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The Certainty of Blood
Nothing is certain under the moon's gaze, save blood.
When Aldan discovers the power to burn someone’s blood, he is taken from his family, branded, and sold into slavery as an arena fighter. A painful life and an early death are all he can expect, until he listens to a supernatural voice coming from his own blood. Taking her advice, he uses his power to become the greatest arena fighter of the age, fighting year after year with one goal in mind. If he can purchase his own freedom, maybe a normal life with the woman he loves is possible.
And now, he needs to win only one more fight… against a rebel leader who people are calling “the chosen one.”
From the grueling training grounds where boys learn to kill, to the luxuries of the sinister Hawk King’s palace, Aldan’s whole life has led inexorably to this one day. This one fight.
The king holds everything Aldan cares about. All he has to do is kill this final opponent. But love and friendship demand a different outcome. The choice is not as easy as it first appeared…
Gladiator meets The Name of the Wind in this mesmerizing tale of blood, glory, magic, and love.
When Aldan discovers the power to burn someone’s blood, he is taken from his family, branded, and sold into slavery as an arena fighter. A painful life and an early death are all he can expect, until he listens to a supernatural voice coming from his own blood. Taking her advice, he uses his power to become the greatest arena fighter of the age, fighting year after year with one goal in mind. If he can purchase his own freedom, maybe a normal life with the woman he loves is possible.
And now, he needs to win only one more fight… against a rebel leader who people are calling “the chosen one.”
From the grueling training grounds where boys learn to kill, to the luxuries of the sinister Hawk King’s palace, Aldan’s whole life has led inexorably to this one day. This one fight.
The king holds everything Aldan cares about. All he has to do is kill this final opponent. But love and friendship demand a different outcome. The choice is not as easy as it first appeared…
Gladiator meets The Name of the Wind in this mesmerizing tale of blood, glory, magic, and love.
- GenresFantasyEpic FantasyMagic
610 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
32 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Tim Frankovich
19 books58 followersTim Frankovich has been exploring fantastic worlds since third grade, when he cut up a grocery sack and drew a Godzilla-meets-superheroes story. Since then, he's gotten a little bit better at the writing part (not so much with the drawing).
His goal as a writer is to transport readers to another world, make them care deeply about characters in dire situations, and guide them deeper into life itself.
At the moment, he is probably suitably conscious somewhere in Texas with his beloved wife, awesome kids, and a fool of a pup named Pippin.
His goal as a writer is to transport readers to another world, make them care deeply about characters in dire situations, and guide them deeper into life itself.
At the moment, he is probably suitably conscious somewhere in Texas with his beloved wife, awesome kids, and a fool of a pup named Pippin.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 11, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this surprisingly really good book. I’m usually dissatisfied with most Indie books but this one was very well written with a simple but unique magic system and great character development! I’m also a sucker for gladiator stuff so I may be biased to this more than most people! 🫶🏻 ⚔️
The story follows Ardan who get banished from his clan, branded a slave, and name changed to “Clanless”. He must use this name his whole life, never father children, and never cover his brand. All for being “tainted” which means he has the ability to burn blood.
Blood is worth a lot in this world. You might say, “well John, isn’t blood worth a lot in this world too?” Why yes Goodreads Buddy, but in this world blood is currency, life, and a form of magic. Slave owners have the ability to control you through a blood bond. If you escape from him/her your body will stiffen up for example.
The blurb of this book references Name of the Wind. While not an outlandish reference, it’s only similar in the fact that it goes in and out of the past to tell his story, which I love that so much and very thankful that it’s becoming a normal form of storytelling.
Most of the story follows Ardan’s, excuse me, Clanless’ journey as a gladiator. His goal is to gain as much blood as he can, which he gathers a portion off the dead bodies he’s killed in the arena, and buy his way to freedom and start a life with his love interest Kekeen. Gaining friends is difficult. Some friends die in the arena and some friends you must actually face in the arena. Ardan never loses his sanity and you find out at the end of the book how he’s able to keep it all together and has a nice twist for his fate. Very much looking forward to next book in the series as well as his other series.
The story follows Ardan who get banished from his clan, branded a slave, and name changed to “Clanless”. He must use this name his whole life, never father children, and never cover his brand. All for being “tainted” which means he has the ability to burn blood.
Blood is worth a lot in this world. You might say, “well John, isn’t blood worth a lot in this world too?” Why yes Goodreads Buddy, but in this world blood is currency, life, and a form of magic. Slave owners have the ability to control you through a blood bond. If you escape from him/her your body will stiffen up for example.
The blurb of this book references Name of the Wind. While not an outlandish reference, it’s only similar in the fact that it goes in and out of the past to tell his story, which I love that so much and very thankful that it’s becoming a normal form of storytelling.
Most of the story follows Ardan’s, excuse me, Clanless’ journey as a gladiator. His goal is to gain as much blood as he can, which he gathers a portion off the dead bodies he’s killed in the arena, and buy his way to freedom and start a life with his love interest Kekeen. Gaining friends is difficult. Some friends die in the arena and some friends you must actually face in the arena. Ardan never loses his sanity and you find out at the end of the book how he’s able to keep it all together and has a nice twist for his fate. Very much looking forward to next book in the series as well as his other series.
August 6, 2023
After reading a few meh books, I knew I needed something to really sink my teeth into, something that will take hold of me and not let go until the end, soooo, what way do I accomplish this? By reading a Tim Frankovich book is how! Now he's an author whose scale of brilliance is off the charts! He makes me forget I'm reading fiction, he makes me believe everything is real, he makes me FEEL! So, yeah, if you ever want to be dunked good and solid, sputtering and barely able to draw breath whilst being completely submerged, a Frankovich book will get you there and more!
So to the book...it starts off immediately, from the first paragraph, propelling me right into the arena, right next to the warrior, already holding my breath as the author firmly holds my head under water. You see, the warrior, who's named Clanless, was ousted from his village, stripped of his name by the Blood Priests, on the day that should have been a celebration, the day of becoming a man and he was a measly 12 year old! Banished to fight in the arena, he faught and won each fight, earning him the unlikely title of hero. Could it be any more exciting? Oh you betcha, so much more exciting!
The story goes from the present to the past so brilliantly, giving us a glimpse into what Aldan, now Clanless, suffered, from that fateful day of his ceremony to become a man, to what he endures in the city and arena. It tugged on every heartstring like a violin in agony! Is there anyone more vile than the Blood Priests? Nope, but I itched to do grievous bodily harm on them. And I'm not a violent person... Remember what I said at the beginning of this review? How the author makes me feel everything? The characters are just wow! You know them, you understand them, you love some, you revile others. The only thing you don't do, is you're never apathetic about any of these magnificent creative characters.
Before this becomes a thesis and not a review, I'll end up on this. With a plot and pacing to rival any book I've ever read, this is an emotive adventure, this is as riveting a read as they come, this is an author who's name should be shouted from the rooftops and this book is one not to be missed. So waste no time, hurry to add it to your TBR!
So to the book...it starts off immediately, from the first paragraph, propelling me right into the arena, right next to the warrior, already holding my breath as the author firmly holds my head under water. You see, the warrior, who's named Clanless, was ousted from his village, stripped of his name by the Blood Priests, on the day that should have been a celebration, the day of becoming a man and he was a measly 12 year old! Banished to fight in the arena, he faught and won each fight, earning him the unlikely title of hero. Could it be any more exciting? Oh you betcha, so much more exciting!
The story goes from the present to the past so brilliantly, giving us a glimpse into what Aldan, now Clanless, suffered, from that fateful day of his ceremony to become a man, to what he endures in the city and arena. It tugged on every heartstring like a violin in agony! Is there anyone more vile than the Blood Priests? Nope, but I itched to do grievous bodily harm on them. And I'm not a violent person... Remember what I said at the beginning of this review? How the author makes me feel everything? The characters are just wow! You know them, you understand them, you love some, you revile others. The only thing you don't do, is you're never apathetic about any of these magnificent creative characters.
Before this becomes a thesis and not a review, I'll end up on this. With a plot and pacing to rival any book I've ever read, this is an emotive adventure, this is as riveting a read as they come, this is an author who's name should be shouted from the rooftops and this book is one not to be missed. So waste no time, hurry to add it to your TBR!
December 8, 2025
Right off the bat there is blood, a mad crowd screaming for it, and the task of collecting it from the fallen enemy after a character just ripped the other open with a death blow. What else can you expect from an intro of a book? Seriously, what else? HAHAHHAHAHHA.
And if you think it ends there, I can only tell you: But wait! There's more... Because we are hit with the questions: Why is blood so important in here? Why are they fighting for? Why does he need to collect the blood? And this is how you do it. Top marks on the start of “The certainty of blood” by Tim Frankovich.
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Grab your book here
There is so much that the authors throws at you in the first pages, and we know we have a lot to unpack in this book, which is nice, because, so far, so good, and when you add that to the subtle dark humour that this book has (like people throwing themselves to an arena in pure ecstasy as if they were possessed by a suicidal rabid hooligan spirit).
Apparently blood is many things in this book, it's power, it's magic, and sort of a form of currency where you are taxed on and cannot waste not even a bit due to its relationship with the Moon Goddess (that somehow wants to destroy all the blood through the chosen ones because... reasons we are yet to find out), and apparently there are people that can destroy or “taint” the power of blood, and these people, mostly children are to be killed to "appease" the Goddess. Interesting...
When you put the above with the fact that the more you read it, the more it sounds like the government is actually a twisted and derranged maniac power death cult desguised as religion that wants to achieve total domination and immortality (which is pretty close to reality in most cases btw), you get an interesting point of schepticism and start reading things with a kilo or two of salt, just to see how things will turn out.
If we were to describe this book as simply and as accurately as possible, it would be this: Imagine Spartacus, replace the sex with humour and the adults with young men, and then throw in Warhammer 40K lore around it when it comes to magic and take out the space and the scifi stuff and lean in more in the Spartacus zone, so, if you needsome very masculine, violent, descriptive book that you can read with your kiddo, and both be entertained, then The Certainty of Blood by Tim Frankovich is the right choice for you.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 9798987122341-1272326550.jpg
Grab your book here
Two things are incredible aboutthis book and author, the first is the back and forth in terms of time.
The story is told in the present and in the past as if it was the present. Meaning, you will know the backstory of the MC and the side-characters as they develop, while slowly, VERY slowly connecting the dots in the present.
In the first scenes we think "how can something so massive be told in a span of two days?"The cuop of the king, the storm that is to engulf the country, or planet, and the revolution? But then the author gives us one scene in the present-present and then a whole backstory of like 10 scenes in the present-past, and this builds the second, which is an awesome thing.
The second awesome thing is the fact that there are so, many, factors at play. There are the barbarians, the goddess (or blood wraith, we don't know), the priests, THE priest in particular that is too grey (not Christian at all, mind you) for us to put a finger on his intentions, the revolutionaries, the blood magic, the chosen one, the Hawk King and his immortality, and if you think that you will know about ANY of this, or better yet, have a firm grasp about any of these factors asthe book advances, here's your fair warning to lower your expectations about that. You will know nothing and have as many questions as your mind allows to hold. Amazing stuff.
Zaluu is the best character, just in case you want to know.
After taking out the wacky and totally unpredictable alliances that will be formed in the book in order to tear down a totalitarian regime, there is one thing that the author NAILS! And that is the romance. HOLY FUCK!
Ok, here's the thing: in today's books, romance is more like a fast-paced and soulless build-up to an orgy or a whore fest, or even just pure and unaldulterated digusting sex-scenes that ends up with the girl cheating on the “love of her life” for the guy that has the most cash that wants to fuck her on the ass because she wants empowerment, but not this book. No, and this is what is so amazing about it!
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 9798987122341-1272326550.jpg
Grab your book here
Ok, SURE, he IS the best fighter, but she doesn't love him because he is the best fighter (although he is), and there is so much soul and humanity and innocence and above all, honor and honesty in all the behaviours and decisions they make. It's the type of romance and love we ALL want, but it's outdated and out of fashion. The girl is feminine yet stubborn, the guy is masculine and yet imperfect and still they both love the fuck out of each other and keep faithful to each other (or do they?).
Yes, I know, I know, we are here for the blood and gut spilling on the arena sands, and there isa lot of that, but I could not leave this unsaid. WE NEED MORE ROMANCES LIKE THIS!!!!! HOLY SHIT, I missed reading this. OMG! THANK YOU!!
And then we have the villains. Yes, villains. There are many that you will only know as the book ends, because, there will surely be a follow-up from this incredible book, but let's focus on the main one that we know explicitly, the Hawk King.
Remember when we mentioned that the author made us sense things in the background and you would not have any clue of what would happen untill things happened? Yeah the MV is an expert of this, he knows everything, shows nothing and acts deliberately only when he needs to, and he is cruel and cold to the bone, calculated and always royal feinting ignorance about what's happening, just to play with you before he strikes. You won't love him, you won't hate him, but he will keep you on the edge and with your eyes peeled for his next move. Incredible!
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 9798987122341-1272326550.jpg
Grab your book here
Now,this book is one of the best we've got this year, and this is one of those top-tier books from a top-tier author that you wish, and many beg to get their hands upon, and the way it ended, oh... there is so much that the second book will throw at us that we aren't ready, at all.
So,IF you are trying to decide if you should get this book or not, stop, because you must get it if you want to read something worth your time and worth your bucks! LOVE IT, and highly recommend this for our boys and men out there. Grab your books now!
Pros:
Excellent narrative
Umpredictable plotline
GREAT characters, with EXCELLENT character development
Excellent humour
Excellent story that touches on many aspects of real life, like male rape, being good, choices, honour, friendship, love, betrayal, trauma, duty and so much more!
Excellent villains
Great fight scenes
Cons:
The author knows what he has done, but we can't tell because it'll be a spoiler.
Lesson of the book: Don't listen to your intrusive thoughts, and wear a cape.
Favourite Character: Zaluu
Cover rating: 8.6/10
Book Rating: 9.0/10
And if you think it ends there, I can only tell you: But wait! There's more... Because we are hit with the questions: Why is blood so important in here? Why are they fighting for? Why does he need to collect the blood? And this is how you do it. Top marks on the start of “The certainty of blood” by Tim Frankovich.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 9798987122341-1272326550.jpg
Grab your book here
There is so much that the authors throws at you in the first pages, and we know we have a lot to unpack in this book, which is nice, because, so far, so good, and when you add that to the subtle dark humour that this book has (like people throwing themselves to an arena in pure ecstasy as if they were possessed by a suicidal rabid hooligan spirit).
Apparently blood is many things in this book, it's power, it's magic, and sort of a form of currency where you are taxed on and cannot waste not even a bit due to its relationship with the Moon Goddess (that somehow wants to destroy all the blood through the chosen ones because... reasons we are yet to find out), and apparently there are people that can destroy or “taint” the power of blood, and these people, mostly children are to be killed to "appease" the Goddess. Interesting...
When you put the above with the fact that the more you read it, the more it sounds like the government is actually a twisted and derranged maniac power death cult desguised as religion that wants to achieve total domination and immortality (which is pretty close to reality in most cases btw), you get an interesting point of schepticism and start reading things with a kilo or two of salt, just to see how things will turn out.
If we were to describe this book as simply and as accurately as possible, it would be this: Imagine Spartacus, replace the sex with humour and the adults with young men, and then throw in Warhammer 40K lore around it when it comes to magic and take out the space and the scifi stuff and lean in more in the Spartacus zone, so, if you needsome very masculine, violent, descriptive book that you can read with your kiddo, and both be entertained, then The Certainty of Blood by Tim Frankovich is the right choice for you.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 9798987122341-1272326550.jpg
Grab your book here
Two things are incredible aboutthis book and author, the first is the back and forth in terms of time.
The story is told in the present and in the past as if it was the present. Meaning, you will know the backstory of the MC and the side-characters as they develop, while slowly, VERY slowly connecting the dots in the present.
In the first scenes we think "how can something so massive be told in a span of two days?"The cuop of the king, the storm that is to engulf the country, or planet, and the revolution? But then the author gives us one scene in the present-present and then a whole backstory of like 10 scenes in the present-past, and this builds the second, which is an awesome thing.
The second awesome thing is the fact that there are so, many, factors at play. There are the barbarians, the goddess (or blood wraith, we don't know), the priests, THE priest in particular that is too grey (not Christian at all, mind you) for us to put a finger on his intentions, the revolutionaries, the blood magic, the chosen one, the Hawk King and his immortality, and if you think that you will know about ANY of this, or better yet, have a firm grasp about any of these factors asthe book advances, here's your fair warning to lower your expectations about that. You will know nothing and have as many questions as your mind allows to hold. Amazing stuff.
Zaluu is the best character, just in case you want to know.
After taking out the wacky and totally unpredictable alliances that will be formed in the book in order to tear down a totalitarian regime, there is one thing that the author NAILS! And that is the romance. HOLY FUCK!
Ok, here's the thing: in today's books, romance is more like a fast-paced and soulless build-up to an orgy or a whore fest, or even just pure and unaldulterated digusting sex-scenes that ends up with the girl cheating on the “love of her life” for the guy that has the most cash that wants to fuck her on the ass because she wants empowerment, but not this book. No, and this is what is so amazing about it!
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 9798987122341-1272326550.jpg
Grab your book here
Ok, SURE, he IS the best fighter, but she doesn't love him because he is the best fighter (although he is), and there is so much soul and humanity and innocence and above all, honor and honesty in all the behaviours and decisions they make. It's the type of romance and love we ALL want, but it's outdated and out of fashion. The girl is feminine yet stubborn, the guy is masculine and yet imperfect and still they both love the fuck out of each other and keep faithful to each other (or do they?).
Yes, I know, I know, we are here for the blood and gut spilling on the arena sands, and there isa lot of that, but I could not leave this unsaid. WE NEED MORE ROMANCES LIKE THIS!!!!! HOLY SHIT, I missed reading this. OMG! THANK YOU!!
And then we have the villains. Yes, villains. There are many that you will only know as the book ends, because, there will surely be a follow-up from this incredible book, but let's focus on the main one that we know explicitly, the Hawk King.
Remember when we mentioned that the author made us sense things in the background and you would not have any clue of what would happen untill things happened? Yeah the MV is an expert of this, he knows everything, shows nothing and acts deliberately only when he needs to, and he is cruel and cold to the bone, calculated and always royal feinting ignorance about what's happening, just to play with you before he strikes. You won't love him, you won't hate him, but he will keep you on the edge and with your eyes peeled for his next move. Incredible!
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 9798987122341-1272326550.jpg
Grab your book here
Now,this book is one of the best we've got this year, and this is one of those top-tier books from a top-tier author that you wish, and many beg to get their hands upon, and the way it ended, oh... there is so much that the second book will throw at us that we aren't ready, at all.
So,IF you are trying to decide if you should get this book or not, stop, because you must get it if you want to read something worth your time and worth your bucks! LOVE IT, and highly recommend this for our boys and men out there. Grab your books now!
Pros:
Excellent narrative
Umpredictable plotline
GREAT characters, with EXCELLENT character development
Excellent humour
Excellent story that touches on many aspects of real life, like male rape, being good, choices, honour, friendship, love, betrayal, trauma, duty and so much more!
Excellent villains
Great fight scenes
Cons:
The author knows what he has done, but we can't tell because it'll be a spoiler.
Lesson of the book: Don't listen to your intrusive thoughts, and wear a cape.
Favourite Character: Zaluu
Cover rating: 8.6/10
Book Rating: 9.0/10
September 9, 2023
This book will keep you turning the pages from start to finish.
The era this story was based in was a cruel and bloody one, reminiscent of the times of the Aztecs and the Roman Empire. The differences in "class" were immense. Children were sold into slavery to pay their father's debts; the girls to brothels; the boys to the arena to fight (or die) for the entertainment of their "betters".
Ripped from his family because of his "gift", this was the world that Clanless was forced to live in. To survive, he had to kill; again, and again, and again. There was only one person who brought him comfort and joy, but could they ever have a life together? Was it even possible?
I received a free copy of The Certainty of Blood through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
The era this story was based in was a cruel and bloody one, reminiscent of the times of the Aztecs and the Roman Empire. The differences in "class" were immense. Children were sold into slavery to pay their father's debts; the girls to brothels; the boys to the arena to fight (or die) for the entertainment of their "betters".
Ripped from his family because of his "gift", this was the world that Clanless was forced to live in. To survive, he had to kill; again, and again, and again. There was only one person who brought him comfort and joy, but could they ever have a life together? Was it even possible?
I received a free copy of The Certainty of Blood through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
May 5, 2023
I received this eARC courtesy of Netgalley, the Author and Warpsteel Press.
This is a coming of age fantasy centered around gladiator-like fighting, along with some magical elements. Aldan was banished as a child from his clan, had his family and name stripped from him, was branded a slave, and sold to the arena for the crime of having tainted blood. His name then becomes "Clanless".
In this society blood is everything. It's life, power, and sometimes money. It's used to perform magic, healing, etc. It's also used to control, such as with a bloodbond. Clanless can't, for example, run away from this awful way of life because of the bond. The holder of the bloodbond has total control over those bonded. His only chance of legal escape comes with surviving the arena battles and accruing X-amount of his deceased opponents' blood in order to purchase his freedom. He is determined to accomplish this goal at all costs.
The tale begins in the now, after Clanless has just killed another arena fighter. Then he starts to reminisce and we go back in time to the start of this travesty when he was still Aldan. We see how the ugly events unfold to the present.
I liked the characters for the most part. There were some good enigmatic characters, particularly Bain and Kan the trainer. The bloodwraith was a neat concept, too. On the other hand, the evil priesthood was a tiresome trope. It's gotten to the point in fantasy books that if there is a religion in the tale the priests are evil and the followers are fanatics. Another negative is the relationship between the male and female leads: it was kind of insta-love-ish. At least the MC wasn't a total special snowflake. He had an ability, but it apparently wasn't exclusive to him. He didn't leave his fights unscathed, and sometimes he only won by the skin of his teeth. I did enjoy watching Clanless evolve as a character, and it wasn't always for the better. That was definitely one of this story's strengths.
The book really could have been pared down somewhat without losing any integrity. It was 600+ pages, and I didn't think all of the details were strictly necessary. 300+ pages were devoted to three years of the MC's daily grind, for example. Because of this, I didn't have any problems setting it aside. I didn't dislike it; it was just too much information at times. All of this said, the build up towards the ending was terrific. That part of the book made up for everything else. Ironically, once I reached the end I found myself wishing that there was more!
Fantasy readers really into gladiators or arena fighting would probably enjoy this one. If there is to be a sequel I'll be reading it.
This is a coming of age fantasy centered around gladiator-like fighting, along with some magical elements. Aldan was banished as a child from his clan, had his family and name stripped from him, was branded a slave, and sold to the arena for the crime of having tainted blood. His name then becomes "Clanless".
In this society blood is everything. It's life, power, and sometimes money. It's used to perform magic, healing, etc. It's also used to control, such as with a bloodbond. Clanless can't, for example, run away from this awful way of life because of the bond. The holder of the bloodbond has total control over those bonded. His only chance of legal escape comes with surviving the arena battles and accruing X-amount of his deceased opponents' blood in order to purchase his freedom. He is determined to accomplish this goal at all costs.
The tale begins in the now, after Clanless has just killed another arena fighter. Then he starts to reminisce and we go back in time to the start of this travesty when he was still Aldan. We see how the ugly events unfold to the present.
I liked the characters for the most part. There were some good enigmatic characters, particularly Bain and Kan the trainer. The bloodwraith was a neat concept, too. On the other hand, the evil priesthood was a tiresome trope. It's gotten to the point in fantasy books that if there is a religion in the tale the priests are evil and the followers are fanatics. Another negative is the relationship between the male and female leads: it was kind of insta-love-ish. At least the MC wasn't a total special snowflake. He had an ability, but it apparently wasn't exclusive to him. He didn't leave his fights unscathed, and sometimes he only won by the skin of his teeth. I did enjoy watching Clanless evolve as a character, and it wasn't always for the better. That was definitely one of this story's strengths.
The book really could have been pared down somewhat without losing any integrity. It was 600+ pages, and I didn't think all of the details were strictly necessary. 300+ pages were devoted to three years of the MC's daily grind, for example. Because of this, I didn't have any problems setting it aside. I didn't dislike it; it was just too much information at times. All of this said, the build up towards the ending was terrific. That part of the book made up for everything else. Ironically, once I reached the end I found myself wishing that there was more!
Fantasy readers really into gladiators or arena fighting would probably enjoy this one. If there is to be a sequel I'll be reading it.
April 17, 2023
I really loved everything about this book - the plot, the characters, the writing and the world building. The story cleverly braids the timeless ingredients forging human history, like love, politics, money, religion or power, into a riveting story of humanity (as in what makes us human) prevailing against all odds without losing what ultimately defines it: its heart.
For what would life be without death, and good without bad? The definition of darkness is the absence of light, but the world is not just black and white, and no hero was ever perfect in everything. It's so hard to find a genuine hero, and maybe it always was - how many are willing to self sacrifice for a noble cause without any ulterior goal? To take gigantic risks in the name of good, to struggle and to suffer when hope is scarce and the public opinion so easily swayed toward blame, so susceptible to manipulation? Rulers have tremendous power, but sometimes - very seldom - they get toppled, and that's the story of every uprising or revolution, including this one.
Clanless kept losing everything he ever wanted - his family, his freedom, his religion, his future, his friends, his hope, his blood - but he never lost his essence, and he never gave up on his dream to be free. He stubbornly refused to let everybody else's skepticism and the enormous price to be paid to deter him, for that would have meant death while living. He wasn't a hero, but he was no ordinary man either, and he was true to himself and his heart despite his fear , because at the heart of him was his honor.
To say more would be to add spoilers, and I don't want that; suffice it to say that while reading this book I felt everything its dwellers felt - the confusion, the despair, the love, the hope, the hopelessness, the pain, the rage, the sadness, the triumph, the beauty - and that is the true mark of talent. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed!
I really hope the author will tell Bain's story one day - I found him the most intriguing character and I think that story would also be epic.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For what would life be without death, and good without bad? The definition of darkness is the absence of light, but the world is not just black and white, and no hero was ever perfect in everything. It's so hard to find a genuine hero, and maybe it always was - how many are willing to self sacrifice for a noble cause without any ulterior goal? To take gigantic risks in the name of good, to struggle and to suffer when hope is scarce and the public opinion so easily swayed toward blame, so susceptible to manipulation? Rulers have tremendous power, but sometimes - very seldom - they get toppled, and that's the story of every uprising or revolution, including this one.
Clanless kept losing everything he ever wanted - his family, his freedom, his religion, his future, his friends, his hope, his blood - but he never lost his essence, and he never gave up on his dream to be free. He stubbornly refused to let everybody else's skepticism and the enormous price to be paid to deter him, for that would have meant death while living. He wasn't a hero, but he was no ordinary man either, and he was true to himself and his heart despite his fear , because at the heart of him was his honor.
To say more would be to add spoilers, and I don't want that; suffice it to say that while reading this book I felt everything its dwellers felt - the confusion, the despair, the love, the hope, the hopelessness, the pain, the rage, the sadness, the triumph, the beauty - and that is the true mark of talent. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed!
I really hope the author will tell Bain's story one day - I found him the most intriguing character and I think that story would also be epic.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Want to read
February 20, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
A gladiator needs just one more victory to purchase his freedom. The king announces it will be an infamous, recently captured rebel leader in this blood magic tinged sword and sandals fantasy.
This has an active, effective start that serves as a great entry point into the story. It establishes much about our story at speed, while also grounding us in the experience of our MC with 3rd person close narration.
The narrative isn’t in a hurry to explain to us all that blood magic can do, or why our gladiator collects the heart blood of his latest conquest. It introduces these things, but keeps its focus on character and developing action.
This opening has great pace, our MC has clear goals, and appears to be a unique figure. He is, perhaps, the greatest gladiator ever to fight in the Hawk King’s arena. He is called Clanless. He uses a less than honorable weapon…
Rather than execute this rebel leader, the king has set the stage for a dramatic confrontation. The political intrigue of this choice is fascinating. It makes me wonder just where this story will go.
Everything in this beginning conspires to win me over. It’s interesting, to the point, easy to read, and full of good little details. The world of the story feels thought out. I’m eager to see more of it and find out what happens next. I’m in.
A gladiator needs just one more victory to purchase his freedom. The king announces it will be an infamous, recently captured rebel leader in this blood magic tinged sword and sandals fantasy.
This has an active, effective start that serves as a great entry point into the story. It establishes much about our story at speed, while also grounding us in the experience of our MC with 3rd person close narration.
The narrative isn’t in a hurry to explain to us all that blood magic can do, or why our gladiator collects the heart blood of his latest conquest. It introduces these things, but keeps its focus on character and developing action.
This opening has great pace, our MC has clear goals, and appears to be a unique figure. He is, perhaps, the greatest gladiator ever to fight in the Hawk King’s arena. He is called Clanless. He uses a less than honorable weapon…
Rather than execute this rebel leader, the king has set the stage for a dramatic confrontation. The political intrigue of this choice is fascinating. It makes me wonder just where this story will go.
Everything in this beginning conspires to win me over. It’s interesting, to the point, easy to read, and full of good little details. The world of the story feels thought out. I’m eager to see more of it and find out what happens next. I’m in.
May 16, 2023
This is an okay book not a great book. My problem with it is it is more of a character sketch than a story. There is no real plot to it just past explanation and "now" happenings. The main character is forced into slavery by a corrupt priesthood who fears his power. He is a gladiator slave and his only opportunity for freedom is to buy it. The society he lives in is built on blood, both sacrificed and stolen. Even the currency is blood. Apparently their goddess demands it. You get a rich detailed backstory on this character and he has a difficult decision to make in the now. But there is no plot. Simply the life of the character as a gladiator slave who wants to be free. Even when his master is pure evil he doesn't really want to kill him or anything he just wants to do his time and earn his freedom. He is a bit bland in that way. The world itself also lacks in depth description. You don't know how or why the magic system works the way it does, or why blood is so important that it is a currency. Just that the goddess demands blood. This leaves you wondering all the time. So it's an okay book, but not a great one. Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2024
This is a coming of age story.
Epic fantasy with a main slow burn romance lead.
Overall very nice character progress and buildup.
I was very suprised to find such quality book with this low reviews.
Clanless is a peasant boy. He possesses some natural form of blood magic.
In a world where blood is the go-to currency, his skill is not allowed by the priesthood.
Therefore he is stripped from his name, taken from his home and clanhold.
Sentenced like a criminal to death in the arena, despite not even really knowing why.
As he is too young and untrained, he must first practise under a tutor.
His graduation will be a fight to the death he can only hope to survive.
With a bleak outlook on his future and chains that bind we follow the story of a peasant boy becoming a warrior man.
I substracted a single star from my 5 star review due to disliking the two timelines. While I can see a certain benefit to telling the story this way, the future (now) timeline shares info on the past, but then you go back to the (past) timeline and you have information from the future timeline but it has not happened yet. It's a little confusing and while in the start of the book its interesting, I wouldve preferred merged the timelines well before the end of the book.
Epic fantasy with a main slow burn romance lead.
Overall very nice character progress and buildup.
I was very suprised to find such quality book with this low reviews.
Clanless is a peasant boy. He possesses some natural form of blood magic.
In a world where blood is the go-to currency, his skill is not allowed by the priesthood.
Therefore he is stripped from his name, taken from his home and clanhold.
Sentenced like a criminal to death in the arena, despite not even really knowing why.
As he is too young and untrained, he must first practise under a tutor.
His graduation will be a fight to the death he can only hope to survive.
With a bleak outlook on his future and chains that bind we follow the story of a peasant boy becoming a warrior man.
I substracted a single star from my 5 star review due to disliking the two timelines. While I can see a certain benefit to telling the story this way, the future (now) timeline shares info on the past, but then you go back to the (past) timeline and you have information from the future timeline but it has not happened yet. It's a little confusing and while in the start of the book its interesting, I wouldve preferred merged the timelines well before the end of the book.
May 10, 2023
Did not disappoint!
Tim Frankovich has a way ruining most other books for me-- After I read one of his books, I can't bring myself to read other books for a long time because they're rarely as satisfying.
I have read and very much enjoyed all of his other books and this book was no exception. It was fantastic!
I loved being immersed in this world of blood magic... taking unique magic systems and crafting a world that draws the reader into the pages to forget about reality for a while is what Tim Frankovich excels at.
Other reviewers have nicely described the basic plot of this book, so I won't delve into that, but I will mention where other reviewers felt the book could have been shorter regarding the pages of his daily grind, I disagree. I felt like it gave more life to the character of Clanless to see him in his daily life and not just jumping from action to drama to action, etc..
The ending of this book sets up perfectly for a continuation while still providing a satisfying ending to the events therein. I'm looking forward to more adventures with Clanless!
Tim Frankovich has a way ruining most other books for me-- After I read one of his books, I can't bring myself to read other books for a long time because they're rarely as satisfying.
I have read and very much enjoyed all of his other books and this book was no exception. It was fantastic!
I loved being immersed in this world of blood magic... taking unique magic systems and crafting a world that draws the reader into the pages to forget about reality for a while is what Tim Frankovich excels at.
Other reviewers have nicely described the basic plot of this book, so I won't delve into that, but I will mention where other reviewers felt the book could have been shorter regarding the pages of his daily grind, I disagree. I felt like it gave more life to the character of Clanless to see him in his daily life and not just jumping from action to drama to action, etc..
The ending of this book sets up perfectly for a continuation while still providing a satisfying ending to the events therein. I'm looking forward to more adventures with Clanless!
July 16, 2025
I don't know if there is anything I can say in order to do this book justice... It is just WAY TOO GOOD. This is the book that brought me back to my love of reading. It is a page-turner from the BEGINNING to the END. Clanless is BY FAR one of the most interesting characters I have ever read, and the agony that Frankovich puts him through makes me angry....Although it does make a good story... lol
May 13, 2023
Excellent and original story telling. Fantastically detailed yet concise action scenes. So easy to get lost in the ever moving plot line and devour the whole book. I highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2023
A good plotted and entertaining story, powerful characters, and a gripping plot. An entertaining book I recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
October 25, 2023
The Certainty of Blood, by Tim Frankovich, has been described as a cross between Gladiator and The Name of the wind. The Protagonist, Aldan, is, at age 12, exiled from his clan for reasons beyond his control, cursed with a power he did not choose and which he doesn’t want. He is sold into a life of slavery as a warrior in the arenas. There, he must learn to survive by using his strange power to help him in combat. He learns how to kill others, and struggles with the necessity. He loses everything, even his own name, and takes on the identity of Clanless.
This is a brutal, beautiful story. It’s told in two alternating timelines. Timeline one tells Aldan/Clanless’s story from the moment he is cursed and exiled, through his rise through the ranks of the arena warriors, until he becomes the most famous warrior in the empire. The second timeline tells of the days surrounding Clanless’s final fight, with him on the verge of finally earning his freedom and a life with the woman he loves. But a heartbreaking choice is presented to him, one that places everything he’s worked for in jeopardy.
This book has some grimdark trappings. There are moments of shocking violence, and a fairly high body count. But I would not classify it as grimdark. This is, in many ways, a book about hope. Though he would argue with the use of the word, Aldan/Clanless maintains his hope throughout the book that he will someday gain his freedom and build a life with the singer he loves. He maintains this hope in spite of everyone in his life telling him how impossible it is, and the overwhelming odds that are stacked against him.
It’s also a book about how a person can maintain human connections in impossible circumstances. Aldan/Clanless, despite himself, forms deep friendships with his fellow arena warriors, and several other people who are just as trapped by the system as he is.
The worldbuilding is interesting, with a magic system I’ve never seen before. The ending resolves most of the major plotlines, while leaving the characters in a very complicated situation, ripe for exploration in future sequels. This is not a light-hearted read, but it is very
emotionally satisfying. I highly recommend it.
This is a brutal, beautiful story. It’s told in two alternating timelines. Timeline one tells Aldan/Clanless’s story from the moment he is cursed and exiled, through his rise through the ranks of the arena warriors, until he becomes the most famous warrior in the empire. The second timeline tells of the days surrounding Clanless’s final fight, with him on the verge of finally earning his freedom and a life with the woman he loves. But a heartbreaking choice is presented to him, one that places everything he’s worked for in jeopardy.
This book has some grimdark trappings. There are moments of shocking violence, and a fairly high body count. But I would not classify it as grimdark. This is, in many ways, a book about hope. Though he would argue with the use of the word, Aldan/Clanless maintains his hope throughout the book that he will someday gain his freedom and build a life with the singer he loves. He maintains this hope in spite of everyone in his life telling him how impossible it is, and the overwhelming odds that are stacked against him.
It’s also a book about how a person can maintain human connections in impossible circumstances. Aldan/Clanless, despite himself, forms deep friendships with his fellow arena warriors, and several other people who are just as trapped by the system as he is.
The worldbuilding is interesting, with a magic system I’ve never seen before. The ending resolves most of the major plotlines, while leaving the characters in a very complicated situation, ripe for exploration in future sequels. This is not a light-hearted read, but it is very
emotionally satisfying. I highly recommend it.
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