The Triumphant by Lesley Livingston - OPTIONAL

The Triumphant (Valiant, #3) by Lesley Livingston, 409 pages.  Razorbill (Penguin), 2019.  $19  

Content: Language: PG-13 (24 swears); Mature Content; PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Fallon and her gladiatrix are much loved by Caesar and she enjoys the glory of victory, but she is mortified when Cai loses his position and is turned into a gladiator.  While Fallon tries to help Cai, there is political unrest in Rome and Pontius has it out for Fallon and her friends.  When Caesar is murdered and the republic starts to fall apart, Fallon has to help get Cleopatra to safety and try to help those she loves.  

This is the final book in the Valiant trilogy and I enjoyed being back with these characters.  The book has a full story line with lots going on, but sometimes I felt like the relationship development between Cai and Fallon was forgotten.  I enjoyed the satisfying ending and the historical setting, so if you have kids who enjoyed the beginning of this series this is worth grabbing.  The content includes violent fighting with descriptive injuries and a make-out session.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson