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A Time of Gladiators and Fate
Not yet published
Expected 12 Oct 26For lovers of Spartacus and Outlander, where a 21st-century woman inadvertently leaps through time to 1st-century Rome.
Grace King grew up on a farm in Kansas, so nothing prepares her for landing in the Roman Colosseum while it’s still intact. A heart-pounding chase in her rental car follows with spear-throwing legionnaires, armed gladiators, and a couple of wild animals joining the chaos. She manages to take down a few, but she’s not exactly Fast and Furious material. Grace is eventually forced to surrender in a floral sundress meant for vacation, not blood sport.
The emperor offers her two choices: execution or gladiator school. While she isn’t afraid of hard work, the ludus where she’ll train with other men and women is brutal and shocking. Most are skeptical of her right to be there, adding pressure to an already difficult situation. Her fate will rest in the hands of two dangerous, conflicting men who attract her in ways she can’t afford.
In the training arena, the first is a demanding lead instructor with icy good looks. He will push her body to its absolute limits while trading heated banter she can hardly resist. The second is a wealthy, enigmatic sponsor who shields her against the darkest exploitations beyond the games for a price, but his own time-travel secrets weave a dangerous web. The handsome man knows far more about how she ended up in ancient Rome than he’s willing to tell her.
Will she rise above the challenges to become a true gladiator, or will she join the many others whose lives have ended on the blood-soaked sand of an unforgiving arena? Only time will tell.
Note to readers- This novel contains dark themes accurate to the time period, including elements of slavery and lack of bodily autonomy. Those sensitive to certain triggers should check content warnings on the author’s website.
Grace King grew up on a farm in Kansas, so nothing prepares her for landing in the Roman Colosseum while it’s still intact. A heart-pounding chase in her rental car follows with spear-throwing legionnaires, armed gladiators, and a couple of wild animals joining the chaos. She manages to take down a few, but she’s not exactly Fast and Furious material. Grace is eventually forced to surrender in a floral sundress meant for vacation, not blood sport.
The emperor offers her two choices: execution or gladiator school. While she isn’t afraid of hard work, the ludus where she’ll train with other men and women is brutal and shocking. Most are skeptical of her right to be there, adding pressure to an already difficult situation. Her fate will rest in the hands of two dangerous, conflicting men who attract her in ways she can’t afford.
In the training arena, the first is a demanding lead instructor with icy good looks. He will push her body to its absolute limits while trading heated banter she can hardly resist. The second is a wealthy, enigmatic sponsor who shields her against the darkest exploitations beyond the games for a price, but his own time-travel secrets weave a dangerous web. The handsome man knows far more about how she ended up in ancient Rome than he’s willing to tell her.
Will she rise above the challenges to become a true gladiator, or will she join the many others whose lives have ended on the blood-soaked sand of an unforgiving arena? Only time will tell.
Note to readers- This novel contains dark themes accurate to the time period, including elements of slavery and lack of bodily autonomy. Those sensitive to certain triggers should check content warnings on the author’s website.
- GenresTime Travel
437 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 12, 2026
About the author
Susan Illene
28 books509 followersSusan Illene served in the US Army for eleven years and worked as a human resources specialist and an Arabic linguist. She served two deployments to Iraq, and after leaving the army, she studied history at the University of Oklahoma. She currently lives with her husband and two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is a reason I have been hyping this book up for months. Now after reading the ARC copy. I am at a loss for what to say. Those who know me, know I am annoying and DO NOT STOP TALKING. I have zero filter. But now, I don't know where to begin. So I'll ramble my feelings and hope it comes across ok.
Attention to detail in this, is impeccable. Illene offers up her sources and research in the beginning of the book which shows the time and effort that has been poured into this. ATOGAF is fiction at it's core, but the historical accuracy has been educational for me and wholly immersive. I found myself questioning if I could do what Grace has done? Would I survive if this happened to me? Could I use or eat that? It's masterful in how the facts have been woven in. You know by the extensive content, that the author has fact checked every word and detail crafted into this novel, and enjoyed the process.
The genre is somewhat a niche one. It's Time Travel, it's historical, it's dark and gritty romance, it's political. If there was more of a fantasy element (some magic at play) it would be on the epic scale in my opinion. It's not aimed at the mainstream, but certainly, this book carries enough in it, for most readers to be gripped.
The FMC is likeable. She is so strong willed and determined. Her history is not a nice one. She differs from female characters in recent books as she isn't whiney. Yes she has emotions, but in no way does she rant and rave about it for half a chapter. She cracks on, like we all have to do in life. I found her really relatable and likeable. And you know what else? She doesn't body shame herself and then say how sexy and curvy she is in the next breath!
Some issues raised in this, are still prevalent today. The book blends Ancient Roman culture and Todays seamlessly as Grace is from the present day. It does make you stop to think about how little we have come as a race. Have we changed at all much in 2000 years?
I really could go on forever about this. Illene is an author of dark fantasy romance, but in no way has she used historical facts to romanticise the traumatic things that are in the past. They're just present in the time period of the story. The romance element is light and not part of the plot. The book is better for it, in teasing us with verbal sparring and tension.
For lovers of time travel, for admirers of Gladiators, for people who yearn to know more about history. For those who love a found family, raw emotions and aren't afraid to shed a tear over a fictional person. Give this story a try.
Thank you, for allowing me to read this in exchange of an honest review.
Attention to detail in this, is impeccable. Illene offers up her sources and research in the beginning of the book which shows the time and effort that has been poured into this. ATOGAF is fiction at it's core, but the historical accuracy has been educational for me and wholly immersive. I found myself questioning if I could do what Grace has done? Would I survive if this happened to me? Could I use or eat that? It's masterful in how the facts have been woven in. You know by the extensive content, that the author has fact checked every word and detail crafted into this novel, and enjoyed the process.
The genre is somewhat a niche one. It's Time Travel, it's historical, it's dark and gritty romance, it's political. If there was more of a fantasy element (some magic at play) it would be on the epic scale in my opinion. It's not aimed at the mainstream, but certainly, this book carries enough in it, for most readers to be gripped.
The FMC is likeable. She is so strong willed and determined. Her history is not a nice one. She differs from female characters in recent books as she isn't whiney. Yes she has emotions, but in no way does she rant and rave about it for half a chapter. She cracks on, like we all have to do in life. I found her really relatable and likeable. And you know what else? She doesn't body shame herself and then say how sexy and curvy she is in the next breath!
Some issues raised in this, are still prevalent today. The book blends Ancient Roman culture and Todays seamlessly as Grace is from the present day. It does make you stop to think about how little we have come as a race. Have we changed at all much in 2000 years?
I really could go on forever about this. Illene is an author of dark fantasy romance, but in no way has she used historical facts to romanticise the traumatic things that are in the past. They're just present in the time period of the story. The romance element is light and not part of the plot. The book is better for it, in teasing us with verbal sparring and tension.
For lovers of time travel, for admirers of Gladiators, for people who yearn to know more about history. For those who love a found family, raw emotions and aren't afraid to shed a tear over a fictional person. Give this story a try.
Thank you, for allowing me to read this in exchange of an honest review.
September 14, 2026
Thankyou to Susan for gifting me the ARC! Only my second one to date so very honoured!
Due to Mount Etna spewing out a hell of a lot of ash I coincidentally and unintentionally ended up in Rome whilst reading this which was quite amusing. A whirlwind by chapter two wowee. I think it was an interesting concept and clearly very well researched (I say this like an expert but my knowledge comes almost entirely from watching Spartacus lmao). I couldn’t get behind Grace as a character to begin with but I think round about the 30% mark I started to enjoy her a lot more! Found some of the chapter endings to be rather abrupt. Thoroughly enjoyed the Jack Sparrow quote. The fights were the highlight for me! Felt like watching an episode of Spartacus in my head. Okay actually…. Perhaps Remus was the highlight. No the fights. Maybe a bit of both.
Due to Mount Etna spewing out a hell of a lot of ash I coincidentally and unintentionally ended up in Rome whilst reading this which was quite amusing. A whirlwind by chapter two wowee. I think it was an interesting concept and clearly very well researched (I say this like an expert but my knowledge comes almost entirely from watching Spartacus lmao). I couldn’t get behind Grace as a character to begin with but I think round about the 30% mark I started to enjoy her a lot more! Found some of the chapter endings to be rather abrupt. Thoroughly enjoyed the Jack Sparrow quote. The fights were the highlight for me! Felt like watching an episode of Spartacus in my head. Okay actually…. Perhaps Remus was the highlight. No the fights. Maybe a bit of both.
September 12, 2026
This book was such a delight! It was refreshing and creative in the sense that it was different from many of the romantasy books currently out. I liked the time traveling aspect of the story as well as the mystery surrounding Arack’s and Remus’ backstory.
I was so impressed by the great lengths the author went through to depict accurate historical references to Ancient Rome. It’s different from other Roman inspired books in a way you can really appreciate.
The story moved at a steady pace allowing you to get to know the characters well. The slow burn is agonizing!!!! The yearning and tension is everything!!
I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend to anyone.
I was so impressed by the great lengths the author went through to depict accurate historical references to Ancient Rome. It’s different from other Roman inspired books in a way you can really appreciate.
The story moved at a steady pace allowing you to get to know the characters well. The slow burn is agonizing!!!! The yearning and tension is everything!!
I truly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend to anyone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ever dream of stepping back in time to Rome during the gladiator era? Well, “A Time of Gladiators and Fate” is your ticket!
Grace takes it all in stride: the training, the physical toll, and adapting to Rome’s rules.
There was tears and laughter, friendships to forge, maybe a love interest, while learning to become a gladiator. It’s such a fantastic story I didn’t want it to end.
Thank Susan Illene for the ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
Grace takes it all in stride: the training, the physical toll, and adapting to Rome’s rules.
There was tears and laughter, friendships to forge, maybe a love interest, while learning to become a gladiator. It’s such a fantastic story I didn’t want it to end.
Thank Susan Illene for the ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
September 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
I picked this one up because I’ve realized I really enjoy time travel/portal-type stories, but I was a little unsure about the ancient Rome setting. I’ve just never been particularly interested in Roman history, so I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy a book that drops a modern woman right into the middle of it.
I was very pleasantly surprised because I ended up really enjoying this.
One of my favorite things was how easy it was to understand the historical setting even though I went into this knowing very little about Rome. There are obviously a lot of unfamiliar customs, terminology, and details about what life was like at the time, but they were explained naturally as Grace encountered them. I never felt like I was being handed a giant history lesson or an info dump. I found out afterward that the author has a history degree and a military background, which made a lot of sense because both the historical details and the training/fighting elements felt like things she’d put a lot of thought and research into.
There is a glossary in the back, which I didn’t discover until I finished. 😂 I really wish I’d known it was there because there were a few times I couldn’t remember exactly what a word meant and it would have been helpful to have while I was reading.
I really liked Grace, and I liked the friendships and side characters around her too. She’s originally from Kansas, which is a tiny thing, but as someone from Missouri, I always enjoy finding a Midwestern main character. 😂 There are also two male characters who seem like they’re going to become increasingly important as the series continues, and I have some suspicions about where all of that is heading, but I’m keeping those to myself.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and it definitely feels like the beginning of a larger story. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but in a way that made me want to continue rather than leaving me frustrated.
I did have a couple of issues. Something fairly significant about Grace is revealed around the middle of the book, and it felt surprisingly abrupt to me. It seems like it’s probably going to be important to the larger story, so I almost wished there had been a little more groundwork leading up to it rather than having it suddenly appear.
I also thought a couple of the choices near the end felt slightly tacked on. The book had stayed almost entirely with Grace’s perspective, and then suddenly we get brief glimpses from other characters along with some of the steamier content. I’m not opposed to changing POVs, but because the book hadn’t really been doing that before, the change felt a little like an afterthought. The spicy scenes gave me a similar feeling. There aren’t many and they’re not overly graphic, but they seemed to show up rather suddenly near the end instead of feeling completely integrated into the rest of the book.
Those things didn’t take away much from my overall enjoyment, though. This was a really quick, easy read for me, and more importantly, I wanted to keep reading it. Considering I started out unsure whether I’d care about ancient Rome at all, that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give it.
I’m somewhere around 4.25–4.5 stars, which I’m rounding up to 5. I’m definitely planning to continue the trilogy because I want answers to several things this book has set up, and I’m very curious to see where Grace’s story goes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I picked this one up because I’ve realized I really enjoy time travel/portal-type stories, but I was a little unsure about the ancient Rome setting. I’ve just never been particularly interested in Roman history, so I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy a book that drops a modern woman right into the middle of it.
I was very pleasantly surprised because I ended up really enjoying this.
One of my favorite things was how easy it was to understand the historical setting even though I went into this knowing very little about Rome. There are obviously a lot of unfamiliar customs, terminology, and details about what life was like at the time, but they were explained naturally as Grace encountered them. I never felt like I was being handed a giant history lesson or an info dump. I found out afterward that the author has a history degree and a military background, which made a lot of sense because both the historical details and the training/fighting elements felt like things she’d put a lot of thought and research into.
There is a glossary in the back, which I didn’t discover until I finished. 😂 I really wish I’d known it was there because there were a few times I couldn’t remember exactly what a word meant and it would have been helpful to have while I was reading.
I really liked Grace, and I liked the friendships and side characters around her too. She’s originally from Kansas, which is a tiny thing, but as someone from Missouri, I always enjoy finding a Midwestern main character. 😂 There are also two male characters who seem like they’re going to become increasingly important as the series continues, and I have some suspicions about where all of that is heading, but I’m keeping those to myself.
This is the first book in a trilogy, and it definitely feels like the beginning of a larger story. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, but in a way that made me want to continue rather than leaving me frustrated.
I did have a couple of issues. Something fairly significant about Grace is revealed around the middle of the book, and it felt surprisingly abrupt to me. It seems like it’s probably going to be important to the larger story, so I almost wished there had been a little more groundwork leading up to it rather than having it suddenly appear.
I also thought a couple of the choices near the end felt slightly tacked on. The book had stayed almost entirely with Grace’s perspective, and then suddenly we get brief glimpses from other characters along with some of the steamier content. I’m not opposed to changing POVs, but because the book hadn’t really been doing that before, the change felt a little like an afterthought. The spicy scenes gave me a similar feeling. There aren’t many and they’re not overly graphic, but they seemed to show up rather suddenly near the end instead of feeling completely integrated into the rest of the book.
Those things didn’t take away much from my overall enjoyment, though. This was a really quick, easy read for me, and more importantly, I wanted to keep reading it. Considering I started out unsure whether I’d care about ancient Rome at all, that’s probably the biggest compliment I can give it.
I’m somewhere around 4.25–4.5 stars, which I’m rounding up to 5. I’m definitely planning to continue the trilogy because I want answers to several things this book has set up, and I’m very curious to see where Grace’s story goes next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
All the stars.... OMG this book had me from the beginning to the end....
SOOO we have our FMC that has a jerk of an ex... She goes on vacation and meets someone that sends her back in time... WAIT WHAT????? WHY... BUT she gets sent back to Ancient Rome and during the time of Gladiators..... What could go wrong? (insert lots of giggles)
As she choose to either become a gladiator or fear her ending, she chooses to become a gladiator... Let's say that it's not as easy as she thought it would be..... AND now she has to face that all of her freedom's have been removed.. She is now owned.
She meets some gladiators that are nice, some that are not nice... Some become her family while others she wants to kick them in their shins.... Ok well you would want to do the same to a couple characters......
SOOOOO this is also a triangle with emotions and when we try to figure out which one should be our MMC, it is not an easy answer because there are 2 that could be the potential MMC to our FMC....... That is what you are getting from me for a spoiler.
I will say that I love Grace (our FMC) because she is kick butt and is willing to hold to her beliefs as much as she can. She learns that she can be powerful
SOOO I will also say this.. If you tear up with sad things, there might be a spot in this book that might need some tissues. I know that I did.
OH also there is a lot of unknown answers that we need to wait until book 2..... I need book 2 because the ending of this book didn't end on a true cliff hanger BUT I need to more about a couple characters..... SOOOOOOO please hurry up and give me book 2...
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book early. It was such an amazing read and I enjoyed the ride.
SOOO we have our FMC that has a jerk of an ex... She goes on vacation and meets someone that sends her back in time... WAIT WHAT????? WHY... BUT she gets sent back to Ancient Rome and during the time of Gladiators..... What could go wrong? (insert lots of giggles)
As she choose to either become a gladiator or fear her ending, she chooses to become a gladiator... Let's say that it's not as easy as she thought it would be..... AND now she has to face that all of her freedom's have been removed.. She is now owned.
She meets some gladiators that are nice, some that are not nice... Some become her family while others she wants to kick them in their shins.... Ok well you would want to do the same to a couple characters......
SOOOOO this is also a triangle with emotions and when we try to figure out which one should be our MMC, it is not an easy answer because there are 2 that could be the potential MMC to our FMC....... That is what you are getting from me for a spoiler.
I will say that I love Grace (our FMC) because she is kick butt and is willing to hold to her beliefs as much as she can. She learns that she can be powerful
SOOO I will also say this.. If you tear up with sad things, there might be a spot in this book that might need some tissues. I know that I did.
OH also there is a lot of unknown answers that we need to wait until book 2..... I need book 2 because the ending of this book didn't end on a true cliff hanger BUT I need to more about a couple characters..... SOOOOOOO please hurry up and give me book 2...
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read this book early. It was such an amazing read and I enjoyed the ride.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️
A Time of Gladiators and Fate – Susan Illene
This book was such a positive surprise!
We follow a woman who is sent back in time to Ancient Rome – into a world of gladiators, brutal arena fights, and a reality that definitely isn’t romanticized or made prettier than it was. And honestly, that was one of the things I enjoyed most about this story.
You can really tell that Susan Illene has done her research. The historical setting feels detailed, well thought out, and believable. It genuinely felt like being transported back to Ancient Rome, and the harsher realities of that time aren’t glossed over.
This is also a true slow burn, and the story takes its time allowing us to really get to know the characters. Not only the FMC, but also the people she fights alongside in the arena. I became so invested in some of them that this book actually had me close to tears at one point. 🥺
The romance builds very slowly, so the spice is only 🌶️, but for this particular story, I think it works really well.
Most of all, this felt fresh and different from so much of what I normally read. I haven't read many stories with this kind of setting and premise, and I loved getting something that felt genuinely new to me.
Well-written, thoroughly developed, exciting, and with characters I ended up caring about far more than I expected.
A fantastic first experience with Susan Illene, and I’m definitely very positively surprised!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
A Time of Gladiators and Fate – Susan Illene
This book was such a positive surprise!
We follow a woman who is sent back in time to Ancient Rome – into a world of gladiators, brutal arena fights, and a reality that definitely isn’t romanticized or made prettier than it was. And honestly, that was one of the things I enjoyed most about this story.
You can really tell that Susan Illene has done her research. The historical setting feels detailed, well thought out, and believable. It genuinely felt like being transported back to Ancient Rome, and the harsher realities of that time aren’t glossed over.
This is also a true slow burn, and the story takes its time allowing us to really get to know the characters. Not only the FMC, but also the people she fights alongside in the arena. I became so invested in some of them that this book actually had me close to tears at one point. 🥺
The romance builds very slowly, so the spice is only 🌶️, but for this particular story, I think it works really well.
Most of all, this felt fresh and different from so much of what I normally read. I haven't read many stories with this kind of setting and premise, and I loved getting something that felt genuinely new to me.
Well-written, thoroughly developed, exciting, and with characters I ended up caring about far more than I expected.
A fantastic first experience with Susan Illene, and I’m definitely very positively surprised!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Susan Illene delivers a fast-paced, high-stakes blend of urban fantasy and historical action in *A Time of Gladiators and Fate*. Thrusting sensory agent Kate Masterson out of her modern comfort zone and straight onto the brutal sands of ancient Rome, this novella is packed with atmosphere, survival tension, and relentless action.
Kate remains a fantastic lead—pragmatic, quick-thinking, and forced to rely on every ounce of her sensory abilities to navigate the lethal world of gladiatorial combat and ancient political intrigue. Illene does a wonderful job contrasting the gritty, unforgiving reality of the Roman arena with the underlying magical elements of fate and time-bending consequences.
It’s a quick, thrilling read that keeps the pages turning from start to finish. A great addition to the series and a fun ride for fans of time-travel fantasy, strong heroines, and action-packed historical adventures.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Susan Illene for this advance copy of A Time of Gladiators and Fate.
How would you cope with traveling backward in time from your modern life to first-century Rome, where all the rules are different, with your wits, self-worth, and courage behind you? That's what Grace asks herself time and time again throughout this book.
I loved this book from start to finish. Grace was so funny throughout, using her knowledge and her sharp tongue while she navigated her new reality. The world-building and descriptions of her life in Rome - it's true what Grace says throughout the book: she only knows what she's seen in movies and books; now she got to experience that life firsthand - was so much fun to read. From her disastrous arrival, her first nights in the training school, to her first tournament, the story sweeps you up and doesn't let go until the last page.
And the sexual tension... oh, the tension between Grace, her charming and mysterious sponsor, and her gladiatorial trainer left me desperate for more — trust me, read this book, and you'll understand completely.
How would you cope with traveling backward in time from your modern life to first-century Rome, where all the rules are different, with your wits, self-worth, and courage behind you? That's what Grace asks herself time and time again throughout this book.
I loved this book from start to finish. Grace was so funny throughout, using her knowledge and her sharp tongue while she navigated her new reality. The world-building and descriptions of her life in Rome - it's true what Grace says throughout the book: she only knows what she's seen in movies and books; now she got to experience that life firsthand - was so much fun to read. From her disastrous arrival, her first nights in the training school, to her first tournament, the story sweeps you up and doesn't let go until the last page.
And the sexual tension... oh, the tension between Grace, her charming and mysterious sponsor, and her gladiatorial trainer left me desperate for more — trust me, read this book, and you'll understand completely.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have so many good things to say about this book! The action and adventure kept me turning those pages night after night, while the chemistry and drool-worthy characters brought the perfect amount of spice (although after that ending, I’m definitely ready for more!).
I loved Grace’s resilience and adaptability, and the way she managed to navigate life in Rome during such a different time period. She never dissolved into a snivelling heap when things got tough, and I really respected her strength. She kept coming out swinging.
The female friendships had me smiling, and I also appreciated that Illene stayed true to the time period and the realities of how women were treated (even if the injustice of it had me spitting fire at times!).
Such a fun, addictive read, and I can’t wait for the next book!
I loved Grace’s resilience and adaptability, and the way she managed to navigate life in Rome during such a different time period. She never dissolved into a snivelling heap when things got tough, and I really respected her strength. She kept coming out swinging.
The female friendships had me smiling, and I also appreciated that Illene stayed true to the time period and the realities of how women were treated (even if the injustice of it had me spitting fire at times!).
Such a fun, addictive read, and I can’t wait for the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I enjoyed this book. I love Ancient Rome. I love all the history woven into the book. Although now I know I really really really do NOT want to time travel there. I like modern plumbing and air conditioning too much 🤣
Grace, our FMC, handles it a lot better than I would. She adjusts and works her ass off to improve herself.
Things I love: The other gladiators (aka slaves) we see her build relationships with. Seeing her incorporating modern references with people who have no clue. The training and the arena fights.
Then there are the two main male characters. Is she going to have a real relationship with one of them? Will this be a love triangle? There is definitely a lot of lust going around.
We get to the ending and we finally get some answers that you are going to be wondering about….. which only leads to more questions. I can’t wait for more of this world!
Grace, our FMC, handles it a lot better than I would. She adjusts and works her ass off to improve herself.
Things I love: The other gladiators (aka slaves) we see her build relationships with. Seeing her incorporating modern references with people who have no clue. The training and the arena fights.
Then there are the two main male characters. Is she going to have a real relationship with one of them? Will this be a love triangle? There is definitely a lot of lust going around.
We get to the ending and we finally get some answers that you are going to be wondering about….. which only leads to more questions. I can’t wait for more of this world!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The amount of research packed into this really shows. The historical detail is genuinely impressive and makes the whole thing feel immersive rather than gimmicky. I kept wondering if I could survive what Grace goes through, which says a lot about how well the world building sells the stakes. Grace is such a strong lead, determined without being whiny, and she never falls into that tired trope of body shaming herself one minute and calling herself sexy the next. She just felt real. The genre mashup (time travel, historical fiction, dark romance, political intrigue) worked for me, and the romance stays light enough to let the tension and banter do the heavy lifting. The female friendships were a highlight too. Big bonus: the writing skips the overwrought, simile heavy prose that's everywhere in fantasy romance lately.
The amount of research packed into this really shows. The historical detail is genuinely impressive and makes the whole thing feel immersive rather than gimmicky. I kept wondering if I could survive what Grace goes through, which says a lot about how well the world building sells the stakes. Grace is such a strong lead, determined without being whiny, and she never falls into that tired trope of body shaming herself one minute and calling herself sexy the next. She just felt real. The genre mashup (time travel, historical fiction, dark romance, political intrigue) worked for me, and the romance stays light enough to let the tension and banter do the heavy lifting. The female friendships were a highlight too. Big bonus: the writing skips the overwrought, simile heavy prose that's everywhere in fantasy romance lately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this.
Since GR does not allow for 1/2 stars. I cannot accurately rate this with what I want (4.5).
If you've never read anything by Susan Illene, you are truly missing out.
She creates such complex characters, worlds, and situations. Plus, the MFC is 28!!!!
You never know what the outcomes will be, the tears you might shed, nor the chaos that will be unleashed.
While I do not want to give anything away, I imagine, if you liked TVD, The Wolf King, Xena, and Outlander, you will likely love this. It has so many elements, twists, and growth you don't expect. Its not quick either. You are not watching some teenager take down the 1000 year old warrior after 3 days of training. You are watching a character train, grow, and evolve!
Since GR does not allow for 1/2 stars. I cannot accurately rate this with what I want (4.5).
If you've never read anything by Susan Illene, you are truly missing out.
She creates such complex characters, worlds, and situations. Plus, the MFC is 28!!!!
You never know what the outcomes will be, the tears you might shed, nor the chaos that will be unleashed.
While I do not want to give anything away, I imagine, if you liked TVD, The Wolf King, Xena, and Outlander, you will likely love this. It has so many elements, twists, and growth you don't expect. Its not quick either. You are not watching some teenager take down the 1000 year old warrior after 3 days of training. You are watching a character train, grow, and evolve!
September 13, 2026
I’m soooo glad this was book one of a trilogy because it was soo good. I desperately want to know what happens next. Remus & Arack remind me soo much of Damon & Stefan. If you’re looking for something with those vibes, then this is very close. It’s about this girl who travels to Rome following her divorce from an emotionally abusive relationship and finds herself caught in a time travel back to Ancient Rome in the time of gladiators and gets caught as a slave living in the Ludus while unraveling all these secrets that have to do with their fates. Amazing character development, plot tries to stay as historically accurate as possible. The plot really starts to unravel at the end, so now I’m hooked at really can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
First I would like to thank the author with trusting me with an advanced review copy of this book. I really enjoyed the ride this book took me on. It's unusual and out of the genre box for me and I felt like not only did I get to live in an era from long ago, but I learned some things along the way. I really was caught up in the MC story and how she was going to navigate going back in time to Rome and being forced to become a gladiator. I'm not patient so I want to read the second book now even though this one hasn't even come out!!!! Over all a very enjoyable read with vivid imagery and solid character development.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you for this ARC. I wasn't sure I'd like this as I'm not a fan of historical books usually but let me tell you, I WAS A HUGE FAN OF THIS. The way history and time travel are addressed was incredibly engaging and had me hooked.i also leaned a lot, too! I loved Grace's current time knowledge and how jarring going back in time was for her. Female friendships and finding who you are are prevailing themes. I think at this point, if Susan Illene writes a book, I will be reading it and it will never disappoint me. Her writing, world and character building, and enthusiasm for her craft shine in her work. I laughed, cried, and cheered while reading this book. I cannot wait for book 2!
Review of advance copy
I genuinely enjoyed this fantasy story. The historical accuracy throughout the book made it feel like I was learning and enjoying a fun novel at the same time.
I have to especially thank the author for not getting sucked into the 2026 fantasy romance writing trap…the over use of similes and weird fragmented descriptive sentences. I have been beat to death this year with those, to the point I have started DNF books over it.
I have to especially thank the author for not getting sucked into the 2026 fantasy romance writing trap…the over use of similes and weird fragmented descriptive sentences. I have been beat to death this year with those, to the point I have started DNF books over it.
Did Not Finish
September 9, 2026I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was really excited for this time travel story and for all of the Roman history that was considered in the writing. Sadly, I don't think the first-person POV worked for me and I stopped reading at around 10% completion. Based the many positive reviews, this book will still be a huge hit for those that enjoy immersion in this particular writing perspective.
I was really excited for this time travel story and for all of the Roman history that was considered in the writing. Sadly, I don't think the first-person POV worked for me and I stopped reading at around 10% completion. Based the many positive reviews, this book will still be a huge hit for those that enjoy immersion in this particular writing perspective.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Susan for the arc! ✨
Fair play to Grace for adapting to the life back then.
I think when we read historical books, we often think 'oh i'd love to be there and see how they used to live' when in reality, I don't think anyone would enjoy going back that far where everything we once knew never existed.
You can tell from every page how much time and effort went into writing this book.
You truly get so immersed into the world!
Fair play to Grace for adapting to the life back then.
I think when we read historical books, we often think 'oh i'd love to be there and see how they used to live' when in reality, I don't think anyone would enjoy going back that far where everything we once knew never existed.
You can tell from every page how much time and effort went into writing this book.
You truly get so immersed into the world!
September 13, 2026
Well dayum! This is everything it says and more. I absolutely love gladiators and history so I knew this was going to be for me and it fire sure did not disappoint. The lead female has amazing character development and the males were lots of fun to keep guessing where they were going to go. I am throughly hooked and will be desperately waiting for the next to keep this story going and see how this will all play out! Get the book!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was such a great book! The details were amazing, the yearning too! I love when we have to guess who is gonna be the MMC. It was full in emotion but also in adventures. The smut was not really smutty but the sexual tension and yearning was really there!
I can't wait for the next book :-O
It was the best ARC I read so far.
I can't wait for the next book :-O
It was the best ARC I read so far.
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