Friday Firsts – The Valiant by Lesley Livingston

Friday Firsts is a new meme that will run every Friday here on Tenacious Reader. It will feature the first few sentences/paragraph of my current book and my first impressions as well. It’s meant to be a quick and easy way to share a bit about what I am reading, and I would love to hear others join in sharing their current reads as well.

THE STEAM RISING off the backs of the cantering horses faded into the morning fog. Our chariot raced toward the far end of the Forgotten Vale, and Maelgwyn Ironhand—my charioteer, constant companion, and frequent adversary—pulled back on the reins.

“No!” I shouted. “Faster! Make them run faster!”

Mael didn’t bother to spare a glance over his shoulder at me. He knew any argument would be futile. Instead, he gave the ponies their head and let them run. We flew over the ground like ravens diving over a battlefield. The horses snorted and strained, hooves drumming the grassy track and sending mist billowing in our wake.

I stood behind Mael with a spear gripped tight in my right fist and my feet braced against the swaying motion of the chariot’s suspended deck. The wind screeched in my ears, and the ground was a blur beneath our wheels. We’d never gone so fast before, and my heart hammered in my chest. I shifted and moved past Mael, stepping out in front of the chariot’s platform to balance on the square-sided draft pole that ran between the two horses.

“Fallon—be careful!” Mael called as one of my feet slipped on the wood.

Livingston, Lesley (2017-02-13T22:58:59). The Valiant (Kindle Locations 57-67). Penguin Young Readers Group. Kindle Edition.

My First Impressions

OK, this book was exactly what I needed, I think. I don’t read a lot of YA, but sometimes I find one that just fits what I love. Strong female protagonist? Check. Lots of excitement? Check. Love interest, but not in an annoying way? Check. I was sucked in to this book incredibly quick, absolutely loved it from the get go.

What are you reading right now? Did it start out strong? Feel free to share in the comments!