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Valiant #1
Valiant
The Valiant was supposed to save us. Instead, it triggered the end of the world.
Earth is in shambles. Everyone, even the poorest among us, invested in the Valiant’s space mining mission in the hopes we’d be saved from ourselves. But the second the ship leaves Earth’s atmosphere, our fate is sealed. The alien invasion begins. They pour into cities around the world through time portals, possessing humans, forcing us to kill one another.
And for whatever reason, my brother is their number one target.
Now the fate of the world lies in the hands of me, a seventeen-year-old girl, but with the help of my best friend, Justin—who’s suddenly starting to feel like more—maybe if we save my brother, we can save us all…
Earth is in shambles. Everyone, even the poorest among us, invested in the Valiant’s space mining mission in the hopes we’d be saved from ourselves. But the second the ship leaves Earth’s atmosphere, our fate is sealed. The alien invasion begins. They pour into cities around the world through time portals, possessing humans, forcing us to kill one another.
And for whatever reason, my brother is their number one target.
Now the fate of the world lies in the hands of me, a seventeen-year-old girl, but with the help of my best friend, Justin—who’s suddenly starting to feel like more—maybe if we save my brother, we can save us all…
282 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
October 23, 2018
Yes folks, I have returned to the science fiction once again. This time we are staying on Earth and battling the invading aliens, woohoo! Valiant by Merrie Destefano is a young adult romantic science fiction fantasy read that is extremely fast paced and action packed.
In the very near future in America (2037) we have a second great depression era going on along with a drought and energy crisis. However, Americans have obtained a bit of hope in the form of a space ship called Valiant which is set to launch on a space mining mission.
Just as Valiant takes flight though Earth is invaded by the Xua. With the ability to possess humans to turn them on each other there didn’t seem to be much hope in that initial invasion. Seventeen year old Sara however finds that her younger brother Gabe is a target and she must keep him alive at all costs and with the help of time travel Sara has more than one chance to save the world.
I’m one that absolutely loves an extremely fast paced read with new happenings practically on every page and Valiant was just that sort of book. From the opening prologue readers are shot out of a cannon and hit the ground running in the story with a lot of creative and unique twists to an alien attack.
However, my one complaint with this one is there were a few things I really wasn’t ever quite clear on with the world building being at the break neck speed that it was. The character building is also a bit thin but we are given a background briefly that these were all friends/family beforehand so the love connection isn’t exactly insta-love but the years of friendship are told and not shown. Even without those little details I still enjoyed this one and wonder after the end if this is the beginning to a series and if so I’ll definitely be there for book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In the very near future in America (2037) we have a second great depression era going on along with a drought and energy crisis. However, Americans have obtained a bit of hope in the form of a space ship called Valiant which is set to launch on a space mining mission.
Just as Valiant takes flight though Earth is invaded by the Xua. With the ability to possess humans to turn them on each other there didn’t seem to be much hope in that initial invasion. Seventeen year old Sara however finds that her younger brother Gabe is a target and she must keep him alive at all costs and with the help of time travel Sara has more than one chance to save the world.
I’m one that absolutely loves an extremely fast paced read with new happenings practically on every page and Valiant was just that sort of book. From the opening prologue readers are shot out of a cannon and hit the ground running in the story with a lot of creative and unique twists to an alien attack.
However, my one complaint with this one is there were a few things I really wasn’t ever quite clear on with the world building being at the break neck speed that it was. The character building is also a bit thin but we are given a background briefly that these were all friends/family beforehand so the love connection isn’t exactly insta-love but the years of friendship are told and not shown. Even without those little details I still enjoyed this one and wonder after the end if this is the beginning to a series and if so I’ll definitely be there for book two.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 19, 2018
Full Review on my blog!
3.5 - 4 Stars
*a copy was provided by NetGalley*
Sci-fi, aliens, time travel, and futuristic things. Yes, YES, and YEsss. All things I love. But this, I liked it just enough, that it fell short of great.
Valiant is different and unique in its own way. A very quick, action packed, fast paced read. It definitely will grip you from the start. I'm excited for when it actually does come out.
Although the beginning of this book felt VERY rushed. A LOT happens in the first few pages that as a result, there is very little context given for the characters and the state of the world. But as the story progresses we do get a bit more of this.
Some times it was difficult to keep up with, there's just so much going on. I love the story, just wish it was told a little differently, I don't know why but it feels like the story is being told in such a way that everything is scattered, and you have to pick up the pieces and just make sense of it on your own terms. I mean between the alien invasion, time travel, portals, military conspiracies, romance, etc. I feel like the story could have been richer if there had been fewer of these elements.
Honestly, I just wish there was more explanations, descriptions, development, and maybe a bit more world building. But it's literally, Action, Action, Action. Hardly any character development.
Also, in a way, it reminded me of Venom , with the whole 'aliens on earth' or 'aliens trying to invade earth' thing, and this quote from the beginning of the book is a pretty good description of what I mean.
Mhmm, similar in ways but, different.
The bit of 'romance', I wouldn't even call it that, it was literally Justin & Sara having known each other in school for however long. There was no real build up, just Sara saying 'I love you' to him, when she thought he was dead/dying or whatever.
AND THEN THE NEXT DAY.
Their relationship did develop a bit but, in an unnaturally fast way, imo.
Also, the 'skin site' thing was a bit confusing. It seems like it's some kind of identification thing/something phone-like where you can call people? listen to music? listen/watch the news? -some kind of 'new' fascinating technology that everyone is crazy about; like when a new version of the IPhone comes out. Or something like that, not 100% sure, unless I'm missing something? - so I went back to my kindle and literally searched 'Skin Site' and it's mentioned A LOT, I'm realizing now, it was described a bit, but still really 'confusingly interesting'. I'm not going to give too much more away, though.
I feel like I'm just rambling on now....
I'm really hoping there will be a sequel, because I like where this story is going. I feel like if the story and universe was expanded on, it could be the next big sc-fi series/book. BUT only if universe was expanded on, like back story on the aliens, Justin, or any the other characters.
If you enjoy action-packed YA science fiction, then I highly recommend it!
NOTE: All quotes taken from this uncorrected copy are subjected to change in the final edition.
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3.5 - 4 Stars
*a copy was provided by NetGalley*
Sci-fi, aliens, time travel, and futuristic things. Yes, YES, and YEsss. All things I love. But this, I liked it just enough, that it fell short of great.
Valiant is different and unique in its own way. A very quick, action packed, fast paced read. It definitely will grip you from the start. I'm excited for when it actually does come out.
Although the beginning of this book felt VERY rushed. A LOT happens in the first few pages that as a result, there is very little context given for the characters and the state of the world. But as the story progresses we do get a bit more of this.
Some times it was difficult to keep up with, there's just so much going on. I love the story, just wish it was told a little differently, I don't know why but it feels like the story is being told in such a way that everything is scattered, and you have to pick up the pieces and just make sense of it on your own terms. I mean between the alien invasion, time travel, portals, military conspiracies, romance, etc. I feel like the story could have been richer if there had been fewer of these elements.
Honestly, I just wish there was more explanations, descriptions, development, and maybe a bit more world building. But it's literally, Action, Action, Action. Hardly any character development.
Also, in a way, it reminded me of Venom , with the whole 'aliens on earth' or 'aliens trying to invade earth' thing, and this quote from the beginning of the book is a pretty good description of what I mean.
"A Xua can leave a host’s body and possess another person if it wants, but humans weren't built to withstand it. Our insides get ripped to shreds. Sometimes you can even see the claw marks on the body, torn apart from the inside out. Sometimes it’s a full-body explosion."
Mhmm, similar in ways but, different.
The bit of 'romance', I wouldn't even call it that, it was literally Justin & Sara having known each other in school for however long. There was no real build up, just Sara saying 'I love you' to him, when she thought he was dead/dying or whatever.
“You have to stay alive, Justin,” I whisper. “No matter what. I love you.”
AND THEN THE NEXT DAY.
He cups my face in his huge hands. “I heard what you said last night,” he whispers, so softly no one else can hear him. “I love you, too.”
Their relationship did develop a bit but, in an unnaturally fast way, imo.
“I was worried I would lose you, too,” he confesses as he lifts his head. He cups my face in his right hand. “The Xua took your brother, but he might not be dead, Sara. You said those doorways go to different timelines, right? Maybe he’s with Aerithin. Or maybe Aerithin will still come back—”
Also, the 'skin site' thing was a bit confusing. It seems like it's some kind of identification thing/something phone-like where you can call people? listen to music? listen/watch the news? -some kind of 'new' fascinating technology that everyone is crazy about; like when a new version of the IPhone comes out. Or something like that, not 100% sure, unless I'm missing something? - so I went back to my kindle and literally searched 'Skin Site' and it's mentioned A LOT, I'm realizing now, it was described a bit, but still really 'confusingly interesting'. I'm not going to give too much more away, though.
I feel like I'm just rambling on now....
I'm really hoping there will be a sequel, because I like where this story is going. I feel like if the story and universe was expanded on, it could be the next big sc-fi series/book. BUT only if universe was expanded on, like back story on the aliens, Justin, or any the other characters.
If you enjoy action-packed YA science fiction, then I highly recommend it!
NOTE: All quotes taken from this uncorrected copy are subjected to change in the final edition.
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October 26, 2018
Imagine your stuck on a time loop. You have one goal, to stop your brother from dying but if you knew what was going to happen would you also try and save a few others? Sara is given the chance to change history. She is visited by an alien who is again the invasion on Earth. He tells her what she needs to do but it isn’t easy. Sara wants to save the boy she has always had a crush on and her close friends. She has re-lived armageddon over and over. She has to find a way to save what’s most important. Every time the outcome turns out differently but Sara needs to work out how to change fate.
Earth needs help but reaching out has consequences. Now Aliens have invaded earth. They are killing people and Earth is being taken over. This book is in the horror genres but there is some romance. It’s about survival and is supposed to get you thinking about what you would do. It’s an interesting idea and I like the acknowledgement section so don’t skip it!
The ending leaves room for a second instalment. 4 stars out of 5. It’s quick paced and creative. The romance is sweet and the Earth take over is gory.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Earth needs help but reaching out has consequences. Now Aliens have invaded earth. They are killing people and Earth is being taken over. This book is in the horror genres but there is some romance. It’s about survival and is supposed to get you thinking about what you would do. It’s an interesting idea and I like the acknowledgement section so don’t skip it!
The ending leaves room for a second instalment. 4 stars out of 5. It’s quick paced and creative. The romance is sweet and the Earth take over is gory.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2019
3.5 stars
Agh I'm so not sure about my rating for this book!
Because on the one hand, the sci-fi aspect, the writing and the overall atmosphere were magnificent. I loved how we got to experience time travel, aliens and new technology in a distopian sociaty. It truly was incredible, I felt like I was watching a movie in my head. And moreover, it had so many little details that made the story seem a lot more real and deep. For instance, how people would react to the end of the world, what would happen to the kids and how hard it would be to trust someone.
Also, the characters and their friendship were so endearing to read about. I adored them and how much they cared about one another, that was a group that would have gone to the moon and back to make sure everyone was safe. I do have to say that my favorite character was our main character's best friend, Natalie. She was the definition of loyalty and intelligence.
If it had been for all these reasons, this book would have been a 5 stars for me but the downside is that it's heavily romantic. The romance was okay for me, it's not like I hated it but compared to the other things going on it seemed uninteresting.
So I would be hooked in everything that was happening and then a romantic scene would pop up and I lost interest, therefore it lower my enjoyment of this book overall. In my opinion, everything would have been so much better without the romance or if the romance would have been more developed because I didn't fully understand their chemestry.
Then another detail that bother me a tiny bit but that wasn't as important as the romance aspect was that this is one of those books where adults are useless. Since the first chapter they are the first ones to disappear, every single adult which was super weird when I was reading about it. However, luckily the teenagers did feel like they were able to protect themselves, it's not like they were just lucky to survive, which was a nice addition.
All in all, this book has a great atmosphere, so unique and that will get you hooked as soon as you start reading. However, there is also a romance that took too much space in the book for me and it ended up affecting my enjoyment of it.
Agh I'm so not sure about my rating for this book!
Because on the one hand, the sci-fi aspect, the writing and the overall atmosphere were magnificent. I loved how we got to experience time travel, aliens and new technology in a distopian sociaty. It truly was incredible, I felt like I was watching a movie in my head. And moreover, it had so many little details that made the story seem a lot more real and deep. For instance, how people would react to the end of the world, what would happen to the kids and how hard it would be to trust someone.
Also, the characters and their friendship were so endearing to read about. I adored them and how much they cared about one another, that was a group that would have gone to the moon and back to make sure everyone was safe. I do have to say that my favorite character was our main character's best friend, Natalie. She was the definition of loyalty and intelligence.
If it had been for all these reasons, this book would have been a 5 stars for me but the downside is that it's heavily romantic. The romance was okay for me, it's not like I hated it but compared to the other things going on it seemed uninteresting.
So I would be hooked in everything that was happening and then a romantic scene would pop up and I lost interest, therefore it lower my enjoyment of this book overall. In my opinion, everything would have been so much better without the romance or if the romance would have been more developed because I didn't fully understand their chemestry.
Then another detail that bother me a tiny bit but that wasn't as important as the romance aspect was that this is one of those books where adults are useless. Since the first chapter they are the first ones to disappear, every single adult which was super weird when I was reading about it. However, luckily the teenagers did feel like they were able to protect themselves, it's not like they were just lucky to survive, which was a nice addition.
All in all, this book has a great atmosphere, so unique and that will get you hooked as soon as you start reading. However, there is also a romance that took too much space in the book for me and it ended up affecting my enjoyment of it.
November 30, 2018
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see if there might be a sequel sometime in the future!
I blasted through this book in less than 24 hours. I have a couple of ARCS that I'm currently reading in preparation for their publishing dates in December, and I was a little nervous I wouldn't get through them in time. But I need not worry with Valiant! I couldn't put this down! The world building was easy enough since its based off of a realistic idea of a future world as we know it. Just one small difference being that Aliens have come and are planning on wiping out the entire human race. Its not exactly clear why the Xua hate humans so much but there is one thing we know for sure, Sara must save her brother Gabe from dying, and if she somehow manages this impossible feat then Earth will be saved. There's just one problem. Sara can't keep her brother from dying, even after the 14th do-over she still hasn't figured out how to save Earth. But with one last try at hand, she doesn't have any other choice but to make sure that this time counts.
I thought that even though there isn't a lot of explanation at first, the fact that it drops you right into the action was enough for me. I like to learn as I read about what the plot is rather than a huge info dump at first. And thankfully this book was all about the action. There really isn't a lot of down time, and with good reason! There's no time to rest with imminent death on the horizon! Mix some alien invasion with a little bit of time travel and you have action for days! Or I guess the same three days over and over.
The characters grew on me as the plot evolved. At first I wasn't sure who was who, but its easy enough to figure out after the prologue. I even found myself going back and rereading the prologue after I got into the story a little bit because it made more sense after I had an idea of what was going on. I was so caught up in this that I blew through half the book before I realized I had even read that much. The writing is easy to read and flows well from one scene to the next making it easy to get swept away in the words and feel like you are right there with the characters trying to survive. I like also that no one is safe. You always think when reading books that there's no way that the main characters can die, but in this book, no one is safe from death! In fact, you're just waiting for it to happen knowing that in this book, there's no way that they can all live. This gave me that edge of my seat nail biting tension that kept me flipping through the pages as fast as I could to find out what could possibly happen next.
I also really enjoyed that even though this is a sci-fi, it doesn't get too technical about the science side of things. All of the technology is pretty self explanatory and even as a science illiterate dummy I could follow the plot easily enough without having to reread sentences over and over for them to make sense to me. I appreciate this because who wants to get bogged down with the mechanics of how things work in the middle of a life or death scene!!? I sure don't! And luckily I didn't have to in this book. I was able to fly from one page to the next as if I was under attack by the Xua also. I found myself clamping my jaw shut to keep from being posessed, and even holding my breath hoping that nothing happened to the characters I grew so fond of!
This is a high action, fast paced, post-apocalyptic book you won't want to miss. With a 5th wave vibe mixed with a little invasion of the body snatchers, you won't know who to trust or what will happen next. I really hope that the author decides to continue this story with a sequel because I need to know if there will ever be a Happily Ever After!
First I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to see if there might be a sequel sometime in the future!
I blasted through this book in less than 24 hours. I have a couple of ARCS that I'm currently reading in preparation for their publishing dates in December, and I was a little nervous I wouldn't get through them in time. But I need not worry with Valiant! I couldn't put this down! The world building was easy enough since its based off of a realistic idea of a future world as we know it. Just one small difference being that Aliens have come and are planning on wiping out the entire human race. Its not exactly clear why the Xua hate humans so much but there is one thing we know for sure, Sara must save her brother Gabe from dying, and if she somehow manages this impossible feat then Earth will be saved. There's just one problem. Sara can't keep her brother from dying, even after the 14th do-over she still hasn't figured out how to save Earth. But with one last try at hand, she doesn't have any other choice but to make sure that this time counts.
I thought that even though there isn't a lot of explanation at first, the fact that it drops you right into the action was enough for me. I like to learn as I read about what the plot is rather than a huge info dump at first. And thankfully this book was all about the action. There really isn't a lot of down time, and with good reason! There's no time to rest with imminent death on the horizon! Mix some alien invasion with a little bit of time travel and you have action for days! Or I guess the same three days over and over.
The characters grew on me as the plot evolved. At first I wasn't sure who was who, but its easy enough to figure out after the prologue. I even found myself going back and rereading the prologue after I got into the story a little bit because it made more sense after I had an idea of what was going on. I was so caught up in this that I blew through half the book before I realized I had even read that much. The writing is easy to read and flows well from one scene to the next making it easy to get swept away in the words and feel like you are right there with the characters trying to survive. I like also that no one is safe. You always think when reading books that there's no way that the main characters can die, but in this book, no one is safe from death! In fact, you're just waiting for it to happen knowing that in this book, there's no way that they can all live. This gave me that edge of my seat nail biting tension that kept me flipping through the pages as fast as I could to find out what could possibly happen next.
I also really enjoyed that even though this is a sci-fi, it doesn't get too technical about the science side of things. All of the technology is pretty self explanatory and even as a science illiterate dummy I could follow the plot easily enough without having to reread sentences over and over for them to make sense to me. I appreciate this because who wants to get bogged down with the mechanics of how things work in the middle of a life or death scene!!? I sure don't! And luckily I didn't have to in this book. I was able to fly from one page to the next as if I was under attack by the Xua also. I found myself clamping my jaw shut to keep from being posessed, and even holding my breath hoping that nothing happened to the characters I grew so fond of!
This is a high action, fast paced, post-apocalyptic book you won't want to miss. With a 5th wave vibe mixed with a little invasion of the body snatchers, you won't know who to trust or what will happen next. I really hope that the author decides to continue this story with a sequel because I need to know if there will ever be a Happily Ever After!
January 17, 2019
The Valiant was supposed to save the humans on earth, but instead, it brought about death and destruction in the form of an alien invasion. In Destefano’s version of near-future earth, humanity is on the brink of collapse thanks to various circumstances. Everyone has invested in Valiant, poor and rich alike, everyone has some sort of emotional stake in the mission that can save them and their world. The only problem is — the mission failed and now the Xua are pouring into earth, wreaking havoc, forcing humans to kill one another. At the center of it all is a 10 year old boy (I think he’s 10, I can’t remember) who can save everyone provided he doesn’t die, and a 17 year old girl who’s doing everything in her power to save him. Over and over and over again.
Valiant has such an interesting premise — alien invasion meets Groundhog Day, where Sara is continuously forced back in time to change the fate of the world. One would think that experiencing the same level of death and destruction time and time again would eventually lead to some level of desensitization, but not for Sara. The first time she sees people dying at the hands of aliens is just as horrific as the most recent time and she has to go through it until she finds the way that finally works. I was initially worried that going back and reliving the same circumstances would feel repetitive, but that’s certainly not the case. Every time Sara travels back, everything felt just as tense, just as dangerous, just as emotional as the first time.
There’s a little romance thrown in for good measure, although I will admit I wasn’t very invested in it. The relationship between Justin and Sara didn’t feel very deep and I’m chalking that up to the fact that readers aren’t given much of their history and instead are just told about their history. The ending leaves plenty of room for this to have a sequel, or even become a series, and I’m truly hoping it does because I want their history. I loved them both as singular characters, and I want to love them as a couple, but I can’t at this point.
Bottom line — Valiant was fast-paced and incredibly action packed, full of creepy aliens and characters that you’ll grow to love. Definitely a dark tale of survival, complete with the requisite violence and destruction, but the relationship between Sara and her brother, and the bit of romance between Sara and Justin really helped to brighten things up. I’m really hoping for a sequel or for this to become a series because I’d like to see more of the characters and perhaps get a bit more of their history.
*eARC received via NetGalley.
Valiant has such an interesting premise — alien invasion meets Groundhog Day, where Sara is continuously forced back in time to change the fate of the world. One would think that experiencing the same level of death and destruction time and time again would eventually lead to some level of desensitization, but not for Sara. The first time she sees people dying at the hands of aliens is just as horrific as the most recent time and she has to go through it until she finds the way that finally works. I was initially worried that going back and reliving the same circumstances would feel repetitive, but that’s certainly not the case. Every time Sara travels back, everything felt just as tense, just as dangerous, just as emotional as the first time.
There’s a little romance thrown in for good measure, although I will admit I wasn’t very invested in it. The relationship between Justin and Sara didn’t feel very deep and I’m chalking that up to the fact that readers aren’t given much of their history and instead are just told about their history. The ending leaves plenty of room for this to have a sequel, or even become a series, and I’m truly hoping it does because I want their history. I loved them both as singular characters, and I want to love them as a couple, but I can’t at this point.
Bottom line — Valiant was fast-paced and incredibly action packed, full of creepy aliens and characters that you’ll grow to love. Definitely a dark tale of survival, complete with the requisite violence and destruction, but the relationship between Sara and her brother, and the bit of romance between Sara and Justin really helped to brighten things up. I’m really hoping for a sequel or for this to become a series because I’d like to see more of the characters and perhaps get a bit more of their history.
*eARC received via NetGalley.
March 23, 2019
Well that was unexpectedly fabulous!
I think the only thing that would have made this better for me would have been if Justin had been Sara's older brother instead of a love interest.
I think it would have given all the right loyalty and love needed for the group without feeling rushed or forced.
I am super disappointed that the next book isn't out until December.
Ugh.
"I really suck at this end-of-the-world crap."
I think the only thing that would have made this better for me would have been if Justin had been Sara's older brother instead of a love interest.
I think it would have given all the right loyalty and love needed for the group without feeling rushed or forced.
I am super disappointed that the next book isn't out until December.
Ugh.
"I really suck at this end-of-the-world crap."
January 1, 2019
I don’t think I’ve ever wanted the next book in the series more than at the ending of Valiant!
The Valiant has taken off and - uh - the aliens have invaded. Much like the Apollo missions, the Valiant was intended to bring people together but all that was thwarted when silver-turn-smoke aliens pull an invasion of the body snatchers.
Protagonist Sara has the blessing of knowledge, now in charge of saving the world. But first, she has to save her brother, because saving her brother means saving the world.
After many attempts, she finally figures out the right methodology to save the world. Or does she?
What I loved most about Valiant was Sara’s sass. Even though the world is falling apart around her, her inner monologue constantly made me laugh. That and her swoony romance with Justin. Childhood friends to lovers - you have a good one here.
If you love action, romance, aliens, and teens saving the world, Valiant is the book for you!
The Valiant has taken off and - uh - the aliens have invaded. Much like the Apollo missions, the Valiant was intended to bring people together but all that was thwarted when silver-turn-smoke aliens pull an invasion of the body snatchers.
Protagonist Sara has the blessing of knowledge, now in charge of saving the world. But first, she has to save her brother, because saving her brother means saving the world.
After many attempts, she finally figures out the right methodology to save the world. Or does she?
What I loved most about Valiant was Sara’s sass. Even though the world is falling apart around her, her inner monologue constantly made me laugh. That and her swoony romance with Justin. Childhood friends to lovers - you have a good one here.
If you love action, romance, aliens, and teens saving the world, Valiant is the book for you!
October 19, 2018
You can bet I pre-ordered this book after seeing the cover and reading the blurb. Then I was offered an Advance Reader Copy, and I just couldn't say no to the chance to read it early.
The book begins with a prologue to explain the situation and what is at stake: After the launch of the Valiant aliens attack earth and for some reason they're particularly interested in Sara's brother Gabe. Only minutes into the invasion he is killed. Then Sara meets an alien who sends her back in time and tells her it is important to keep Gabe alive if humanity is to survive.
And that's where the story really kicks off: Launch of the Valiant is near, Sara knows what's coming, and knows she has to keep her brother alive.
I was immediately drawn into the story which is a thrill ride of dangerous situations for Sara and her friends. As they barely escape one attack, the next danger is already waiting for them. This book is about 400 pages long, but with all the action it felt much shorter. I couldn't put it down, I had to know what would happen next, and if Sara and her friends manage to keep Gabe alive and out of the hands of the aliens.
In between the fighting, fleeing, and planning their next move Sara starts to realize she might be feeling more than friendship for her best friend Justin. This storyline takes second place (as it should in such a dangerous situation), but is very sweet. I also liked Sara's relationship with her friend Natalie which is one of mutual support. During their adventures they also meet other people, but when the aliens can take over a human body, who can you really trust?
All in all this is a really awesome, action-packed read, with twists and turns I didn't see coming and that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The book ends in a way that makes it work as a standalone, but it also made me more than eager for more. You bet this book ends up on my keeper shelves once my print copy arrives.
The book begins with a prologue to explain the situation and what is at stake: After the launch of the Valiant aliens attack earth and for some reason they're particularly interested in Sara's brother Gabe. Only minutes into the invasion he is killed. Then Sara meets an alien who sends her back in time and tells her it is important to keep Gabe alive if humanity is to survive.
And that's where the story really kicks off: Launch of the Valiant is near, Sara knows what's coming, and knows she has to keep her brother alive.
I was immediately drawn into the story which is a thrill ride of dangerous situations for Sara and her friends. As they barely escape one attack, the next danger is already waiting for them. This book is about 400 pages long, but with all the action it felt much shorter. I couldn't put it down, I had to know what would happen next, and if Sara and her friends manage to keep Gabe alive and out of the hands of the aliens.
In between the fighting, fleeing, and planning their next move Sara starts to realize she might be feeling more than friendship for her best friend Justin. This storyline takes second place (as it should in such a dangerous situation), but is very sweet. I also liked Sara's relationship with her friend Natalie which is one of mutual support. During their adventures they also meet other people, but when the aliens can take over a human body, who can you really trust?
All in all this is a really awesome, action-packed read, with twists and turns I didn't see coming and that kept me on the edge of my seat.
The book ends in a way that makes it work as a standalone, but it also made me more than eager for more. You bet this book ends up on my keeper shelves once my print copy arrives.
October 25, 2018
"Valiant" is a fast-paced, YA sci-fi/thriller. Set in the future, during the second great depression, Earth has just launched a shuttle called Valiant to go to Titan and mine for resources. Immediately after the shuttle launches, the Earth is attacked by aliens known as Xua. The Xua can turn into smoke and inhabit human bodies, controlling them in a zombie-like state before killing the host. They inhabit and take over humans across the planet in one night, killing so many people.
Sara is a teenager who is hanging out with her friends and brother when the aliens arrive. After they and her brother die, Sara is approached by the alien resistance who can take her back in time. All she knows is that she must keep her brother, Gabe, alive until morning or the human race will be lost forever. After multiple tries and watching her brother and friends die in a number of gruesome ways, Sara is down to her last chance and determined to do everything differently.
The book primarily follows Sara on this final chance. This book was impossible to put down and gave me so many chills. The aliens are intensely creepy and frightening, and I completely got the thriller feel from the way they hunted Sara/Gabe plus the way the killed so many people. As for the characters, I really got into Sara and Justin, her long-time crush and friend who is a "Jenny" (a Genetic or genetically modified IVF person who was created by the military and then never used). The rest of the friends were more secondary. Natalie and Carla seemed pretty interesting, but I didn't get a good feel for Billy or even Gabe. I would have liked to get into the characters more, but with the pulse-pounding action and danger at every turn, I could see why there just wasn't time to do so.
The future presented here also seems pretty interesting, but we only get tidbits due to the more pressing alien invasion. I am definitely hoping to learn more in future books. The ending has some closure but the overall story definitely needs at least one more book- there's a bit of a cliffhanger. I would most certainly like to continue reading, and I absolutely enjoyed/devoured this new book. It was so intense and good- which is why I finished it in less than a day. I highly recommend!
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Sara is a teenager who is hanging out with her friends and brother when the aliens arrive. After they and her brother die, Sara is approached by the alien resistance who can take her back in time. All she knows is that she must keep her brother, Gabe, alive until morning or the human race will be lost forever. After multiple tries and watching her brother and friends die in a number of gruesome ways, Sara is down to her last chance and determined to do everything differently.
The book primarily follows Sara on this final chance. This book was impossible to put down and gave me so many chills. The aliens are intensely creepy and frightening, and I completely got the thriller feel from the way they hunted Sara/Gabe plus the way the killed so many people. As for the characters, I really got into Sara and Justin, her long-time crush and friend who is a "Jenny" (a Genetic or genetically modified IVF person who was created by the military and then never used). The rest of the friends were more secondary. Natalie and Carla seemed pretty interesting, but I didn't get a good feel for Billy or even Gabe. I would have liked to get into the characters more, but with the pulse-pounding action and danger at every turn, I could see why there just wasn't time to do so.
The future presented here also seems pretty interesting, but we only get tidbits due to the more pressing alien invasion. I am definitely hoping to learn more in future books. The ending has some closure but the overall story definitely needs at least one more book- there's a bit of a cliffhanger. I would most certainly like to continue reading, and I absolutely enjoyed/devoured this new book. It was so intense and good- which is why I finished it in less than a day. I highly recommend!
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2018
Thank you to netgalley and Entangled Teen for the review copy in exchange for an honest review
A book with a gorgeous cover and an interesting plot where we need to save one person that will save us all. I love those kinds of plots. Unfortunately I did not get a whole lot more from this book than this. I rarely rate books 1 star, and it feels harsh, but I didn’t enjoy any part of this book and I would be lying if I did. I only finished this as it is an arc and it was only 160 pages on my ereader.
The book starts us off with a prologue where our main character Sara, tells us about the invasion, about being contacted by one of the aliens who is in the resistance and how she accepts his help to save her brother. She went through 14 time travels where she failed. Than we get thrown into the story.
At that point I became confused because we got so little on the world building. This story is set in our future and apparently we are doing pretty bad because of another depression. But I’d like a bit more than that. There are also all kinds of technology that get thrown at us and that doesn’t really get explained all that well. Like skintags. I have no grasp on this future of us and since it isn’t too far into the future you’d think filling in the blanks for us wouldn’t be so hard.
The valiant, the ship that goes that launches on the day of the invasion, apparently triggers the invasion. How? Why? No answers. We know nothing of the Valiant except that it launched. But it is the title of the book… Why does Sara’s brother need to be saved? Where is the rest of the resistance? What does the Xua want? What did we do that they want to kills us all? How does the time travelling work? I have so many questions and I got answers to none of them.
Adding onto that, I don’t think the writing was stellar. There is a lot of tell and no show, the whole prologue being a prime example of that. It tries to be action packed but I was bored throughout reading the entire book. Romance also takes a bit of a centre stage but there was no real chemistry on the page. I didn’t care for any of the characters because they were so flat.
I could go on but this book needs a LOT of work to work. However I will say that I seem to be the odd one out here and there are a lot of positive reviews for this book on goodreads.
A book with a gorgeous cover and an interesting plot where we need to save one person that will save us all. I love those kinds of plots. Unfortunately I did not get a whole lot more from this book than this. I rarely rate books 1 star, and it feels harsh, but I didn’t enjoy any part of this book and I would be lying if I did. I only finished this as it is an arc and it was only 160 pages on my ereader.
The book starts us off with a prologue where our main character Sara, tells us about the invasion, about being contacted by one of the aliens who is in the resistance and how she accepts his help to save her brother. She went through 14 time travels where she failed. Than we get thrown into the story.
At that point I became confused because we got so little on the world building. This story is set in our future and apparently we are doing pretty bad because of another depression. But I’d like a bit more than that. There are also all kinds of technology that get thrown at us and that doesn’t really get explained all that well. Like skintags. I have no grasp on this future of us and since it isn’t too far into the future you’d think filling in the blanks for us wouldn’t be so hard.
The valiant, the ship that goes that launches on the day of the invasion, apparently triggers the invasion. How? Why? No answers. We know nothing of the Valiant except that it launched. But it is the title of the book… Why does Sara’s brother need to be saved? Where is the rest of the resistance? What does the Xua want? What did we do that they want to kills us all? How does the time travelling work? I have so many questions and I got answers to none of them.
Adding onto that, I don’t think the writing was stellar. There is a lot of tell and no show, the whole prologue being a prime example of that. It tries to be action packed but I was bored throughout reading the entire book. Romance also takes a bit of a centre stage but there was no real chemistry on the page. I didn’t care for any of the characters because they were so flat.
I could go on but this book needs a LOT of work to work. However I will say that I seem to be the odd one out here and there are a lot of positive reviews for this book on goodreads.
October 9, 2018
I received this advance copy from the author through Netgalley.
Merrie Destefano has produced yet another galloping, heart stopping adventure.
Most of the world is excited about the space mission to Titan. It is supposed to save the world – but Sara knows better. She knows the launch of the Valiant triggers an alien invasion that destroys life on earth. She knows because she’s been fighting this invasion over and over and over again, and every time her brother dies, her life is reset to this day to try again.
Valiant is Edge of Tomorrow in a post-apocalyptic future, and Destefano’s Sara has the grit of Sarah O’Connor as she fights to save the people she loves.
Merrie Destefano has produced yet another galloping, heart stopping adventure.
Most of the world is excited about the space mission to Titan. It is supposed to save the world – but Sara knows better. She knows the launch of the Valiant triggers an alien invasion that destroys life on earth. She knows because she’s been fighting this invasion over and over and over again, and every time her brother dies, her life is reset to this day to try again.
Valiant is Edge of Tomorrow in a post-apocalyptic future, and Destefano’s Sara has the grit of Sarah O’Connor as she fights to save the people she loves.
October 23, 2018
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Valiant was a pretty interesting book to dive into. It could've had more world building but since it gave me so much action and it was pretty fast paced - I overlooked it. In this book, you will see aliens (Xua) invading earth countless times. Now if this sort of sounds like something you've read or watched before.. it probably does. For example, Heroes or The Host. However, it also adds some time travel into it.
Besides all of that, you meet Sara and Gabe. They are brother and sister and of course this whole alien invasion happens because of them. Mostly Gabe.. but after 16-ish times of trying to save the world, her friends, and Gabe.. he finally gets away. Alive, but taken away. Shit basically hits the fans because the aliens are attacking the parents and not the kids. They are also trying to catch Gabe and it was one thing that I still don't understand why. Once they realize they can't get him, they go after Sara - which again, very puzzling.
The entire time I wanted to know what was so god damn important about Gabe or Sarah. I also wanted to know why these aliens were invading these people anyways. What's so special about earth? These things can time travel.. they can go anywhere - like to visit the dinosaurs or something.
Overall, the Xua were pretty interesting. I really want to know more about them so I hope there's going to be another book. Then there's the whole backstabbing shit from Billy and Justin (who I know I didn't acknowledge earlier in this review because if I did - I would rant!). I still want to know why the heck Gabe is so important to everything and I hope to get my answers sooner rather than later.
Valiant was a pretty interesting book to dive into. It could've had more world building but since it gave me so much action and it was pretty fast paced - I overlooked it. In this book, you will see aliens (Xua) invading earth countless times. Now if this sort of sounds like something you've read or watched before.. it probably does. For example, Heroes or The Host. However, it also adds some time travel into it.
Besides all of that, you meet Sara and Gabe. They are brother and sister and of course this whole alien invasion happens because of them. Mostly Gabe.. but after 16-ish times of trying to save the world, her friends, and Gabe.. he finally gets away. Alive, but taken away. Shit basically hits the fans because the aliens are attacking the parents and not the kids. They are also trying to catch Gabe and it was one thing that I still don't understand why. Once they realize they can't get him, they go after Sara - which again, very puzzling.
The entire time I wanted to know what was so god damn important about Gabe or Sarah. I also wanted to know why these aliens were invading these people anyways. What's so special about earth? These things can time travel.. they can go anywhere - like to visit the dinosaurs or something.
Overall, the Xua were pretty interesting. I really want to know more about them so I hope there's going to be another book. Then there's the whole backstabbing shit from Billy and Justin (who I know I didn't acknowledge earlier in this review because if I did - I would rant!). I still want to know why the heck Gabe is so important to everything and I hope to get my answers sooner rather than later.
June 1, 2019
Alien invasion + time travel = something I would definitely read.
Valiant tells the story of 17-year old Sara who is given the task of pretty much saving the world. When her world is invaded by killer aliens, someone from the future whisks her through time and gives her one task - save her little brother. It was very Heroesesque, "Save the cheerleader, save the world". Anyway, Sara soon finds that it's not as easy as she thinks and this time jump may be her last.
I really enjoyed this cast of characters. Sara, for the most part, was level-headed and smart. She loved her brother and would do anything to save him and I really got that from her. There were just a few times where she was too busy mooning over swoonworthy Justin that I tended to stray from her. She was surrounded by her friends: Justin, Natalie and Billy. All three of them added a different element to the story that just rounded out the characters well. Although I will say, I don't think this book needed the romance aspect as heavily mentioned as it was. The action spoke loudly on it's own.
What I did find lacking was world building and answers. Obviously, since there's more books in the series, I'm not getting answers until those come out. But I felt the world could have been used better. It takes place in our future so it's obviously different, but things are never really explained why they are. We are just to accept this is how it is and understand the "lingo" of this world. Then there were the aliens themselves. So much mystery surrounding them all with zero payoff. So hopefully the sequel goes a little more in depth.
Overall, I enjoyed it. The ending was sort of a cliffy so I'm obviously reading the sequel. Hopefully it comes out soon!
Valiant tells the story of 17-year old Sara who is given the task of pretty much saving the world. When her world is invaded by killer aliens, someone from the future whisks her through time and gives her one task - save her little brother. It was very Heroesesque, "Save the cheerleader, save the world". Anyway, Sara soon finds that it's not as easy as she thinks and this time jump may be her last.
I really enjoyed this cast of characters. Sara, for the most part, was level-headed and smart. She loved her brother and would do anything to save him and I really got that from her. There were just a few times where she was too busy mooning over swoonworthy Justin that I tended to stray from her. She was surrounded by her friends: Justin, Natalie and Billy. All three of them added a different element to the story that just rounded out the characters well. Although I will say, I don't think this book needed the romance aspect as heavily mentioned as it was. The action spoke loudly on it's own.
What I did find lacking was world building and answers. Obviously, since there's more books in the series, I'm not getting answers until those come out. But I felt the world could have been used better. It takes place in our future so it's obviously different, but things are never really explained why they are. We are just to accept this is how it is and understand the "lingo" of this world. Then there were the aliens themselves. So much mystery surrounding them all with zero payoff. So hopefully the sequel goes a little more in depth.
Overall, I enjoyed it. The ending was sort of a cliffy so I'm obviously reading the sequel. Hopefully it comes out soon!
November 27, 2018
The full review + more can be found at The Book Bratz
*Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the advanced copy for review!!*
Quite honestly, Valiant is one of the most intriguing and fast paced science fiction books I have read in a long time. Don't get me wrong I have read books that have had me feeling like I was a part of that world but Valiant had a different feel. From page one Valiant takes off and doesn't slow down for a moment. Valiant was a page turner that had me flying through the pages with my heart pounding to find out what was going to happen next.
I liked Sara's character a lot she was smart and insightful. Sara is an average teenage girl that is just trying to survive in the near future and keep her friends and family safe. Valiant was suppose to save the earth but instead it opened the door to the Xua invasion. But out of the millions of people in the world Sara's younger brother Gabe is the key to saving the world. In the first invasion Sara watches as all her friends die and Gabe is killed, but an Xua rebel rescues Sara and shows her the secret of time travel and soon Sara has relived the same horrible invasion over 14 times. This time this is the last time to save the world though and Sara will do everything in how power to keep Gabe and her friends alive. Even the boy she is finding herself falling in love with.
As much as I liked Valiant I do wish there was more world building. There are still a lot of questions about the world currently, where the Valiant was traveling too, where the Xua are exactly from. I also wish the genetic manipulation program that Justin was a part of before his birth was expanded upon, it peaked my interest. The whole book revolves around Sara and Gabe and keeping Gabe safe from the Xua who are hunting him. But you never actually learn why Gabe and Sara are so important to the Xua.
Besides the world building I really enjoyed Valiant. I found Sara to be a relatable character and I was easily able to put myself into her shoes. As I said from the first page to the last Valiant doesn't stop. Each page is action packed and full of twists and turns that will leave you entranced until the very last page. Considering the ending I am really eager to have my questions to answered in the next book. Book 2, where you at?
*Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the advanced copy for review!!*
Quite honestly, Valiant is one of the most intriguing and fast paced science fiction books I have read in a long time. Don't get me wrong I have read books that have had me feeling like I was a part of that world but Valiant had a different feel. From page one Valiant takes off and doesn't slow down for a moment. Valiant was a page turner that had me flying through the pages with my heart pounding to find out what was going to happen next.
I liked Sara's character a lot she was smart and insightful. Sara is an average teenage girl that is just trying to survive in the near future and keep her friends and family safe. Valiant was suppose to save the earth but instead it opened the door to the Xua invasion. But out of the millions of people in the world Sara's younger brother Gabe is the key to saving the world. In the first invasion Sara watches as all her friends die and Gabe is killed, but an Xua rebel rescues Sara and shows her the secret of time travel and soon Sara has relived the same horrible invasion over 14 times. This time this is the last time to save the world though and Sara will do everything in how power to keep Gabe and her friends alive. Even the boy she is finding herself falling in love with.
As much as I liked Valiant I do wish there was more world building. There are still a lot of questions about the world currently, where the Valiant was traveling too, where the Xua are exactly from. I also wish the genetic manipulation program that Justin was a part of before his birth was expanded upon, it peaked my interest. The whole book revolves around Sara and Gabe and keeping Gabe safe from the Xua who are hunting him. But you never actually learn why Gabe and Sara are so important to the Xua.
Besides the world building I really enjoyed Valiant. I found Sara to be a relatable character and I was easily able to put myself into her shoes. As I said from the first page to the last Valiant doesn't stop. Each page is action packed and full of twists and turns that will leave you entranced until the very last page. Considering the ending I am really eager to have my questions to answered in the next book. Book 2, where you at?
November 12, 2018
#Valiant #NetGalley
publisher synopsis: The Valiant was supposed to save us. Instead, it triggered the end of the world.
Earth is in shambles. Everyone, even the poorest among us, invested in the Valiant’s space mining mission in the hopes we’d be saved from ourselves. But the second the ship leaves Earth’s atmosphere, our fate is sealed. The alien invasion begins. They pour into cities around the world through time portals, possessing humans, forcing us to kill one another.
And for whatever reason, my brother is their number one target.
Now the fate of the world lies in the hands of me, a seventeen-year-old girl, but with the help of my best friend, Justin—who’s suddenly starting to feel like more—maybe if we save my brother, we can save us all…
Webs upon webs of mystery and lives upon lives interwoven within them. This novel is so complex, that it has taken me awhile to write a review, and honestly I am still trying to figure out some of the angles and still trying to make since of some of the things that happen. I need the next novel!!!
Great book, one that leaves you continually trying to figure out all the angles.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
publisher synopsis: The Valiant was supposed to save us. Instead, it triggered the end of the world.
Earth is in shambles. Everyone, even the poorest among us, invested in the Valiant’s space mining mission in the hopes we’d be saved from ourselves. But the second the ship leaves Earth’s atmosphere, our fate is sealed. The alien invasion begins. They pour into cities around the world through time portals, possessing humans, forcing us to kill one another.
And for whatever reason, my brother is their number one target.
Now the fate of the world lies in the hands of me, a seventeen-year-old girl, but with the help of my best friend, Justin—who’s suddenly starting to feel like more—maybe if we save my brother, we can save us all…
Webs upon webs of mystery and lives upon lives interwoven within them. This novel is so complex, that it has taken me awhile to write a review, and honestly I am still trying to figure out some of the angles and still trying to make since of some of the things that happen. I need the next novel!!!
Great book, one that leaves you continually trying to figure out all the angles.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
November 18, 2018
I received a free copy from Entangled Teen for my honest review.
This book was a fast-paced, sci-fi adventure! Every chapter ended with raised stakes or a new mystery, so it held my attention all the way through. I actually finished it in one day. :)
Some favorite things about the book:
-I enjoy reading YA books that have a positive sibling relationship and I thought it was really sweet that Sara would have been protective of her brother Gabe even if the fate of the world didn't hang on his fate.
-The aliens, the Xua, were frightening in their inescapability and interesting in their motivations. Enough was hinted at to make me curious about their backstory, how they view us, and what their end game is. I can't wait to find out more.
I look forward to the next book as I really want to see what happens with Gabe and the others. I'm also really curious about the Xua, especially Aerithin, and hope we get to learn more about them soon!
If you want an adrenaline-filled, futuristic story with fascinating/scary aliens, I recommend Valiant. :)
This book was a fast-paced, sci-fi adventure! Every chapter ended with raised stakes or a new mystery, so it held my attention all the way through. I actually finished it in one day. :)
Some favorite things about the book:
-I enjoy reading YA books that have a positive sibling relationship and I thought it was really sweet that Sara would have been protective of her brother Gabe even if the fate of the world didn't hang on his fate.
-The aliens, the Xua, were frightening in their inescapability and interesting in their motivations. Enough was hinted at to make me curious about their backstory, how they view us, and what their end game is. I can't wait to find out more.
I look forward to the next book as I really want to see what happens with Gabe and the others. I'm also really curious about the Xua, especially Aerithin, and hope we get to learn more about them soon!
If you want an adrenaline-filled, futuristic story with fascinating/scary aliens, I recommend Valiant. :)
December 21, 2018
5 stars ⭐️ Take a really deep breath before you dive into this book because there’s non-stop action, adventure and excitement from page one! Valiant is a gripping and original YA sci-fi novel about an alien invasion, time travel, unlikely heroes and friendship. I could not put this book down and didn’t want it end (maybe I could travel back in time to read again for the first time!?!)
I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel. Until then I’m keeping my mouth closed and staying Valiant! ✌️
I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel. Until then I’m keeping my mouth closed and staying Valiant! ✌️
Currently reading
December 18, 2018reading and loving this right now!
December 9, 2018
https://celebrityreaders.com/2018/12/...
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3 stars — OK, I know this is going to sound childish, but I’m not a fan of not knowing ahead of time if a book is going to be the first of a series or a standalone. Does it matter in the end? I suppose not. But I find if I think it’s a standalone (as I had with this one), as I get closer and closer to the end, I begin to panic wondering how it’s all going to get resolved in the end. The answer? It doesn’t. So for anyone else like me: this is the start of a series. Or at least, there is no resolution to the overall plot at the end.
So hmmmm…this one had potential, and there were definitely aspects that I enjoyed. But it also suffered from being a bit confusing in places (especially if you pay attention to details). In particular, the whole time travel aspect was confusing. OK, so this is her like 15th try…but how far back in time does she go for each do-over? Because she makes it sound like she’s been doing this forever, but the impression I get from the last jump is that she jumps in a day or two before the Valiant event. And she always fails, which means she doesn’t keep her brother alive until morning. So that’s like 15-30 days. The way Sara talks about it, it seems like years. It was just inconsistent.
And holy action Batman. I felt like we barely ever got any breathers. I like the breathers, b/c that’s when we get character development and all the things that are most important to me in a story. We got glimpses, but I’m not sure I could tell you who Sara was outside the context of the alien invasion.
And for all that happened, it also kind of felt like nothing happened. Just a lot of encounters with the Xua. We did learn things now and again, but it felt a bit repetitive in the end.
Gah. This is sounding so negative! It’s just that I got to the end of the story and I was so disappointed with my lack of answers, that I guess I’m focusing on that. I did enjoy the little bit of romance we got with Justin and Sara…Justin was super sweet. I did appreciate the strange futuristic world that was described, even if I was a bit disturbed with all the drugs and violence and gangs and stuff. And even though I didn’t learn nearly enough about them, I liked the range of secondary characters we got: Natalie, Justin, Gabe, Anna, and Carla.
Honestly, I couldn’t help but think of the Terminator through most of it. And in the end, I’m not sure I was sucked in enough to continue on and get answers. I’d need a more balanced story in order to invest.
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3 stars — OK, I know this is going to sound childish, but I’m not a fan of not knowing ahead of time if a book is going to be the first of a series or a standalone. Does it matter in the end? I suppose not. But I find if I think it’s a standalone (as I had with this one), as I get closer and closer to the end, I begin to panic wondering how it’s all going to get resolved in the end. The answer? It doesn’t. So for anyone else like me: this is the start of a series. Or at least, there is no resolution to the overall plot at the end.
So hmmmm…this one had potential, and there were definitely aspects that I enjoyed. But it also suffered from being a bit confusing in places (especially if you pay attention to details). In particular, the whole time travel aspect was confusing. OK, so this is her like 15th try…but how far back in time does she go for each do-over? Because she makes it sound like she’s been doing this forever, but the impression I get from the last jump is that she jumps in a day or two before the Valiant event. And she always fails, which means she doesn’t keep her brother alive until morning. So that’s like 15-30 days. The way Sara talks about it, it seems like years. It was just inconsistent.
And holy action Batman. I felt like we barely ever got any breathers. I like the breathers, b/c that’s when we get character development and all the things that are most important to me in a story. We got glimpses, but I’m not sure I could tell you who Sara was outside the context of the alien invasion.
And for all that happened, it also kind of felt like nothing happened. Just a lot of encounters with the Xua. We did learn things now and again, but it felt a bit repetitive in the end.
Gah. This is sounding so negative! It’s just that I got to the end of the story and I was so disappointed with my lack of answers, that I guess I’m focusing on that. I did enjoy the little bit of romance we got with Justin and Sara…Justin was super sweet. I did appreciate the strange futuristic world that was described, even if I was a bit disturbed with all the drugs and violence and gangs and stuff. And even though I didn’t learn nearly enough about them, I liked the range of secondary characters we got: Natalie, Justin, Gabe, Anna, and Carla.
Honestly, I couldn’t help but think of the Terminator through most of it. And in the end, I’m not sure I was sucked in enough to continue on and get answers. I’d need a more balanced story in order to invest.
January 18, 2019
Quite honestly, VALIANT is one of the most intriguing and fast-paced science fiction books I have read in a long time. Don't get me wrong, I have read books that have had me feeling like I was a part of that world but VALIANT had a different feel. From page one VALIANT takes off and doesn't slow down for a moment. VALIANT was a page turner that had me flying through the pages with my heart pounding to find out what was going to happen next.
I liked Sara's character a lot, as she was smart and insightful. Sara is an average teenage girl who is just trying to survive in the near future and keep her friends and family safe. Valiant was supposed to save the earth but instead it opened the door to the Xua invasion. But out of the millions of people in the world, Sara's younger brother, Gabe, is the key to saving the world.
In the first invasion Sara watches as all her friends die and Gabe is killed, but an Xua rebel rescues Sara and shows her the secret of time travel and soon Sara has relived the same horrible invasion over 14 times. This time this is the last time to save the world though and Sara will do everything in how power to keep Gabe and her friends alive --- even the boy she is finding herself falling in love with.
As much as I liked VALIANT I do wish there was more world building. There are still a lot of questions about the world currently, like where the Valiant was traveling to and where the Xua are exactly from. I also wish the genetic manipulation program that Justin was a part of before his birth was expanded upon, as it peaked my interest. The whole book revolves around Sara and Gabe and keeping Gabe safe from the Xua who are hunting him. But you never actually learn why Gabe and Sara are so important to the Xua.
Besides the world building, I really enjoyed VALIANT. I found Sara to be a relatable character and I was easily able to put myself into her shoes. As I said from the first page to the last VALIANT doesn't stop. Each page is action-packed and full of twists and turns that will leave you entranced until the very last page. Considering the ending, I am really eager to have my questions answered in the next book. Book 2, where you at?
I liked Sara's character a lot, as she was smart and insightful. Sara is an average teenage girl who is just trying to survive in the near future and keep her friends and family safe. Valiant was supposed to save the earth but instead it opened the door to the Xua invasion. But out of the millions of people in the world, Sara's younger brother, Gabe, is the key to saving the world.
In the first invasion Sara watches as all her friends die and Gabe is killed, but an Xua rebel rescues Sara and shows her the secret of time travel and soon Sara has relived the same horrible invasion over 14 times. This time this is the last time to save the world though and Sara will do everything in how power to keep Gabe and her friends alive --- even the boy she is finding herself falling in love with.
As much as I liked VALIANT I do wish there was more world building. There are still a lot of questions about the world currently, like where the Valiant was traveling to and where the Xua are exactly from. I also wish the genetic manipulation program that Justin was a part of before his birth was expanded upon, as it peaked my interest. The whole book revolves around Sara and Gabe and keeping Gabe safe from the Xua who are hunting him. But you never actually learn why Gabe and Sara are so important to the Xua.
Besides the world building, I really enjoyed VALIANT. I found Sara to be a relatable character and I was easily able to put myself into her shoes. As I said from the first page to the last VALIANT doesn't stop. Each page is action-packed and full of twists and turns that will leave you entranced until the very last page. Considering the ending, I am really eager to have my questions answered in the next book. Book 2, where you at?
October 3, 2018
Do you know what Valiant would be great as? A DCOM. But not the current ones. I mean like back when they made movies such as Zenon, Stepsister From Planet Weird, and Jett Jackson.
Valiant was an okay read. I felt it lacked in world building. While the story felt futuristic, I didn't really get a read on the era. And I think it tried to do too much. Was it about aliens (who reminded me of The Host)? Was it about time travel? Heroes (as in the tv show)? Or was it a romance? Also why was the Valiant so important besides being the thing?
I hope this is the start of a series because I would love to have the story and universe expanded on. Give me some Xua alien backstory. Give me some Justin backstory. Show me, don't tell me.
*I received a review copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.*
Valiant was an okay read. I felt it lacked in world building. While the story felt futuristic, I didn't really get a read on the era. And I think it tried to do too much. Was it about aliens (who reminded me of The Host)? Was it about time travel? Heroes (as in the tv show)? Or was it a romance? Also why was the Valiant so important besides being the thing?
I hope this is the start of a series because I would love to have the story and universe expanded on. Give me some Xua alien backstory. Give me some Justin backstory. Show me, don't tell me.
*I received a review copy from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.*
November 16, 2018
Fast read, science-fiction/mystery/thriller. This was a good one if you enjoy adventure. I am a fan of Destefano and was happy to read this arc. Good action but would have liked a little more romance. Will be the kind of book my students who enjoy a science fiction read will enjoy. Than you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 22, 2019
I started reading this book knowing it was a stand-alone story. Unfortunately, it seems to have a sequel. Or i must say, it SHOULD have a sequel... Because if there's none, i'd be totally pissed!
Love the characters, the plot (with a twist), the love between Sara and Justin, and everything else...
I'm really hoping there's a part two of this book. Thanks!
Love the characters, the plot (with a twist), the love between Sara and Justin, and everything else...
I'm really hoping there's a part two of this book. Thanks!
October 22, 2018
I really enjoyed the sci-fi of this one. Romance was very slight. Lots of action. Open ended for next book. Sara was a great main character. Not too perfect and not whiny. Some twists in this one. Can't wait for next book.
January 7, 2019
Loved this edge-of-your seat and end-of-the world adventure! With romance, aliens, and high-intensity battles, this sci-fi story delivers a punch.
December 4, 2018
** Review can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ **
Sara and her friends are just as excited as the rest of the world's population to see the Valiant space ship launch since it gives them hope for a better future. But when it launches, the alien invasion will begin which will wipe out almost everyone. But Sara already knows that, because she has lived this over and over again. With the help of a rebel alien, she has traveled through time to attempt to stop the death of the one person who can save humanity- her younger brother Gabe. If she can just save him, she can save the world.
I was really excited to discover that Valiant was a mix of time travel and aliens, two things that are almost never put together and bring me joy- it was kind of like Doctor Who but instead of the tardis there was a giant fiery beast and instead of a useful sonic screwdriver there was a deadly laser switchblade, and instead of feel good lessons there was destruction and violence- and basically everyone dies...ok, so not so much Doctor Who, but the time travel and aliens match up. And as all good alien invasion stories, this was very much a gritty survival book, full of death and gore as well as angst and overwhelming sorrow. Don't expect unicorns and rainbows here, but instead an intense non-stop action read that you will not want to put down until you reach the very end.
Valiant is the second book I have read by Merrie and she has proven that she can write mystery thrillers as well as science fiction equally as fantastic, the one thing she does especially well is making compelling, realistic characters no matter the plot. We have this normal, unassuming girl Sara, who basically has the weight of the world on her completely unprepared shoulders. She tries and plots and plans, but nothing goes right and she has to deal with the heart-wrenching consequences of her bad choices over and over again. Would you be able to keep going when everyone dear to you was murdered in front of your eyes- over and over? Yeah, that would be grounds for a mental break I think, but Sara has her big girl panties on and deals- and I appreciated that. The few times she has break downs and irrational behavior are warranted.
The ending had a lot of surprises as well as terrible shocks and a ton of unanswered questions. I really hope this is the first in a series because even if the battle may be over, the war has really just started.
Sara and her friends are just as excited as the rest of the world's population to see the Valiant space ship launch since it gives them hope for a better future. But when it launches, the alien invasion will begin which will wipe out almost everyone. But Sara already knows that, because she has lived this over and over again. With the help of a rebel alien, she has traveled through time to attempt to stop the death of the one person who can save humanity- her younger brother Gabe. If she can just save him, she can save the world.
I was really excited to discover that Valiant was a mix of time travel and aliens, two things that are almost never put together and bring me joy- it was kind of like Doctor Who but instead of the tardis there was a giant fiery beast and instead of a useful sonic screwdriver there was a deadly laser switchblade, and instead of feel good lessons there was destruction and violence- and basically everyone dies...ok, so not so much Doctor Who, but the time travel and aliens match up. And as all good alien invasion stories, this was very much a gritty survival book, full of death and gore as well as angst and overwhelming sorrow. Don't expect unicorns and rainbows here, but instead an intense non-stop action read that you will not want to put down until you reach the very end.
Valiant is the second book I have read by Merrie and she has proven that she can write mystery thrillers as well as science fiction equally as fantastic, the one thing she does especially well is making compelling, realistic characters no matter the plot. We have this normal, unassuming girl Sara, who basically has the weight of the world on her completely unprepared shoulders. She tries and plots and plans, but nothing goes right and she has to deal with the heart-wrenching consequences of her bad choices over and over again. Would you be able to keep going when everyone dear to you was murdered in front of your eyes- over and over? Yeah, that would be grounds for a mental break I think, but Sara has her big girl panties on and deals- and I appreciated that. The few times she has break downs and irrational behavior are warranted.
The ending had a lot of surprises as well as terrible shocks and a ton of unanswered questions. I really hope this is the first in a series because even if the battle may be over, the war has really just started.
November 9, 2018
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
It is 2037 and the world has changed a bit. We have a second depression going on, we have had government programs in which so called genetics were bred for war and we are launching a space ship called Valiant on a space mining mission to a planet called Titan. As soon as Valiant is launched we are in trouble; Earth is invaded by an alien race called the Xua and they are here to kill and destroy. Our main character Sara is the one person who can save the world, all she has to do is to keep her brother alive until sunrise. Seems easy enough right?
There are a lot of things I like about this book, but there are also a couple big things I didn’t really like as much. Let’s get into it.
The beginning of the book got my attention immediately. A lot happens in the first few pages (space travel, alien invasion, time travel or as I read it yes, yaaaaaas, YAAAAAS). As a result of this, the beginning of this book also felt very rushed. Everything happens insanely fast and there seems to be hardly any context to the story.
After this the story never slows down. If you want action packed, this is it. The invasion is relentless and Sara never gives up. As a main character she is great. I liked that she tries her best and actually thinks about everything she does. There are no stupid, unnecessary decisions, which made relating to Sara and the story a whole lot easier. Her group of friends is also everything you could possibly wish for.
There were also a couple of elements that I really liked. The genetics, the skin sites and the Xua were all great additions to the story. I do wish we got a bit more information on all of these things. They were all mentioned A LOT, but to me, stayed rather confusing.
This book is action-packed and incredibly fast-paced which meant that sometimes I had a bit of trouble keeping up. I absolutely love the story and I kinda hope this will be a series or a trilogy, but I do wish it was told a bit differently. A bit more explaining here and there would have been great, because I’m still not sure I completely ‘get it’.
It is 2037 and the world has changed a bit. We have a second depression going on, we have had government programs in which so called genetics were bred for war and we are launching a space ship called Valiant on a space mining mission to a planet called Titan. As soon as Valiant is launched we are in trouble; Earth is invaded by an alien race called the Xua and they are here to kill and destroy. Our main character Sara is the one person who can save the world, all she has to do is to keep her brother alive until sunrise. Seems easy enough right?
There are a lot of things I like about this book, but there are also a couple big things I didn’t really like as much. Let’s get into it.
The beginning of the book got my attention immediately. A lot happens in the first few pages (space travel, alien invasion, time travel or as I read it yes, yaaaaaas, YAAAAAS). As a result of this, the beginning of this book also felt very rushed. Everything happens insanely fast and there seems to be hardly any context to the story.
After this the story never slows down. If you want action packed, this is it. The invasion is relentless and Sara never gives up. As a main character she is great. I liked that she tries her best and actually thinks about everything she does. There are no stupid, unnecessary decisions, which made relating to Sara and the story a whole lot easier. Her group of friends is also everything you could possibly wish for.
There were also a couple of elements that I really liked. The genetics, the skin sites and the Xua were all great additions to the story. I do wish we got a bit more information on all of these things. They were all mentioned A LOT, but to me, stayed rather confusing.
This book is action-packed and incredibly fast-paced which meant that sometimes I had a bit of trouble keeping up. I absolutely love the story and I kinda hope this will be a series or a trilogy, but I do wish it was told a bit differently. A bit more explaining here and there would have been great, because I’m still not sure I completely ‘get it’.
November 25, 2018
VALIANT is impossible to put down! This book takes you by the hand and pulls you into an action-packed adventure filled with intriguing characters, fantastic world-building, and one of the most unique species of aliens that I’ve ever read. With its high tension and non-stop action, this book is perfect for fans of THE 5TH WAVE and DIVERGENT.
I was invested in the characters from the first page. You can really feel Sara’s connection to her little brother and her love for him. Although his first death occurs early in the story, the concern I felt for him did not diminish. Knowing that he has already died multiple times before, in a multitude of horrific ways, made me turn the pages even faster, eager to find out if Sara would succeed in saving him one last time.
The story's futuristic world is lushly described, with incredible detail given to its history and social structure. Everything from the vaporizing "white bombs" to the newest drug of choice, Syn-Op, provides a strong sense of a fully realized world.
The Xua are what I loved most about the book. Their concept is utterly amazing, and through Destefano’s descriptive writing, it’s hard not to feel deeply anxious the moment they appear in the story. Everything about them is just so incredible, from the mirror doors to the way they, when in vaporous form, literally claw out of their hosts, leaving disfigured bodies in their wake.
That being said, this is a rather dark book. It takes place during a ruthless alien invasion, and the Xua take no prisoners. However, the gore is handled very well, and at no point in the story does it feel gratuitous. If you want a science fiction novel that explores the devastating impact of war and loss through the lens of an alien invasion, you can’t go wrong with VALIANT!
I was invested in the characters from the first page. You can really feel Sara’s connection to her little brother and her love for him. Although his first death occurs early in the story, the concern I felt for him did not diminish. Knowing that he has already died multiple times before, in a multitude of horrific ways, made me turn the pages even faster, eager to find out if Sara would succeed in saving him one last time.
The story's futuristic world is lushly described, with incredible detail given to its history and social structure. Everything from the vaporizing "white bombs" to the newest drug of choice, Syn-Op, provides a strong sense of a fully realized world.
The Xua are what I loved most about the book. Their concept is utterly amazing, and through Destefano’s descriptive writing, it’s hard not to feel deeply anxious the moment they appear in the story. Everything about them is just so incredible, from the mirror doors to the way they, when in vaporous form, literally claw out of their hosts, leaving disfigured bodies in their wake.
That being said, this is a rather dark book. It takes place during a ruthless alien invasion, and the Xua take no prisoners. However, the gore is handled very well, and at no point in the story does it feel gratuitous. If you want a science fiction novel that explores the devastating impact of war and loss through the lens of an alien invasion, you can’t go wrong with VALIANT!
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