Synopsis: FORGED IN BATTLE…
FROM THE DUST OF THE ARENA…
A LEGEND WILL RISEThe action-packed tale of a 17-year-old warrior princess and a handsome gladiator who dared take on the Roman Republic―and gave rise to the legend of Spartacus…
For teens who love strong female protagonists in their fantasy and historical fiction, Blood and Sand is a stirring, yet poignant tale of two slaves who dared take on an empire by talented debut author C. V. Wyk.
Roma Victrix. The Republic of Rome is on a relentless march to create an empire―an empire built on the backs of the conquered, brought back to Rome as slaves.
Attia was once destined to rule as the queen and swordmaiden of Thrace, the greatest warrior kingdom the world had seen since Sparta. Now she is a slave, given to Xanthus, the Champion of Rome, as a sign of his master’s favor. Enslaved as a child, Xanthus is the preeminent gladiator of his generation.
Against all odds, Attia and Xanthus form a tentative bond. A bond that will spark a rebellion. A rebellion that threatens to bring the Roman Republic to its end―and gives rise to the legend of Spartacus…
Review: When I saw this novel, I was immediately intrigued. I did not necessarily read a lot of books taking place in ancient Rome but this synopsis really made me want to learn more. How to resist a story of slaves, gladiators, rebellion and princess? I tell you right now, I can not!
Attia was far from suspecting that she would become a slave. Princess and heiress, she was supposed to succeed her father until Rome destroyed everything in its path to create an empire. She is now bought by one of the richest houses and is even given to another slave as a gift, a slave who is today the most famous gladiator in Rome. Xanthus finally hoped to die, to stop killing for those who destroyed his life, and yet when Attia arrives, he knows that he can not let her down, that his death would be synonymous with hers. They will learn to discover each other and while Xanthus knows the weight of the rebellion against his master, Attia will not stop trying to escape, to show her spirited spirit to anyone who dares to tell her that she has a master. Fortunately for her, nobody really knows her real identity.
I really enjoyed this story in an antique background like this. Rome, fighting in the arena, Pompeii … Many things that make me want to discover more. The relationship between the two characters is at first suspicious and fragile, but a link is created between them and it is true that I really enjoyed seeing them open to each other. Attia will understand that she is not alone and that Xanthus is her salvation. The two characters have their own goals but both want to make pay those who have wronged them.
Many things have been initiated here and I am curious to see the consequences of the recent events. I had a good time with this first volume and I confess that I am curious to discover what the author has in store for us.
Silvia
I mean, I’m Roman, need I say more? 😉 Seriously, this book sounds really intriguing and I know I’ll have to give it a go! Thanks, Melliane 😀
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it if you do
Sophia Rose
Oh wow, yeah, I can see why it caught your attention. I’ve read a couple of Roman stories and they were both good. This one looks pretty good, too.
Great review, Melliane!
Melliane
it was nice yes
Jenea's Book Obsession
The Rome setting and the characters sound amazing!!! Great review! It sounds like a book is Enjoy a lot.
Melanie Simmons
Oh, this sounds really good. I’ve always had a fascination with ancient civilizations. Great review.
Melliane
me too
Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous)
Yesss. I love stories like this, but you don’t see them all that often. This is immediately getting added to my Goodreads list.
blodeuedd
It just seems soooooo YA
Heidi
Oh yes, you are totally right, I can’t think of the last time I read a book set in Ancient Rome. Love the setting too. Pompeii? Awesome!
Shane Morgan
We have the same feelings about this one! I loved the story and cannot wait to read the second book, especially after that ending 🙂
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
Ah, everyone seemed to love this book but me! 😛
Nadene @Totally Addicted to Reading
I enjoy stories set in ancient Rome and Greece and this sounds like a fun read. Great review, Melliane
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
This books seems to be everywhere lately and I think it looks really good. I don’t think that I have read anything set in ancient Rome before but I may have to get my hands on this one. Glad you enjoyed it!
Carole Rae
Oooo Spartacus. Trouble-maker 😉 lollll
But yesss…I do enjoy Ancient Rome tales especially the warriors like gladiators. So fun! So bloody! Too bad this is YA. MORE BLOOD
herding cats
Well now. That’s very different. I don’t think I’ve read that time period other than flashbacks in some paranormals. Interesting!