by Jennifer Estep
Date Published: 10.02.2018
Amazon | The Book Depository
From Goodreads:
Gladiator meets Game of Thrones: a royal woman becomes a skilled warrior to destroy her murderous cousin, avenge her family, and save her kingdom in this first entry in a dazzling fantasy epic from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Assassin series—an enthralling tale that combines magic, murder, intrigue, adventure, and a hint of romance.
In a realm where one’s magical power determines one’s worth, Lady Everleigh’s lack of obvious ability relegates her to the shadows of the royal court of Bellona, a kingdom steeped in gladiator tradition. Seventeenth in line for the throne, Evie is nothing more than a ceremonial fixture, overlooked and mostly forgotten.
But dark forces are at work inside the palace. When her cousin Vasilia, the crown princess, assassinates her mother the queen and takes the throne by force, Evie is also attacked, along with the rest of the royal family. Luckily for Evie, her secret immunity to magic helps her escape the massacre.
Forced into hiding to survive, she falls in with a gladiator troupe. Though they use their talents to entertain and amuse the masses, the gladiators are actually highly trained warriors skilled in the art of war, especially Lucas Sullivan, a powerful magier with secrets of his own. Uncertain of her future—or if she even has one—Evie begins training with the troupe until she can decide her next move.
But as the bloodthirsty Vasilia exerts her power, pushing Bellona to the brink of war, Evie’s fate becomes clear: she must become a fearsome gladiator herself . . . and kill the queen.
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Rating: 4 of 5 stars
My very first Jennifer Estep book and it did not disappoint!
I love the book's every bloody, gruesome page. Everleigh is an amazing heroine! I love how badass and ruthless she can be when needed but still be caring and selfless. Vasilia was one sick b*tch. Lucas was okay as a romantic interest. It was too insta-love for my taste. Good thing there was so much going on in the story that I wasn't all that bothered with the romance. My favorite character has to be Xenia. I have a feeling I'm going to be like that old grump when I grow old. Lol. It's a bit disappointing though because I wanted to see more of the gladiators and gladiatorship (I know that's not a word) and that wasn't the case.
All in all this was a very enjoyable high stakes read! I love how it doesn't hold back from being bloody. Looking forward to the sequel! (Now who do I have to sell my soul to to get my hands on it?)
I received an e-arc to read and review.
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