VALIANT LADIES was such a fun adventure that surprised me at every turns. Not only does this book meld together elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and murder mystery novels, but it improves on them by breathing some much needed life into it. Melissa Grey has crafted compelling and endearing characters in Ana and Kiki, and I really enjoyed seeing them grow as characters and challenge one another throughout the novel. Both of their POVs were enjoyable to read and you can't walk away unconvinced of their love for each other. I loved the setting and how Grey brings to life the beauty of 17th century Peru but also the darker sides of this time period. This book is fearless in taking on the evils of colonialism and patriarchy, as fearless as the Valiant Ladies themselves. The plot was the perfect blend of action and intrigue and I found myself surprised by the turns this book took at times, which for me, is a compliment of the highest order. I really enjoyed reading this book and the narrators did a wonderful job with it.

Valiant Ladies in an anachronistic revenge story about two young ladies in Peru, inspired by real women in history.

This was a good story overall, but the anachronism brought me out of the story several times. I wish it had been purely historical fiction that stayed true to the time period.

The love stories were the most fully fleshed out aspects of the story and I loved them but I wish the same care had been shown to the rest of the story.

The narration of the audiobook is fantastic. Both narrators bring life to the characters and it was a treat to listen to them.

I would recommend this for young adult readers who are new or hesitant to read historical fiction and readers looking for LGBT+ love stories.

I have never read anything by Grey before so I was unsure what to expect but this book was really good. The concept wasn't the most original but the execution was amazing. The main characters were great and I was rooting for them the whole time. I legitimately couldn't get enough of this book. I would definitely recommend this

Thank you to Feiwel Friends and NetGalley for the advanced electronic audio copy of this book. I enjoyed this adventure murder mystery. Great historical characters that are written well.

Rep: Spanish-Peruvian sapphic MC, biracial Dutch-Peruvian (indigenous) lesbian MC, Spanish SC with gout who uses a walking aid, mute Peruvian female SC who uses sign language, Spanish and Peruvian cast

This book said we’re strong women who don’t need no man, and I love that. It’s set in the 17th century Peru. The two main characters are proper ladies by day, and badass vigilantes fighting to bring down the patriarchy by night. They don’t take shit from men. They’re both headstrong idiots secretly in love pining over each other. It’s the best friends to lovers and forbidden love tropes.

I liked the brother and I’m sad he died. (And no this isn’t a spoiler it’s in the blurb lol) The dad was decent. A lot of times in fantasy/royalty the parents suck, so they plan to overthrow them, but that wasn't the case here. (he did force his daughter into betrothal, but that's more because of the time period) It just annoyed me how quick he was to brush off Kiki’s arguments of his son’s murder. He would not listen to her at all. Yes he was grieving, but he was so quick to rule out the possibility even with all the evidence.

I predicted some of the ending, mostly some of the people involved in the murders and disappearances, but there was also a lot I didn’t see coming. It took a few dark turns.

I liked the Peruvian setting, it was a nice change for me. I learned that Kiki and Ana are vaguely based off two real Peruvian vigilante women and their friendship/relationship?? That’s so cool.

Overall, if you like historical fiction and badass sapphic women, give this a read.

The narrators did a good job. The cover is pretty and fits well with the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book