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131 Days #6
The Ogre and the Dragon
The fighting season has been extended—with more blood matches than ever.
In the depths of a sweltering summer, amid the waves of heat shimmering off golden sand, the games of Sunja’s Pit have assumed a new attitude. One of bitterness and betrayal. Of sweat and desperation. Corruption and cheating rule this season, and there’s no end in sight. And outside the arena, battles between bitter rival houses could completely reshape everything.
Furious that her husband’s killer has gone unpunished, Zelia of Balgotha is visiting each house to place a bounty on the head of the man who so callously ruined her Goll, of the House of Ten. Meanwhile, in the shadowy corners of Sunja, the brutish enforcer known as Gurga is on a ruthless, one-man death march against the underworld powers that rule the streets, seeking his own revenge against those who killed the woman he secretly adored. And the gladiator Prajus—recently of the School of Nexus—realizes his new owner is every bit as bloodthirsty as he is... and willing to take as many heads as needed to win it all.
From the sands a dragon is rising, while upon the cobblestone streets of Sunja, through a maze of the darkest lanes and back alleys, an ogre is hunting. This is blood sport at its finest. At its worst. At its longest.
In the depths of a sweltering summer, amid the waves of heat shimmering off golden sand, the games of Sunja’s Pit have assumed a new attitude. One of bitterness and betrayal. Of sweat and desperation. Corruption and cheating rule this season, and there’s no end in sight. And outside the arena, battles between bitter rival houses could completely reshape everything.
Furious that her husband’s killer has gone unpunished, Zelia of Balgotha is visiting each house to place a bounty on the head of the man who so callously ruined her Goll, of the House of Ten. Meanwhile, in the shadowy corners of Sunja, the brutish enforcer known as Gurga is on a ruthless, one-man death march against the underworld powers that rule the streets, seeking his own revenge against those who killed the woman he secretly adored. And the gladiator Prajus—recently of the School of Nexus—realizes his new owner is every bit as bloodthirsty as he is... and willing to take as many heads as needed to win it all.
From the sands a dragon is rising, while upon the cobblestone streets of Sunja, through a maze of the darkest lanes and back alleys, an ogre is hunting. This is blood sport at its finest. At its worst. At its longest.
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First published December 9, 2025
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About the author
Keith C. Blackmore
38 books911 followersBooks are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 9, 2026
This is the sixth book in the series and the sixth I’ve given five stars to. Well worth your time if you like Grimdark fantasy.
December 19, 2025
The Ogre and the Dragon by Keith C Blackmore.
Oof book 6 of a heroic Fantasy and the author has me firmly hooked. What a world created. The pit seems to be the quietest place as the vines of the story intertwine in jealousy, pride, and revenge. One is only strong until you meet another who is faster and meaner.
A previously minor character grows and seeks vengeance on a criminal gang. They don’t know the hell they brought upon themselves.
An absolute killer has to face facts in the Pit.
Under dog Gladiator House must stand against all enemies.
I look forward to book 7.
If you want some enjoyable Horror and Heroic Fantasy reads check out Keith C Blackmore.
Oof book 6 of a heroic Fantasy and the author has me firmly hooked. What a world created. The pit seems to be the quietest place as the vines of the story intertwine in jealousy, pride, and revenge. One is only strong until you meet another who is faster and meaner.
A previously minor character grows and seeks vengeance on a criminal gang. They don’t know the hell they brought upon themselves.
An absolute killer has to face facts in the Pit.
Under dog Gladiator House must stand against all enemies.
I look forward to book 7.
If you want some enjoyable Horror and Heroic Fantasy reads check out Keith C Blackmore.
January 14, 2026
What a fantastic installment to an already brilliant series! Picking this book up felt like going home! I love that we were caught up with every single character at some point. Gurga returns with a vengeance, literally. I knew he had potential in the previous books, and this confirmed him as one of my all time favorites! I love how vitriolic and slimy Nexus is, with conversations between him and Prajus marking some of my favorite parts of the book! I still continue to enjoy sulking Goll, and we got to see the culmination of the tension in the pit! (For now). Blackmore’s use of heavy description for everyday tasks for characters is so soothing, and he remains a go-to author for that reason!
December 22, 2025
Pointless
I didn't understand the point of this book, it was very meandering and ended on a sudden cliffhanger that seemed to come in out of nowhere. Far too disjointed and too many viewpoints were followed. Enjoyable enough I guess but felt very incomplete.
I didn't understand the point of this book, it was very meandering and ended on a sudden cliffhanger that seemed to come in out of nowhere. Far too disjointed and too many viewpoints were followed. Enjoyable enough I guess but felt very incomplete.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews