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Empire of Vengeance #1
House of Serpents and Slaves
I dreamed of being a Dragon Elite soldier, but I was raised to be a healer. Until fate made me a warrior.
After Imperial soldiers slaughtered my village, murdered my family, and left me with nothing, my only chance at both survival and revenge is entering the gladiatorial arena. But it also brings three men into my life who complicate everything.
Septimus, my brother's best friend and my fierce protector who'd rather see me safe than avenging my family.
Marcus, an Imperial soldier turned gladiator who dreams of earning our freedom and building a life far from the empire's reach.
Tarshi, a half-Talfen warrior whose demon blood makes him forbidden—but whose rage matches my own.
In this new, deadly world, alliances are dangerous, each fight could be my last, and love is the biggest risk of all. But as rebellion brews in the streets and the rumbling of dragons echo through the arena, I'll have to choose. Listen to the healer in my heart who yearns for a future with these men. Or embrace the warrior I've become, break the imperial chains, and sacrifice everything for revenge.
After Imperial soldiers slaughtered my village, murdered my family, and left me with nothing, my only chance at both survival and revenge is entering the gladiatorial arena. But it also brings three men into my life who complicate everything.
Septimus, my brother's best friend and my fierce protector who'd rather see me safe than avenging my family.
Marcus, an Imperial soldier turned gladiator who dreams of earning our freedom and building a life far from the empire's reach.
Tarshi, a half-Talfen warrior whose demon blood makes him forbidden—but whose rage matches my own.
In this new, deadly world, alliances are dangerous, each fight could be my last, and love is the biggest risk of all. But as rebellion brews in the streets and the rumbling of dragons echo through the arena, I'll have to choose. Listen to the healer in my heart who yearns for a future with these men. Or embrace the warrior I've become, break the imperial chains, and sacrifice everything for revenge.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2025
172 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 8, 2025
4.5 for me this one.
Firstly Elizabeth thank you so so much for reaching out to me and i am so honoured to of been able to read this.
Now for the book.
Wow wow ty ty for writing a romantasy with dragons and gladiators.
Something different that literally wetted my appetite and fueled my yearning for something different and more in my books.
I seriously cannot wait to read book 2 now
Firstly Elizabeth thank you so so much for reaching out to me and i am so honoured to of been able to read this.
Now for the book.
Wow wow ty ty for writing a romantasy with dragons and gladiators.
Something different that literally wetted my appetite and fueled my yearning for something different and more in my books.
I seriously cannot wait to read book 2 now
March 23, 2025
I’m anxiously awaiting book 2.
This was an excellent read.
Please read the trigger warnings before starting this series. It deals with some heavy emotional topics. I found myself tearing up several times.
This was an excellent read.
Please read the trigger warnings before starting this series. It deals with some heavy emotional topics. I found myself tearing up several times.
March 13, 2025
Absolutely loved! Though it was not how I expected it to end at all it was still beautiful written! I want book two now!!! Please?
November 29, 2025
After DNF-ing three books in a row, I knew I needed to go back to one of my reliable 4/5 star authors for my holiday break read. EB never fails to write a fantastic Why Choose with depth, a thorough plot, and spicy spice, and the first book in this series is no different.
I have read a few "gladiator books" where it was a minor part of the plot at the beginning, but this entire book took place in the colosseum which was great. Just enough world building to understand what she's bursting out into, but with plenty of room for further plot development. I didn't realize this was a five book (or maybe more??) series, so I'm excited that I have some runway left.
All of the main characters are so fully developed, you really get attached to them all despite the fact that none of them are infallible. The FMC is a little annoying, all of the MMCs (except maybe Tashi idk) are flawed in their expectations for the FMC and their behavior around her. They're all very human, but still trying their best. The story itself is equal parts encouraging and heartbreaking, and I'll be particularly curious where Marcus' plotline ends up, I can only assume we'll see him again.
Do definitely keep an eye on the trigger warnings, they're no joke although much of the really hard stuff is "fade to black" as it were, but there's no confusion about what is happening. If you don't want to read it, I promise that you can skip a few pages or to the next chapter without missing anything.
I have read a few "gladiator books" where it was a minor part of the plot at the beginning, but this entire book took place in the colosseum which was great. Just enough world building to understand what she's bursting out into, but with plenty of room for further plot development. I didn't realize this was a five book (or maybe more??) series, so I'm excited that I have some runway left.
All of the main characters are so fully developed, you really get attached to them all despite the fact that none of them are infallible. The FMC is a little annoying, all of the MMCs (except maybe Tashi idk) are flawed in their expectations for the FMC and their behavior around her. They're all very human, but still trying their best. The story itself is equal parts encouraging and heartbreaking, and I'll be particularly curious where Marcus' plotline ends up, I can only assume we'll see him again.
Do definitely keep an eye on the trigger warnings, they're no joke although much of the really hard stuff is "fade to black" as it were, but there's no confusion about what is happening. If you don't want to read it, I promise that you can skip a few pages or to the next chapter without missing anything.
March 7, 2025
I was already fascinated by this new series the moment I read the blurb for “House of Serpents and Slaves”, and now that I’ve read the first book my fascination has only grown. This fantasy world has it all: nations at war, dragons, gladiators, … and one fierce woman set on fighting to take back her freedom. Add some handsome love interests to it who were never really set on sharing their woman and you got the perfect recipe for a book that just makes you keep on turning pages.
One thing I feel needs to be mentioned, is the character building in this story. There is something to be said about the imperfection in each of these characters. They all make mistakes, none of them are perfect, and I enjoyed watching them navigate it all. There are no excuses, actions have consequences but there is also room for redemption and forgiveness. Even though they all have a hard life, they don’t let themselves be ruled by their trauma, but it’s also never forgotten or glossed over. No, this author managed to portray some true survivors.
So, as a conclusion, I have to say this book really got to me, in a good way. So now I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
One thing I feel needs to be mentioned, is the character building in this story. There is something to be said about the imperfection in each of these characters. They all make mistakes, none of them are perfect, and I enjoyed watching them navigate it all. There are no excuses, actions have consequences but there is also room for redemption and forgiveness. Even though they all have a hard life, they don’t let themselves be ruled by their trauma, but it’s also never forgotten or glossed over. No, this author managed to portray some true survivors.
So, as a conclusion, I have to say this book really got to me, in a good way. So now I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!
October 14, 2025
3.75⭐️
Read
August 13, 2025DNF at 69%. The FMC is doing my bonce in, constantly bleating about training, and supposedly has been training for years and years, but still can't actually fight at all. Boooooorrrrrriinnngggg.
September 20, 2025
3.5
The author did a good job handling the darker themes such as rape, dub con, abuse etc. Most was done off screen so to speak, implied, or referred to in past tense.
There were some inconsistencies that bugged me. Such as having sex with Talfen. Part way through all of a sudden it became against the law to have sex with him. That was not the situation at the beginning unless I read it all wrong. It was like the author threw that in so there was some sort of risk or give the author a potential situation to create if needed.
The author did a good job handling the darker themes such as rape, dub con, abuse etc. Most was done off screen so to speak, implied, or referred to in past tense.
There were some inconsistencies that bugged me. Such as having sex with Talfen. Part way through all of a sudden it became against the law to have sex with him. That was not the situation at the beginning unless I read it all wrong. It was like the author threw that in so there was some sort of risk or give the author a potential situation to create if needed.
did-not-finish
May 1, 2025DNF @ 50%
Kind of not great writing, to be honest.
Kind of not great writing, to be honest.
March 9, 2025
I've read books with gladiator aspects or that were gladiator "lite," but this is my in-depth gladiator story. It's a lot darker than I thought. There is slavery, prejudice, beatings, and decimation of not just cultures but people. I wasn't really prepared for the heaviness of this book.
Livia is dead set on getting her revenge. She goes from slave to gladiator to do it. It isn't a smooth transition. She struggles a lot, but if Livia has nothing else, she has fire. Livia is nothing but stubborn determination, and I admire that while she may question herself, she isn't going to let anyone detour her from her goals.
Out of all three guys who had Livia's attention, it was Tarshi who won my heart immediately. The half-Talfen has suffered so much. He's a gentle giant, but he's so mistreated, he made me cry. My heart went out to him, and I need him to be protected at all costs. This is a slower burn because having relationships is kind of impossible in this situation, but Elizabeth managed to throw some in. There's a forbidden romance, a brother's best friend situation, and a teacherstudent romance. I mean, Elizabeth kind of hit the mark, didn't she?
It was a little slow at first, but then things picked up. Livia was gladiator training, improving her skills, and working her way up. Elizabeth did a good job with the world-building. I had a great visual of the ludus, but it was the Talfen people that really grabbed my attention. It's them as a people versus the Empire. There is a lot of propaganda by the Empire, stirring up fear and prejudices. When they talk about the Talfens, they describe them as demons with magical powers, and I'm dying to know if it's true. I want to know more about them in general. The rest of the plot was good—the matches in the arena, the personal relationships outside the arena—all of it was good. And their master, Drusus, was the perfect villain, someone to root against.
The final few chapters were the most exciting. There was a ton of action and drama, and let's not forget the dragon. The ending was unexpected and may have broken my heart a little. Everything is up in the air, and that means anything can happen. I guess that means I'll be grabbing the second book to see what happens next.
Livia is dead set on getting her revenge. She goes from slave to gladiator to do it. It isn't a smooth transition. She struggles a lot, but if Livia has nothing else, she has fire. Livia is nothing but stubborn determination, and I admire that while she may question herself, she isn't going to let anyone detour her from her goals.
Out of all three guys who had Livia's attention, it was Tarshi who won my heart immediately. The half-Talfen has suffered so much. He's a gentle giant, but he's so mistreated, he made me cry. My heart went out to him, and I need him to be protected at all costs. This is a slower burn because having relationships is kind of impossible in this situation, but Elizabeth managed to throw some in. There's a forbidden romance, a brother's best friend situation, and a teacherstudent romance. I mean, Elizabeth kind of hit the mark, didn't she?
It was a little slow at first, but then things picked up. Livia was gladiator training, improving her skills, and working her way up. Elizabeth did a good job with the world-building. I had a great visual of the ludus, but it was the Talfen people that really grabbed my attention. It's them as a people versus the Empire. There is a lot of propaganda by the Empire, stirring up fear and prejudices. When they talk about the Talfens, they describe them as demons with magical powers, and I'm dying to know if it's true. I want to know more about them in general. The rest of the plot was good—the matches in the arena, the personal relationships outside the arena—all of it was good. And their master, Drusus, was the perfect villain, someone to root against.
The final few chapters were the most exciting. There was a ton of action and drama, and let's not forget the dragon. The ending was unexpected and may have broken my heart a little. Everything is up in the air, and that means anything can happen. I guess that means I'll be grabbing the second book to see what happens next.
March 2, 2025
Oh, you want drama, spice, and gladiator glory? Buckle up, because this book delivered like a war-hardened female enraged warrior kicking open the gates of the Colosseum.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️ (and trust me, you will feel the heat)
I knew 2025 was going to be the year gladiators took over fantasy, and this book came in swinging with chains, swords, and just a sprinkle of morally gray deliciousness. It was refreshing in the best way, mixing high stakes battles, brutal realities, and a female main character who actually gets character development (shocking, I know). She’s flawed, she’s fierce, and when she messes up? She owns it. No magically perfect heroine who conveniently forgets her trauma because of some good D—no ma’am. This woman stands on business!!!
And let’s talk about the Why Choose romance, because OH. MY. GODS. The sub-tropes? The tension? The yearning that had me rethinking all my life choices? I was practically ready to throw myself into a cage and start licking the bars. Oh, to be her…
Beyond the spice, though, this book actually says something. There’s depth. There’s commentary on equality: both in terms of how we judge people by their appearance and how women are seen in these brutal, high-stakes worlds. Gladiator women? Top. Freaking. Tier. And our FMC might have been a slave in name, but she belonged to no one but herself. Even when the world tried to break her, she refused to let it define her. That kind of resilience? Chef’s kiss.
Now, about that ending. Miss ma’am, you did not have to emotionally ruin me like that. But also? Respect. Walking away when it’s hardest, staying true to yourself even when it hurts, now that’s growth, and I was so proud of her. That doesn’t mean I’m not desperately waiting for book two, though.
Final thoughts? This book ate, but I won’t pretend it was perfect. Some pacing issues: too slow in places, too vague and fast in others and a few grammar hiccups. But overall? I devoured it, loved it, and will absolutely be seated for the sequel.
XOXO,
Espookymami 💋
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️ (and trust me, you will feel the heat)
I knew 2025 was going to be the year gladiators took over fantasy, and this book came in swinging with chains, swords, and just a sprinkle of morally gray deliciousness. It was refreshing in the best way, mixing high stakes battles, brutal realities, and a female main character who actually gets character development (shocking, I know). She’s flawed, she’s fierce, and when she messes up? She owns it. No magically perfect heroine who conveniently forgets her trauma because of some good D—no ma’am. This woman stands on business!!!
And let’s talk about the Why Choose romance, because OH. MY. GODS. The sub-tropes? The tension? The yearning that had me rethinking all my life choices? I was practically ready to throw myself into a cage and start licking the bars. Oh, to be her…
Beyond the spice, though, this book actually says something. There’s depth. There’s commentary on equality: both in terms of how we judge people by their appearance and how women are seen in these brutal, high-stakes worlds. Gladiator women? Top. Freaking. Tier. And our FMC might have been a slave in name, but she belonged to no one but herself. Even when the world tried to break her, she refused to let it define her. That kind of resilience? Chef’s kiss.
Now, about that ending. Miss ma’am, you did not have to emotionally ruin me like that. But also? Respect. Walking away when it’s hardest, staying true to yourself even when it hurts, now that’s growth, and I was so proud of her. That doesn’t mean I’m not desperately waiting for book two, though.
Final thoughts? This book ate, but I won’t pretend it was perfect. Some pacing issues: too slow in places, too vague and fast in others and a few grammar hiccups. But overall? I devoured it, loved it, and will absolutely be seated for the sequel.
XOXO,
Espookymami 💋
March 12, 2025
HOLY DARKNESS! This book was intense. There was a lot of emotion, action and spice throughout this whole book. It left me wanting more, and more every chapter. I have already read it twice and I am still itching for more from this book. Each character we are learning about gave us just enough to dangle a carrot over our noses, just out of reach! I can not wait to see what Elizabeth Blackthorne has in store for us next. THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST BOOK SHE HAS EVER GRACED US WITH....YET!
Livia- she is one strong firecracker and still shows that heart that I fell in love with in chapter one! She has so much potential and strength! Can not wait to see what is next for her!
Septimus-This man right here makes my head hurt and my heart ache all at once. I love and hate him at the moment. There are certain scenes that have been running through my head for awhile now and I just can't shake it. (You have to read it to understand) Still love him though.
Marcus- I am wrecked!!! Like I understand but I don't at the same time! I don't know what to do with myself at this point. I hope things get cleared up later on. He is so stubborn and sweet it is hilarious. I love how he is older than our FMC and still can show the childish side of himself.
Tarshi- He is my favorite so far! Since he walked into our lives...I mean their lives, he has been the one! I love how he is with our FMC and I seen some foreshadowing in there, while learning about him. I hope I am right!! He is perfect!!!!
Antonious- I hope he joins the harem, I need him to!!! He seems like a good balance between everyone, like an anchor. He deserves love too!!
I have become obsessed with this series and I am impatiently waiting for book 2 to get here. I highly recommend this book and author! Check this book out and feel how I am feeling!!
Livia- she is one strong firecracker and still shows that heart that I fell in love with in chapter one! She has so much potential and strength! Can not wait to see what is next for her!
Septimus-This man right here makes my head hurt and my heart ache all at once. I love and hate him at the moment. There are certain scenes that have been running through my head for awhile now and I just can't shake it. (You have to read it to understand) Still love him though.
Marcus- I am wrecked!!! Like I understand but I don't at the same time! I don't know what to do with myself at this point. I hope things get cleared up later on. He is so stubborn and sweet it is hilarious. I love how he is older than our FMC and still can show the childish side of himself.
Tarshi- He is my favorite so far! Since he walked into our lives...I mean their lives, he has been the one! I love how he is with our FMC and I seen some foreshadowing in there, while learning about him. I hope I am right!! He is perfect!!!!
Antonious- I hope he joins the harem, I need him to!!! He seems like a good balance between everyone, like an anchor. He deserves love too!!
I have become obsessed with this series and I am impatiently waiting for book 2 to get here. I highly recommend this book and author! Check this book out and feel how I am feeling!!
March 14, 2025
Well that I must say was a brilliant read!!
Livia (the MFC) is a badass and does not give in easily! She knows what she wants , which is to be a gladiator and she just gives her all to become one, no matter how many times or people tell her she’s not good enough. I love how strong she is, but Also so caring to!
The MMC’s of This book are also soooo good!!! You have Septimus (love this name) who is Livias brother’s annoying best friend … or is he annoying ;-). Then there’s Marcus, the teacher/lead gladiator who just wants to keep her safe and protected. And lastly Tarshi , who I find the most intriguing out of them all and can’t wait to read more about him!
The way that Elizabeth wrote this book just keeps you engaged throughout the whole thing, it’s packed with action and romance and the way she describes everything really made it easy to imagine it all. All the details are just excellent.
I highly recommend this book and I honestly can’t wait until book 2 comes out. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🐉 ❤️
Livia (the MFC) is a badass and does not give in easily! She knows what she wants , which is to be a gladiator and she just gives her all to become one, no matter how many times or people tell her she’s not good enough. I love how strong she is, but Also so caring to!
The MMC’s of This book are also soooo good!!! You have Septimus (love this name) who is Livias brother’s annoying best friend … or is he annoying ;-). Then there’s Marcus, the teacher/lead gladiator who just wants to keep her safe and protected. And lastly Tarshi , who I find the most intriguing out of them all and can’t wait to read more about him!
The way that Elizabeth wrote this book just keeps you engaged throughout the whole thing, it’s packed with action and romance and the way she describes everything really made it easy to imagine it all. All the details are just excellent.
I highly recommend this book and I honestly can’t wait until book 2 comes out. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 🐉 ❤️
May 1, 2025
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I honestly expected it to be a bit boring due to the single setting, the gladiator barracks and arena, but turned out to be an enjoyable read. The story featured many popular tropes and themes, including why-choose romance, forced proximity, forbidden love, dragons, and revenge.
The gladiator angle in a why-choose romantasy was relatively new to me, and I was curious to see how it would unfold. I liked the strong fmc who remained determined and resilient despite facing numerous challenges and injustices. I'm not fully sold on the male main characters yet, but I'm still looking forward to reading the next book and seeing how their relationship with the fmc evolves.
Before picking up this book, I recommend checking the trigger warnings, as there were a few scenes that were quite intense and upsetting.
The gladiator angle in a why-choose romantasy was relatively new to me, and I was curious to see how it would unfold. I liked the strong fmc who remained determined and resilient despite facing numerous challenges and injustices. I'm not fully sold on the male main characters yet, but I'm still looking forward to reading the next book and seeing how their relationship with the fmc evolves.
Before picking up this book, I recommend checking the trigger warnings, as there were a few scenes that were quite intense and upsetting.
March 18, 2025
I’ve read a couple of RH books by this author and enjoyed the style of storytelling so was looking forward to this and it didn’t disappoint!
It gave me Spartacus (the tv show) vibes with a twist of creatures and magic. There was a big build up to the final few chapters and lots happens! Without giving spoilers it’s intense.
All the characters had a strong back story and the MMCs were very different to each other - it’ll be interesting how their relationships develop in the next book(s). Livia had such a tough time, so much happened to her! There were plenty of heartbreaking moments that give you the sinking feeling as well as good banter and a healthy dose of spice.
Check TW for some difficult scenes - mainly the things that happens to the gladiators/slaves.
It gave me Spartacus (the tv show) vibes with a twist of creatures and magic. There was a big build up to the final few chapters and lots happens! Without giving spoilers it’s intense.
All the characters had a strong back story and the MMCs were very different to each other - it’ll be interesting how their relationships develop in the next book(s). Livia had such a tough time, so much happened to her! There were plenty of heartbreaking moments that give you the sinking feeling as well as good banter and a healthy dose of spice.
Check TW for some difficult scenes - mainly the things that happens to the gladiators/slaves.
March 14, 2025
Elizabeth Blackthorne is a new to me author and this is my first time reading one of her books.
Allni can say is she is an amazing writer and I am looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
House if serpeant and slaves is book one of The Empire of Vengence series. It is an amazing read and her female lead character Levia comes across as a real bad ass who dose not give up or in easily. She certainly know what she wants and how to get into and don't give up untill she has become an gladiator. I love the men in her life Septimus, Marcus and Tarshi.
Elizabeth certainly keeps us engaged and interested during this read and I look forward to the next book.
Allni can say is she is an amazing writer and I am looking forward to reading more of her books in the future.
House if serpeant and slaves is book one of The Empire of Vengence series. It is an amazing read and her female lead character Levia comes across as a real bad ass who dose not give up or in easily. She certainly know what she wants and how to get into and don't give up untill she has become an gladiator. I love the men in her life Septimus, Marcus and Tarshi.
Elizabeth certainly keeps us engaged and interested during this read and I look forward to the next book.
March 15, 2025
Wow. This is the first book I've read by this author, and im not disappointed in the least. She did a fantastic job of world and plot building. The spice was slow, but it was needed in this book. The intricacies of the plot and story line demanded it. Livia, Septimus, Marcus, and Tarshi are reltable in the fact she made them imperfect. The feelings portrayed by these characters are very realistic and believable. The angst and drama weren't off putting either, like in some books I've read. She was able to perfectly combine fantasy, and history, and I'm here for it! You can't go wrong with this book.
I can't wait for book two, and maybe Antonio will join the harem??
I can't wait for book two, and maybe Antonio will join the harem??
March 18, 2025
I don't know what I was expecting, but this was Great!!! This is a slow burn, Historical why choose.. I couldn't put down..Livia has the spirit of a Dragon 🐉. No matter what she must do as a slave, she will not stop without getting vengeance for her family. With her soft heart for others. She is loved by her brother's childhood friends, Septimus, and Marcus as they are also slaves. When she meets the half monster and human Tarshi, she finds her ❤️ torn. When she witnesses tortured Dragon, she sees something in his eyes 👀 and also a future. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2025
Decent
This book started off with a bang. Livia drew me in, her tenacity, her determination, her sassy mouth, but her character was also reckless. So blinded that she missed the small things. They all had vulnerable secrets that could have completely changed their entire relationship, but they never ended up spilling. I really hated to read how the woman were used as whores. It was the way of it in the story but it irked me. This book deserved 3.5 stars, but since I can’t rate half stars, I rounded up because I love Elizabeth Blackstones other series. It dragged in the middle. I skimmed a bunch of pages and didn’t miss a thing.
This book started off with a bang. Livia drew me in, her tenacity, her determination, her sassy mouth, but her character was also reckless. So blinded that she missed the small things. They all had vulnerable secrets that could have completely changed their entire relationship, but they never ended up spilling. I really hated to read how the woman were used as whores. It was the way of it in the story but it irked me. This book deserved 3.5 stars, but since I can’t rate half stars, I rounded up because I love Elizabeth Blackstones other series. It dragged in the middle. I skimmed a bunch of pages and didn’t miss a thing.
September 5, 2025
I’ve just finished this book and WOW it’s up there as one of my favourites this year
It’s gladiator the movie meets fourth wing!
A twisted fantasy ancient Roman world where dragons and demons roam as killing machines
The powerful FMC is likeable and relatable and even the three men she ends up embroiled with are all gorgeous and the relationships develop in a way you believe the love with all three of them. Livia is a slave who begs to be trained as a gladiator.
I’ve never been one for reverse harem before, always being a one woman type of gal but this has totally won me over. A believable romance square If you will.
I’ve immediately bought book 2
It’s gladiator the movie meets fourth wing!
A twisted fantasy ancient Roman world where dragons and demons roam as killing machines
The powerful FMC is likeable and relatable and even the three men she ends up embroiled with are all gorgeous and the relationships develop in a way you believe the love with all three of them. Livia is a slave who begs to be trained as a gladiator.
I’ve never been one for reverse harem before, always being a one woman type of gal but this has totally won me over. A believable romance square If you will.
I’ve immediately bought book 2
November 25, 2025
Slow
I realize this is the first book. The characters, plot, and setting are all being introduced. But, it was a really slow start and I struggled to keep reading. I had a hard time balancing the idea that this is just a story and Olivia wanting to be a gladiator. Sure, she had learned some fighting skills and tried to keep her skills up. But becoming a gladiator? It just seemed like too unrealistic of a dream. Obviously, she gets her wish, but it's just so unrealistic.
That complaint noted, 3\4 of the way in things pick up slightly. The ending was interesting, so I'll read the next book and see if the plot moves more quickly now that the stage is set.
I realize this is the first book. The characters, plot, and setting are all being introduced. But, it was a really slow start and I struggled to keep reading. I had a hard time balancing the idea that this is just a story and Olivia wanting to be a gladiator. Sure, she had learned some fighting skills and tried to keep her skills up. But becoming a gladiator? It just seemed like too unrealistic of a dream. Obviously, she gets her wish, but it's just so unrealistic.
That complaint noted, 3\4 of the way in things pick up slightly. The ending was interesting, so I'll read the next book and see if the plot moves more quickly now that the stage is set.
March 9, 2025
Omg I am so obsessed with this book! I freaking love Livia! She’s such a BA. Septimus is such an ass but I love him. Tarshi is the perfect mix of adorable and menacing he maybe my favorite. Also he doesn’t have any ideas of what Livia should do other than what she wants so that’s extra points for him. Marcus was great but then he had to go and be an idiot, idk how he’s going to redeem himself but it better be with a shit ton of groveling. I absolutely loved the plot and the pacing was great. I would most definitely recommend this book, I cannot wait for book 2!
August 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this book, I didn't even know I needed gladiators but now I have them with dragons I need more.
Great world building and plot and the characters, well Livia is one bad ass FMC with a mouth to match her recklessness, Septimus and his brooding, Marcus and his love for her softer side and Tarshi who loves her fire. The smut is just the right amount. Just read the triggers before you pick this book up, Elizabeth has done a great job at it writing the dark stuff buts it's there. I think I've just found myself a new favourite author.
Great world building and plot and the characters, well Livia is one bad ass FMC with a mouth to match her recklessness, Septimus and his brooding, Marcus and his love for her softer side and Tarshi who loves her fire. The smut is just the right amount. Just read the triggers before you pick this book up, Elizabeth has done a great job at it writing the dark stuff buts it's there. I think I've just found myself a new favourite author.
September 2, 2025
I liked it! I liked the world building but it got a little confusing. I like the main character, she was really strong but it was a little slow with the training but when she finally fought it was amazing! Really only one the guys is like able, I can’t get passed how much I hate one of the guys and the other is just meh. I finished it and started reading the second one but I took a break, honestly I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep reading. If that guys was out of the harem or dies then I’ll be happy but I don’t see that happening.
September 27, 2025
Strong start
Dragons. Strong plot. Complex characters. A fmc with fire in her spirit. A rather intriguing start to this series. Book one is rather dark, though not on the scale of some truly DARK reads out there , but there is quite a bit of SA, slavery, subjugation, and failed attempts to rise above until right at the very end where we see a full shift in the trajectory of the story so it's a lot of despair to trudge through in book one, but we do have an fmc with a fierce spirit and that certainly helps.
Dragons. Strong plot. Complex characters. A fmc with fire in her spirit. A rather intriguing start to this series. Book one is rather dark, though not on the scale of some truly DARK reads out there , but there is quite a bit of SA, slavery, subjugation, and failed attempts to rise above until right at the very end where we see a full shift in the trajectory of the story so it's a lot of despair to trudge through in book one, but we do have an fmc with a fierce spirit and that certainly helps.
March 18, 2025
Elizabeth is a master storyteller and this is a different world than what I have read of hers in the past and I loved it! Set in a Gladiator Style era... the world is brutal to those that are suppressed. I loved the strength of Livia, the FMC. There was so much action and drama in this book that the more you read, the more you could not put it down. It was a slow burn for the main characters, but I loved it!
April 14, 2025
Saw the book recommended in one of my FB groups.
The story takes place in a Roman empire inspired fantasy setting.
Liana’s village was attacked and her family killed, when she was a child.
The attacking soldiers sold her to slavery. Here she grew up being part of her master’s Ludus.
Liana longs to become a gladiator and learn to fight.
The characters in the book are well described. But unfortunately it sometimes slows the pace of the book.
Over all an interesting read.
3⭐
2🌶️
The story takes place in a Roman empire inspired fantasy setting.
Liana’s village was attacked and her family killed, when she was a child.
The attacking soldiers sold her to slavery. Here she grew up being part of her master’s Ludus.
Liana longs to become a gladiator and learn to fight.
The characters in the book are well described. But unfortunately it sometimes slows the pace of the book.
Over all an interesting read.
3⭐
2🌶️
August 5, 2025
Conflicted
There are several inconsistent things, first the owner values his property too much to allow fights to the death but then they do. He hires a healer to protect his investment, but in the next chapter he's too cheap. There is also a lot of repetition. Conversely, the world is well constructed, the characters defined, and I love the dragon. I will try the second book hoping for more continuity.
There are several inconsistent things, first the owner values his property too much to allow fights to the death but then they do. He hires a healer to protect his investment, but in the next chapter he's too cheap. There is also a lot of repetition. Conversely, the world is well constructed, the characters defined, and I love the dragon. I will try the second book hoping for more continuity.
March 15, 2025
YES, I am a newer reader to Elizabeth and absolutely loving her work! It is incredibly well-written, with just the right amount of angst and trauma, and sooooooo much chemistry! I am loving the flow of the story, and the storyline is fantastic—it hooks you and makes you want to keep turning the page!
March 19, 2025
Livia's family and whole village was wiped out by the Imperial soldiers. She is angry and wants revenge. She joins the gladiatorial arena to seek her goals. Livia meets three guys: Marcus, Septimus, and Tarshi. They each have their own desires and goals. Can they trust and work together to fulfill their dreams?
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