Trial of Bronze and Blood

Bronze and Blood Saga #1

by M.K. Deoradhán

Gladiator meets Heartless Hunter meets Bloodguard in this new adult fantasy romance.

Four deadly trials will reunite them. One secret will tear them apart.

When a mission goes wrong and ends with her best friend dead, Drusilla Valerius is rescued by someone she never expected to see again: Marcus Scaevola. The only man she’s ever cared for—the man who spurned her feelings six years ago.

Marcus should’ve known Dru wouldn’t be the same woman he left all those years ago, and he’s unprepared for her distrust of him – and her uncanny ability to kill. But he has a purpose for seeking her out.

Bound by loyalty, he convinces her to train King Cato of Anziano, one of the last countries yet to fall to the tyrannical Imperium, in the Valorem Blood Trials.

Unlike years’ past, the Imperium has a heavy hand in it, hiding beneath the guise of peace and unity between their two countries. When both Dru and Marcus find themselves joining the competition – Dru to take the place of an innocent and Marcus to protect the king – they’re forced to trust one another with their lives.

Now inescapably entrenched in the gory, duplicitous world of the blood trials, feelings long-buried surface, blurring the lines between duty and honor, love and loyalty. But Marcus carries a devastating secret–one that could destroy the foundations of Dru’s world...


Don’t miss this adult romantasy debut combining the second-chance romance of Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli with the deadly trials of Gladiator.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Slow Burn, Adult, New Adult

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2025

About the author

M.K. Deoradhán (djō-rǒn) writes fantasy, romantasy, and a dash of historical! You can always find romance, kick-ass women, and swoon-worthy men in her books. Although she’s lived all over the U.S., she now resides on the west coast with her husband and two dogs.

Reviews

[Kristen's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four deadly trials will reunite them. One secret will tear them apart.
...and that secret...oooohhhh weeeeeee it's a doozy!
Dagger throwing FMC...magic...dragons...gladiators...political intrigue
This was an incredibly captivating gladiator romantasy. There were so many plot points happening at the same time that kept me sucked in and flipping pages so fast! This was a solid final read of 2024!
This publishes April 15th! I don't know how long I have to wait til book 2 but I need it right now right now!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trial of Bronze and Blood (Bronze and Blood Saga #1) by M.K. Deoradhan

Four deadly trials will reunite them. One secret will tear them apart.

When a mission goes wrong and ends with her best friend dead, Drusilla Valerius is rescued by someone she never expected to see again: Marcus Scaevola. The only man she’s ever cared for—the man who spurned her feelings six years ago.

Rating: ****
Feels: Interest, Amazement, Anticipation, Surprise
Style: Fantasy, Adult Fantasy, Romantasy
First published April 15, 2025 : 434 pages, Kindle

I really enjoyed how different this story was from what I have been reading lately. The scene was very gladiator with a romantasy/magic twist which I loved. Drusilla Valerius was very relatable as a FMC and I was very much rooting for her throughout the story. I loved the trial scenes and how each were handled and waiting to see what would happen with each one. It was very riveting story telling like you were watching the games themselves. Loved all the side characters and how they all came together to form a little found family. Did I mention our MMC Marcus Scaevola is super hot? Like girl you know you cant say no to that man for long. But watching the slow burn is always fun !!! This ends on a super suprise cliffhanger and I can not wait to see what happens in book two !!!


Favorite quote: War is bloody. It cares not who wins or who loses, who's right and who's wrong. In the end, it demands payment in blood. And it always collects.

This book has:
Stong FMC
Politics
Trials and Games (its kinda in the title)
Founds family
Magic
Dual POV
Secound Chances
Hidden Identity
Open Door Spice

[Rosemary Muldoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trial of Bronze and Blood masterfully blends epic fantasy with heart-pounding romance, told through a dual POV that pulls readers into the minds of two complex and captivating characters. The dual perspectives add layers to the story, allowing us to witness not only the epic battles and magical trials but also the personal struggles, vulnerabilities, and chemistry that simmer beneath the surface.

Marcus is a fierce warrior driven by duty and honor, while Drusilla, or Dru, is clever with a shadowy past and a fierce independence. As their paths cross, they’re drawn together by circumstances and shared goals, but a deep, smoldering tension develops between them that only grows with every shared glance and heated exchange. The romance is beautifully interwoven into the plot—equal parts slow burn and emotional connection, adding depth to both characters as they navigate their feelings in a world that rarely allows them a moment of peace.

The dual POV also adds a fresh dynamic to the storytelling, as each perspective reveals secrets and fears they keep hidden from each other. This approach builds suspense, with plot twists that are unexpected but feel perfectly timed.

For anyone who loves a rich fantasy world, high-stakes adventure, and a romance that feels as dangerous as it is alluring, Trial of Bronze and Blood is an absolute must-read. This book is a rollercoaster of emotion, action, and passion, with characters you’ll root for until the very last page—and maybe even long after.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

;-;

————-

You’ve got gladiators, second chance love, dual POV (Marcus and Drusilla), Ancient Rome, and intense political intrigue. I really really loved how all the characters felt well rounded and had so much personality without ever feeling like an archetype. And the dialogue felt like it was from the time period! The use of Latin phrases 🤌🏾

Anyway.

I’m no stranger to a slow burn and holy moly this was glacial. Like pot roast in the slow cooker and you have to sit in those good good smells all day just knowing it’s going to be so delicious when it’s ready.

Babes. It 👏🏾 was 👏🏾. I was giggling and kicking my feet when it finally happened. Spicy scene? Yeah okay, but let's talk about Marcus gently kissing the back of Dru’s neck while holding her. Y’all know what I’m talking about. Marcus! SIR 🫠

BUT THEN [REDACTED] HAPPENED AND THEY [REDACTED] AND THEN HE [REDACTED] AND THEN IT WAS OVER?????? LIKE HELLO????????? ;_; oh my heart.

Dear MK Deoradhán thank you so much for the wonderful opportunity to be an ARC reader. No rush, but I’m going to need book 2 in my grubby little paws stat.

[Stacey | read.with.stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

3.75 ⭐️

Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Overall, I enjoyed this one! This book is a Roman Gladiator inspired fantasy that has trained fighters/assassins, magic, a tournament with four deadly trials, political unrest, and a strong FMC. There is also an element of a second chance romance.

I did feel like the pacing was a bit slow initially, but it did pick up once the trials started and I enjoyed reading those sections. The ending felt slightly rushed to me but the concept was good. I also wish that there was a bit more character development, as I didn’t feel super connected to them, but this may improve as the series progresses.

The book ends on a cliffhanger that definitely leaves you wanting to read the next book!

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait for the next one 🖤

Holy Slow Burn, guys. I love a slow burn and this book gave that to me! 🔥 this was such a fun book that had a lot of great Romantasy tropes but still felt pretty fresh. I got a lot of The Witcher vibes in the beginning and then it morphs into Gladiator meets Hunger Games. There are deadly trials and there is some found family aspects. It was a lot of fun. The last few chapters were so good!

Dru is the kind of FMC that can handle herself and doesn’t need a man or anyone protecting her. I loved her a lot. Certified BA.
Marcus had a lot of layers. I really loved him too. He was intense but also soft in a way. He had a lot of heart.

I really liked how all the characters and the relationships between several of them were developed. The way the author kept the story moving and not revealing things until the end was really great.
I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

[Cassie Nosko · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨”Mors Vincit Omnia”✨
Death conquers all


This book was such a joy to read! It’s giving The Witcher/ The Assassin’s Blade vibes but set in a Roman Empire atmosphere! Dru aka Drusilla the FMC is a total badass! Even trained by the faithless to be an assassinating machine she still holds onto her humanity. Marcus, you can’t help but fall for him! The character development was through — without saying to much be prepared because the ending leaves you hanging!


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

[nerdy.bibliomaniac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC copy was provided to me by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was just a stunning book. My history loving self loved the attention to detail in terms of the Roman references but loved that this was made into a a story all its own. Clever, well paced, engaging plot, and characters you both love and loath.

Drusilla is our badass FMC. Strong, loyal, intelligent, fierce, and loving. She’s definitely “stabby” in the best way and is a good friend. I just loved her personality, the internal struggles that MK showcased…a good book has the good, bad, and the ugly. And MK is not afraid to share it.

Marcus you scrumptious cinnamon roll. Self-deprecating to a fault…like you want to shake him in hopes he comes to his senses. But he’s steadfast, respected, a leader, and doing what he can for the good of all. (See, self-deprecating to a fault).

I loved this debut, I cannot wait to read the second one.

[Iola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique blend of romantasy and historical fiction, incorporating gladiator trials with magical fantasy.
Dru is a powerful, smart, and likeable FMC who is also honest and respectful of decisions she doesn't always agree with. I felt the side characters had more layers than the main two, which made for interesting dynamics and relationships. The romance was very slow burn, with mutual pining wrapped up in dual POV (third person). The overall pacing is much slower than what I personally like to read, especially the first half - the plot picks up in the second half of the book with a brilliantly gripping ending. There are threads to follow up on, especially on the fantasy side of things, which were introduced without further elaboration, so it very much sets the scene for further books.
I'd recommend this to readers who are fans of fantasy and fiction set in classical times.
(3.75 stars rounded up)

eARC provided by the author.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sword and sandals girly through and through, so Trial of Bronze and Blood is conceptually perfect for me. The romanticism of the setting, the grandness of gladiatorial combat, the sprinkle of fantasy elements and, of course, the burning hot romantic yearning meld perfectly together, and I absolutely devoured this story because of it. Deoradhan’s writing feels so tangible, her words evoking scents and sounds and places that exist in what feels like our combined imagination. The slow burn, mentor x mentee romance burns slooooooowly but the yearning will keep you hooked from page to page to page. Whether you’re a swords and sandals girly, like me, or just a hopeless romantic desperate for an escape from reality, Trial of Bronze and Blood is a must add to your TBR.

[d_uhreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a historical style romantasy filled with dragons, slow burn romance, and sweat inducing trails, all wrapped up in a dual POV ?!

Look no further!

I very much enjoyed this Roman inspired story. I love it when an author can somehow take historical aspects and meld them into a fantastical story, and Deoradhan does just that. I love the sprinkling of Latin throughout.

Now to may favorite part.... the delicious slow burn romance(Squeal).

It was just heart pounding, kicking feet, and giggling inducing good time.

I love a high-stakes love story written in dual POV and our two little smitten kittens (MMC & MFC) do not let me down.

This is for fans of Gladiator and sweat slow burn romances like the Princess Bride!

[Jana.reads1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
So thankful to be gifted an ARC copy of this.
Great read! The only reason I’m giving 4 stars is cause it did take me a little bit to get into. But I’m so glad I did! Loved the gladiator , trials, the DRAGON, the tension, and the FmC.

Second chance love
Secrets kept
Trials
Gladiator vibes
FMC and MMC POVs
That ending!
Can’t wait for the sequel! ❤️

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in expecting a solid romantasy debut and came out mildly feral, emotionally wrecked, and already craving book two. M.K. Deoradhán came in swinging with Trial of Bronze and Blood, and she did not hold back.

The vibes? Think Roman Empire meets deadly Hunger Games-style trials, but make it slow burn, second chance, enemies-turned-reluctant-allies-turned-oh-no-we’re-still-in-love. Drusilla is a trained assassin with a haunted past, a blade on her hip, and zero time for anyone’s nonsense. Especially not Marcus Scaevola, the traitor who broke her heart six years ago… and now wants her help to survive the blood-soaked tradition known as the Valorem Trials. Spoiler: I was instantly hooked.

The dual POV adds this delicious push-pull dynamic. You get her anger, his regret, and all the tension bubbling between them as they’re forced to trust each other again while literally dodging death. There’s political corruption, grief, betrayal, loyalty tested in every direction and at the heart of it, two people just trying to hold on to what’s left of themselves in a world built to break them.

And the trials? Brutal, strategic, twisted. I was holding my breath through every scene. The stakes felt real, the betrayals hit hard, and every reveal made me yell at the page in the best way.

If I’m being picky, I did want a touch more from the magic and mythos hinted throughout, but the setup is there, and I’m convinced it’s going to explode in book two. So really, it’s more of a tease than a flaw.

Trial of Bronze and Blood is a wild ride full of grit, heartache, and longing, and it somehow balances all that chaos with a romance that’s soft, aching, and undeniably powerful. It’s the kind of book that pulls you in, punches you in the feelings, and leaves you desperate for more. Deoradhán just put herself on my auto-buy list.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trial of bronze and blood is a Roman based book of romance, betrayal and trials, with a dual pov where dru and Marcus fight against the imperium threatening to destroy the last place they could call their own

It has one spicy scene which I loved it didn’t take over the book and there was an actual good and in depth plot behind it amplified by the one scene that only brings you closer to the characters

Once this book got it’s daggers into me I genuinely had to fight with myself to put it down, it had immediately caught my attention with its Roman roots, and the character description I read before starting the book just did not quite do the them justice..

things I loved about this book;
- the character relationships; the pining romance that takes them both a while to come to terms with
- the trials, I really enjoyed the set up of each trial and reading the outcomes of them
- the ending, ( I won’t give any spoilers so you’ll just have to trust me on this one)
- the twists and turns; I genuinely did not see a few of these coming.. which is hard to do to me now

Things I did not love about the book
- literally nothing
- that one teeny little character ( once you read you’ll know who) I wanna hit them over the head with a brick..
( THATS how well it is written)

I have read quite a few books similar to this with the themes and the trials, but TOBAB is certainly one of the best but also largely different in its own way, and I can’t wait to share in my love of this book with everyone🩵

I will in fact be climbing and clawing at the walls until I get to read more of this.. but unfortunately I will have to wait; you guys however will not have to wait muchhh longer: TOBAB - 15th April❤️‍🔥( I’ll see you guys there!)

[Vicki Stansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. I need the second to find out what happens next..but I will wait. Somewhat patiently..

The FMC Dru, is an absolute badass. She is everything I would want to be if I lived in that world. The opening few chapters set a fierce pace with Dru's mission going wrong and Dru having to deal with the death of her best friend. It had my heart aching for her situation, had me absolutely hooked and did not let go.

Dru is rescued by former friend (and crush), Marcus, who has a new mission for her involving deadly trials to protect a king and his kingdom from the tyranny of The Imperium; a mission which sets the two of them on a fated collision course.

The world building is rich throughout transporting me into that world, and I loved the Roman inspired gladiator trials (despite them being completely anxiety inducing!) The story was compelling, and the characters were so well crafted. I absolutely fell in love with Dru, Marcus, and Cato and found myself so invested in each of their stories. This book has a slowburn, second chance romance which I was totally cheering on, a sprinkling of elemental magic with a uniqueness to it, an ancient dragon (I’m always a sucker for dragons!), and takes you on such a ride with an ending that I needed to recover from. There are characters that I felt violently about, wishing them very slow and painful deaths which highlights just how connected I became to this story.
I mean, I just sat in shock for a good while. I highly recommend adding it to your tbr. Me? I'm eagerly awaiting Book 2.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

Trial of Bronze and Blood is the first book in a new romantasy series inspired by the Roman Empire. Right from the beginning, you’re drawn in by the action, detailed world building and political complexities.

The story is told from the dual POV of the FMC, Dru, and the MMC, Marcus as they’re thrust into deadly gladiator trials. Dru is a weapon-wielding assassin who discovers there’s a lot she didn’t know about her past when secrets are uncovered. Marcus is the head of the King’s Guard and puts immense pressure on himself to protect others, particularly Dru.

After spending years apart, Dru and Marcus are unexpectedly brought back into each other’s lives. As the two of them spend more time together, old feelings become hard to deny, leading to a gorgeous slow burn romance with delicious tension and pining!

Trial of Bronze and Blood ends on such a big cliffhanger that I don’t know how I’m going to wait until the next book to find out what happens!

Congratulations to M.K. Deoradhan on a great start to the Bronze and Blood Saga. Thank you so much for my ARC copy.

Tropes:
⚔️ Roman Empire inspired
⚔️ Deadly gladiator trials
⚔️ Political intrigue in a corrupt empire
⚔️ Slow burn second chance romance
⚔️ Assassin FMC & King’s Guard MMC

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

This story has some really awesome elements to it. We get gladiators, magic, a rebellion, deadly trials with political scheming involved, main characters who are trained like assassins, and a second chance romance to top it off. There's a lot of detail to take note of throughout the plot and I feel like the world building is well thought out.

On the flip side, I didn't find myself really engaged until the last quarter or so of the book, as the pacing was a bit slow at times but somehow also felt fast in terms of relationship progression and familiarity amongst all the characters. As this is a second chance romance, I was hopeful for more context into the previous relationship between the main characters and would have loved if there were more "needs to work for it" moments once they reconnected. I'm all for insta love/attraction and even though I didn't think it was misplaced that the main characters were still very into each other despite the years, I felt like I needed a bit more substance to their relationship.

Overall, there's a lot of good in this story and great potential for the next book(s). I look forward to seeing what comes next and would recommend checking it out if the tropes and synopsis peak your interest!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the dual POV of this story (Dru and Marcus) because their slow burn is everything! I had to google translate some words because I don’t know Latin..and it was awesome learning new things along the way. It’s not everyday I read books inspired by gladiator/Roman era so it was a refreshing take for me. Sandals and swords, am I right? Dru is a strong, smart and stubborn fighter who does not have magical powers (maybe in the future?) and just barely overcomes the trials. Edge-of-your-seat-barely. Horse-riding fights and mazes with a lion type adventure! The downside: its slated to be a trilogy and the book 1 definitely ends in a BIG cliffhanger!

Thank you MK Deoradhán for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. You made me stay up quite late into the early morning and now I need book 2 because.. what in the Latin word was that ending?!
Book release date: 4/15/2025

[mel. · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was my first gladiator fantasy story and it did not disappoint! through dual POVs, you’re immediately pulled into the political chaos with intrigue and secrets found everywhere, and the slowest burning ever written.

with the number of almost moments between Dru (FMC) and Marcus (MMC), i’m surprised my kindle didn’t get damaged from my frustration!! i may have called Marcus a buffoon at one point. and the friendship Dru found with Sabina was incredibly heartwarming!

M. K.’s writing had me on the edge of my seat in the arena in Anziano the entire time! i cannot wait to see what happens next for these lovely characters 😍

M. K., thank you so much for trusting me with an advance copy of your book! it’s a fantastic story and i cannot wait for the world to fall in love with Dru and Marcus! 🥰

[Deena Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four deadly trials will reunite them but one secret will tear them apart!

This Gladiator Romantasy story hooked me from the start! This book is action packed filled with secrets and twists that’ll keep you guessing until the end.

The story is told from a dual POV (assassin FMC and King’s Guard MMC) which I really enjoyed. The FMC, Dru, is a very likable character, and I admire her for her strength and courage throughout the book.

The slow burn, second chance romance was nicely written and I would give the spice level on this book a 🌶️🌶️ out of 5.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the next!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaallll the YEARNING and ~t e n s i o n~ I ever could’ve asked for omfg

We all know I love a strong and stabby fmc, so while Dru isn’t as vindictive as I sometimes like em, she’s still independent and capable. AND levelheaded. Love

The mmc is hawt and is made even hotter by the fact that I just kept picturing a younger Prince Hector/Eric Bana from the movie Troy the whole time lollll

The story’s pacing was well done, with a quick lil heartbreak at the beginning to really reel me in and then enough little hints dropped throughout to keep me healthily side eyeing and intrigued.

Stunningggg slow burn would recommend for anyone wanting Roman-era romance with light fantasy

[Janessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four deadly trials will reunite them.

One secret will tear them apart.

This book will hook you in right from the start. The world building is beautifully done! This book is told through a dual POV mixing fantasy and slow burn romance. The character development was well done and I thoroughly enjoyed the perspectives of Marcus and Dru.

MK Deoradhan weaves a beautiful story, in an enchanting world with plenty of twists and turns, keeping you wanting to read more!

I LOVE this book and cannot wait for the second one!

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

"War is bloody. It cares not who wins or loses, who's right and who's wrong. In the end, it demands payment in blood. And it always collects"

Right from the beginning I was hooked! This Roman-inspired novel has action around every corner! The trials themselves had me on the edge of my seat you guys!
There's slow burn second chance romance which is absolutely delicious to watch unfold 😉
All in all this was an absolute pleasure to read and I can't wait to see if there's more!!

[❋Rushna❋ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The power she holds on his heart, over his whims—it’s unfair. He would tell her anything, do anything for her”

What a wonderful balance of romantasy, adventure, and political intrigue. I was totally blown away and was not expecting to be so consumed by this!

The Ancient Rome inspired worldbuilding with gladiator trials was excellent and immersive with the action scenes. The writing style was beautiful, vivid and I felt like I was dropped right into Anziano. The trials had me hooked in and on the edge of my seat because I was so invested in how it would end. I loved that the book wasn’t only about the trials because there were other interesting subplots that come together at the end with the pacing. The political intrigue was interesting and complex in the context of cultural preservation (and the loss of individualism) under a tyrannical empire. There were a few fantasy aspects with the magic and dragons that I wanted to see more of, because they didn’t feel fully developed. But I am hoping that Book 2 will expand on that.

I loved the characters so much because they were all written so well. The slight found family vibes were so wholesome and touching. Drusilla is strong, badass, caring, and has the biggest heart! Her character had so much depth and I was constantly cheering her on. I loved her meaningful friendships she formed with Sabina and Cato. Marcus is such a broody sweetheart too. I adored him and Dru. They are SUCH a power couple and the constant yearning+banter between these two had me swooning😭 There were also a lot of secrets and twists that were exciting and added lots of tension to the plot.

I’m all for second chance romances but I’ve never tried reading that in a fantasy setting. I felt that it was done quite well in this! We’re only told of their mentor/mentee history from their first encounter, but it would have been more impactful to relive those past moments through “flashback chapters”. The mutual pining and angst added so much to the sizzling slowburn. I loved Marcus and Dru together and I need more of them!

I can already feel the incoming angst because that ending was diabolical and I was not ready for that pain. I was literally in tears and I need Book 2 ASAP😭

Thank you to The Nerd Fam, Aethon Books, and the author for the gifted ARC!

[Paola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to say that this was '10/10, no notes', but I have so many notes and highlights that I could write my own little book about this one!

Goodness, how absolutely amazing this was! My adrenaline was high from the very first chapter all up until that last sentence. This is a book you won't be able to let go of, not until you've finished it, and then you'll have the urge to go in the middle of a field and scream at the top of your lungs because you'll need the next one immediately. From the incredibly interesting and amazingly done world building, over combat scenes and the characters literally fighting for their lives, to an amazing second chance romance that will make you hiss 'just kiss already' while reading in the middle of the night — this book has it all. I loved how this was inspired by the Gladiators; I adored and cheered for the main characters; I *almost* screamed out loud in public while reading the ending (don't make the same mistake as me). Finding out that this is a debut book astonished me, because it felt like this author had already published many, many books before. Everything was thought out, and I'm aching to have the next book in my hands right now because the author did an amazing job at laying down the foundation for everything that is yet to come.

Dru was a character I loved from the very first moment — how incredibly strong but also soft she is. And Marcus was introduced in a similar way as Aragorn was in the FOTR movie, so... yeah, I grinned and loved him immediately! Their journey was crazy, and they made me giggle and smile so many times. These soft scenes between them were adorable and showed me they were meant for each other. The fighting scenes were immaculate, so intense that I almost bit off my nails while reading them. It felt like the author plucked some of them right from my brain, that's how much I loved them and have imagined similar scenes before.

All in all, go read this immediately. Right now. If you love Ancient Rome, a great fantasy sprinkled with some devastating romance, and want to give a debut author a chance — this is the one.

A huge thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, a huge thank you M.K. Deoradhán for giving me the opportunity to read this eARC of Trial of Bronze and Blood.

Where to start!! In short, I loved it. It’s a well paced Roman Empire inspired fantasy with its setting in coastal Italy.

Dru is our FMC and she is fierce! I adored her. She’s intelligent, witty and fiercely independent and of course, deadly in combat. Her sharp tongue and speak first, think about it later attitude, is why I love her. She’s not afraid to be herself or to voice her thoughts.

Marcus is our MMC and he is equally fierce within the arena or in combat, but personality wise is an absolute softie. He’s loyal and protective, but is constantly in awe of Dru and knows she can handle herself. This my friend, is how you write a MMC that knows how to treat a woman as his equal.

Dru and Marcus have history and because of that, there are some real trust issues, but when they are both thrust into deadly gladiator style trials, they need to learn to trust each other as they once did, or face losing more than their friendship.

Epic side characters, deadly trials, slow burn romance, betrayals and an ancient dragon to boot, TOBAB is the fantasy book that keeps on giving. I can’t wait for the second book!

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Nerd Fam for the ARC of this book!

For a book pitched as being similar to Heartless Hunter with a second chance romance, it...isn't either of those things?

I was super excited to pick up another gladiatoresque story, but this one just wasn't fully it for me. To start, it's marketed as being a trials based story, but the trials don't even start until 60% into the book? And the whole premise for the FMC to end up in the situation she does to get there is tenuous at best. She's essentially brainwashed to be an assassin and part of a clan and just casually disobeys orders and follows our MMC because he asked her to. And never REALLY pushes for answers as to why she's needed until it's way too late.

The "second chance romance" is BARELY that--they knew each other years prior, she told him she had feelings, he lied and said he didn't. So there was never an INITIAL romance to begin with. This is more like...friends to lovers? Reluctant allies to lovers?

The vibes were there, and I liked it enough to finish the story, but I don't think I'll be reading the next installment. Between the characterization feeling all over the place, the super slow pacing, and not really feeling invested in any of the relationships, I don't think this one was for me.

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great from start to finish and the PINING was top notch. I feel like this book is a masterclass of how to write pining characters. For me personally, it was such a deep love that they both had but in the moment, I understood why neither said anything. So this wasn't some sort of miscommunication trope, it made sense with the background and progression of these characters.

Both MCs are great. I think Dru has so much more to give than she's been allowed to and we are only just getting to see the tip of the iceberg of who she really can be. Marcus is your strong, steadfast and loyal MMC who just wants to do the right thing.

The storyline itself is so great. Give me tragic backstories, trials, betrayals, a dash of magic, and a dragon and I am a HAPPY girl. It was chaos from start to finish in the absolute best way.

We end this book with devastation and a cliffhanger so I think it's safe to say that I stared at a wall a bit after finishing this one.

Now to wait for the next installment!

Overall: highly recommend
Spice: Open Door

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m already dying for the sequel over here! WOW. What a ride! If you’re looking for:

-Gladiator trials ⚔️
-Seriously SLOW burn 🔥🌶️🐌
-2nd chance love ❤️‍🔥
-Magic 🪄
-Seriously badass assassin FMC 💥
-A marshmallow king’s guard MMC ☁️
-Dual POV 👫🏻

Then this is the book for you! I was sucked in from the beginning. I couldn’t get enough of Dru, Marcus, Cato and Sabina. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book! I also loved and appreciated the fact that the FMC was older than 18/19. 🤣 As an avid reader of fantasy that is now in her adult years, it can be difficult reading books with 19 year old heroines. So needless to say, I LOVE a more mature character. This was such a captivating and fun read and I can’t wait for more!!

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had quite high hopes for this, but it didn't enthrall me.

It didn't help that I found the third person present tense narration quite jarring, especially at first.

It also didn't help that the entire premise is pretty absurd. You're the only free country in an Empire and you willingly just invite your enemy to your door and give them everything they need to destroy you? The excuses given, that it was the dying King's last wish for the enemy to join in the games, was flimsy at best. So the whole plot just came across as pretty silly and convoluted.

I could have excused this if the characters were more engaging. They were ok, but nothing that massively drew me in.

The ending was also annoying, rather than enticing me to read the next one.