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Leonidas the Gladiator Mysteries #2
A Gladiator's Tale
Leonidas’s former trainer, Aemil, asks him to look into the mysterious deaths of the gladiators in his ludus. Leonidas and Cassia investigate, uncovering scandal that plunges the two into mortal danger.
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First published May 21, 2021
About the author
Ashley Gardner
47 books686 followersAshley Gardner is the pseudonym for NY Times bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Ashley and nationally bestselling and award-winning author Allyson James. Her award-winning Captain Lacey Regency mysteries have garnered top reviews and an enthusiastic following. These books are now available as digital editions. More about the series can be found at http://www.gardnermysteries.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 4, 2022
"The gate clanged behind me with finality. Inside was a life and routine I’d known for years. Outside was uncertainty, the scramble to make enough money to feed myself and Cassia. My new life, like the one I’d left, could end just as suddenly. I was not certain which was better."
This is the second mystery book involving Leonidas the Roman Gladiator during the reign of Emperor Nero. Leonidas, a fine gladiator in the ludus of Aemil was the toast of Rome. So much so, that he won his freedom. But with great freedom comes great responsibility. No one was going to buy him his daily bread; he must find work for it. The work built upon his strength and reputation so it was often as a bodyguard. Lucky for him, he was given a female slave/scribe, Cassia, who (in the previous book) proves her worth and they find that together they make a fine team. Here is how Leonidas describes their situation:
"Though a scribe ranked far above a gladiator in the hierarchy, Cassia would be expected to remain in the background with the other household staff, unless requested specifically. I had fame without status, and she had status without fame."
The challenges are interesting and the characters are nicely drawn. This writing team works well to create the right historical atmosphere. This initial assignment actually comes from his former boss, Aemil. Three of his gladiators have gone missing. The following excerpt should give you good sense of their writing style:
"Aemil’s ludus lay in the Transtiberim, across the river to the west. I merged with the crowds on the Pons Agrippae and angled southward once I reached the other side of the Tiber. The ludus was a large structure of barracks that encircled a rectangular training area. There was space within this makeshift arena for several pairs of gladiators to practice fighting while the novices struck posts with wooden swords, learning to jab and cut. The wood and stone building had a gate of stout planks, guarded by hired toughs to keep the curious outside. They also guarded against those who might creep in to nobble a favorite by slipping them a draught that would make them sleepy or weak, or even kill them entirely. The gate guards were young, burly, and fit, and while they might lean idly against the gate as though bored, they were diligent and came alert in a heartbeat. The man on duty this afternoon was called Septimius, and he hailed me with enthusiasm.
“Welcome home, Leonidas. Come to fulfill Aemil’s dreams?”
He asked me this every time I arrived, and I’d ceased bothering to answer.
“I’m here to see you, actually.”"
The missing gladiators seem to be on someone’s list for murder. This has Aemil very upset and Leonidas concerned: "“Aemil, the same height as I was, glared straight into my eyes. “Discover who did this, Leonidas, and bring him to me.”
I hesitated. I had no business hunting murderers, especially one as mad as whoever had done this to Ajax, but I nodded. I did not like that a killer wandered Rome who could bring down a fighter as skilled as Ajax.
“And find the rest of my be-damned gladiators,” Aemil snarled."
And so, our Leonidas gets in, deeper and deeper. But as we travel with him along his investigation we are privileged to share fascinating details such as the following:
"The organization of gladiators—our collegia—would see that there was a marker for Ajax. We paid into a fund, which footed the cost of burials and small pensions to surviving wives and children. Xerxes’ widow had received a few sestertii from the cache when he’d been killed. Ajax would be buried outside the city walls in the space Aemil had purchased for members of the ludus."
No "second book slump" here. The mystery of the murders (who and why) is good but the finely crafted details of Roman life, architecture, decoration, class privileges, and social gatherings make this even better than the first book. 4.5*
This is the second mystery book involving Leonidas the Roman Gladiator during the reign of Emperor Nero. Leonidas, a fine gladiator in the ludus of Aemil was the toast of Rome. So much so, that he won his freedom. But with great freedom comes great responsibility. No one was going to buy him his daily bread; he must find work for it. The work built upon his strength and reputation so it was often as a bodyguard. Lucky for him, he was given a female slave/scribe, Cassia, who (in the previous book) proves her worth and they find that together they make a fine team. Here is how Leonidas describes their situation:
"Though a scribe ranked far above a gladiator in the hierarchy, Cassia would be expected to remain in the background with the other household staff, unless requested specifically. I had fame without status, and she had status without fame."
The challenges are interesting and the characters are nicely drawn. This writing team works well to create the right historical atmosphere. This initial assignment actually comes from his former boss, Aemil. Three of his gladiators have gone missing. The following excerpt should give you good sense of their writing style:
"Aemil’s ludus lay in the Transtiberim, across the river to the west. I merged with the crowds on the Pons Agrippae and angled southward once I reached the other side of the Tiber. The ludus was a large structure of barracks that encircled a rectangular training area. There was space within this makeshift arena for several pairs of gladiators to practice fighting while the novices struck posts with wooden swords, learning to jab and cut. The wood and stone building had a gate of stout planks, guarded by hired toughs to keep the curious outside. They also guarded against those who might creep in to nobble a favorite by slipping them a draught that would make them sleepy or weak, or even kill them entirely. The gate guards were young, burly, and fit, and while they might lean idly against the gate as though bored, they were diligent and came alert in a heartbeat. The man on duty this afternoon was called Septimius, and he hailed me with enthusiasm.
“Welcome home, Leonidas. Come to fulfill Aemil’s dreams?”
He asked me this every time I arrived, and I’d ceased bothering to answer.
“I’m here to see you, actually.”"
The missing gladiators seem to be on someone’s list for murder. This has Aemil very upset and Leonidas concerned: "“Aemil, the same height as I was, glared straight into my eyes. “Discover who did this, Leonidas, and bring him to me.”
I hesitated. I had no business hunting murderers, especially one as mad as whoever had done this to Ajax, but I nodded. I did not like that a killer wandered Rome who could bring down a fighter as skilled as Ajax.
“And find the rest of my be-damned gladiators,” Aemil snarled."
And so, our Leonidas gets in, deeper and deeper. But as we travel with him along his investigation we are privileged to share fascinating details such as the following:
"The organization of gladiators—our collegia—would see that there was a marker for Ajax. We paid into a fund, which footed the cost of burials and small pensions to surviving wives and children. Xerxes’ widow had received a few sestertii from the cache when he’d been killed. Ajax would be buried outside the city walls in the space Aemil had purchased for members of the ludus."
No "second book slump" here. The mystery of the murders (who and why) is good but the finely crafted details of Roman life, architecture, decoration, class privileges, and social gatherings make this even better than the first book. 4.5*
April 4, 2022
Enjoyable second installment, where we get to look into the lives of the bored socialites and some of the roman ritual beliefs, while looking for the madman who likes to serve gladiators chopped up and assembled in full gear. The series is pretty light in terms of its writing, but the setting and the action makes for good entertainment.
February 26, 2026
Some one is murdering gladiators and Nero is not amused. He wants Leonidas (and Cassia) to find the culprit. No pressure, right?
Great mystery. I enjoyed following Leonidas and Cassia as they walked around Rome following clues and interviewing people of interest.
Next up: The Ring that Caesar Wore
This series is a lovely change of time and place from the author's Captain Lacey series. I hope she keeps giving us Leonidas stories.
Great mystery. I enjoyed following Leonidas and Cassia as they walked around Rome following clues and interviewing people of interest.
Next up: The Ring that Caesar Wore
This series is a lovely change of time and place from the author's Captain Lacey series. I hope she keeps giving us Leonidas stories.
July 12, 2021
Love the developing relationship between Leonidas and Cassia. I'm looking forward to the next book!
March 21, 2022
I am very curious to see where Leonidas and Cassia go after this.
I wish more stories were written during this time period!
I wish more stories were written during this time period!
May 21, 2021
I have a soft spot for novels set in ancient Rome, probably as a result of having the read the cover off my copy of Spartacus when I was in high school. In this second book of the series, gladiators are being found dead, dismembered, and arranged in full gladiator gear, but bloodless. Leonidas's old master at the gladiator school hires him to locate some more missing gladiators and also figure out who is doing this. Leonidas is starting to think about what career he should have besides being hired muscle, and he asks his loyal female assistant/scribe to teach him to read. Sparks of romance are beginning to ignite between Leonidas and Cassia. Looking forward to the next book of the series (although the author has to write it first. This book just came out this month!)
May 17, 2021
I'm beginning to believe there is no genre, no time period, and no type of character that Jennifer Ashley can't write a story about that is a great read. I've enjoyed all three of the Leonidas tales (Starting with the Novella Bood Debts) and look forward to spending more time with two wonderful characters, Leonidas and Cassia.
In this book, someone is killing gladiators in a particularly nasty fashion and Nero himself commands Leonides to find the killer. How he goes about that task added by his slave and now friend the brilliant scribe Cassia is a page-turner of the first order.
In this book, someone is killing gladiators in a particularly nasty fashion and Nero himself commands Leonides to find the killer. How he goes about that task added by his slave and now friend the brilliant scribe Cassia is a page-turner of the first order.
May 12, 2021
Great story
I enjoy reading the adventures of Leonidas and Cassia. It's obvious that a great deal of research has gone into the crafting of the stories to make them as authentic as possible. While I have no idea if a freed gladiator and his servant could have ever possibly acted as an ancient Holmes and Watson, the characters are engaging and the mysteries are certainly complicated enough to hold my interest. I look forward to the next story in the series.
I enjoy reading the adventures of Leonidas and Cassia. It's obvious that a great deal of research has gone into the crafting of the stories to make them as authentic as possible. While I have no idea if a freed gladiator and his servant could have ever possibly acted as an ancient Holmes and Watson, the characters are engaging and the mysteries are certainly complicated enough to hold my interest. I look forward to the next story in the series.
May 21, 2021
Another excellent story. I'm hooked and can't wait for more of Leonidas and Cassia.
March 22, 2023
This is new favorite series!! The slow burn is completely worth it!
August 31, 2021
I love the Leo books. The mysteries are solid without too much suspense (I'm a wimp when it comes to suspense & thrillers) This story could have used a little more suspense. The reader gets the clues at the same time as the Leo & Cassia, so the reader has the opportunity to solve it. There are many characters, lots of them reoccurring, all with their own motivations and backstory.
This is a character list for my middle-aged memory
Leo - ex gladiator, freed by unknown benefactor, very observant
Cassia - scribe, 20ish, dark hair, obsessively organized & takes note, very smart
Xerxes - Leo bestie, fun & mischievous, dead in match leaving behind family
Marcella- Xerxes widow with 5 kids, still mourns, lives on farm outside Rome
Nones Marcianus-doctor of gladiators, kind & brilliant dr. from Equestrian family but likes treating unfortunates, Leo friend
Marcia - young women ex-prostitute that Marcianus has taken in as assistant when madam died. Marcianus is protective of her.
Aemilanus/Aemil - ex gladiator, owner & trainer of Leo Ludus, fierce taskmaster but not heartless, secretly considers Gladiators his responsibility. Has a temper
Regulus - best gladiator after Leo. Hates Leo for not killing him in last match as R wanted. Arrogant and always looking for way to harm Leo. 1st in Ludus
Ajax - gladiator slave from Pannonia, likes sex with prostitutes', third in Ludus
Herakles - gladiator slave from Pannonia, mistress is Dominiana, wants to die in glory
Rufus - free man who sold self into slavery/gladiator to pay debts. Married to rich Chyrseis, second in Ludus
Chyrseis - angry, cheap, beautiful rich wife to Rufus, has many land holdings
Gaius, Merope, Martolia - Rufus lovers, talented dancer and drummer who are often invited wealthy homes as entertainment, young, poor and fun loving
Septimius - gate guard of Aemil ludus
Praxis - young new slave gladiator form North, hears and remembers thing
Volteius - armor maker to gladiators
Albus - works for Volteius, not strong enough to work forges so does accounts, waits on customers
Marcus Vatia - captain of Aventine Vigils
Helvius - Cassius scribe childhood friend from prior owner. Loves Cassia, works for Dominaiana
Sextus Livius - from book 1, very rich freeman/secretly ex slave, bastard son of P, adopted by wealthy man, feels in Leo debt for protect birth father
Hesiodos - go between for Leo/Cassia and secret benefactor
Gnaeus Gallus - builder of not fancy buildings, wants Leo to come work as assistant, maybe foreman
This is a character list for my middle-aged memory
Leo - ex gladiator, freed by unknown benefactor, very observant
Cassia - scribe, 20ish, dark hair, obsessively organized & takes note, very smart
Xerxes - Leo bestie, fun & mischievous, dead in match leaving behind family
Marcella- Xerxes widow with 5 kids, still mourns, lives on farm outside Rome
Nones Marcianus-doctor of gladiators, kind & brilliant dr. from Equestrian family but likes treating unfortunates, Leo friend
Marcia - young women ex-prostitute that Marcianus has taken in as assistant when madam died. Marcianus is protective of her.
Aemilanus/Aemil - ex gladiator, owner & trainer of Leo Ludus, fierce taskmaster but not heartless, secretly considers Gladiators his responsibility. Has a temper
Regulus - best gladiator after Leo. Hates Leo for not killing him in last match as R wanted. Arrogant and always looking for way to harm Leo. 1st in Ludus
Ajax - gladiator slave from Pannonia, likes sex with prostitutes', third in Ludus
Herakles - gladiator slave from Pannonia, mistress is Dominiana, wants to die in glory
Rufus - free man who sold self into slavery/gladiator to pay debts. Married to rich Chyrseis, second in Ludus
Chyrseis - angry, cheap, beautiful rich wife to Rufus, has many land holdings
Gaius, Merope, Martolia - Rufus lovers, talented dancer and drummer who are often invited wealthy homes as entertainment, young, poor and fun loving
Septimius - gate guard of Aemil ludus
Praxis - young new slave gladiator form North, hears and remembers thing
Volteius - armor maker to gladiators
Albus - works for Volteius, not strong enough to work forges so does accounts, waits on customers
Marcus Vatia - captain of Aventine Vigils
Helvius - Cassius scribe childhood friend from prior owner. Loves Cassia, works for Dominaiana
Sextus Livius - from book 1, very rich freeman/secretly ex slave, bastard son of P, adopted by wealthy man, feels in Leo debt for protect birth father
Hesiodos - go between for Leo/Cassia and secret benefactor
Gnaeus Gallus - builder of not fancy buildings, wants Leo to come work as assistant, maybe foreman
April 30, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book is the second book in the Leonidas the Gladiator series. It is set in 63 AD in Rome and takes place when Leonidas is no longer a gladiator. He was set free by a mysterious benefactor and given a scribe, Cassia, as a slave to help him. At some point in the future, the benefactor plans to call on him for an unspecified task.
After successfully solving the mystery in book 1, Leonidas is hired by his former manager, Aemil, to find some missing gladiators. As he begins to do so, it is discovered that someone is killing gladiators.
I read this book because I like the author’s Below Stairs series (written as Jennifer Ashley). These books are a little more raw with a bit more sexual content (not explicitly written) where the gladiators are the playthings of some of the rich women.
The relationship between Leonidas and Cassia begins to develop. At the end of the first book, Leonidas says that Cassia is his friend. In this book, Leonidas begins to realize that he feels more towards her. Cassia has begun to care for him which comes out in some of her actions.
Leonidas and Cassia quickly become immersed in a complicated but interesting mystery that involves all levels of Roman society. The different strata of society have different rights and privileges making some avenues for investigating the murder something you have to handle with care. Nero makes an appearance in the book.
The story is told solely from Leonidas’ point of view.
A small note to the author or publisher. A map of the city with a few landmarks would have been nice.
In comparing this book with the Below Stairs series, I liked the Below Stairs series a little better but this one features a time that generally is not used as a background with characters that are unique to the time.
This book is the second book in the Leonidas the Gladiator series. It is set in 63 AD in Rome and takes place when Leonidas is no longer a gladiator. He was set free by a mysterious benefactor and given a scribe, Cassia, as a slave to help him. At some point in the future, the benefactor plans to call on him for an unspecified task.
After successfully solving the mystery in book 1, Leonidas is hired by his former manager, Aemil, to find some missing gladiators. As he begins to do so, it is discovered that someone is killing gladiators.
I read this book because I like the author’s Below Stairs series (written as Jennifer Ashley). These books are a little more raw with a bit more sexual content (not explicitly written) where the gladiators are the playthings of some of the rich women.
The relationship between Leonidas and Cassia begins to develop. At the end of the first book, Leonidas says that Cassia is his friend. In this book, Leonidas begins to realize that he feels more towards her. Cassia has begun to care for him which comes out in some of her actions.
Leonidas and Cassia quickly become immersed in a complicated but interesting mystery that involves all levels of Roman society. The different strata of society have different rights and privileges making some avenues for investigating the murder something you have to handle with care. Nero makes an appearance in the book.
The story is told solely from Leonidas’ point of view.
A small note to the author or publisher. A map of the city with a few landmarks would have been nice.
In comparing this book with the Below Stairs series, I liked the Below Stairs series a little better but this one features a time that generally is not used as a background with characters that are unique to the time.
January 30, 2022
With her third Leonidas story, Ashley Gardner hits her stride in this new series that is a bit like "Spartacus meets Remington Steele". The recurring characters are excellent and add to the sense of world-building, the growing relationship between Leonidas and Cassia (and really, these are the Leonidas the Gladiator and Cassia the Scribe mysteries) is believable, fun to explore, and does not detract from the overall, crisply-paced story, and Gardner nails many details of early imperial Rome.
Oddly, a few details she misses is that the 1st century AD is solidly in the Iron Age, which is over a millennium old by this point, so the idea of bronze daggers or swords, which she mentions on occasion is about as glaring as a story of modern Marines using flintlocks, or maybe even closer: The crew of Star Trek using muskets. Likewise, steel is forged, bronze is cast (she flips this), and although it IS true that Gladiator armour had bronze elements, Roman military armour of the period was not bronze breastplates (or any breastplates) but the steel "lorica segmentata" or the mail "lorica hamata". Not big deals but little quibbles that stand out in a story that clearly has researched life in the gladiator ludus, Roman street food and apartment living, and so on.
The mystery itself -- someone is brutally murdering, dismembering and ritually presenting the remains of gladiators -- is gruesome but not gratuitous, and when the reveal comes it makes sense. (I figured out the culprit but not the motive, then slapped by head!). Leonidas is intelligent but not educated and a bit out of his depth, and that all plays out well in the plot and his narration.
Overall, a well-done little mystery, and a series I eagerly intend to follow.
Oddly, a few details she misses is that the 1st century AD is solidly in the Iron Age, which is over a millennium old by this point, so the idea of bronze daggers or swords, which she mentions on occasion is about as glaring as a story of modern Marines using flintlocks, or maybe even closer: The crew of Star Trek using muskets. Likewise, steel is forged, bronze is cast (she flips this), and although it IS true that Gladiator armour had bronze elements, Roman military armour of the period was not bronze breastplates (or any breastplates) but the steel "lorica segmentata" or the mail "lorica hamata". Not big deals but little quibbles that stand out in a story that clearly has researched life in the gladiator ludus, Roman street food and apartment living, and so on.
The mystery itself -- someone is brutally murdering, dismembering and ritually presenting the remains of gladiators -- is gruesome but not gratuitous, and when the reveal comes it makes sense. (I figured out the culprit but not the motive, then slapped by head!). Leonidas is intelligent but not educated and a bit out of his depth, and that all plays out well in the plot and his narration.
Overall, a well-done little mystery, and a series I eagerly intend to follow.
May 29, 2021
Freedman Leonidas is finding his way in what is a new world for him. As a youngster, he came to the games, convicted but innocent, in the death of his former master in the building trades. Since then, he became the fiercest and most skilled gladiator in Nero's Rome. When he earned his freedom, an anonymous benefactor came forward and gifted him a slave; Cassia is a skilled scribe. Leonidas and Cassia have managed to eke out a reasonable life with his work as a bodyguard and Cassia's household management. The two have gained a reputation for crime-solving as well. His former trainer, Aemil, summons Leonidas to his Ludus, and Aemil is not one to be refused. Three of his gladiators are AWOL, and Aemil wants them found. It turns out that Nero wants them found as well, and Nero cannot be refused; Leonidas finds the gruesomely murdered bodies of two, and the race is on to find the last. The search takes them into the highest and lowest places in Rome.
I happened upon this series by chance, and since I enjoy Ashley Gardner/Jennifer Ashley's other historical mysteries, I gave it a spin. It quickly became another favorite, even though Ancient Rome is not a period I have ever been particularly interested in. What does attract me are the vivid characters and descriptions. Leonidas is an open book, but Cassia is more than a little mysterious. These two are forming a relationship deeper than Master and slave, and it's fun to watch. As Cassia says, "You are a good man, Leonidas." He is a thoroughly good and decent man, despite his history.
I'm looking forward to the next in this series, and I highly recommend it.
I happened upon this series by chance, and since I enjoy Ashley Gardner/Jennifer Ashley's other historical mysteries, I gave it a spin. It quickly became another favorite, even though Ancient Rome is not a period I have ever been particularly interested in. What does attract me are the vivid characters and descriptions. Leonidas is an open book, but Cassia is more than a little mysterious. These two are forming a relationship deeper than Master and slave, and it's fun to watch. As Cassia says, "You are a good man, Leonidas." He is a thoroughly good and decent man, despite his history.
I'm looking forward to the next in this series, and I highly recommend it.
June 10, 2021
A murder mystery set in ancient Rome. Jennifer Ashley is a born writer. She can craft an excellent story no mater what she writes. This one is no exception. She's done her exhaustive research and let her creative imagination take flight. I was kept guessing right along with the characters trying to figure out who and why gladiators were being murdered on the streets of Rome. We investigate with familiar friends from the first book and make new ones. We see ancient Rome as it was in the days of Nero through the eyes of the characters. I just love history and I can trust I'm learning truth when I read Jennifer's stories.
Leonidas is freed of having to fight for his life in the gladiator arena, and he and his scribe Cassia are making a living any way they can. I really enjoyed the relationship growing between these two characters thrown together by Leonidas' anonymous sponsor. His former trainer Aemil comes to him begging for Leonidas' help. Three of his top gladiators haven't come home from leave for three days and he fears for their lives. He will pay Leonidas to find them and bring them back. So off he and Cassia go trying to track down three men he knows pretty well. He finally finds one, dead in the streets, chopped up, bloodless & placed like a gift of some sort. Later he finds his old friend Rufus the same way. All this comes to the ears of Nero, who knows Leonidas, and charges him to find the murderer. I loved walking in their sandals ferreting out clues and experiencing the exciting conclusion.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Leonidas is freed of having to fight for his life in the gladiator arena, and he and his scribe Cassia are making a living any way they can. I really enjoyed the relationship growing between these two characters thrown together by Leonidas' anonymous sponsor. His former trainer Aemil comes to him begging for Leonidas' help. Three of his top gladiators haven't come home from leave for three days and he fears for their lives. He will pay Leonidas to find them and bring them back. So off he and Cassia go trying to track down three men he knows pretty well. He finally finds one, dead in the streets, chopped up, bloodless & placed like a gift of some sort. Later he finds his old friend Rufus the same way. All this comes to the ears of Nero, who knows Leonidas, and charges him to find the murderer. I loved walking in their sandals ferreting out clues and experiencing the exciting conclusion.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 4, 2022
Now this is what I was looking for! If for some reason you read my review for book 1 in this series, my biggest struggle with the book was that it seemed like the story meandered for most of the book. It frankly didn't seem like it knew where it was going. That certainly is not the case here, which was my expectation after reading book 1 and some of the author's previous works.
Quick hits:
- Cassia and Leonidas have great chemistry and bounce so well off each other.
- Each of the side characters felt like they had purpose in the overall story, compared to book 1 where they felt shoehorned in.
- The plot was much more focused and driven.
- I sort of predicted what the resolution of the mystery was which took some of my enjoyment away. It wasn't necessarily obvious, but it was like weirdly stressed which to me made it clear.
- Development between Cassia and Leonidas was really enjoyable.
- The ending seems somewhat silly to me. I like the development for Leonidas but it's clearly not going to stay that way as it defeats the purpose of the series...
I did not get my resolution with Regulus as I would've liked, but he wasn't annoying in this book so I wasn't upset. I do wish the side characters had some larger roles as I'd like to learn more about them. Overall though, this was very enjoyable and I think it's a solid historical mystery. I'd recommend this to those who love the genre or the series. I'll be continuing when the next book is out.
Quick hits:
- Cassia and Leonidas have great chemistry and bounce so well off each other.
- Each of the side characters felt like they had purpose in the overall story, compared to book 1 where they felt shoehorned in.
- The plot was much more focused and driven.
- I sort of predicted what the resolution of the mystery was which took some of my enjoyment away. It wasn't necessarily obvious, but it was like weirdly stressed which to me made it clear.
- Development between Cassia and Leonidas was really enjoyable.
- The ending seems somewhat silly to me. I like the development for Leonidas but it's clearly not going to stay that way as it defeats the purpose of the series...
I did not get my resolution with Regulus as I would've liked, but he wasn't annoying in this book so I wasn't upset. I do wish the side characters had some larger roles as I'd like to learn more about them. Overall though, this was very enjoyable and I think it's a solid historical mystery. I'd recommend this to those who love the genre or the series. I'll be continuing when the next book is out.
May 10, 2021
This is a mystery set in Ancient Rome. Perfect for anyone who enjoys Lindsey Davis or Steven Saylor and well worth reading for anyone who's ever wondered what life was like in Rome.
Gladiators are being killed and mutilated in Nero's Rome. Freedman Leonidas has been tasked by both the owner of his gladiator school and, more importantly Nero, to find out who is responsible.
This is the 2nd book (also a novella) in the series and I have not read the others. I had no problem keeping up with the story, although I could tell I was missing a fuller picture of the character's history. Rome, nobility to servants, is well written and pulls the reader into the time and world.
The mystery is has depth complexity with plenty of suspects. Leonidas and his servant Cassia travel throughout the city getting information from friends and strangers alike. The dangers to the people involved, whether those who might have seen something, those who may be attacked or those who might be charged just to end the case, are serious and heighten the need for Leonidas to find the killer quickly. It is well written and an adventure to read.
I received an ARC of this book.
Gladiators are being killed and mutilated in Nero's Rome. Freedman Leonidas has been tasked by both the owner of his gladiator school and, more importantly Nero, to find out who is responsible.
This is the 2nd book (also a novella) in the series and I have not read the others. I had no problem keeping up with the story, although I could tell I was missing a fuller picture of the character's history. Rome, nobility to servants, is well written and pulls the reader into the time and world.
The mystery is has depth complexity with plenty of suspects. Leonidas and his servant Cassia travel throughout the city getting information from friends and strangers alike. The dangers to the people involved, whether those who might have seen something, those who may be attacked or those who might be charged just to end the case, are serious and heighten the need for Leonidas to find the killer quickly. It is well written and an adventure to read.
I received an ARC of this book.
May 5, 2021
A Gladiator’s Tale is Book 2 in Ms. Gardner’s mystery series set in Rome, AD 63, during the reign of the infamous Nero.
We meet again the freed Gladiator, Leonidas, and his slave and scribe, Cassia, who came to Leonidas as a gift from an unknown benefactor. In this story, Leonidas is tasked by Aemiliaus (Aemil) to find three of his gladiators who have gone missing. This sends both Leonidas and Cassie, along with various other very interesting characters, on a chase throughout the city, risking danger at every turn.
The setting for the story is described in detail as the characters make their way through buildings and streets, from stately abodes to brothels and hovels. The two principal characters are truly delightful, as is the story. Well researched and written, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I look forward to learning more of this fascinating cast of characters in future releases.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
We meet again the freed Gladiator, Leonidas, and his slave and scribe, Cassia, who came to Leonidas as a gift from an unknown benefactor. In this story, Leonidas is tasked by Aemiliaus (Aemil) to find three of his gladiators who have gone missing. This sends both Leonidas and Cassie, along with various other very interesting characters, on a chase throughout the city, risking danger at every turn.
The setting for the story is described in detail as the characters make their way through buildings and streets, from stately abodes to brothels and hovels. The two principal characters are truly delightful, as is the story. Well researched and written, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. I look forward to learning more of this fascinating cast of characters in future releases.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
kindle - 353 pages.
-3.5 stars. it was ok, i mean i liked it, it was worth reading, but it wasnt spectacular. i'm more interested in cassia than leonidas at this point though.
"even if i'd been as randy as the youth i once was, chryseis wouldn't tempt me. she had great beauty, radiated it, but at the same time, her coldness cut like an obsidian knife. she was the sort who wouldn't enjoy a lover for his own sake but for how she could control him and what she could make him do."
"you are not subdued and obedient."
"how can i not be? i was born into servitude."
"you are soft-spoken and duck your head, but you also do exactly as you please. including accompanying me to a dangerous part of town to confront a dangerous woman."
"not exactly as i please. i do what makes the most logical sense."
"now i am only leonidas." and i wasn't truly leonidas, but had another name that had faded into dust.
-3.5 stars. it was ok, i mean i liked it, it was worth reading, but it wasnt spectacular. i'm more interested in cassia than leonidas at this point though.
"even if i'd been as randy as the youth i once was, chryseis wouldn't tempt me. she had great beauty, radiated it, but at the same time, her coldness cut like an obsidian knife. she was the sort who wouldn't enjoy a lover for his own sake but for how she could control him and what she could make him do."
"you are not subdued and obedient."
"how can i not be? i was born into servitude."
"you are soft-spoken and duck your head, but you also do exactly as you please. including accompanying me to a dangerous part of town to confront a dangerous woman."
"not exactly as i please. i do what makes the most logical sense."
"now i am only leonidas." and i wasn't truly leonidas, but had another name that had faded into dust.
May 7, 2021
5 stars
Excellent Story. Leonidas and Cassia have to solve the mystery of gladiators being chopped up and left in places in the city. The head of the gladiator school desperately wants to protect his men and his investments. Leonidas find out more about his old compatriots and we learn a bit more about his past. Cassia has to exert her friends and influence in helping Leonidas survive a grizzly end. The Author describes ancient Rome so well I can also smell the place and taste the food. I'm glad that Cassia and Leonidas's relationship is progressing.
I read it in an afternoon. I recommend you do as well :)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Excellent Story. Leonidas and Cassia have to solve the mystery of gladiators being chopped up and left in places in the city. The head of the gladiator school desperately wants to protect his men and his investments. Leonidas find out more about his old compatriots and we learn a bit more about his past. Cassia has to exert her friends and influence in helping Leonidas survive a grizzly end. The Author describes ancient Rome so well I can also smell the place and taste the food. I'm glad that Cassia and Leonidas's relationship is progressing.
I read it in an afternoon. I recommend you do as well :)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2024
A madman murdering gladiators on the.streets of Rome.
Amhil the owner of the Ludus Leonidas belonged to late him.a visit but it's not a social.call. Amhil allows his gladiators a lot.of.freedom (so long as they follow the.rules) but three of his men have been gone, absent from the Lucy's for three days and that he does not allow. He wants Leonidas to find them, quickly and bring them back. Leonidas agrees for a fee and sets off searching. All.day he finds nothing then when night falls.he stumbles over something in the dark................what he finds is horrifyingly even to Leonidas who has seen all sorts of violence and depravity in the arena...............
Amhil the owner of the Ludus Leonidas belonged to late him.a visit but it's not a social.call. Amhil allows his gladiators a lot.of.freedom (so long as they follow the.rules) but three of his men have been gone, absent from the Lucy's for three days and that he does not allow. He wants Leonidas to find them, quickly and bring them back. Leonidas agrees for a fee and sets off searching. All.day he finds nothing then when night falls.he stumbles over something in the dark................what he finds is horrifyingly even to Leonidas who has seen all sorts of violence and depravity in the arena...............
May 15, 2021
This is such an interesting series. Gardner does a wonderful job of creating the feel of Imperial Rome without falling into the trap of believing that everything was filthy, the food was horrible, and everyone except the very rich lived in squalor. Once again, I found the mystery really interesting and the logical steps taken to solve it--and that she didn't hide information or have the solution require a psychic bolt of insight. I love Leonidas and Cassia and I look forward to many more adventures from them.
August 9, 2021
This second offering in a Roman mystery/detective series follows immediately on the heels of the former and is very much the same kind of story. The main characters are interesting an likable, with real depth. The setting feels distinctly Roman and historical (although sometimes the dialog becomes too modern), and the mysteries are well done, although not strictly fair play.
The relationship between the former gladiator Leonidas and his assistant/scribe/slave Cassia is well done, for both characters.
The relationship between the former gladiator Leonidas and his assistant/scribe/slave Cassia is well done, for both characters.
May 18, 2021
This is my first one with Leonidas. I really enjoyed the mystery and learning about the time period. Story was fast paced. I wasn't lost even though I didn't read #1. Leonidas was noble and very likable. Cassia helps him solve the mystery as well as some secondary characters along the way. She is his support, his Watson so to speak. While there is some gore described it is not over the top. Overall, I will be picking up more of this series.
June 1, 2021
Oh woe; the book ends too quickly!
Fascinating historical fiction. The author takes one on an unparalleled, and enthralling journey through Nero's Rome in the company of Leonidas, the freed Gladiator, and Cassia his slave. Following along the carefully evolving plot of truly horrifying murders, and attempting to work out along with our heroes "who done it and why". I could not put the book down. Totally satisfying read which has me begging for more.
Fascinating historical fiction. The author takes one on an unparalleled, and enthralling journey through Nero's Rome in the company of Leonidas, the freed Gladiator, and Cassia his slave. Following along the carefully evolving plot of truly horrifying murders, and attempting to work out along with our heroes "who done it and why". I could not put the book down. Totally satisfying read which has me begging for more.
September 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I was leary about reading a book about gladiators, but the characters caught my attention and I wanted more. I bought the 1st book but haven't read it yet.
A Gladiator is missing and recently freed Leonales is hired to find him. We go along finding clues, investigating high standing citizens of Rome along with his scribe and others.
This would have made a nice Errol Flynn movie.
A Gladiator is missing and recently freed Leonales is hired to find him. We go along finding clues, investigating high standing citizens of Rome along with his scribe and others.
This would have made a nice Errol Flynn movie.
December 9, 2022
I'm a big fan of historical fiction and absolutley love this new series to me about a retired gladiator and his slave in the time of Nero. The setting takes place long before the Falco and Albia series by Lindsey Davis.
The main character's are thrown together by a mysterious benefactor. They are recruited by a former instructer to find out who is slaughtering gladiators. It leads to an opening of their relationship and changes the course of how the former gladiator views life.
The main character's are thrown together by a mysterious benefactor. They are recruited by a former instructer to find out who is slaughtering gladiators. It leads to an opening of their relationship and changes the course of how the former gladiator views life.
June 22, 2023
This was a riveting story. Rome was so fascinating and so irritating during this time period. I loved the progression of the characters. Leonidas is more confident in his ability to investigate and Cassia is more of a partner than a slave. The murders were gruesome and yet the investigation was quite interesting. I enjoyed the cast of characters immensely. Even the minor characters helped bring the story to life and were memorable. The narrator was excellent
May 12, 2021
Great book! Great story complete with wonderful descriptions which makes one feel they are walking the streets of Suburbia with shit on one’s shoes, the smell of sweat and spices in the air and the never ending din of a million people speaking in hundreds of different languages. Sort of like modern NYC without the cabs.
August 6, 2021
4.5 Another great tale with the gentle giant Leonidas, former gladiator with rock star status among the Roman population, and his clever scribe Cassia. Great series.
Note, I tried the audio version of this series and did not like. Why a woman narrator was chosen, when these books are told in first person from Leonidas viewpoint, is perplexing. For me, reading the e-book was best.
Note, I tried the audio version of this series and did not like. Why a woman narrator was chosen, when these books are told in first person from Leonidas viewpoint, is perplexing. For me, reading the e-book was best.
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