There were definitely plenty of surprises, a couple of which came very early on in the book too. “I have a few guesses about what might happen.” “Oh, this is a scenario that feels a little familiar,” I thought. But while Fallon fell in love with one, her father decided to marry her off to the other. Then there are the two boys around Fallon’s own age who for years have been fostered at her father’s castle, vying for Fallon’s affections. Within the first handful of chapters, we are introduced to a protagonist who has spent her entire life worshiping her older sister while also growing up in her shadow, and even after Sorcha’s death, all Fallon wants is to live up to her memory.

The king cites political reasons for his decision, and also because he cannot bear the thought of losing another daughter to war, but Fallon is unappeased and furious at what she sees as a betrayal.Īt this point, you might think you know how this story will play out, or that all the components are laid out on the table. However, when the big day finally comes, instead of formally accepting Fallon into his war band, her father instead surprises everyone by announcing her betrothal to her true love’s brother, a Roman sympathizer. She even turns down a marriage proposal from the boy she loves, knowing she must make her mark on the world before she could make such a commitment. Despite a druid’s prophecy predicting that she will meet the same end as her sister, Fallon remains undaunted and determined to follow in Sorcha’s footsteps, hoping to one day join her father’s fighting force. The story follows Fallon, daughter of a Celtic king and younger sister to the late legendary warrior Sorcha who fell to the legions of Julius Caesar while fighting in defense of her homeland. I make it no secret that I am fascinated with anything to do with Ancient Rome, and so historical fiction set in this time period is like an instant Mogsy magnet. What an amazing surprise this was! Though to be honest, I had no idea what to expect at first, only that from the moment I saw the book description for The Valiant, I knew I had to read it.

Publisher: Listening Library (February 14, 2017) Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own. I received a review copy from the publisher. YA Weekend Audio: The Valiant by Lesley Livingston

The valiant by lesley livingston