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Arena #1
Arena: Part One
In the future the word slavery has been outlawed, but the practice is alive and well. In this dystopian tale debtors are sold to the wealthy and convicted murderers are forced to fight in the arena, just as the gladiators did thousands of years before them. Follow Colston, the son of a wealthy owner, as he struggles to make sense of the world around him and protect those that he has grown to love from both society and his maniacal father.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2016
13 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
D. Michael Withrow
9 books15 followersD. Michael Withrow writes Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic fiction filled with action, adventure and surprising twists at every turn. Think you’ve got his stories figured out? Just wait, they’ll throw you for a loop every time. You can find his books on Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.
Besides writing his unique brand of Science Fiction, Michael is also a husband, a father of two and a veteran. He was born in Melbourne, Florida and has lived in that area for most of his life. He did manage to travel the world during his ten years in the U.S. Air Force, but eventually settled back in the Melbourne area. He enjoys fly fishing, shooting pistols competitively and sitting down to read a good book.
Michael loves getting feedback from his readers, so if you’d like to get in touch with him, feel free. He can be reached at any of the following links.
E-mail
michael@dmwithrow.com
Website
www.dmwithrow.com
Amazon
www.amazon.com/D.-Michael-Withrow/e/B...
Facebook
www.facebook.com/dmichaelwithrowauthor/
Besides writing his unique brand of Science Fiction, Michael is also a husband, a father of two and a veteran. He was born in Melbourne, Florida and has lived in that area for most of his life. He did manage to travel the world during his ten years in the U.S. Air Force, but eventually settled back in the Melbourne area. He enjoys fly fishing, shooting pistols competitively and sitting down to read a good book.
Michael loves getting feedback from his readers, so if you’d like to get in touch with him, feel free. He can be reached at any of the following links.
michael@dmwithrow.com
Website
www.dmwithrow.com
Amazon
www.amazon.com/D.-Michael-Withrow/e/B...
www.facebook.com/dmichaelwithrowauthor/
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 2, 2017
Got book free off instafreebie, and free off Amazon.
I have always loved old arena battles of gladiator fighting. This story has a new age gladiator work out with computers, and the debtors, or killers being slaves. The whole story had a nice steady pace and well written. I also loved the characters in it. I found myself getting mad at the dad tons of times, and crying as well. The emotions that I got from the book, pulled me into the story. Through out the book I had hoped things would get better for Colston.
Can't wait to read the next part.
Thank you, for letting me read your part one of Arena.
I have always loved old arena battles of gladiator fighting. This story has a new age gladiator work out with computers, and the debtors, or killers being slaves. The whole story had a nice steady pace and well written. I also loved the characters in it. I found myself getting mad at the dad tons of times, and crying as well. The emotions that I got from the book, pulled me into the story. Through out the book I had hoped things would get better for Colston.
Can't wait to read the next part.
Thank you, for letting me read your part one of Arena.
December 19, 2016
4/5 Stars
Well this was a whirlwind of activity. Colston is a young man who lives in a Dystopian future society where debtors are sold to the highest bidder. The murderers are sent to fight in gladiator type of fights.
This book was well written, and was very emotional. Though a reasonably quick read, the characters were all very thought out. and that includes the minor background characters.
Honestly, the only thing I disliked about this novel was near the end. I'm pretty sure there was something being alluded to with two characters, and if it is what I think, then I am horrified. I mean, I realize that it is a dystopian world, but its just... blech. However, it still hasn't been explicitly said, so I could be making the wrong assumption.
I would like to know more about this dystopian world. They obviously have technology and such, but somethingust have happened to change it back into a society with slavery.
Overall, a very good book. Can't wait to read the next one!
Well this was a whirlwind of activity. Colston is a young man who lives in a Dystopian future society where debtors are sold to the highest bidder. The murderers are sent to fight in gladiator type of fights.
This book was well written, and was very emotional. Though a reasonably quick read, the characters were all very thought out. and that includes the minor background characters.
Honestly, the only thing I disliked about this novel was near the end. I'm pretty sure there was something being alluded to with two characters, and if it is what I think, then I am horrified. I mean, I realize that it is a dystopian world, but its just... blech. However, it still hasn't been explicitly said, so I could be making the wrong assumption.
I would like to know more about this dystopian world. They obviously have technology and such, but somethingust have happened to change it back into a society with slavery.
Overall, a very good book. Can't wait to read the next one!
January 1, 2017
Excellent!
I got this book while it was free and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like Sparticus or Vikings on tv you will love this book.
I got this book while it was free and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you like Sparticus or Vikings on tv you will love this book.
October 30, 2016
Solid First Book
Kept me on edge and interested the whole time. Full of detailed action, interesting plot line and great fight scenes. Can't wait to learn more about the Arena World and what it has in store for Colston. Looking foward to part two!
Kept me on edge and interested the whole time. Full of detailed action, interesting plot line and great fight scenes. Can't wait to learn more about the Arena World and what it has in store for Colston. Looking foward to part two!
June 8, 2019
I chose to read and review this book. I enjoyed reading it a lot. It is well written, I liked the plot and characters the flow was great between chapters and characters. Nice steam sparks and action I recommend it
December 11, 2016
Arena: Part One
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am not sure how our future got to this point, it's saddening and disturbing, a prequel to explain that would be great. This book follows the lines of history repeating itself and not in a good way.
The book is well written and little editing needed.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am not sure how our future got to this point, it's saddening and disturbing, a prequel to explain that would be great. This book follows the lines of history repeating itself and not in a good way.
The book is well written and little editing needed.
December 21, 2016
"No dog in the fight."
A fifteen years old boy, only son in a rich, privileged family. His father is owner of one of the two major training houses of gladiators for the arena. But he has no friends of his own age, being home schooled and other parents showing reluctance to allow their own children to visit an estate where so many vicious criminals are housed. And no mother ( as we are endlessly told) to soften the anger and brutality towards him that his father feels when, as usual, he is drunk. Then into the young man's life comes love in the form of Anna, daughter of a mother and child pair of recently purchased servants for domestic duties in the house, and Cole, a big, ugly man destined to be one of the fighters and passed to him to train for the arena.
No, it isn't ancient Rome but a dystopian future with all of the appearance and trappings of the old gladiatorial schools reinstated. A clever idea and the training sessions, with explanations of what weapons and types of fighting existed two thousand years ago, is a good teaching tool. The underlying moral question of whether it is ethical to be able to own another person and even have the power to command that person to be sent to their death is also raised. But the whole was written in a less than inspiring way, the characters failing to become three dimensional and the outcomes, for this reader at least, never in doubt. Not poorly written, apart from the constant misuse of the word 'lied' and the far too frequent reference to Colston's dead mother not being around to prevent his father's drinking - just bland. Perhaps I feel this as I am a big reader of stories set actually in the Roman era, many of which are wonderfully written, with fully rounded characters in visually realistic situations and had expected the same but with the added experience of futuristic surroundings and ideas. Sadly, this was not the case even if the odd hand held tablet did make an appearance. I had constantly to remind myself that this was supposed to be an alternative future setting.
A worthy attempt by the author to bring history into the present. As a way for young people to learn about long past hand to hand fighting techniques set in a simple story to maintain interest, this is a useful book. But for anyone who wants the real passion of life as it was lived in the time of the arenas, I recommend instead an author like Simon Scarrow, whose protagonists, unlike the ones here, really come to life and drag the reader into the blood, fear and excitement of their time.
Merged review:
"No dog in the fight."
Format: Kindle Edition
A fifteen years old boy, only son in a rich, privileged family. His father is owner of one of the two major training houses of gladiators for the arena. But he has no friends of his own age, being home schooled and other parents showing reluctance to allow their own children to visit an estate where so many vicious criminals are housed. And no mother ( as we are endlessly told) to soften the anger and brutality towards him that his father feels when, as usual, he is drunk. Then into the young man's life comes love in the form of Anna, daughter of a mother and child pair of recently purchased servants for domestic duties in the house, and Cole, a big, ugly man destined to be one of the fighters and passed to him to train for the arena.
No, it isn't ancient Rome but a dystopian future with all of the appearance and trappings of the old gladiatorial schools reinstated. A clever idea and the training sessions, with explanations of what weapons and types of fighting existed two thousand years ago, is a good teaching tool. The underlying moral question of whether it is ethical to be able to own another person and even have the power to command that person to be sent to their death is also raised. But the whole was written in a less than inspiring way, the characters failing to become three dimensional and the outcomes, for this reader at least, never in doubt. Not poorly written, apart from the constant misuse of the word 'lied' and the far too frequent reference to Colston's dead mother not being around to prevent his father's drinking - just bland. Perhaps I feel this as I am a big reader of stories set actually in the Roman era, many of which are wonderfully written, with fully rounded characters in visually realistic situations and had expected the same but with the added experience of futuristic surroundings and ideas. Sadly, this was not the case even if the odd hand held tablet did make an appearance. I had constantly to remind myself that this was supposed to be an alternative future setting.
A worthy attempt by the author to bring history into the present. As a way for young people to learn about long past hand to hand fighting techniques set in a simple story to maintain interest, this is a useful book. But for anyone who wants the real passion of life as it was lived in the time of the arenas, I recommend instead an author like Simon Scarrow, whose protagonists, unlike the ones here, really come to life and drag the reader into the blood, fear and excitement of their time.
My thanks to Book Review 22, from whom I received a complimentary copy of this book.
A fifteen years old boy, only son in a rich, privileged family. His father is owner of one of the two major training houses of gladiators for the arena. But he has no friends of his own age, being home schooled and other parents showing reluctance to allow their own children to visit an estate where so many vicious criminals are housed. And no mother ( as we are endlessly told) to soften the anger and brutality towards him that his father feels when, as usual, he is drunk. Then into the young man's life comes love in the form of Anna, daughter of a mother and child pair of recently purchased servants for domestic duties in the house, and Cole, a big, ugly man destined to be one of the fighters and passed to him to train for the arena.
No, it isn't ancient Rome but a dystopian future with all of the appearance and trappings of the old gladiatorial schools reinstated. A clever idea and the training sessions, with explanations of what weapons and types of fighting existed two thousand years ago, is a good teaching tool. The underlying moral question of whether it is ethical to be able to own another person and even have the power to command that person to be sent to their death is also raised. But the whole was written in a less than inspiring way, the characters failing to become three dimensional and the outcomes, for this reader at least, never in doubt. Not poorly written, apart from the constant misuse of the word 'lied' and the far too frequent reference to Colston's dead mother not being around to prevent his father's drinking - just bland. Perhaps I feel this as I am a big reader of stories set actually in the Roman era, many of which are wonderfully written, with fully rounded characters in visually realistic situations and had expected the same but with the added experience of futuristic surroundings and ideas. Sadly, this was not the case even if the odd hand held tablet did make an appearance. I had constantly to remind myself that this was supposed to be an alternative future setting.
A worthy attempt by the author to bring history into the present. As a way for young people to learn about long past hand to hand fighting techniques set in a simple story to maintain interest, this is a useful book. But for anyone who wants the real passion of life as it was lived in the time of the arenas, I recommend instead an author like Simon Scarrow, whose protagonists, unlike the ones here, really come to life and drag the reader into the blood, fear and excitement of their time.
Merged review:
"No dog in the fight."
Format: Kindle Edition
A fifteen years old boy, only son in a rich, privileged family. His father is owner of one of the two major training houses of gladiators for the arena. But he has no friends of his own age, being home schooled and other parents showing reluctance to allow their own children to visit an estate where so many vicious criminals are housed. And no mother ( as we are endlessly told) to soften the anger and brutality towards him that his father feels when, as usual, he is drunk. Then into the young man's life comes love in the form of Anna, daughter of a mother and child pair of recently purchased servants for domestic duties in the house, and Cole, a big, ugly man destined to be one of the fighters and passed to him to train for the arena.
No, it isn't ancient Rome but a dystopian future with all of the appearance and trappings of the old gladiatorial schools reinstated. A clever idea and the training sessions, with explanations of what weapons and types of fighting existed two thousand years ago, is a good teaching tool. The underlying moral question of whether it is ethical to be able to own another person and even have the power to command that person to be sent to their death is also raised. But the whole was written in a less than inspiring way, the characters failing to become three dimensional and the outcomes, for this reader at least, never in doubt. Not poorly written, apart from the constant misuse of the word 'lied' and the far too frequent reference to Colston's dead mother not being around to prevent his father's drinking - just bland. Perhaps I feel this as I am a big reader of stories set actually in the Roman era, many of which are wonderfully written, with fully rounded characters in visually realistic situations and had expected the same but with the added experience of futuristic surroundings and ideas. Sadly, this was not the case even if the odd hand held tablet did make an appearance. I had constantly to remind myself that this was supposed to be an alternative future setting.
A worthy attempt by the author to bring history into the present. As a way for young people to learn about long past hand to hand fighting techniques set in a simple story to maintain interest, this is a useful book. But for anyone who wants the real passion of life as it was lived in the time of the arenas, I recommend instead an author like Simon Scarrow, whose protagonists, unlike the ones here, really come to life and drag the reader into the blood, fear and excitement of their time.
My thanks to Book Review 22, from whom I received a complimentary copy of this book.
March 1, 2017
Gladiators
Would have given 4.5 stars as it held my interest but Amazon doesn't allow for that option. The half star was due to using "lied" all the time for lay or layed. Really interrupted the flow of the story for me. Need to fix those grammatical errors.
Would have given 4.5 stars as it held my interest but Amazon doesn't allow for that option. The half star was due to using "lied" all the time for lay or layed. Really interrupted the flow of the story for me. Need to fix those grammatical errors.
January 4, 2017
Well written, interesting concept.
This book was well written with an interesting concept. The characters were well developed and engaging. It could have done without the errant cuss word, since most of the writing was clean and elevated, however. Without them, this is easily a five star book.
The concept of a future-past is really intriguing. That in an advanced world, gladiators would be brought back as an elective instead of death row. Also, that people would be held accountable for debt with going to debtor's prison. The struggles of the characters in these roles as well as the main character with how he, as a teenage boy, feels about these concepts is really well developed.
Definitely an excellent, exciting read, if you can ignore the random, unnecessary, vile curse.
Merged review:
My ranking rules:
5-star (*****) EXCEPTIONAL: Faultless; awe-inspiring; humbling; a good ambassador for the genre, deserving broad readership; potentially a classic of the genre.
4-star (****) EXCELLENT: Highly recommended; difficult to fault; completely satisfying.
3-star (***) GOOD: A really good read and thoroughly enjoyable; time well spent; minor and few misgivings.
2-star (**) OK: Unlikely to inspire or to offend; ultimately doesn't measure up to the broader body of work in the genre, and therefore may disappoint.
1-star (*) POOR: Life-shortening, ineffective, rife with error and a waste of ink (whether on physical- or e-paper).
This book was well written with an interesting concept. The characters were well developed and engaging. It could have done without the errant cuss word, since most of the writing was clean and elevated, however. Without them, this is easily a five star book.
The concept of a future-past is really intriguing. That in an advanced world, gladiators would be brought back as an elective instead of death row. Also, that people would be held accountable for debt with going to debtor's prison. The struggles of the characters in these roles as well as the main character with how he, as a teenage boy, feels about these concepts is really well developed.
Definitely an excellent, exciting read, if you can ignore the random, unnecessary, vile curse.
Merged review:
My ranking rules:
5-star (*****) EXCEPTIONAL: Faultless; awe-inspiring; humbling; a good ambassador for the genre, deserving broad readership; potentially a classic of the genre.
4-star (****) EXCELLENT: Highly recommended; difficult to fault; completely satisfying.
3-star (***) GOOD: A really good read and thoroughly enjoyable; time well spent; minor and few misgivings.
2-star (**) OK: Unlikely to inspire or to offend; ultimately doesn't measure up to the broader body of work in the genre, and therefore may disappoint.
1-star (*) POOR: Life-shortening, ineffective, rife with error and a waste of ink (whether on physical- or e-paper).
June 22, 2018
PICK UP THE PIECES!!!
Ok guys, you've know me long enough by now to know I love jumping in head first. Lets keep the fun going, shall we. I could tell you all about the story, and say it was great. I could explain the whole plot, and say it was ok. I could tell you a lot. But come on guys, you've read the blurb, you know what the other readers are saying, you know the score. But because I'm me, I'm running this show. Just kidding, there's not show. This is one fantastical storyline with an exceptional plot that will captivate from the start. The characters are intriguing and complex with a little mystery thrown in to add a little flavor to the mix. You have all the action, its steady paced, suspense filled and danger nipping at your heels. With such graphic detailed descriptions that it comes alive before your eyes. Michael tosses in a little spice and some explosive situations that keep you hanging on every word. The imagery is so fascinating it makes for a perfect backdrop that grabs your attention and holds it. Twists and turns abound with unexpected surprises that keep you on your toes and reeling at such a spectacular imagination. Michael did an incredible job bringing this to life seamlessly. Great job Micheal, thanks for sharing this fantastic read with us.
Ok guys, you've know me long enough by now to know I love jumping in head first. Lets keep the fun going, shall we. I could tell you all about the story, and say it was great. I could explain the whole plot, and say it was ok. I could tell you a lot. But come on guys, you've read the blurb, you know what the other readers are saying, you know the score. But because I'm me, I'm running this show. Just kidding, there's not show. This is one fantastical storyline with an exceptional plot that will captivate from the start. The characters are intriguing and complex with a little mystery thrown in to add a little flavor to the mix. You have all the action, its steady paced, suspense filled and danger nipping at your heels. With such graphic detailed descriptions that it comes alive before your eyes. Michael tosses in a little spice and some explosive situations that keep you hanging on every word. The imagery is so fascinating it makes for a perfect backdrop that grabs your attention and holds it. Twists and turns abound with unexpected surprises that keep you on your toes and reeling at such a spectacular imagination. Michael did an incredible job bringing this to life seamlessly. Great job Micheal, thanks for sharing this fantastic read with us.
January 5, 2017
This book was absolutely amazing! It took me a little while to get through because of the holidays, otherwise I probably would have finished this in a day or two. I loved the way Mr. Withrow through the reader right into the action of the Arena. I found myself a little confused at first because the names are very similar, but I got the hang of it quickly. The setting is what I loved most about the book, you feel like all of this should have been in old Roman times, instead of set in the future.
I have read the John Norman Gorean Series, and this honestly gave me that sort of appeal. The slaves, different castes/classes of people, the rustic, "stuck in the past" feel of the Arena. The brutalness of being in the Arena, I could go on forever, with the similarities. The stories are very different of course.
I truly enjoyed this and will be diving into Part Two shortly. Outstanding work Mr. Withdrow.
I have read the John Norman Gorean Series, and this honestly gave me that sort of appeal. The slaves, different castes/classes of people, the rustic, "stuck in the past" feel of the Arena. The brutalness of being in the Arena, I could go on forever, with the similarities. The stories are very different of course.
I truly enjoyed this and will be diving into Part Two shortly. Outstanding work Mr. Withdrow.
April 2, 2017
If you loved Gladiator, then you will love Arena
D Michael Withrow has done an excellent job of blending ancient history with the future. Criminals are made to fight in the arena as did gladiators of old. People in debt are sold at auction to be slaves. The gladiatorial combat is first rate. About 2/3 through this book I guessed at the behind the scenes happening and am in a frenzy reading books 2 & 3 to find out if I was correct. The main characters in this story are Cole a former teacher, a real giant of a man, then there is the son of the owner of the ludus (gladiatorial training facility), Colston and finally there is the girl who was bought by his father due to debts incurred when her father died. As the story progresses, the relationships are explored and eventually deepened. THis was a truly wonderful read. I absolutely loved it and already picked up books 2 & 3
D Michael Withrow has done an excellent job of blending ancient history with the future. Criminals are made to fight in the arena as did gladiators of old. People in debt are sold at auction to be slaves. The gladiatorial combat is first rate. About 2/3 through this book I guessed at the behind the scenes happening and am in a frenzy reading books 2 & 3 to find out if I was correct. The main characters in this story are Cole a former teacher, a real giant of a man, then there is the son of the owner of the ludus (gladiatorial training facility), Colston and finally there is the girl who was bought by his father due to debts incurred when her father died. As the story progresses, the relationships are explored and eventually deepened. THis was a truly wonderful read. I absolutely loved it and already picked up books 2 & 3
March 21, 2017
I don't know where to begin.
Somewhere in the far future the world has reverted back to 'the word that shall not be used (slave) days.' When one owes more money than they have, they become a Debtor and are sold to the highest bidder. Murderers are sold and sentenced to fight in a gladiatorial style arena, often for their lives.
The story follows Colston, the son a wealthy man who owns Debtors meant to fight in the Arena. From this perspective we get to see this awful new world through slightly rose-colored glasses. It doesn't allow the reader to immerse themselves into the life of the Debtor. We only see it from the sidelines. The story would have been better from Cole's perspective or even Anna's.
Somewhere in the far future the world has reverted back to 'the word that shall not be used (slave) days.' When one owes more money than they have, they become a Debtor and are sold to the highest bidder. Murderers are sold and sentenced to fight in a gladiatorial style arena, often for their lives.
The story follows Colston, the son a wealthy man who owns Debtors meant to fight in the Arena. From this perspective we get to see this awful new world through slightly rose-colored glasses. It doesn't allow the reader to immerse themselves into the life of the Debtor. We only see it from the sidelines. The story would have been better from Cole's perspective or even Anna's.
December 18, 2017
OH I cant wait to read book 2. I finished part one months ago and thought i posted a review but so dont see it now. Oh well I am soooooo looking forward to how the love story goes in this series and also lots of twists and turns with the fighting .
January 3, 2017
Decent read
This book wasn't exactly what I expected. I didn't realize it would be more futuristic. It was a very quick read.
This book wasn't exactly what I expected. I didn't realize it would be more futuristic. It was a very quick read.
March 9, 2017
a great action drama is found in this book, I loved it and you should read it and get your copy today!
April 18, 2017
3,5 stars
I got this book free from instafreebie and I liked it.
It was an enjoyable, quick read.
I got this book free from instafreebie and I liked it.
It was an enjoyable, quick read.
November 26, 2017
An excellent story! fluid plot line,and characters to really care about..This one is a gem!
May 22, 2018
Young Coleston is given a chance to enter the family business in a futuristic setting. At home he has to deal with a drunken, abusive father and he is falling for a slave girl. An easy read.
January 20, 2019
The plot moves along quickly enough to keep my interest but the writing was somewhat juvenile as though written by an amateur author. The dialog was cringe-worthy in numerous places.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews