I took a chance and went outside my comfort zone. While I did not love it, i t was not bad.

I enjoyed reading this book and about the girls school where Warriors are trained. It has that Historical element I love coupled with Dystopian. That was a good thing.

I did find it a bit draggy in the middle section but I still kept reading.

The actual fight scenes were written breathtakingly and easily keep one's interest. I knew almost nothing ab out Gladiators before reading so i t was a bit educational as well..

But my absolute FAVORITE thing about this book is the appearance of Cleopatra! That I did not expect. I mean I knew it was Julius Caesar's Gladiator school she was at but I had no idea Cleopatra would be featured in it. That made the book for me.

There is much cattiness and drama which did not enhance nor take away from the book in my mind. But apparently there is a follow up. I am not as much of a series reader as many so am not sure if I will go on to the next.

The book worked fine for me as a stand alone. ( )