What do you think?
Rate this book
Warriors of Rome #4
Mark of the Gladiator
After an inconvenient display of mercy in the arena, the gladiator Anazâr is pulled from the sands and contracted to nobleman Lucius Marianus to train his new stable of female gladiators. His charges are demoralized and untested, and they bear the marks of abuse. Anazâr has a scant two months to prepare them for the arena, and his new master demands perfection.
Anazâr is surprised by how eager he is to achieve it—far more eager than a man motivated only by self-preservation. Perhaps it’s because Marianus is truly remarkable: handsome, dignified, honorable, and seemingly as attracted to Anazâr as Anazâr is to him.
But a rivalry between Marianus and his brother sparks a murder conspiracy, with Anazâr and his gladiatrices caught in the middle. One brother might offer salvation . . . but which? And in a world where life is worth less than the pleasures of the crowd or the whims of a master, can there be any room for love? As a gladiator, Anazâr's defenses are near impenetrable. But as a man, he learns to his cost that no armor or shield can truly protect his heart.
Anazâr is surprised by how eager he is to achieve it—far more eager than a man motivated only by self-preservation. Perhaps it’s because Marianus is truly remarkable: handsome, dignified, honorable, and seemingly as attracted to Anazâr as Anazâr is to him.
But a rivalry between Marianus and his brother sparks a murder conspiracy, with Anazâr and his gladiatrices caught in the middle. One brother might offer salvation . . . but which? And in a world where life is worth less than the pleasures of the crowd or the whims of a master, can there be any room for love? As a gladiator, Anazâr's defenses are near impenetrable. But as a man, he learns to his cost that no armor or shield can truly protect his heart.
250 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2012
About the author
Heidi Belleau
61 books307 followersHeidi Belleau was born and raised in small town New Brunswick, graduated with a degree in history from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, and now lives outside of Edmonton, Alberta, with her tradesman husband and two kids. A proud bisexual woman, her writing reflects everything she loves: diverse casts of queer characters, a sense of history and place, equal parts witty and filthy dialogue, the occasional mythological twist, and most of all, love—in all its weird and wonderful forms. She is the author of the REAR ENTRANCE VIDEO series, and the co-author of THE BURNT TOAST B&B. Her latest novel DEAD RINGER, co-authored with Sam Schooler, is out now from Riptide Publishing. Her work has been reviewed in PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY, LIBRARY JOURNAL, and BOOKLIST.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 25, 2015
"Anazâr would take this offering, take Felix, seize this moment even if he died on the cross for it later. He was tired of worrying about later. He’d live like he did in the arena, one passionate horrible glorious moment at a time."
Amazing! Fantastic! Totally and absolutely loved it! Why have I not read more from this genre??????? (and I mean ancient-historical one LOL)
The story
After an incident in the arena, Anazâr is contracted by the nobleman Marianus to be the trainer of his female gladiators.
After the horrible treatment he endured with his master, the change in Marianus' dealings with slaves leaves him in gratitude toward his new dominus, even affection. Marianus uses him sexually, and even though he knows he shouldn't, Anazâr is attracted to him, and can't help wanting him.
The gladiatrices are tough to train because they don't trust each other, nor do they trust Anazâr.
But, in time, he does manage to convince them to fight for their lives, even though they have little chance surviving the arena anyway.
After an attempt on Felix, Marianus' brother, things get very complicated in Anazâr's life, mainly because he realises he is attracted to Felix as well, and it brings in question his loyalty.
Will he choose the side with his dominus, the man who can make him free, or will he side with Felix, a man who can make him feel?
“For once, I’m not acting the fool. I have information for you. I’ll tell you everything. And then, once you’ve heard, you can decide . . . you can decide whether I’m worth risking your life for.”
The story - I absolutely loved it! It was dynamic, full of plots and intrigues, and I honestly didn't know in which direction the story or characters would take, in any point of the book!
I was glued to it, read it in one sitting! Some parts had me gasping in shock and some swooning when it was emotional, the action was intense, the battles in the arena, and the final showdown - OMG!!!
The writing - AMAZING! The whole world was depicted in such a way that I saw it all in my head, just wonderful! I thought it would be tough to jump in a historical set in Ancient Rome, but boy it really wasn't hard :) Everything was explained gradually, and there wasn't anything I didn't understand (although the various plots did have my brain working overtime, but that's just my brain's fault :D)
"One kiss turned into another, and another again, hungry starving relief and thankfulness, and best of all he knew Felix felt it too, that perfect clarity and harmony between them that reached beyond everything, everything, even the words of the poets. Beyond joy and sadness, or perhaps encompassing both, allowing Anazâr to consider the most brutal of facts in the light of compassion."
The romance - OMG that part was so unpredictable! Well, it was for me because I didn't remember anything about the book when I started reading it, so I didn't know who was the other guy, but as the story went on, I was rooting for Felix all the way! I just loved them together and boy, the sexy times were H.O.T.!!!!!!
The characters - There were A LOT of them. Honestly, I couldn't remember the names of some gladiatrices even if it killed me. Still don't know them :D But that's just because of the ancient names and all, too difficult to remember (for my poor small brain). I do wish the "bad guys" were a bit moredimensional :D But that's the thing when you've got a shorter book, you can't really dedicate enough time for everyone, and in this book, Anazâr was in the center stage (and I love that)
"A spell, yes. More powerful than anything you could buy at a temple, more powerful than anything you could conjure up even with baths of blood. It transformed them both.
And it was terrifying."
Anazâr and Marianus
Well I have to admit, I was rooting for these two in the beginning of the book :)
Marianus was this extra gorgeus guy, he's Anazâr's new dominus, and treats him way better than the last one.
He uses him sexually, and I know that's because Anazâr is a slave, but it just wasn't right for me. Especially the first BJ scene :D Just something off. But then, there wasn't any romance between them at that time.
Anyway, the thing I noticed about Anazâr and what broke my heart, was the fact that he's gotten used to being a slave so much, he feels gratitude to Marianus for treating him better, ultimately making Marianus a better person than he really is. Because, he's still his master. He still has slaves, and Anazâr is one of them. He still uses him in all ways. That's what broke my heart with Anazâr :( He saw himself as nothing more than a slave, and everyone else just by the way they treated him, even though none of them are so much better.
UGH I don't know if I explained it well, but I hope you get what I mean :D
"Felix could see him as both slave and man, and with that sight, finally free him. Maybe not in the eyes of Roman law, but what did the law matter, really, compared to everything else that made him a slave?"
Anazâr and Felix
Felix... He was pretty annoying in the beginning :D He drank too much and made a fool of himself all the time. He doesn't get along with Marianus, and creates trouble all the way :)
BUT! Bit by bit, the guy just crawled into my heart and I fell in love with him! It came to the point where I wanted more and more scenes with him and Anazâr, and I just wanted them TOGETHER!!!!
I could just go on and on and on, but it would be revealing too much!
Oh and one scene was so sweet OMG <3 When Felix sent him the scroll with a picture of himself because he knew Anazâr couldn't read <3 OMG totally loved that scene!
My only regret here is not enough scenes with those two, especially in the second half of the book :( I just wanted MORE! I am greedy, I know :D
"I have to see your eyes again.
Felix staggered, and his clammy hands clasped Anazâr’s elbows in turn, linking them both together. Then he took a deep breath and raised his eyes, and oh gods, he looked nothing like his brother—everything he was, every tortuous contradiction, was right there on the surface of his face. No barriers, no masks."
My conclusion - this will go to my "best-of-the-best" shelf. I think that says it all :D But still, here's some more, just in case:
Fantastic book, great characters, unpredictable plot and hot-damn-combustible sex!
"Tonight, at least, he’d follow where Felix led. That was the small mercy, that this night would be theirs. The greater mercy would come when Felix left.
And lived."
Now we are free - Lisa Gerrard - Gladiator OST
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owg-Na...
February 14, 2013
Review completed February 14, 2013****Overall rating 4 stars. 3.5 stars for the first half and 4.5 stars for the second half of the story.
After an incident in the arena, Anazâr's lanista (he buys, owns and sells gladiators) is punishing him severely and is sending him to the nobleman Marianus. He's contracted Anazâr to Marianus for a period of two months to train a team of female gladiators. As it is, Anazâr, the loyal and stoic gladiator, is perfect for the task because he is not interested in women, he won't touch them. In fact, he will solely focus on the task to show them how to fight, to kill, and to win in the arena. Though once arrived at Marianus's house, there is more for Anazâr to handle than a group of female gladiators…
First of all let me say it’s not that easy to review MotG without giving away too much. Therefore I had to spoiler tag some parts of my review. It’s up to you IF you really want to be spoiled. I, for one, love to read spoilers…yeah, I know, I am such a tease. Though you don’t have to submit to my well-meant ministrations. *angelic smile* All right, gotta stop now…
Although the first half of Mark of the Gladiator was a little slow for my liking, I did enjoy it, however, the emotionally-engaged-can't-put-the-book-down feeling did infect me during the second half of the plot when the events really seemed to be coming thick and fast. And, I have to admit that the first half was somewhat confusing since I didn't feel the chemistry between Anazâr Truth be told, the sex was too mechanic, a mere act without involving the slightest of emotions. That's the reason I hoping they would develop some kind of chemistry. Anyhow, I'm very glad because it would have been totally wrong on so many levels HUGE SPOILER Long story short, just keep on reading because everything will unfold to your “liking”—at least I hope so.
After I took care of my initial confusion it was obvious who the culprit must be. By this point of the plot the story was very well-paced and much more interesting and I felt absorbed by the characters and the plot. And let's not forget the sex scenes. Yowza! Finally I could feel some great chemistry and there was some hot and passionate men lovin' to savor as well. I can't help but say I loved it! Eventually seeing Anazâr was a real pleasure and I promise you the sparks were flying! Love found a way into their hearts and I was pleased to see that tenacity and perseverance did pay off so well.
Since I'm not a history buff I was slightly surprised to see them playing around with a dildo. But Baba did a Google search and I was even more astonished to find information about Cleopatra using a dildo that was filled with bees. Yup, the buzzing dildo without battery power. As it was, Cleopatra liked to play around with some dangerous little thingie. In conclusion, you never stop learning, that’s for sure.
The story, which was filled with mean (political) intrigues, was truly entertaining. Plus, both authors did a fine job at developing the characters, especially Anazâr and paid attention to detail. Needless to say the writing was very good, absolutely vivid and riveting. Furthermore, the historical setting was the icing on the cake and really appealed to me as well. Another aspect of the plot that I found intriguing were the female gladiators. The fast-paced, thrilling, and rather gory action scene at 79 % had me at the edge of my seat, and I was so rooting for Anazâr and his strong, fearless, and determined gladiatrices.
Make no mistake even though the ending was very poetic, powerful as well as beautiful, there is definitely nothing fluffy about MotG.
Engaging writing, well-drawn characters, a unique setting and some nice twists and turns made Mark of the Gladiator an all around great and enjoyable read. Recommended to readers who are on the lookout for a good M/M historical. Enjoy!
As a side note
Initially I wanted to go more into details but after some serious reflections I decided against it. Don't hold it against me but I would have given away too much.
The time for hate and outrage had passed. Even the bitterest seeds of resentment and despair, sown the day of his capture and watered ever since with an endless string of humiliations and degradations and pain, had dissolved into something else, something there wasn't a name for. Not in any victor's tongue, anyway, and that was all that mattered here.
"Ten lashes for laziness, ten for cowardice, and another ten for disobedience," shouted the lanista's right-hand man.
After an incident in the arena, Anazâr's lanista (he buys, owns and sells gladiators) is punishing him severely and is sending him to the nobleman Marianus. He's contracted Anazâr to Marianus for a period of two months to train a team of female gladiators. As it is, Anazâr, the loyal and stoic gladiator, is perfect for the task because he is not interested in women, he won't touch them. In fact, he will solely focus on the task to show them how to fight, to kill, and to win in the arena. Though once arrived at Marianus's house, there is more for Anazâr to handle than a group of female gladiators…
Anazâr pulled him roughly closer. I'll have the truth from you yet. But the truth had undergone a metamorphosis into something embodied, held warm in his arms. already here for him. Stripped of everything. Everything except…
First of all let me say it’s not that easy to review MotG without giving away too much. Therefore I had to spoiler tag some parts of my review. It’s up to you IF you really want to be spoiled. I, for one, love to read spoilers…yeah, I know, I am such a tease. Though you don’t have to submit to my well-meant ministrations. *angelic smile* All right, gotta stop now…
To submission, to satisfaction. Mine to give, mine to take.
Although the first half of Mark of the Gladiator was a little slow for my liking, I did enjoy it, however, the emotionally-engaged-can't-put-the-book-down feeling did infect me during the second half of the plot when the events really seemed to be coming thick and fast. And, I have to admit that the first half was somewhat confusing since I didn't feel the chemistry between Anazâr Truth be told, the sex was too mechanic, a mere act without involving the slightest of emotions. That's the reason I hoping they would develop some kind of chemistry. Anyhow, I'm very glad because it would have been totally wrong on so many levels HUGE SPOILER Long story short, just keep on reading because everything will unfold to your “liking”—at least I hope so.
He asked me my real name. To know me as a man and not as a slave.
I'll die touching you. That's all I ever asked.
After I took care of my initial confusion it was obvious who the culprit must be. By this point of the plot the story was very well-paced and much more interesting and I felt absorbed by the characters and the plot. And let's not forget the sex scenes. Yowza! Finally I could feel some great chemistry and there was some hot and passionate men lovin' to savor as well. I can't help but say I loved it! Eventually seeing Anazâr was a real pleasure and I promise you the sparks were flying! Love found a way into their hearts and I was pleased to see that tenacity and perseverance did pay off so well.
“Love’s a crazy whore,” he said. “That’s all there is, really.”
Anazâr pinched out the candle flame and joined in darkness, wherever he was, wherever he was going.
Since I'm not a history buff I was slightly surprised to see them playing around with a dildo. But Baba did a Google search and I was even more astonished to find information about Cleopatra using a dildo that was filled with bees. Yup, the buzzing dildo without battery power. As it was, Cleopatra liked to play around with some dangerous little thingie. In conclusion, you never stop learning, that’s for sure.
One kiss turned into another, and another again, hungry starving relief and thankfulness, and best of all he knew felt it too, that perfect clarity and harmony between them that reached beyond everything, everything, even the words of the poets. Beyond joy and sadness, or perhaps encompassing both, allowing Anazâr to consider the most brutal of facts in the light of compassion.
The story, which was filled with mean (political) intrigues, was truly entertaining. Plus, both authors did a fine job at developing the characters, especially Anazâr and paid attention to detail. Needless to say the writing was very good, absolutely vivid and riveting. Furthermore, the historical setting was the icing on the cake and really appealed to me as well. Another aspect of the plot that I found intriguing were the female gladiators. The fast-paced, thrilling, and rather gory action scene at 79 % had me at the edge of my seat, and I was so rooting for Anazâr and his strong, fearless, and determined gladiatrices.
He fell back into his own skin, felt the warm sun beating down on his shoulders, heard the crowd’s chant resounding all throughout this holy space.
Make no mistake even though the ending was very poetic, powerful as well as beautiful, there is definitely nothing fluffy about MotG.
For all he'd witnessed of the world, all the suffering and tragedy and misery, there seemed a wealth of unimaginable happiness and beauty just beyond the edge of his experience. Awaiting him.
So let the snow fall.
He traced the perfect circle of an O, looked up to and smiled.
Engaging writing, well-drawn characters, a unique setting and some nice twists and turns made Mark of the Gladiator an all around great and enjoyable read. Recommended to readers who are on the lookout for a good M/M historical. Enjoy!
As a side note
Initially I wanted to go more into details but after some serious reflections I decided against it. Don't hold it against me but I would have given away too much.
April 18, 2022
This is one of my very rare re-reads. I originally read this book in 2014 during a sightseeing trip to Rome. I remember I specifically looked for gladiator romances back then.
And I found this gem, a beautiful story that I carried with me for the last 8 years and finally decided to revisit again.
Cyrenaicus is a gladiator slave who was captured by Roman soldiers in what would today be the region of Libya.
He and his fellow gladiators fight in the arenas of Rome, trying to survive fight after fight, hoping to stay alive long enough so a Roman citizen would buy them as a household or bodyguard slave, allowing them a comfortable life and maybe even the ultimate goal: allowing them to purchase their own freedom.
When a particularly gruesome staged fight requires Cyrenaicus to murder a weaker opponent in cold blood, he shies back - and is labeled a coward from then on. This fact and his lack of interest in female companionship raise the interest of wealthy businessman Lucius Marianus, who rents Cyrenaicus from his lanista to install him as a trainer for his own set of gladiators... or rather: Gladiatrices.
A sorry group of women from all kinds of ethnic backgrounds who shall be trained to fight in the arena as a novelty among the usual all male fighting cast.
However, the women's main problem is their male trainers sexually abusing them frequently. A circumstance that Marianus is certain will not happen with Cyrenaicus, as his tastes lie entirely elsewhere.
Cyrenaicus is aware of his shameful inclinations and isn't even able to hide his own sexual interest when Lucius Marianus asks him to perform sexual services for him, much to the disgust of his younger brother Felix - a spoiled poet who thinks that slavery, fighting and business are dreadful things.
However, despite Felix' contempt for Cyrenaicus' existence as a gladiator slave, Cyrenaicus and Felix develop an intimate bond, especially as Felix shares Cyrenaicus' homosexuality and even drops his usual role as a Roman citizen and seduces him on eye-level.
This is also the story of a conspiracy between several powerful Roman houses and Cyrenaicus and his warriors find themselves in the middle of an intrigue that may cost them all their lives - and that sooner than they would normally have to expect.
Not even sure whose side he should be on, Cyrenaicus tries to navigate these dangerous waters while training and caring for his female warriors.
This is a wonderfully researched story in Ancient Rome, but it is also very modern in parts. Especially the glass dildo scene seemed - while super hot - a bit out of place.
Still, this is definitely a big favorite of mine, not only because it is connected to some great memories of Rome.
If you like gladiator stories, don't skip this one, it's gorgeous.
5 stars!
August 13, 2016
A brilliant MM Romance with a Gladiator Twist - Complete with all the debauchery and backstabbing you expect from ancient Rome.
Why did I pick it up?
* It's MM March, so I'm reading MM Romances all month. This Historical themed book was the perfect addition to the line up.
* The Authors are also working on The Flesh Cartel Series which is wonderfully written.
* This book is part of a larger series but can be read as a stand-alone. Which is a good thing, because I've not read any of the other books in the series...
* It was a free e-book found on Amazon.
ANAZAR
In the arena, his enemies are obvious, but in the corrupt and wealthy circles of Rome, Anazâr discovers that danger lurks around every corner...
The cast of characters in this story would give any Epic a run for its money. The fact that the author was able to pack so much emotion, intrigue, and action into 238 pages is nothing short of astounding.
MARIANUS & AELIA
Marianus appears to be an honorable man and a fair master. He is both powerful and attractive and uses his these traits to his advantage to gain the respect and loyalty of Anazâr...
FELIX
As the attraction builds between Felix and Anazâr, their forbidden romance could quite possibly turn deadly. When Anazâr saves Felix from an assassin, he finds himself enveloped in a murderous plot on the house of Marianus - and everyone is a suspect.
THE GLADIATRICES
Even though these women weren't necessarily the main characters in this story, the female warriors were incredibly badass. I tip my hat to them.
This story keeps you on the edge of your seat as you attempt to unravel the murderous plots surrounding the Marianus household. It seems that everyone has the means and motive to kill each other, and Anazâr is trapped in the middle of it all. Seems aristocratic Romans are just as bloodthirsty as any Gladiator Anazâr has ever challenged in the arena.
Anazâr's loyalty is split.
As a Gladiator, he has only himself...
As a Slave, he must protect the house of Marianus...
As a trainer, he must protect the fate of his fighters...
As a man, his heart is bound to Felix...
The emotional forbidden romance between Felix and Anazâr was both beautiful and erotic. I feel that this book would be enjoyed by all lovers of Romance - even if you don't usually go for Historical Romances, even if you don't necessarily read MM Romance, this book transcends those genres to create a moving and lasting love story - I highly recommend it! I absolutely loved it.
Death made love all the more urgent.This book absolutely blew me away.
Why did I pick it up?
* It's MM March, so I'm reading MM Romances all month. This Historical themed book was the perfect addition to the line up.
* The Authors are also working on The Flesh Cartel Series which is wonderfully written.
* This book is part of a larger series but can be read as a stand-alone. Which is a good thing, because I've not read any of the other books in the series...
* It was a free e-book found on Amazon.
ANAZAR
He was tired of worrying about later. He'd live like he did in the arena, one passionate horrible glorious moment at a time.Taken form the battlefield and given the slave name Cyrenaicus, Anazâr has become a formidable Gladiator in Rome. After refusing to slaughter helpless opponents, he is traded to a wealthy Roman household with a new mission - training a ragtag troupe of female slaves to fight as Gladiatrices.
In the arena, his enemies are obvious, but in the corrupt and wealthy circles of Rome, Anazâr discovers that danger lurks around every corner...
The cast of characters in this story would give any Epic a run for its money. The fact that the author was able to pack so much emotion, intrigue, and action into 238 pages is nothing short of astounding.
MARIANUS & AELIA
Marianus's Power: the ability to command without threat, to have his expectations fulfilled without voicing them.The wealthy Lucius Marianus and his wife Aelia have acquired Anazâr to train their female fighters. The former trainer for the gladiatrices was far more concerned with availing himself of their feminine charms (sometimes against their will) than he was with training the women to fight. Anazâr, however, has no such desire. It's why he was specifically chosen for this task.
That same touch guided Anazâr to his knees.
Marianus appears to be an honorable man and a fair master. He is both powerful and attractive and uses his these traits to his advantage to gain the respect and loyalty of Anazâr...
FELIX
"We are all the same. Bags of bones and blood and brilliance."Felix is the black-sheep little brother of Lucius Marianus. Openly disdainful of both his brother and the elite of Rome with which he surrounds himself. Felix prefers to enjoy the pleasures of life: poetry, wine, and sex. This lust for life - and lust in general - does not go unnoticed by Anazâr.
As the attraction builds between Felix and Anazâr, their forbidden romance could quite possibly turn deadly. When Anazâr saves Felix from an assassin, he finds himself enveloped in a murderous plot on the house of Marianus - and everyone is a suspect.
THE GLADIATRICES
Even though these women weren't necessarily the main characters in this story, the female warriors were incredibly badass. I tip my hat to them.
This story keeps you on the edge of your seat as you attempt to unravel the murderous plots surrounding the Marianus household. It seems that everyone has the means and motive to kill each other, and Anazâr is trapped in the middle of it all. Seems aristocratic Romans are just as bloodthirsty as any Gladiator Anazâr has ever challenged in the arena.
Anazâr's loyalty is split.
As a Gladiator, he has only himself...
As a Slave, he must protect the house of Marianus...
As a trainer, he must protect the fate of his fighters...
As a man, his heart is bound to Felix...
The emotional forbidden romance between Felix and Anazâr was both beautiful and erotic. I feel that this book would be enjoyed by all lovers of Romance - even if you don't usually go for Historical Romances, even if you don't necessarily read MM Romance, this book transcends those genres to create a moving and lasting love story - I highly recommend it! I absolutely loved it.
February 7, 2013
SPOILERS!!!!! too tired to actually write a review! but believe me it is a must read!!!!!!!!!!!
read from down to up!!!! :)))) Blacky already told me to fix that :PPP
perfection! beautiful!
"I’ll die touching you. That’s all I ever asked."
"omg
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
omg"
"this scene reminds me of gladiator when joaquin phoenix yelled at her : AM I NOT MERCIFUL?!?!?!!?!?
hehehehehe"
"this needs to be a movie!!!!!"
"need a break.... plots plots plots...."
“I love the voice you speak with when—when you abandon yourself,” said Felix. “Let it speak. Speak through you. I’ve been so eager for this. You’re perfect. A strong man, a good man . . . oh gods, I don’t want to lose you—”
“Just think how beautiful it’ll look inside you.”
I AM THINKING ABOUT THAT WHOLE EFFING DAY!!!!! (well not the dildo part, more like your part :DDDDDD)"
"i see you are all hungry for mm gifs so to tease you at which part am i....
lots of playing here.... honestly didn't know they had marbled dildos back then :DDDDD"
“If you don’t like it, we’ll stop at once and I’ll ride you like a pony.” “Can’t we skip directly to the pony bit?” Before Felix could answer, Anazâr regained his courage. “No, wait, I’m curious. I’ll submit to you. You can take me as I did you.”
“I’m not that athletic. Gods, but that was a lovely fuck."
i love them so much!!!!!!!! i don't want this book to end!!"
"HE SAID IT!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3 *SWOOOOOOOON*
"He let his hand drop from Felix’s mouth, memorizing the intimate sensation of warm breath against his palm. “Why?” Felix smiled and answered with no hesitation at all. “‘Love knows not the meaning of the question why?"
"Anazâr fought back the urge to lash out and strike. Hit him. Fuck him. Like an animal. Felix unmanned him."
"OMG!!!! OMG!!!! OMG!!!!!
OMG!!!! OMG!!!! OMG!!!!
OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!!!
SOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!
OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!!
every sentence is yellow! for 3 pages! can. not. stop. highlighting!
"The friction against the drum-tight skin of his cock was . . . it was ecstasy.
............................
To submission, to satisfaction. Mine to give, mine to take. Yes, oh yes."
“I’m going to kiss you now,”he warned in a whisper,transfixed by Felix’s smothered,glassy expression.“Make a sound,and I’ll stuff my cock down your throat to silence you,and then your pretty hole won’t get fucked at all.”He’d never used words this way with a lover,but Felix inspired him—Felix was his muse,better than any of the nine the poets called on.
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!! IN LOVE!!!"
“I said quiet.” Anazâr silenced him with a hand over his mouth. Felix’s freed hand went straight to Anazâr’s cock, and his eyes were wicked as they peered out over Anazâr’s fingers."
"I have to see your eyes again.
Then he took a deep breath and raised his eyes,and oh gods,he looked nothing like his brother—everything he was,every tortuous contradiction,was right there on the surface of his face.No barriers,no masks.“Love’s a crazy whore,”he said.“That’s all there is,really.”Anazâr couldn’t reply.He couldn’t even breath.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!! I NEED THEM TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Felix & Anazar!!!! i want them together!!!!!! asap!!!!! pronto!!!! like now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"He’d taken the full length of his master’s c@ck down his throat before,but gods,up his @$$ was another matter entirely.He ached.No,it wasn’t quite pain, but it was almost unbearable nonetheless, that feeling of helpless invasion.Trying not to moan or hiss,Anazâr kept his mouth shut tight as Marianus gripped his thighs and levered him backward onto his engorged prick"
“Buy us some pastries for when I get back from my laps in the pool. A man can’t live on a belly full of cum alone, but I suppose you already know that.”
"i believe the gif says it all at what part am i :)
"really, really liking this!!!!!
read from down to up!!!! :)))) Blacky already told me to fix that :PPP
100.0%
perfection! beautiful!
88.0%
"I’ll die touching you. That’s all I ever asked."
86.0%
"omg
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
omg"
85.0%
"this scene reminds me of gladiator when joaquin phoenix yelled at her : AM I NOT MERCIFUL?!?!?!!?!?
hehehehehe"
79.0%
"this needs to be a movie!!!!!"
79.0%
"need a break.... plots plots plots...."
65.0%
“I love the voice you speak with when—when you abandon yourself,” said Felix. “Let it speak. Speak through you. I’ve been so eager for this. You’re perfect. A strong man, a good man . . . oh gods, I don’t want to lose you—”
62.0%
“Just think how beautiful it’ll look inside you.”
I AM THINKING ABOUT THAT WHOLE EFFING DAY!!!!! (well not the dildo part, more like your part :DDDDDD)"
62.0%
"i see you are all hungry for mm gifs so to tease you at which part am i....
lots of playing here.... honestly didn't know they had marbled dildos back then :DDDDD"
62.0%
“If you don’t like it, we’ll stop at once and I’ll ride you like a pony.” “Can’t we skip directly to the pony bit?” Before Felix could answer, Anazâr regained his courage. “No, wait, I’m curious. I’ll submit to you. You can take me as I did you.”
“I’m not that athletic. Gods, but that was a lovely fuck."
i love them so much!!!!!!!! i don't want this book to end!!"
59.0%
"HE SAID IT!!!!!!!! <3 <3 <3 *SWOOOOOOOON*
59.0%
"He let his hand drop from Felix’s mouth, memorizing the intimate sensation of warm breath against his palm. “Why?” Felix smiled and answered with no hesitation at all. “‘Love knows not the meaning of the question why?"
58.0%
"Anazâr fought back the urge to lash out and strike. Hit him. Fuck him. Like an animal. Felix unmanned him."
48.0%
"OMG!!!! OMG!!!! OMG!!!!!
OMG!!!! OMG!!!! OMG!!!!
OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!!!
SOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!
OMG!!! OMG!!! OMG!!!
every sentence is yellow! for 3 pages! can. not. stop. highlighting!
"The friction against the drum-tight skin of his cock was . . . it was ecstasy.
............................
To submission, to satisfaction. Mine to give, mine to take. Yes, oh yes."
47.0%
“I’m going to kiss you now,”he warned in a whisper,transfixed by Felix’s smothered,glassy expression.“Make a sound,and I’ll stuff my cock down your throat to silence you,and then your pretty hole won’t get fucked at all.”He’d never used words this way with a lover,but Felix inspired him—Felix was his muse,better than any of the nine the poets called on.
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK!!! IN LOVE!!!"
47.0%
“I said quiet.” Anazâr silenced him with a hand over his mouth. Felix’s freed hand went straight to Anazâr’s cock, and his eyes were wicked as they peered out over Anazâr’s fingers."
46.0%
"I have to see your eyes again.
Then he took a deep breath and raised his eyes,and oh gods,he looked nothing like his brother—everything he was,every tortuous contradiction,was right there on the surface of his face.No barriers,no masks.“Love’s a crazy whore,”he said.“That’s all there is,really.”Anazâr couldn’t reply.He couldn’t even breath.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!! I NEED THEM TOGETHER!!!!!!!!!!!"
46.0%
"Felix & Anazar!!!! i want them together!!!!!! asap!!!!! pronto!!!! like now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
30.0%
"He’d taken the full length of his master’s c@ck down his throat before,but gods,up his @$$ was another matter entirely.He ached.No,it wasn’t quite pain, but it was almost unbearable nonetheless, that feeling of helpless invasion.Trying not to moan or hiss,Anazâr kept his mouth shut tight as Marianus gripped his thighs and levered him backward onto his engorged prick"
26.0%
“Buy us some pastries for when I get back from my laps in the pool. A man can’t live on a belly full of cum alone, but I suppose you already know that.”
13.0%
"i believe the gif says it all at what part am i :)
13.0%
"really, really liking this!!!!!
April 28, 2013
What a Tragically Beautiful Love Story!!! Gladiator Style!!!
Anazar, aka Cyrenaicus
Anazar is a Gladiator and a Roman slave. He's been tasked to train female gladiatices to fight in the arena. A job he takes seriously, because they will be fighting for their lives. Anazar also lives to please his Dominus, Marianus and takes pleasure in pleasing him sexually. But things start to change when a murder attempt goes wrong. Anazar finds his alliances torn. He must protect his Master, even as he fights to resist his attraction to Felix, Marianus's younger brother.
Felix is the attractive younger brother to Marianus. He drinks, gambles, and parties, pissing away money and causing trouble. He hates Anazar, for he is just another evil gladiator. But Felix learns that Anazar is different from their previous trainer.
Felix and Cyrenaicus' love is doomed from the start. How can a gladiator slave and the brother of his owner find their Happy Ever After? Amidst deception, and murder for hire, these two fight to be with each other, even as they both fight to survive!
I fell in love with Anazar. He was truly a good, loyal man. I was disappointed when Felix turned out to be his love interest. He just didn't seam worthy on the surface. It took me a while to figure Felix out, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that he did have a very generous heart. This story was full of deceit, and murder. Very few people were what they presented themselves to be. And I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This was my first book by Heidi Belleau, and I look forward to reading many more. The writing and the descriptions were wonderful. But I have to say that I was surprised by Felix's declaration of love to Anazar. The authors gave no hint that there was any attraction on Felix's end.
Anazar, aka Cyrenaicus
Anazar is a Gladiator and a Roman slave. He's been tasked to train female gladiatices to fight in the arena. A job he takes seriously, because they will be fighting for their lives. Anazar also lives to please his Dominus, Marianus and takes pleasure in pleasing him sexually. But things start to change when a murder attempt goes wrong. Anazar finds his alliances torn. He must protect his Master, even as he fights to resist his attraction to Felix, Marianus's younger brother.
"I'm going to kiss you now," he warned in a whisper, transfixed by Felix's smothered, glassy expression. "Make a sound, and I'll stuff my cock down your throat to silence you, and then your pretty hole won't get fucked at all." He'd never used words this way with a lover, but Felix inspired him--Felix was his muse...
Felix is the attractive younger brother to Marianus. He drinks, gambles, and parties, pissing away money and causing trouble. He hates Anazar, for he is just another evil gladiator. But Felix learns that Anazar is different from their previous trainer.
You’re perfect. A strong man, a good man . . . oh gods, I don’t want to lose you—”
Felix and Cyrenaicus' love is doomed from the start. How can a gladiator slave and the brother of his owner find their Happy Ever After? Amidst deception, and murder for hire, these two fight to be with each other, even as they both fight to survive!
Hot tears streaked his face and he didn’t care. He was tired of bearing his slave’s burden with noble, quiet dignity. All he’d worked and strived for, and what had it gotten him? He cast aside the last of his hope of freedom. Gave in to the weight of the chains. Let them anchor him to the dirt.
And wept
I fell in love with Anazar. He was truly a good, loyal man. I was disappointed when Felix turned out to be his love interest. He just didn't seam worthy on the surface. It took me a while to figure Felix out, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that he did have a very generous heart. This story was full of deceit, and murder. Very few people were what they presented themselves to be. And I thoroughly enjoyed it!
This was my first book by Heidi Belleau, and I look forward to reading many more. The writing and the descriptions were wonderful. But I have to say that I was surprised by Felix's declaration of love to Anazar. The authors gave no hint that there was any attraction on Felix's end.
Follow my reviews at Reading Haven
February 14, 2013
The writing and world building:
Perfect, absolutely faultless prose and dialogue. I can only sit back and admire the execution of this novel.
It is ever so easy to immerse yourself in this era with the poetic descriptions setting the scenes of historical Rome. The phrasing and dialog is in harmony with the era, and although it is authentic , it had me confused, stuttering over the meanings and rushing off to Google search certain phrases.
I am oblivious to ancient Roman culture, so this was a great education. The authors research and knowledge of Roman history, ancient languages carried out to pull this off boggles my mind. I applaud the authors in their brilliance.
The Plot
Engaging to a point, filled with treacherous back stabbing, murderous plotting and debauchery. The Romans where a rather indecent lot who tend to seek their own gains regardless of others, especially ones they own. It is with a heavy heart that you learn the true depth of evil disregard these rulers had over their …assets.
The plot is evolving but rather transparent, so not too many shock horror OMG moments. I also found it unwieldy and confusing with emphasis being placed on the secondary characters a lot of the time, when it should have been developing the Felix Anazar relationship.
Do not fear my romance junkies, It’s all wrapped up and presented quite nicely with a tidy little bow just for those who love a HEA. I could have done without the sickly sweet epilogue to be honest *gags*
The Characters
Marianus: Despite his so called patience and dignity, Marianus is a pig and a rapist. There is absolutely nothing arousing about his relationship with Anazar, nothing! His character is very one dimensional and flat, without substance or consequence. He could have and should have been more developed, he is a nothing character, a weak wraith.
Alea: The Domina, totally transparent in her motivations. Yep, saw that one coming from the beginning.
The Gladiatrix: secondary characters who feature dominantly. I struggled to figure who was who with their overly complicated mythological names - necessary I know, but not easy to follow. Each with their own story of horror and abuse, it unsettled me but it also gives credence to Anazars relationship and kinship with these woman.
Felix: Did not win me over at all. He is nothing but a snivelling little snot with a sadistic craving for scandal. No-just- NO!
Anazar deserves so much more than this promiscuous little twerp and his box of USED dildos.
Anazar: A revered gladiator who has had his spirit and fire beaten out of him. He submits willingly to EVERYTHING without a fight because he has no choice. It’s not easy reading, his treatment is often violent and despicable. There is no choice for the reader not to sympathise with this man.
To sum it up, I liked the book for the writing and graphic imagery. All the characters lacked for something, some more than others. The romance between Anazar and Felix is fickle and unbelievable; I just do not see the attraction between these two at all. Toward the end I just didn’t care what that relationship was developing into.
There just didn't seem to be a fixed focus in this unwieldy plot.
If this had been set in modern times without the perfect prose, this would have been a total bust for me.
Perfect, absolutely faultless prose and dialogue. I can only sit back and admire the execution of this novel.
It is ever so easy to immerse yourself in this era with the poetic descriptions setting the scenes of historical Rome. The phrasing and dialog is in harmony with the era, and although it is authentic , it had me confused, stuttering over the meanings and rushing off to Google search certain phrases.
I am oblivious to ancient Roman culture, so this was a great education. The authors research and knowledge of Roman history, ancient languages carried out to pull this off boggles my mind. I applaud the authors in their brilliance.
The Plot
Engaging to a point, filled with treacherous back stabbing, murderous plotting and debauchery. The Romans where a rather indecent lot who tend to seek their own gains regardless of others, especially ones they own. It is with a heavy heart that you learn the true depth of evil disregard these rulers had over their …assets.
The plot is evolving but rather transparent, so not too many shock horror OMG moments. I also found it unwieldy and confusing with emphasis being placed on the secondary characters a lot of the time, when it should have been developing the Felix Anazar relationship.
Do not fear my romance junkies, It’s all wrapped up and presented quite nicely with a tidy little bow just for those who love a HEA. I could have done without the sickly sweet epilogue to be honest *gags*
The Characters
Marianus: Despite his so called patience and dignity, Marianus is a pig and a rapist. There is absolutely nothing arousing about his relationship with Anazar, nothing! His character is very one dimensional and flat, without substance or consequence. He could have and should have been more developed, he is a nothing character, a weak wraith.
Alea: The Domina, totally transparent in her motivations. Yep, saw that one coming from the beginning.
The Gladiatrix: secondary characters who feature dominantly. I struggled to figure who was who with their overly complicated mythological names - necessary I know, but not easy to follow. Each with their own story of horror and abuse, it unsettled me but it also gives credence to Anazars relationship and kinship with these woman.
Felix: Did not win me over at all. He is nothing but a snivelling little snot with a sadistic craving for scandal. No-just- NO!
Anazar deserves so much more than this promiscuous little twerp and his box of USED dildos.
Anazar: A revered gladiator who has had his spirit and fire beaten out of him. He submits willingly to EVERYTHING without a fight because he has no choice. It’s not easy reading, his treatment is often violent and despicable. There is no choice for the reader not to sympathise with this man.
To sum it up, I liked the book for the writing and graphic imagery. All the characters lacked for something, some more than others. The romance between Anazar and Felix is fickle and unbelievable; I just do not see the attraction between these two at all. Toward the end I just didn’t care what that relationship was developing into.
There just didn't seem to be a fixed focus in this unwieldy plot.
If this had been set in modern times without the perfect prose, this would have been a total bust for me.
January 17, 2013
Back to Rome with a romp. I was at first a little sceptical about this book, but pleased to say that I was proved totally wrong. A great read that transports you right back to Rome in all it's glory, debauchery and thirst for blood. Anazar is a gladiator that is bought by the house of Lucius Marianus to train his team of female gladiators. A hard job as the previous trainer had treated the women badly and Anazar first has to win their trust. Then an intrigue and murder is uncovered which threatens his life more than once with his fate always hanging in the balance on the whims of his master and mistress.
Then love enters in the form of Felix, a character I loved, but this love can only be doomed to failure with Anazar as slave and Felix being the brother of his master. All I will say at this conjecture is that love wins through after some breath stopping action and unforeseen twists in the plot which keeps you on the edge your seat.
I liked the idea of the gender angle with this book. Gay male gladiator training female gladiators to fight. This is handled well and made totally believable. The writing style transports any reader right back to Rome with all its might and grandness, but also its seediness and debauchery. The only niggle I had was the use of more modern expletives during the dialogues that I felt were totally out of character for this time and therefore jolted me as a reader every so often. I'm sure that the vulgar origins of words such as snatch or twat are far too modern, therefore not being in total character or keeping with a story set in this era. Grated on me a little.
All in all a very enjoyable read and will definitely be returning to the other titles in this series to see what they also have to offer.
Then love enters in the form of Felix, a character I loved, but this love can only be doomed to failure with Anazar as slave and Felix being the brother of his master. All I will say at this conjecture is that love wins through after some breath stopping action and unforeseen twists in the plot which keeps you on the edge your seat.
I liked the idea of the gender angle with this book. Gay male gladiator training female gladiators to fight. This is handled well and made totally believable. The writing style transports any reader right back to Rome with all its might and grandness, but also its seediness and debauchery. The only niggle I had was the use of more modern expletives during the dialogues that I felt were totally out of character for this time and therefore jolted me as a reader every so often. I'm sure that the vulgar origins of words such as snatch or twat are far too modern, therefore not being in total character or keeping with a story set in this era. Grated on me a little.
All in all a very enjoyable read and will definitely be returning to the other titles in this series to see what they also have to offer.
April 28, 2013
A riveting read, wonderful 'world-building', the authors did an exceptional job as far as their research is concerned, the lies and deception, plotting and scheming, forbidden love, the fight for freedom, this story is amazing in so many ways. A big
and 4.5 stars from me.
As some really good reviews have been done already for this book, I'll just add my voice to their praise. The storyline is very plot driven and fast-paced, with a wonderful cast of characters, some of whom you will love, and others, well, I could have thrown them to the lions myself....yes Aelia, I'm pointing the finger at you
! 'Mark of the Gladiator' is full of mystery and intrigue, love and betrayal. It is a beautifully written tale of lies, love, trust, and murder.
January 4, 2016
Cunning, Blood and Transmutability
Love me some gladiators, but this one comes with a twist--gladiatrices. Hell Yeah!
Smart and sexy this story combines an alluring cocktail of gamesmanship and sexual power in the ruthless ladder climbing of ancient Rome. Reading this is truly like watching the Wheel of Fortune spin, who the goddess favors is always changing. And who's in charge? That changes, too.
This is a meticulously scribed vision of a slice of one family's life and the games they play. The power shifts within the household, the roles people act out and the truth hidden beneath it all--awesome. I figured out the way to the center of this maze rather quickly, but was not once disappointed in the story. If anything, watching the threads being laid down and woven to reach that end were a pleasure and not without a few unexpectedly delightful twists.
Gods! The best part? Besides watching Rhakshna--yeah, I'm more than a bit bloodthirsty--every single character was both flawed and admirable. Plus the understatement employed to depict the grimmer realities were all the stronger with the gentle delivery.
::So Happy::
Love me some gladiators, but this one comes with a twist--gladiatrices. Hell Yeah!
Smart and sexy this story combines an alluring cocktail of gamesmanship and sexual power in the ruthless ladder climbing of ancient Rome. Reading this is truly like watching the Wheel of Fortune spin, who the goddess favors is always changing. And who's in charge? That changes, too.
This is a meticulously scribed vision of a slice of one family's life and the games they play. The power shifts within the household, the roles people act out and the truth hidden beneath it all--awesome. I figured out the way to the center of this maze rather quickly, but was not once disappointed in the story. If anything, watching the threads being laid down and woven to reach that end were a pleasure and not without a few unexpectedly delightful twists.
Gods! The best part? Besides watching Rhakshna--yeah, I'm more than a bit bloodthirsty--every single character was both flawed and admirable. Plus the understatement employed to depict the grimmer realities were all the stronger with the gentle delivery.
::So Happy::
November 19, 2012
An intriguing and informative story of a Gladiator finding love and acceptance in a world where it is lacking.
I will start by saying that is my first foray into this type of book. I have read historical gay fiction, but this was way out of my comfort zone. But the unbelievable fact is that I enjoyed it from start to finish. Yes, I struggled with words and names and had to constantly look in the included glossary or the Internet, but the journey was very gratifying and informative.
Anazâr is a gladiator with a heart. That's how I see him. He wanted to survive but he also had morals. He knew right from wrong and it pained him to do some of the things he had to do to the women and for that matter what he had to endure to live. He is humiliated, beaten and used. He was a slave and he accepted that fact. Yet, in his heart he always kept that bit of hope that he would be set free. And for that opportunity alone he kept going. I admired him from the start and the story only helped in making more dear to me.
And Felix, well he was a character all right. He was funny, sarcastic and over the top. But underneath all that he was a vulnerable young man in search of acceptance who gave his everything and only wanted to be loved by Anazâr. Felix was hilarious as he was adorable. He wore his heart on his robe and I could not help but love him. He opened himself up to Anazâr and then came through for him in the most surprising of ways. It truly surprised me when I discovered that he was the love interest in this story. Anazâr seemed to dislike him so much that I had no suspicion that it would be him to win Anazâr's heart. Well played Heidi and Violetta, well played.
The writing was exceptional, with a lot of attention to detail and a complete set of events placed just right. I enjoyed the world that the authors created. It was based on actual facts and each and every description helped me in placing the characters in Roman times. The action presented during the story were well written and they kept me entertained as if I were an actual spectator. In the end, the resolution to the plot was perfectly exposed. It was exciting, unexpected and rewarding to me. It paid off to see the story through to the end.
It was a history lesson, a murder mystery and a romance all wrapped up in one great book. I learned a lot from that time while I kept trying to figure out who was behind the threats. Throughout the book I had doubts of who was behind it all. Like Anazâr, I didn't trust anyone. Not even Felix. Add to that some great one liners that had me laughing out loud and a hot little scene that took me by surprise and I was a goner.
A great read that opened my eyes to another sub-genre in Gay fiction.
I will start by saying that is my first foray into this type of book. I have read historical gay fiction, but this was way out of my comfort zone. But the unbelievable fact is that I enjoyed it from start to finish. Yes, I struggled with words and names and had to constantly look in the included glossary or the Internet, but the journey was very gratifying and informative.
Anazâr is a gladiator with a heart. That's how I see him. He wanted to survive but he also had morals. He knew right from wrong and it pained him to do some of the things he had to do to the women and for that matter what he had to endure to live. He is humiliated, beaten and used. He was a slave and he accepted that fact. Yet, in his heart he always kept that bit of hope that he would be set free. And for that opportunity alone he kept going. I admired him from the start and the story only helped in making more dear to me.
And Felix, well he was a character all right. He was funny, sarcastic and over the top. But underneath all that he was a vulnerable young man in search of acceptance who gave his everything and only wanted to be loved by Anazâr. Felix was hilarious as he was adorable. He wore his heart on his robe and I could not help but love him. He opened himself up to Anazâr and then came through for him in the most surprising of ways. It truly surprised me when I discovered that he was the love interest in this story. Anazâr seemed to dislike him so much that I had no suspicion that it would be him to win Anazâr's heart. Well played Heidi and Violetta, well played.
The writing was exceptional, with a lot of attention to detail and a complete set of events placed just right. I enjoyed the world that the authors created. It was based on actual facts and each and every description helped me in placing the characters in Roman times. The action presented during the story were well written and they kept me entertained as if I were an actual spectator. In the end, the resolution to the plot was perfectly exposed. It was exciting, unexpected and rewarding to me. It paid off to see the story through to the end.
It was a history lesson, a murder mystery and a romance all wrapped up in one great book. I learned a lot from that time while I kept trying to figure out who was behind the threats. Throughout the book I had doubts of who was behind it all. Like Anazâr, I didn't trust anyone. Not even Felix. Add to that some great one liners that had me laughing out loud and a hot little scene that took me by surprise and I was a goner.
A great read that opened my eyes to another sub-genre in Gay fiction.
February 9, 2013
As some of you already know (because I can’t shut up about it) I really, really love Spartacus, which is one of the best things I’ve ever seen. My love for the show made me read The Gladiator’s Master, which was a complete disappointment and that’s why I was afraid of reading Mark of the Gladiator. I truly don’t enjoy giving books less than 4 stars. But I decided to give this book a chance. And I was not disappointed this time.
The fact that the main character, Anazâr, was forced to train female gladiators was a big plus. I love strong females in literature, TV shows and films (one of the reasons I love Spartacus so much). Even though the story was focused on Anazâr, a man, the women were still important and interesting.
I also liked that there was a lot of action – something I always appreciate. It’s not an easy task to keep my interest. I’m a bloodthirsty reader and viewer: fighting and intrigues are essential to me. In this book there was plenty of action, the atmosphere was great, and it kind of made me feel like watching Spartacus.
The main character was okay, but he was not as nearly fascinating as Felix. At first I thought that Felix’s brother would be the most interesting one, but the authors ruined him (intentionally or not, idk) and I was kind of disappointed by this little thing. It didn’t make me like this book any less, though.
So, I guess I should say something about the romance, right? I liked the fact that it wasn’t obvious from the start who would fall in love with Anazâr. But when the two started being lovers, they created a beautiful relationship and I wanted a happy ending for them.
It was a really good book, there aren’t many things I could complain about. Maybe it doesn’t deserve full five stars, but I enjoyed it more than most of the books I’ve read so far this year, so I couldn’t give it less. Everyone, who reads m/m romance and loves a lot of action in books, should definitely consider reading Mark of the Gladiator. I highly recommend it!
The fact that the main character, Anazâr, was forced to train female gladiators was a big plus. I love strong females in literature, TV shows and films (one of the reasons I love Spartacus so much). Even though the story was focused on Anazâr, a man, the women were still important and interesting.
I also liked that there was a lot of action – something I always appreciate. It’s not an easy task to keep my interest. I’m a bloodthirsty reader and viewer: fighting and intrigues are essential to me. In this book there was plenty of action, the atmosphere was great, and it kind of made me feel like watching Spartacus.
The main character was okay, but he was not as nearly fascinating as Felix. At first I thought that Felix’s brother would be the most interesting one, but the authors ruined him (intentionally or not, idk) and I was kind of disappointed by this little thing. It didn’t make me like this book any less, though.
So, I guess I should say something about the romance, right? I liked the fact that it wasn’t obvious from the start who would fall in love with Anazâr. But when the two started being lovers, they created a beautiful relationship and I wanted a happy ending for them.
It was a really good book, there aren’t many things I could complain about. Maybe it doesn’t deserve full five stars, but I enjoyed it more than most of the books I’ve read so far this year, so I couldn’t give it less. Everyone, who reads m/m romance and loves a lot of action in books, should definitely consider reading Mark of the Gladiator. I highly recommend it!
November 3, 2012
It had all the thrilling violence of 300, the historical lessons of Troy, and the intrigue and sizzle of Showtime's Spartacus!
Now I will admit the first 15 or so pages were a bit wordy and trying to acclimate to the language, setting, names etc was a bit overwhelming. But by page 30 I was absolutely hooked! What would happen to the strong and proud Anazar? Would he win his freedom? And who would he fall in love with...Marianus or Felix? Who is the good guy and who's really the evil plotter?
The fact that none of my questions were truly answered up until the very end had me skipping meals and losing sleep in lieu of reading time! An avid reader, I often find that I can sniff out the overall plot of a book fairly early on but that was not the case with Mark of the Gladiator! Although I was pretty sure how things would work out, the road that took me there had more curves and bends than I ever expected!
In the end this book had just about everything I love! The world building was clear and detailed and took me to another time/place. The facts were well-researched and I felt like I actually learned something new. The romance was both sweet and hot. The authors know how to make a scene intense with just a few simple sentences! And let's not forget guys with swords!! Who doesn't love that??
After reading the Druid Stone and now Mark of the Gladiator, these ladies are going on my auto buy list!
Now I will admit the first 15 or so pages were a bit wordy and trying to acclimate to the language, setting, names etc was a bit overwhelming. But by page 30 I was absolutely hooked! What would happen to the strong and proud Anazar? Would he win his freedom? And who would he fall in love with...Marianus or Felix? Who is the good guy and who's really the evil plotter?
The fact that none of my questions were truly answered up until the very end had me skipping meals and losing sleep in lieu of reading time! An avid reader, I often find that I can sniff out the overall plot of a book fairly early on but that was not the case with Mark of the Gladiator! Although I was pretty sure how things would work out, the road that took me there had more curves and bends than I ever expected!
In the end this book had just about everything I love! The world building was clear and detailed and took me to another time/place. The facts were well-researched and I felt like I actually learned something new. The romance was both sweet and hot. The authors know how to make a scene intense with just a few simple sentences! And let's not forget guys with swords!! Who doesn't love that??
After reading the Druid Stone and now Mark of the Gladiator, these ladies are going on my auto buy list!
November 25, 2012
It fell short for me a couple of times. It felt like it was dragging me somewhere but not convincing me this is the right way.
I don't know, maybe I should reread the second half for better judgement, but for me it was not convincing or believable. Both the plot and the love story - which, of course, were intertwined.
Credit where credit's due - it was crazy hot, and if there are scenes I'll be rereading, these will be the ones.
I don't know, maybe I should reread the second half for better judgement, but for me it was not convincing or believable. Both the plot and the love story - which, of course, were intertwined.
Credit where credit's due - it was crazy hot, and if there are scenes I'll be rereading, these will be the ones.
April 4, 2014
Clever--and very, very good.
This was a really interesting book. I didn't read the blurb, and I'm glad I didn't because I would have gotten as far as female gladiators and passed it by, because that felt gimmicky to me.
So, I definitely eye-rolled at the appropriate places in this story, as annoyed by ancient commercialism as I am by modern television, and for the same reasons. There was also just enough anachronistic language to make me a little skeptical of this story.
But then, the rug got pulled out from under me. Everything I thought I was reading changed. And in the middle of that, it got really clever and good. This is one of those books which I will definitely re-read because I am certain my initial skepticism closed my eyes and my mind to some ninja-writes.
Heartily recommended.
This was a really interesting book. I didn't read the blurb, and I'm glad I didn't because I would have gotten as far as female gladiators and passed it by, because that felt gimmicky to me.
So, I definitely eye-rolled at the appropriate places in this story, as annoyed by ancient commercialism as I am by modern television, and for the same reasons. There was also just enough anachronistic language to make me a little skeptical of this story.
But then, the rug got pulled out from under me. Everything I thought I was reading changed. And in the middle of that, it got really clever and good. This is one of those books which I will definitely re-read because I am certain my initial skepticism closed my eyes and my mind to some ninja-writes.
Heartily recommended.
December 9, 2012
Mark of the Gladiator by Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane is the fourth book in the Warriors of Rome series and although I thoroughly enjoyed each book in the series, this novel was my favorite. The story depicts the life of a gladiator slave, Anazar, who is conscripted for two months to a nobleman, Lucius Marianus. Anazar’s task is to train captive, savage women in the art of the being gladiatrix.
The House of Marianus seemingly appears to be the ideal place for refuge when one is not a freedman, but looks can be deceiving. Marianus houses not only his wife and child but also his capricious brother who at every turns goes against Marianus’ word. This feud between the two brothers draws Anazar into a web of love, lies and tragedy.
Anazar, used by Marianus, but loved by Felix, finds himself in a precarious situation as he struggles to survive, train the gladiatrices, and maintain a forbidden relationship with his master’s brother.
The novel conveys a depiction of Roman history, mystery and intrigue. It is also a love story of men who have few chances in life as by virtue of birth in 728 Rome, a man’s fate is sealed. Felix plays the fickle character who knows more than he lets on. He is vulnerable and loveable, wears his heart on his sleeve, and is not afraid to demonstrate his affection for Anazar. Anazar, the stoic gladiator, fights for what he deems is just and longs for the day to be free. Lies and deceit are intertwined throughout the exceptionally written story as happenstance opens the doors creating chaos and turmoil, with a surprising ending that will leave any reader satisfied.
Ms. Belleau and Ms. Vane weave fiction in the midst of fact, love in the midst of hate, and strength of character even when the strongest should falter. A novel that is well worth the read for fans of unconditional love when the conditions presented should tear those apart. Love by any means is a rare commodity and Mark of the Gladiator demonstrates that love truly can conquer and persevere.
reviewed by Zafira
The House of Marianus seemingly appears to be the ideal place for refuge when one is not a freedman, but looks can be deceiving. Marianus houses not only his wife and child but also his capricious brother who at every turns goes against Marianus’ word. This feud between the two brothers draws Anazar into a web of love, lies and tragedy.
Anazar, used by Marianus, but loved by Felix, finds himself in a precarious situation as he struggles to survive, train the gladiatrices, and maintain a forbidden relationship with his master’s brother.
The novel conveys a depiction of Roman history, mystery and intrigue. It is also a love story of men who have few chances in life as by virtue of birth in 728 Rome, a man’s fate is sealed. Felix plays the fickle character who knows more than he lets on. He is vulnerable and loveable, wears his heart on his sleeve, and is not afraid to demonstrate his affection for Anazar. Anazar, the stoic gladiator, fights for what he deems is just and longs for the day to be free. Lies and deceit are intertwined throughout the exceptionally written story as happenstance opens the doors creating chaos and turmoil, with a surprising ending that will leave any reader satisfied.
Ms. Belleau and Ms. Vane weave fiction in the midst of fact, love in the midst of hate, and strength of character even when the strongest should falter. A novel that is well worth the read for fans of unconditional love when the conditions presented should tear those apart. Love by any means is a rare commodity and Mark of the Gladiator demonstrates that love truly can conquer and persevere.
reviewed by Zafira
February 18, 2013
My first MM thanks to Blacky's review. *wink*
I liked it. I liked it because of the story, not because of the sex scenes. I must say that some of those were a little disturbing not because they were MM, but because I felt angry by the use slaves were subjected.
I didn't like Marianus. I didn't liked him at the beginning and din't liked him at the end. I understand that he was acting like so many patricians, but I was a little revolted when Aelia offer Anazâr’s "services" to Marianus like it was nothing. And I was really sorry about Anazâr’s acceptance and submittance. I was expecting Marianus to refuse, to be better than other owners, but I was sadly disappointed. More the story went on more disappointed I get. At the end I was starting to hate him and Aelia. Aelia more than Marianus who, at the end, I was thinking was an absolute naive idiot.
Aelia was a piece of art: the art of a w*hore! She marries one, make a child with him, divorces, marries another, make a child, kill him ... and so on... Did I feel she loved Lucullus? No, I just felt that he was useful tool too. Sad...
Felix... a very toubled man. I felt sorry for him. I liked him, even if he kept too many secrects when it would have been better to spill the truth to Anazâr. Maybe not at the beginning of their story, I understand that he coulndn't trust a slave even one that he was falling in love with, but later on definitly.
The story itself was very interesting, with enough intrigue, violence, Ancient Rome life, very nice pace and nice writing.
I'll be reading other works of these authors! :D
I liked it. I liked it because of the story, not because of the sex scenes. I must say that some of those were a little disturbing not because they were MM, but because I felt angry by the use slaves were subjected.
I didn't like Marianus. I didn't liked him at the beginning and din't liked him at the end. I understand that he was acting like so many patricians, but I was a little revolted when Aelia offer Anazâr’s "services" to Marianus like it was nothing. And I was really sorry about Anazâr’s acceptance and submittance. I was expecting Marianus to refuse, to be better than other owners, but I was sadly disappointed. More the story went on more disappointed I get. At the end I was starting to hate him and Aelia. Aelia more than Marianus who, at the end, I was thinking was an absolute naive idiot.
Aelia was a piece of art: the art of a w*hore! She marries one, make a child with him, divorces, marries another, make a child, kill him ... and so on... Did I feel she loved Lucullus? No, I just felt that he was useful tool too. Sad...
Felix... a very toubled man. I felt sorry for him. I liked him, even if he kept too many secrects when it would have been better to spill the truth to Anazâr. Maybe not at the beginning of their story, I understand that he coulndn't trust a slave even one that he was falling in love with, but later on definitly.
The story itself was very interesting, with enough intrigue, violence, Ancient Rome life, very nice pace and nice writing.
I'll be reading other works of these authors! :D
December 30, 2012
Cyrenaicus is a gladiator/slave in Rome. The tattoo on his forehead reads "stop me, I am a runaway slave", because he has attempted to run away. He's currently being flogged at the Circus Maximus by his lanista for refusing to co-operate in the theatrical massacre of a score of slaves. With this opening, the reader is sure that our hero will die of his wounds, and are heartened to hear that he's been loaned out to a novice ludii owner, Marianus. Cyrenaicus, Anazar in his own tongue, is refreshingly honest and kind, unsparing in his devotion to his new owner, who uses him and promises freedom. Rome is as foul within as without though, and the Marianus family is as treacherous as any. This book is wonderfully written, humourous and heartbreaking. I was surprised at the depth of emotion the authors were able to wring out of each scene, and how well fleshed the characters are. I love this series of Roman books from Riptide, and will continue to read more from these authors
August 10, 2016
This lacked the prose, excitement, and lust of The Gladiator's Master.
The love interest is presented as a villain, a spoiled brat.
I could not fathom accepting him for a warrior's lover. Sniveling snot. Lol.
Nothing in the prose caught my interest. There were odd uses of American slang, not historical in any way.
I didn't feel sympathetic to any of the main characters.
When he struck the woman's face, I was done.
My gif isnt working.
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/ok-then...
The love interest is presented as a villain, a spoiled brat.
I could not fathom accepting him for a warrior's lover. Sniveling snot. Lol.
Nothing in the prose caught my interest. There were odd uses of American slang, not historical in any way.
I didn't feel sympathetic to any of the main characters.
When he struck the woman's face, I was done.
My gif isnt working.
http://www.reactiongifs.com/r/ok-then...
December 2, 2012
What a way to end the Warriors of Rome Collection!! Just a terrific piece of writing - history, sex, intrigue, action.
In depth review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
In depth review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...
March 13, 2014
I just finished this. I would most likely not have if it had not happily been FREE on Amazon. I don't know how long for, but get yourself one. I've paid good money for much worse stuff.
Complex, historically accurate, pleasantly twisty... It's got all the virtues, plus some really hot sex.
Complex, historically accurate, pleasantly twisty... It's got all the virtues, plus some really hot sex.
Want to read
March 13, 2014Kindle Freebie 3/13/14!
Want to read
August 10, 2016Free on Amazon! (3/13/14)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADAWXMA/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADAWXMA/
November 26, 2012
Mark of the Gladiator by the talented writing duo of Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane has a lot going for it! It's got great action sequences intermixed with clever political intrigue that keep you on the edge of your seat as well as a steamy but conflicted romance. The vivid scenery showing the differences between the have and have-nots along with its realistic language drew me even deeper into a storyline that kept me guessing and my heart pounding.
Focusing on the rarely discussed in history female gladiators comes problematic gladiator/slave Anazar to the House of Marianus. He's to train a motley crew of women but soon becomes embroiled in the rivalry between brothers Lucius and Felix which is never as it appears. Anazar is noble and conflicted through much of the book wanting a real life but not willing to sell his soul for it. He's smarter than most of the upperclass give him credit for and good at seeing into the other character's souls. He's been beaten but not beaten down and I found his road to a HEA a hard fought yet fully satisfying one.
Felix is the black sheep of the family going out of his way to embarrass them. Society considers him a wastrel but deep down is a man whose heart was ripped out who finally finds someone worth fighting for. He shows an ingenious deviousness and sharp wit that will keep him alive and help him achieve his HEA with Anazar. Their relationship starts out with them as enemies but they soon forge a deeper understanding of one another and realize they're more alike than they thought. These sexual interludes are extremely satisfying and allow each of them to have things they never had before: Anazar doesn't have to be at the mercy of another while Felix gets to be with someone he respects and who accepts him wholeheartedly. Even though society considers them unequal, they couldn't be more perfect for one another and these interludes were a bit of heaven amongst the deceit and bloodletting surrounding them.
Lucius and his wife Aelia are truly devious but appear genteel to their slaves all the while making plots and using everyone for their gains. Their plotting constantly had me guessing and resulted in a few jaw dropping moments that made for some exhilarating storytelling. Many of the uppercrust were exactly the same though which showed the plight of the slave's lives to be especially precarious.
From start to finish I found much to enjoy about this story. It's vividness on every level had me feeling as though I were watching The fight scenes were heartpoundingly fast-paced with memorable characters put into a game of cat and mouse that kept me constantly guessing. This was an extremely satisfying story and my favorite of all the Warriors of Rome series due to the exceptionally entertaining plot and writing style of this dynamic duo of authors.
Focusing on the rarely discussed in history female gladiators comes problematic gladiator/slave Anazar to the House of Marianus. He's to train a motley crew of women but soon becomes embroiled in the rivalry between brothers Lucius and Felix which is never as it appears. Anazar is noble and conflicted through much of the book wanting a real life but not willing to sell his soul for it. He's smarter than most of the upperclass give him credit for and good at seeing into the other character's souls. He's been beaten but not beaten down and I found his road to a HEA a hard fought yet fully satisfying one.
Felix is the black sheep of the family going out of his way to embarrass them. Society considers him a wastrel but deep down is a man whose heart was ripped out who finally finds someone worth fighting for. He shows an ingenious deviousness and sharp wit that will keep him alive and help him achieve his HEA with Anazar. Their relationship starts out with them as enemies but they soon forge a deeper understanding of one another and realize they're more alike than they thought. These sexual interludes are extremely satisfying and allow each of them to have things they never had before: Anazar doesn't have to be at the mercy of another while Felix gets to be with someone he respects and who accepts him wholeheartedly. Even though society considers them unequal, they couldn't be more perfect for one another and these interludes were a bit of heaven amongst the deceit and bloodletting surrounding them.
Lucius and his wife Aelia are truly devious but appear genteel to their slaves all the while making plots and using everyone for their gains. Their plotting constantly had me guessing and resulted in a few jaw dropping moments that made for some exhilarating storytelling. Many of the uppercrust were exactly the same though which showed the plight of the slave's lives to be especially precarious.
From start to finish I found much to enjoy about this story. It's vividness on every level had me feeling as though I were watching The fight scenes were heartpoundingly fast-paced with memorable characters put into a game of cat and mouse that kept me constantly guessing. This was an extremely satisfying story and my favorite of all the Warriors of Rome series due to the exceptionally entertaining plot and writing style of this dynamic duo of authors.
November 4, 2012
Originally Reviewed for The Book Vixen
Passionate MM romance set in ancient Rome. So long as readers aren’t squeamish with violence, blood and rape then this is a good read with plenty of intrigue and compelling characters.
This novel is way more than sex. There is a plot, intrigue, well-rounded characters and a descriptive historical setting of ancient Rome. Anazar is a sympathetic central character as a captured warrior turned into a gladiator with his life defined by the whims of his masters. I had no idea how Anazar’s life would turn out, let alone who his romantic lead would be. This isn’t an easy book to read with its graphic descriptions of slavery and the power games that Roman masters played with the humans they owned but it’s fascinating anyway.
The intrigue was very well written and kept my attention, even as the romance progresses. I don’t want to ruin the romance but it was well developed and told within the structure of slavery in ancient Rome to maintain the story’s integrity. The romance is emotionally and sexually balanced and has time to progress deeply which I really liked. I also liked the resolution a lot as the book devotes quite a few pages to Anazar’s life after the romance and intrigue are both concluded.
Readers be advised: this is a very violent book, physically, emotionally and sexually. Slaves were property of their masters and the book doesn’t romanticize slaves’ lives. This means the book contains violence of every conceivable kind and this is hard for modern readers like me. Rape and torture should trouble readers so expect that in this book
So long as you can stand the high level of violence, this is a good historically accurate romance.
Passionate MM romance set in ancient Rome. So long as readers aren’t squeamish with violence, blood and rape then this is a good read with plenty of intrigue and compelling characters.
This novel is way more than sex. There is a plot, intrigue, well-rounded characters and a descriptive historical setting of ancient Rome. Anazar is a sympathetic central character as a captured warrior turned into a gladiator with his life defined by the whims of his masters. I had no idea how Anazar’s life would turn out, let alone who his romantic lead would be. This isn’t an easy book to read with its graphic descriptions of slavery and the power games that Roman masters played with the humans they owned but it’s fascinating anyway.
The intrigue was very well written and kept my attention, even as the romance progresses. I don’t want to ruin the romance but it was well developed and told within the structure of slavery in ancient Rome to maintain the story’s integrity. The romance is emotionally and sexually balanced and has time to progress deeply which I really liked. I also liked the resolution a lot as the book devotes quite a few pages to Anazar’s life after the romance and intrigue are both concluded.
Readers be advised: this is a very violent book, physically, emotionally and sexually. Slaves were property of their masters and the book doesn’t romanticize slaves’ lives. This means the book contains violence of every conceivable kind and this is hard for modern readers like me. Rape and torture should trouble readers so expect that in this book
So long as you can stand the high level of violence, this is a good historically accurate romance.
September 27, 2013
Excellent historical fiction of a slave caught in the middle of Roman politics between brothers and one's wife. I really had no idea where this story was going to go until the very end when it finally showed us.
It is thoroughly historically detailed. I do wish I'd realized there was a glossary at the end of it when I was reading it, because there was at least one word I would have looked up. (Most of the glossary is place names or ethnicities, which while interesting, you can read the story without knowing the exact background or locations intended.)
I really liked Anazar's character and understood his thoughts and motivations. Felix was a touch of an enigma, but he was so irreverant that I thoroughly enjoyed him. Marianus was less an enigma but more complicated than I thought he would be. It all made for a superb story.
Oh, and the cover is GORGEOUS!
It is thoroughly historically detailed. I do wish I'd realized there was a glossary at the end of it when I was reading it, because there was at least one word I would have looked up. (Most of the glossary is place names or ethnicities, which while interesting, you can read the story without knowing the exact background or locations intended.)
I really liked Anazar's character and understood his thoughts and motivations. Felix was a touch of an enigma, but he was so irreverant that I thoroughly enjoyed him. Marianus was less an enigma but more complicated than I thought he would be. It all made for a superb story.
Oh, and the cover is GORGEOUS!
December 12, 2012
Oh man, this was great. Shifting loyalties, tense drama, some amazing action bits, and a really great supporting cast. Also, I love the gravity with which the theme of slavery was handled: the authors don't romanticize what it means to be literally, legally a slave, but they also don't get heavy-handed with it, either. The ways in which slavery strips a person of dignity are just there, evident, a pain to be endured as long as it must be. Anazar and the gladiatrices all showed so much resilience in the face of Rome's casual brutality -- great characters to root for.
February 10, 2013
I finished this 2 day ago...if I rated it then I would have given it 5 stars, but now it's more like 4. Mainly because there wasn't enough Felix, even if Anazar's point of view was the focus of the story. And I couldn't understand when he fell for Felix,it was like I missed some pages because it felt out of the blue that they were in love.The action was good but for such a violent period I would have liked more gore....Still an enjoyable read.
June 23, 2022
Rating: 3.5 stars (rounded down)
I loved the historical details and I learned a lot about Ancient Rome so a big kudos to the authors for doing tons of research and finding ways to seamlessly integrate that research into the story. While the dialog was full of modern terminology, the characters weren't technically speaking English and I have no idea if equivalents of those phrases existed in the Latin/Greek (etc) that they were speaking so I ignored that.
Felix was a wonderful character and it was interesting having a flamboyantly gay man in an Ancient Rome setting. I also liked Anazar and the gladiatrices. The authors did a great job pacing the introduction and establishment of the different women so I never felt overwhelmed. It was really interesting having the women all have different personalities with different backgrounds and nationalities and how they slowly formed bonds with each other and learned how to work together. My favorite parts of the book were actually Anazar's interactions with the women.
But I also loved Felix's relationship with Anazar. It was really neat to contrast the 'relationship' between Anazar and Marianus versus Anazar's relationship with Felix. I completely understood Anazar viewing Marianus as a God-like figure but I also knew how unhealthy his dynamic with Marianus was (never mind that I identified early what a horrible and manipulative man Marianus was) so it was interesting having Felix recognize that and point it out. No matter how charming and seemingly benevolent Marianus was, it was clear that he'd never view Anazar as anything more than a slave. That's why I loved the relationship between Felix and Anazar and how the authors made it clear that Felix saw Anazar as a fellow human being who is worthy of respect and being treated as an equal. To be honest, I was close to DNFing the book at first because I thought the main relationship would be between Anazar and Marianus and that's not my thing. But after skimming reviews and finding out that Felix is the actual love interest, I kept going and I'm very glad I did.
Unfortunately, the story had way too much going on for me to properly enjoy it or connect with the characters. The big plotlines included . The authors constantly jumped back and forth between these plotlines and often introduced and then resolved new parts of them within a few pages. In most cases, the sudden fake detour that was thrown into the plotline ended up being pointless anyway. For example, .
Then there were the small plotlines that the authors insisted on stuffing into the book, despite the story already being overloaded. .
Basically, there was way too much going on in this and as a result, many plotlines felt rushed and I didn't feel the emotional impact from their resolution as I wanted. I'm especially sad that the were derailed by other plotlines fighting for attention and the authors forcing in fake-outs in both. Both of these situations were the biggest parts of the story and I felt the authors robbed me of getting to properly enjoy their endings because there was too much other stuff happening.
Overall, this is the best Ancient Rome historical romance I've come across yet and it's pretty much the only version of a master/slave dynamic that I'm ever going to enjoy so it was definitely worth the read.
I loved the historical details and I learned a lot about Ancient Rome so a big kudos to the authors for doing tons of research and finding ways to seamlessly integrate that research into the story. While the dialog was full of modern terminology, the characters weren't technically speaking English and I have no idea if equivalents of those phrases existed in the Latin/Greek (etc) that they were speaking so I ignored that.
Felix was a wonderful character and it was interesting having a flamboyantly gay man in an Ancient Rome setting. I also liked Anazar and the gladiatrices. The authors did a great job pacing the introduction and establishment of the different women so I never felt overwhelmed. It was really interesting having the women all have different personalities with different backgrounds and nationalities and how they slowly formed bonds with each other and learned how to work together. My favorite parts of the book were actually Anazar's interactions with the women.
But I also loved Felix's relationship with Anazar. It was really neat to contrast the 'relationship' between Anazar and Marianus versus Anazar's relationship with Felix. I completely understood Anazar viewing Marianus as a God-like figure but I also knew how unhealthy his dynamic with Marianus was (never mind that I identified early what a horrible and manipulative man Marianus was) so it was interesting having Felix recognize that and point it out. No matter how charming and seemingly benevolent Marianus was, it was clear that he'd never view Anazar as anything more than a slave. That's why I loved the relationship between Felix and Anazar and how the authors made it clear that Felix saw Anazar as a fellow human being who is worthy of respect and being treated as an equal. To be honest, I was close to DNFing the book at first because I thought the main relationship would be between Anazar and Marianus and that's not my thing. But after skimming reviews and finding out that Felix is the actual love interest, I kept going and I'm very glad I did.
Unfortunately, the story had way too much going on for me to properly enjoy it or connect with the characters. The big plotlines included . The authors constantly jumped back and forth between these plotlines and often introduced and then resolved new parts of them within a few pages. In most cases, the sudden fake detour that was thrown into the plotline ended up being pointless anyway. For example, .
Then there were the small plotlines that the authors insisted on stuffing into the book, despite the story already being overloaded. .
Basically, there was way too much going on in this and as a result, many plotlines felt rushed and I didn't feel the emotional impact from their resolution as I wanted. I'm especially sad that the were derailed by other plotlines fighting for attention and the authors forcing in fake-outs in both. Both of these situations were the biggest parts of the story and I felt the authors robbed me of getting to properly enjoy their endings because there was too much other stuff happening.
Overall, this is the best Ancient Rome historical romance I've come across yet and it's pretty much the only version of a master/slave dynamic that I'm ever going to enjoy so it was definitely worth the read.
July 26, 2013
4.5 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
What a lovely book this one was, so utterly captivating and enthralling in its theme. Gladiators are generally a beloved topic of mine, but this book was not merely a fantasy, it was a full on literary work, with quite some research covering its background and a truly fascinating story.
Anazar, a once upon a time Numidian warrior, now a fierce gladiator finds his life’s thread to be quickly shortening as he no longer finds a reason to live. Yes, of course in the middle of the battle when his instincts take over, he fights with all he has, but he is quickly running short on that. His owner is deeply dissatisfied and lends him over to a man that has recently come to own his own gladiator team. Female gladiators. He is in need of a trainer and one that will not have a mind to take advantage of the women. Anazar is the perfect man for that on many accounts; he’s seasoned, knows his way around the arena and training of gladiators and he has no interest on women whatsoever. Men on the other hand…
I loved how smoothly Anazar’s profile was written here. I loved how the authors slowly led us into his head and mindset. A fierce man that had resigned on his slavery. A man who has accepted and submitted to his duties. I actually had a hard time making my mind about him and his nature. Was he a submissive, or not? I still can’t make up my mind and that’s a beauty I rarely come across when getting to know characters. Most are so stereotypically described they hold no interest, but Anazar is a character you want to get to know. He has many layers of personality, each one slowly revealing itself throughout the book. He is strong in his beliefs of what his duty is without being blind to his master’s faults. Well… almost. His slave status and conditioning is revealed in the many ways and turns his brain takes. There is that resigned state of mind and sub servitude that comes from having no choices left, without diminishing his passion and fire, without turning him weak. Ah I loved, loved this character, he is exquisite.
Moving on, Fate has him caring for life once again when he’s forced to make gladiators out of women. Such a cruel notion, one that tugs at Anazar’s heart. But when added to the mix of new turns and twists his Master’s brother, Anazar finds he’s unable to maintain control on the following events. Can a man borne to master men see a slave for a human being? And at that, can a slave see a master of men in the light of love? And can that all happen in the midst of a City where treachery and back-stabbing politics were born and thrive?
Quite the interesting plot this one, with the Roman’s characteristically treacherous politics barreling full force and making this book a wondrous emotional ride. Hidden agendas and untrustworthy characters made the effect even brighter. I lost count of the times a new plot was made, I lost count of the many layers of corruption and back-stabbing, and I lost count of the times my heart plummeted to the floor along with Anazar’s, and how my guts turned and complained at the emotional assault. Even the end was and event in its self, every time I thought it was over a new twist would make my breath catch and turn me into a nerve wreck.
Ah dear me, I could go on forever it seems. As it is, I loved the book. I loved the plot, I loved the time period it was settled, I loved the characters, all of them being brilliant, and I loved the intimacy between the lovers and their encounters. I also loved the fact that this book does not shy from the cruelty inflicted at that time, although there is a lack of unbearable gruesome details. They were described rather masterfully in my opinion.
So bottom end, if you love your gladiators and honorable men and some back-stabbing Roman politics this is the book for you. I do believe you’ll be fascinated and captivated same way I did. Totally recommended.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
What a lovely book this one was, so utterly captivating and enthralling in its theme. Gladiators are generally a beloved topic of mine, but this book was not merely a fantasy, it was a full on literary work, with quite some research covering its background and a truly fascinating story.
Anazar, a once upon a time Numidian warrior, now a fierce gladiator finds his life’s thread to be quickly shortening as he no longer finds a reason to live. Yes, of course in the middle of the battle when his instincts take over, he fights with all he has, but he is quickly running short on that. His owner is deeply dissatisfied and lends him over to a man that has recently come to own his own gladiator team. Female gladiators. He is in need of a trainer and one that will not have a mind to take advantage of the women. Anazar is the perfect man for that on many accounts; he’s seasoned, knows his way around the arena and training of gladiators and he has no interest on women whatsoever. Men on the other hand…
I loved how smoothly Anazar’s profile was written here. I loved how the authors slowly led us into his head and mindset. A fierce man that had resigned on his slavery. A man who has accepted and submitted to his duties. I actually had a hard time making my mind about him and his nature. Was he a submissive, or not? I still can’t make up my mind and that’s a beauty I rarely come across when getting to know characters. Most are so stereotypically described they hold no interest, but Anazar is a character you want to get to know. He has many layers of personality, each one slowly revealing itself throughout the book. He is strong in his beliefs of what his duty is without being blind to his master’s faults. Well… almost. His slave status and conditioning is revealed in the many ways and turns his brain takes. There is that resigned state of mind and sub servitude that comes from having no choices left, without diminishing his passion and fire, without turning him weak. Ah I loved, loved this character, he is exquisite.
Moving on, Fate has him caring for life once again when he’s forced to make gladiators out of women. Such a cruel notion, one that tugs at Anazar’s heart. But when added to the mix of new turns and twists his Master’s brother, Anazar finds he’s unable to maintain control on the following events. Can a man borne to master men see a slave for a human being? And at that, can a slave see a master of men in the light of love? And can that all happen in the midst of a City where treachery and back-stabbing politics were born and thrive?
Quite the interesting plot this one, with the Roman’s characteristically treacherous politics barreling full force and making this book a wondrous emotional ride. Hidden agendas and untrustworthy characters made the effect even brighter. I lost count of the times a new plot was made, I lost count of the many layers of corruption and back-stabbing, and I lost count of the times my heart plummeted to the floor along with Anazar’s, and how my guts turned and complained at the emotional assault. Even the end was and event in its self, every time I thought it was over a new twist would make my breath catch and turn me into a nerve wreck.
Ah dear me, I could go on forever it seems. As it is, I loved the book. I loved the plot, I loved the time period it was settled, I loved the characters, all of them being brilliant, and I loved the intimacy between the lovers and their encounters. I also loved the fact that this book does not shy from the cruelty inflicted at that time, although there is a lack of unbearable gruesome details. They were described rather masterfully in my opinion.
So bottom end, if you love your gladiators and honorable men and some back-stabbing Roman politics this is the book for you. I do believe you’ll be fascinated and captivated same way I did. Totally recommended.
Thommie
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews