spiringempress's review
3.0
The Triumphant is the PG version of Spartacus and this installment is a fun conclusion. Fallon has finally triumphed against her captives, winning back her ludus at the end of the last novel, and established a safe haven for herself and her female gladiators. However, this has come at a cost. Cai, who killed Pontius Aquila to save Fallon, has been sold to the gladiators to avoid being charged with patricide. And while Caesar has finally returned from civil war, Fallon encounters a seer, who promises this peace will not last for long. Of course, this all ends with the predictable ides of March. Fallon witnesses the event and immediately understands that not only is Rome in danger, but Cleopatra, someone she sees as possessing a vulnerable position, is also at risk. Quickly, she leaves everything behind and decides to escort Cleopatra safely home with her entourage of female warriors.
So, that's about all that happens in this story and SPOILERS. Fallon does eventually find her purpose, which is to finally go home and save her father/homeland from Pontius Aquila and the Sons of Dis' latest attack. There was a predictable Dis agent, who'd fooled Fallon, into trusting him by defending Cai in the arena. She quickly eliminates him then hurries home, where the day is saved and all is happy. Her sister, Sorcha, was a completely wasted character. I even forgot she was still alive until she appeared on their way to Aegypt and then tragically fell, reopening an old wound and subsequently dying while her love interest, Charon/slave trader, refused to seek treatment because of Sorcha and they died together. It was ridiculous and I expected more from the relationship between Fallon and Sorcha, which had defined the series.
Also, what even happened to Aeddan? Am I not remembering something (Yes, in fact, I forgot he even died) This just felt like a very sloppy conclusion to a really fun series and I wish Livingston hadn't killed everyone, who was connected to Fallon's homeland. I mean she claims to love Mael and kinda forgets about him the entire series plus her sister because she's more focused on Cai and Caesar... It could have been good but it was rushed and the death of characters didn't even have an impact when it happened.
So, that's about all that happens in this story and SPOILERS. Fallon does eventually find her purpose, which is to finally go home and save her father/homeland from Pontius Aquila and the Sons of Dis' latest attack. There was a predictable Dis agent, who'd fooled Fallon, into trusting him by defending Cai in the arena. She quickly eliminates him then hurries home, where the day is saved and all is happy. Her sister, Sorcha, was a completely wasted character. I even forgot she was still alive until she appeared on their way to Aegypt and then tragically fell, reopening an old wound and subsequently dying while her love interest, Charon/slave trader, refused to seek treatment because of Sorcha and they died together. It was ridiculous and I expected more from the relationship between Fallon and Sorcha, which had defined the series.
Also, what even happened to Aeddan? Am I not remembering something (Yes, in fact, I forgot he even died) This just felt like a very sloppy conclusion to a really fun series and I wish Livingston hadn't killed everyone, who was connected to Fallon's homeland. I mean she claims to love Mael and kinda forgets about him the entire series plus her sister because she's more focused on Cai and Caesar... It could have been good but it was rushed and the death of characters didn't even have an impact when it happened.
marineb09's review against another edition
4.0
A great end to this series !
I am remembered loving the first book Valiant and the other 2 were still great but I think I lost interest while I was waiting for the second book =)
So if you haven't read Lesley story about Fallon, Sorcha, Cai, Elka, Quint, Caesar and Cleopatra ... do it now and binge read them =) It' worth your reading time I can assure you that !
I am remembered loving the first book Valiant and the other 2 were still great but I think I lost interest while I was waiting for the second book =)
So if you haven't read Lesley story about Fallon, Sorcha, Cai, Elka, Quint, Caesar and Cleopatra ... do it now and binge read them =) It' worth your reading time I can assure you that !
alexperc_92's review
5.0
Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*
The fantastic finale to Fallon's story was a glorious adventure through the Roman Empire into Egypt and far off into the north. I seriously couldn't be more excited for a book that combined seamlessly my love for history, archeology, Egypt and gladiators!
Months have passed since Fallon's victory over their enemy gladiator ludus. But dark clouds of discontent are gathering and no one is safe. Soon Fallon, Kai, and their friends will have to escape Rome before war reaches them.
I enjoyed the fast pace of this book. I never got bored and obviously, I liked every interaction Fallon had with her fellow gladiators, their own stories and dreams for the future. Her relationship with Kai? One of the best filled with longing, equality and lots of fighting (in the training grounds). The combination of the book's plot with the occurrence of certain historical events also made the book very interesting. If you have read the series then you'll know what I mean.
But I did have a hard time dealing with the death of some characters because I WANTED THEIR HAPPY ENDING! IT WASN'T FAIR!
In conclusion, this was a great ending to an amazing series and I seriously can't wait for anything new by Lesley Livingston!
The fantastic finale to Fallon's story was a glorious adventure through the Roman Empire into Egypt and far off into the north. I seriously couldn't be more excited for a book that combined seamlessly my love for history, archeology, Egypt and gladiators!
Months have passed since Fallon's victory over their enemy gladiator ludus. But dark clouds of discontent are gathering and no one is safe. Soon Fallon, Kai, and their friends will have to escape Rome before war reaches them.
I enjoyed the fast pace of this book. I never got bored and obviously, I liked every interaction Fallon had with her fellow gladiators, their own stories and dreams for the future. Her relationship with Kai? One of the best filled with longing, equality and lots of fighting (in the training grounds). The combination of the book's plot with the occurrence of certain historical events also made the book very interesting. If you have read the series then you'll know what I mean.
But I did have a hard time dealing with the death of some characters because I WANTED THEIR HAPPY ENDING! IT WASN'T FAIR!
In conclusion, this was a great ending to an amazing series and I seriously can't wait for anything new by Lesley Livingston!
iggyebab's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this trilogy. A story about women who were kidnapped and sold, in a foreign land, and forced to fight for their lives for the entertainment of their “owners”.
A gender bent gladiator story that is more about family and growth than about fighting. The entire trilogy is well written and fascinating. There is a lot of action, fighting and drama. There is also plenty of relationship building and treachery. You feel like you are in that arena and the cells, trying to learn a new society and stay alive. Every step is dangerous and there are so many things that could go wrong.
If you like the alternate history genre with a gender twist, this might be for you.
A gender bent gladiator story that is more about family and growth than about fighting. The entire trilogy is well written and fascinating. There is a lot of action, fighting and drama. There is also plenty of relationship building and treachery. You feel like you are in that arena and the cells, trying to learn a new society and stay alive. Every step is dangerous and there are so many things that could go wrong.
If you like the alternate history genre with a gender twist, this might be for you.
rockchick's review
4.0
Great book in an already amazing series.
I loved Fallon from the first page and she grew in strength and spirit throughout the series.
I loved seeing her become a strong, smart leader, who believed in herself.
After Caesar is assassinated, Fallon rallies her war band and Cai's friends to get Cleopatra out of Rome.
Fallon had a lot of self doubts , but when action was required, she leaped without hesitating.
She finally saw herself as others see her. She became Caesar's greatest female Gladiatrix for a reason.
The Triumphant was an action packed emotional read. I loved every minute of it and didn't want the book to end, even as I rushed to read it!
We saw who Fallon and her gladiatrix sisters really were in Alexandria, Egypt. They could have led a life of carefree luxury but they choose to follow her, fight beside her and start a new chapter in their lives.
I loved being a part of Fallon's journey.
She made friends and enemies, lost loved ones, learned to be suspicious but always supportive and true to her sisters in arms.
The respect she earned, in and out of the arena, showed what a great leader she would become.
I enjoyed this series and would recommend it to all who love great story telling, action, adventure, friendship with a dash of romance.
I loved Fallon from the first page and she grew in strength and spirit throughout the series.
I loved seeing her become a strong, smart leader, who believed in herself.
After Caesar is assassinated, Fallon rallies her war band and Cai's friends to get Cleopatra out of Rome.
Fallon had a lot of self doubts , but when action was required, she leaped without hesitating.
She finally saw herself as others see her. She became Caesar's greatest female Gladiatrix for a reason.
The Triumphant was an action packed emotional read. I loved every minute of it and didn't want the book to end, even as I rushed to read it!
We saw who Fallon and her gladiatrix sisters really were in Alexandria, Egypt. They could have led a life of carefree luxury but they choose to follow her, fight beside her and start a new chapter in their lives.
I loved being a part of Fallon's journey.
She made friends and enemies, lost loved ones, learned to be suspicious but always supportive and true to her sisters in arms.
The respect she earned, in and out of the arena, showed what a great leader she would become.
I enjoyed this series and would recommend it to all who love great story telling, action, adventure, friendship with a dash of romance.
bookworm_on_the_loose's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Made me cry so much !
Great battle scene.
The end was not satisfactory... it could have been 10 more pages, just to give the reader a better ending and a better view of the futur.
Feels like the autor give an end.. with the possibility of doing other books in the serie if she wish too..
Great battle scene.
The end was not satisfactory... it could have been 10 more pages, just to give the reader a better ending and a better view of the futur.
Feels like the autor give an end.. with the possibility of doing other books in the serie if she wish too..
jennms_qkw's review
I finished this weeks and weeks ago. I like the historical part and the adventures parts. I read the whole series. It was fun.