Opening Gambit

Tales from the Arena #0.5

by Elizabeth Schechter

The Ishkarin were created to be the perfect soldiers. The perfect predators. The perfect sadists. But what happens to the perfect soldiers when the war they were created to fight is over? In the Arena, the Ishkarin find an outlet for their natural instincts. Populated by the Collared, the sexual submissives who live to kneel before the predators, the Arena guarantees that the Ishkarin will not prey on the people they have sworn to protect.

On the eve of his appointment as second-in-command to the Ishkarin forces, Gavir is gifted with a night with Iras, the so-called Queen of the Arena. One wild night of passion and pain later, Gavir is enthralled by the woman who wears the red Collar. But when his fascination reveals a secret long buried, how far will Gavir go to protect the woman who has captured his heart?

Genres: Fantasy

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2013

About the author

Elizabeth Schechter has been called one of the top erotica and alternative sexuality writers in the world. Her writing credits include the award-winning steampunk erotic romance House of Sable Locks, the science fiction BDSM duology Tales from the Arena, and the Celtic fantasy Princes of Air. Her shorter work has appeared in anthologies edited by D.L King (Carnal Machines), Laura Antoniou (No Safewords), and Cecilia Tan (Jingle Balls_; Like a Prince).

Elizabeth lives in Central Florida with her husband and son, and a most accepting circle of friends who are both very amused and very proud of the pervy, fetish writer in their midst.

Reviews

[Kati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and a must read!! I can’t put into words how much I loved this book. It is unique and unlike anything I have read. I loved the premise and had high expectations. It blow me away and pulled me in right from the first word.

Iras was a very unique heroine. I liked her right away. She was very much in demand as a Collared. I liked how she reacted to Gavir right away. She wasn’t afraid to have a backbone and stand up for herself. She could felt sorry for herself and hid away but instead she built a whole new life for herself.

Gavir is a “different” Ishkarin and not everyone thinks his differences are good. I thought it made him a better soldier/man because he had to work twice as hard. Plus he can control his urges. I loved how he was willing to go above and beyond for Iras no matter the cost.

Normally I’m not a huge Sci-Fi fan but this was just amazing. Plus I loved the BDSM elements. The Easel scene was one of my favorite scenes. It was very original and extremely sexy! I can’t wait to read the next in the series.

[Eva Millien · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Tales from the Arena is an intriguing and unique erotic futuristic romance. The author has created a fantastic and engaging erotic world that grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go. The characters are easily understood and leave the reader wanting to know more. I was thoroughly caught up in the story from the very beginning all the way to the last word. I believe the series has lots of potential and I am looking forward to reading more books in the series.

See my full review at:
http://www.thejeepdiva.com/review-tal...