The Defiant (Valiant) - Hardcover

Lesley Livingston is an award-winning author of teen fiction, best known for her Wondrous Strange trilogy. She holds a master's degree in English from the University of Toronto and was a principal performer in a Shakespearean theater company, specializing in performances for teen audiences, for more than a decade. Visit her at www.lesleylivingston.com and follow her on Twitter @LesLivingston.

Gr 7 Up—Fallon and her warrior sisters return in this powerful tale of treachery, Roman secret societies, and gladiatrix. Fueled by the desire to regain control of the Ludus Achillea from the Son of Dis, Fallon enlists the help of the legendary Amazon and two Roman Legionaries in this page-turning sequel to The Valiant. Strong female characters lead this Ancient Roman story that captures the political subterfuge and geographical diversity characteristic of Caesar's Rome. The strength of family, both blood relatives and family by choice, permeate as the gladiatrix of the Ludus Achillea put themselves in danger in order to rescue their leader, friends, and training academy. The women quickly discover that it will take the strength, smarts, and bravery of each member of their war clan in order to defeat Pontius Aquila and the other members of the Son of Dis. Clearly a second in a series, this volume will be best appreciated by those who have familiarity with the previous installment. While readers can enjoy the thrilling fight scenes and strategic adventure of the novel, it is clear this is not a stand-alone and the backstory is necessary for a complete understanding of the events and characters. VERDICT An action-packed sequel that will complement larger YA collections.—Jo Schofield, Cuyahoga Library, OH