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131 Days #2
House of Pain
Strength.
Honor.
Death.
Once every year, in the city of Sunja, gladiators meet within the arena known as Sunja’s Pit. Some men enter for the lure of fortune, some for the fame, and some simply for the fight. The games continue for days until a champion is finally crowned.
Or until all involved perish.
The warriors comprising the House of Ten begin training under punishing mentors and a drink-loving taskmaster. Within the city of Sunja itself, Borchus works to establish a network of spies to aid the newly formed house’s cause. A vengeful Halm hunts down Skulljigger for bloody retribution. And house master Goll realizes one of his pit fighters possesses potential beyond everyone’s expectations.
All the while, shadowy elements conspire to make the Ten’s opening matches upon the sands also their last.
This is blood sport at its finest.
At its worst.
At its longest.
Honor.
Death.
Once every year, in the city of Sunja, gladiators meet within the arena known as Sunja’s Pit. Some men enter for the lure of fortune, some for the fame, and some simply for the fight. The games continue for days until a champion is finally crowned.
Or until all involved perish.
The warriors comprising the House of Ten begin training under punishing mentors and a drink-loving taskmaster. Within the city of Sunja itself, Borchus works to establish a network of spies to aid the newly formed house’s cause. A vengeful Halm hunts down Skulljigger for bloody retribution. And house master Goll realizes one of his pit fighters possesses potential beyond everyone’s expectations.
All the while, shadowy elements conspire to make the Ten’s opening matches upon the sands also their last.
This is blood sport at its finest.
At its worst.
At its longest.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2014
35 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Keith C. Blackmore
38 books909 followersBooks are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 18, 2019
There is a delicious depth to this series, yes it's primarily about bloody violence as an incredibly diverse set of warriors (aside from the fact they are all male so far) fight for honour and life itself on the sands of the arena. And yes we follow the newly-formed House of Ten as they scramble madly to live up to their newly-earned status as a house in the games.
However, Blackmore has gone to real pains to give his world and story significant depth as we are plunged into a world of personal enmities, shady agents and devious house owners making this a very rich and fulfilling experience. There are some hints here that the story is slowing down a little but even so there is plenty of action scattered throughout and a gorgeously bloody and ruthless final hour or two. Blackmore's ruthless attitude to even some of his most prominent characters and the time he gives to those who only survive briefly on the sands imbues a genuine feeling of uncertainty every time we enter that gore-spattered arena.
I'm not sure how many books Blackmore intends to keep this going for and this does have its quieter moments but with that beautiful detail and constant uncertainty coupled with John Lee's immersive, full-cast narration this series could very well entertain for some time to come!
However, Blackmore has gone to real pains to give his world and story significant depth as we are plunged into a world of personal enmities, shady agents and devious house owners making this a very rich and fulfilling experience. There are some hints here that the story is slowing down a little but even so there is plenty of action scattered throughout and a gorgeously bloody and ruthless final hour or two. Blackmore's ruthless attitude to even some of his most prominent characters and the time he gives to those who only survive briefly on the sands imbues a genuine feeling of uncertainty every time we enter that gore-spattered arena.
I'm not sure how many books Blackmore intends to keep this going for and this does have its quieter moments but with that beautiful detail and constant uncertainty coupled with John Lee's immersive, full-cast narration this series could very well entertain for some time to come!
July 26, 2025
“Seddon wanted him alive; that much was clear. For what sinister purpose, however, he had no idea.”
Loved this second installment of the 131 days series! Halm is a badass in strength, as well as spirit. Even though he is constantly put down, he shows time and time again what a true man he is. The infighting between the masters of the houses is very entertaining, and the quips they trade back and forth offer a fun reprieve from the physical and mental devastation being heaped upon the characters. Goll’s character arc takes a dark turn which makes it hard to trust him, as “plans within plans” begin to unfold. With the addition of new characters and new subplots, you will never be bored!
Excited to see where the continuation takes us in the underbellies of Sunja
Loved this second installment of the 131 days series! Halm is a badass in strength, as well as spirit. Even though he is constantly put down, he shows time and time again what a true man he is. The infighting between the masters of the houses is very entertaining, and the quips they trade back and forth offer a fun reprieve from the physical and mental devastation being heaped upon the characters. Goll’s character arc takes a dark turn which makes it hard to trust him, as “plans within plans” begin to unfold. With the addition of new characters and new subplots, you will never be bored!
Excited to see where the continuation takes us in the underbellies of Sunja
October 15, 2017
Good fantasy reading
I've been reading books for a very long time and am glad I came across this author. I liked the way he is going about weaving the story line. It's great to see a fantasy based on grown men with real world problems not about adolescents saving the world before the experience it. I've pitched the third book n the series and will get right into reading it. Was a little leary about the series after I read the authors afterward section. I know the he hopes to continue the series to its end and I truly hope he does as in looking forward to seeing how the story line works out.
I've been reading books for a very long time and am glad I came across this author. I liked the way he is going about weaving the story line. It's great to see a fantasy based on grown men with real world problems not about adolescents saving the world before the experience it. I've pitched the third book n the series and will get right into reading it. Was a little leary about the series after I read the authors afterward section. I know the he hopes to continue the series to its end and I truly hope he does as in looking forward to seeing how the story line works out.
December 11, 2024
I'll set the bar for the review quite low by saying that I felt fairly let down by this book. It was very much a book two in that it just slowed down so much, tried to add a lot of different little subplots and just didn't really hit the high notes that book one reached.
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't on the same level as the opening book. Considering it comes in at close to 500 pages, and this was managed with a very slow pace and storylines that seemingly came out of nowhere for no real benefit, it's a bit worrying. A good portion of it felt like padding, especially where training scenes, or scenes where the characters are wandering around the city for no real important purpose.
I also feel like Halm has been handicapped as a character in some way by some of the moral decisions he decided were suddenly very important this late into his gladiatorial career.
I hope that book three will be a big improvement on this. I already own it, so will certainly read it, but I shan't be getting as excited to read that in the same way I did this one.
The trainer's brash personality and charming ways with his insults was, as was it in book one, a bit of a high point.
The narration was the same incredibly high quality as with the first book. John Lee is a narratorial treasure
It wasn't bad, it just wasn't on the same level as the opening book. Considering it comes in at close to 500 pages, and this was managed with a very slow pace and storylines that seemingly came out of nowhere for no real benefit, it's a bit worrying. A good portion of it felt like padding, especially where training scenes, or scenes where the characters are wandering around the city for no real important purpose.
I also feel like Halm has been handicapped as a character in some way by some of the moral decisions he decided were suddenly very important this late into his gladiatorial career.
I hope that book three will be a big improvement on this. I already own it, so will certainly read it, but I shan't be getting as excited to read that in the same way I did this one.
The trainer's brash personality and charming ways with his insults was, as was it in book one, a bit of a high point.
The narration was the same incredibly high quality as with the first book. John Lee is a narratorial treasure
August 9, 2024
It's not often I have been thrilled by the opening book of a series only to be underwhelmed by the second. Book one was a blend of action and background scheming by interesting characters. In this installment, unfortunately, those things took a back seat to a frankly boring setup, following drab pov characters or formerly engaging characters doing nothing of note.
It was a chore to read, the pacing was glacier and what little spark there was came from a non-gladiatorial storyline. I only managed to make it to the final parts because of the goodness of the first book. The writer did not have enough material to justify the length of the book. What little plot progressing events occurred seemed contrived, especially in the case of Halm who was so just irritatingly stupid I almost quit in disgust.
The final stretch saw a return to much needed combat and may have just saved the series in my eyes. However, if the chunk of the next book outside of the pit has the weak writing that permeated this book, I will pull the plug.
The plot did not progress satisfactorily, the pacing was glacier, and some of the character work was amateurish.
It was a chore to read, the pacing was glacier and what little spark there was came from a non-gladiatorial storyline. I only managed to make it to the final parts because of the goodness of the first book. The writer did not have enough material to justify the length of the book. What little plot progressing events occurred seemed contrived, especially in the case of Halm who was so just irritatingly stupid I almost quit in disgust.
The final stretch saw a return to much needed combat and may have just saved the series in my eyes. However, if the chunk of the next book outside of the pit has the weak writing that permeated this book, I will pull the plug.
The plot did not progress satisfactorily, the pacing was glacier, and some of the character work was amateurish.
September 12, 2024
The second installment pulls you into the character visceral experiences with getting into the ring and winning and all its carnage and violence. We really get to know the house of ten and we start to care about the characters that have survived the impossible odds over and over again. The writing is excellent as always. Seems to be the case with this amazing author. What loses stars for me is the plot and the world itself. It's just not my thing to be interested or involved in the world of gladiators. I mean, don't get me wrong, I loved Spartacus and gladiator, and this definitely has that feel to it, but it's just not as captivating as I was hoping it would be. Anyhow, I am on to book three, which means it's good enough for me to continue on.
July 3, 2020
Normally, I love whatever Keith C. Blackmore writes, but this novel--sequel to Day 1--left me feeling dissatisfied. There are so many characters in this story, and so many subplots and intrigues, that often I found my mind wandering.
For example, I listened to this on Audible, and when it ended, I was completely caught off guard. I rewound to hear the ending again, and even then, my mind wandered, because new characters were being introduced! At least, I think they were new.
Maybe I just have a lot on my mind.
Still love Blackmore, tho.
For example, I listened to this on Audible, and when it ended, I was completely caught off guard. I rewound to hear the ending again, and even then, my mind wandered, because new characters were being introduced! At least, I think they were new.
Maybe I just have a lot on my mind.
Still love Blackmore, tho.
July 14, 2017
Good second book where the third
Some times it seems ham is his worst enemy. The new Ten house master doesn't have to be such a duck. Beating warriors in any way isn't the best way to motivate them. Hello they all volunteered. They aren't slaves. That all said I am enjoying the story. Though maybe not a four it's defiantly better than a three. Nice work.
Some times it seems ham is his worst enemy. The new Ten house master doesn't have to be such a duck. Beating warriors in any way isn't the best way to motivate them. Hello they all volunteered. They aren't slaves. That all said I am enjoying the story. Though maybe not a four it's defiantly better than a three. Nice work.
February 8, 2025
Book 2!
It feels a bit shorter than book 1 - 1 really set the players in motion and now book 2 is fleshing everything out.
These are lovely books - fun, fast paced (and gory) good action.
Very visual - I could see these being a fun tv series.
Will be continuing the story in book 3.
It feels a bit shorter than book 1 - 1 really set the players in motion and now book 2 is fleshing everything out.
These are lovely books - fun, fast paced (and gory) good action.
Very visual - I could see these being a fun tv series.
Will be continuing the story in book 3.
January 2, 2018
Not just ‘another’ gladiator story...
The character development, storyline and skill of the author become more enthralling with every turn of the page. These books are exceptional well-written—wait! I need to end this review so I can start the next book in the series...
The character development, storyline and skill of the author become more enthralling with every turn of the page. These books are exceptional well-written—wait! I need to end this review so I can start the next book in the series...
March 24, 2024
The next season of 131 days.
I can't call this a single book because they all flow into each other. I listened to this straight after the first and it picks up without missing a beat.
If you enjoyed the first go straight into this you won't regret it.
I can't call this a single book because they all flow into each other. I listened to this straight after the first and it picks up without missing a beat.
If you enjoyed the first go straight into this you won't regret it.
November 15, 2016
Love Blackmore books
This is yet another great book by now one of my favorite authors. Always entertaining. I'm on to the next one!
This is yet another great book by now one of my favorite authors. Always entertaining. I'm on to the next one!
April 3, 2019
I listened to this book...great story, great writing read by the best in the business Jon Lee
November 22, 2019
Moves forward very slowly.
December 2, 2019
This series isn't bad but not much happens in each long book. And they end leaving most everything up in the air.
November 10, 2023
3 A good second book in the series. Very descriptive and pacy.
March 21, 2024
4.5/5 stars
1/1 ★ for plot
1/1 ★ for characters and character development
1/1 ★ for writing style and narration
1/1 ★ for pace
0.5/1 ★ for world-building
This series is so much better than it has any right to be XD Narrator John (Rafter) Lee gives an exceptional performance with his signature baritone and command of accents. This bloody gladiator adventure features plenty of suspense, humor, and character development!
1/1 ★ for plot
1/1 ★ for characters and character development
1/1 ★ for writing style and narration
1/1 ★ for pace
0.5/1 ★ for world-building
This series is so much better than it has any right to be XD Narrator John (Rafter) Lee gives an exceptional performance with his signature baritone and command of accents. This bloody gladiator adventure features plenty of suspense, humor, and character development!
March 7, 2015
Fantasy with a
Fantasy with a historical feel. I don't feel as if I'm engulfed in a completey alien environ trying to make sense of six consonant names and places with blue grass and green sky. A "gladiatoral" cast in an altered but familiar setting. Who can't love colosseum action with literary license? Not me......just don't enjoy the somewhat sudden and choppy ending on this one but,give me 300 to 400 pages o f action and interest then I can handle the chop and raise the stars back to five (I should do that anyway). Guess that's why I would never take up the pen as the ungrateful reader's like myself who want the world for free or cry foul on syntax awry would push me to coat the pages in ricin......something I think I read in one of this author's excellent horror novels. Gee, this guy is talented so give him a bit of you time and read one of his many novels. Time well spent if you're a reader.
Fantasy with a historical feel. I don't feel as if I'm engulfed in a completey alien environ trying to make sense of six consonant names and places with blue grass and green sky. A "gladiatoral" cast in an altered but familiar setting. Who can't love colosseum action with literary license? Not me......just don't enjoy the somewhat sudden and choppy ending on this one but,give me 300 to 400 pages o f action and interest then I can handle the chop and raise the stars back to five (I should do that anyway). Guess that's why I would never take up the pen as the ungrateful reader's like myself who want the world for free or cry foul on syntax awry would push me to coat the pages in ricin......something I think I read in one of this author's excellent horror novels. Gee, this guy is talented so give him a bit of you time and read one of his many novels. Time well spent if you're a reader.
February 5, 2022
Keith Blackmore is gaining ground in my estime with every book of his I read.
House of Pain is the 4th book, and it delivers with masterfully gritty consistency, bloody efficiency.
I. Absolutely. Love. It.
All of it.
The fact that the world is slowly revealing itself with every new book I pick, and each one feeds into the common chronology. The fact that it is freaking BRUTAL and I keep holding the edge of my seat, waiting for a MC to die, wiping my brow whenever they make it, and knowing full well that I'm NOT safe. The fact that "Sedan above" is now my go-to swear. The fact that John Lee seemed freaking MADE for this series...
I'm moving on to the next book right now.
If this keeps up, I'll have to come back and start giving 5 stars.
House of Pain is the 4th book, and it delivers with masterfully gritty consistency, bloody efficiency.
I. Absolutely. Love. It.
All of it.
The fact that the world is slowly revealing itself with every new book I pick, and each one feeds into the common chronology. The fact that it is freaking BRUTAL and I keep holding the edge of my seat, waiting for a MC to die, wiping my brow whenever they make it, and knowing full well that I'm NOT safe. The fact that "Sedan above" is now my go-to swear. The fact that John Lee seemed freaking MADE for this series...
I'm moving on to the next book right now.
If this keeps up, I'll have to come back and start giving 5 stars.
August 29, 2015
Interesting characters
I don't normally read this genre but I have found myself unable to put these books down once I start
I don't normally read this genre but I have found myself unable to put these books down once I start
January 9, 2017
Loved it!
Great book- spread the word! I'm really enjoying this series and I'm hoping that the author can turn out more of them quickly.
Great book- spread the word! I'm really enjoying this series and I'm hoping that the author can turn out more of them quickly.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews