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Galactic Gladiators #1
Gladiator
Fighting for love, honor, and freedom on the galaxy's lawless outer rim...
When Earth space marine Harper Adams finds herself abducted by alien slavers off a space station, her life turns into a battle for survival. Dumped into an arena on a desert planet on the outer rim, she finds herself face to face with a big, tattooed alien gladiator...the champion of the Kor Magna Arena.
A former prince abandoned to the arena as a teen, Raiden Tiago has long ago earned his freedom. Now he rules the arena, but he doesn't fight for the glory, but instead for his own dark purpose--revenge against the Thraxian aliens who destroyed his planet. Then his existence is rocked by one small, fierce female fighter from an unknown planet called Earth.
Harper is determined to find a way home, but when she spots her best friend in the arena--a slave of the evil Thraxian aliens--she'll do anything to save her friend...even join forces with the tough alpha male who sets her body on fire. But as Harper and Raiden step foot onto the blood-soaked sands of the arena, Harper worries that Raiden has his own dangerous agenda...
When Earth space marine Harper Adams finds herself abducted by alien slavers off a space station, her life turns into a battle for survival. Dumped into an arena on a desert planet on the outer rim, she finds herself face to face with a big, tattooed alien gladiator...the champion of the Kor Magna Arena.
A former prince abandoned to the arena as a teen, Raiden Tiago has long ago earned his freedom. Now he rules the arena, but he doesn't fight for the glory, but instead for his own dark purpose--revenge against the Thraxian aliens who destroyed his planet. Then his existence is rocked by one small, fierce female fighter from an unknown planet called Earth.
Harper is determined to find a way home, but when she spots her best friend in the arena--a slave of the evil Thraxian aliens--she'll do anything to save her friend...even join forces with the tough alpha male who sets her body on fire. But as Harper and Raiden step foot onto the blood-soaked sands of the arena, Harper worries that Raiden has his own dangerous agenda...
264 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2016
938 people are currently reading
2216 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
172 books2,943 followersI’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 451 reviews
November 15, 2016
This is a classic SF-gladiator-alien-abduction-sold into slavery romace.
It's well written, but actually nothing new is here. A nice light read for a lazy week-end! :)
It's well written, but actually nothing new is here. A nice light read for a lazy week-end! :)
June 14, 2017
I started this and got a little nervous. Really "tough" heroines are not my thing, but I REALLY liked Harper! She was a badass. I was also nervous about the free flowing sex always going on. But the hero was really into her from the beginning and other than some "flutterers" hanging on him for a bit - there were no OW about.
I really loved Raiden too and thought the world building was compelling. I was expecting a typical short, simple, fluffy KU sci-fi book and felt I got a lot more. SO even though the next book was about the ultimate manwhore - I am happily moving on to it!
I really loved Raiden too and thought the world building was compelling. I was expecting a typical short, simple, fluffy KU sci-fi book and felt I got a lot more. SO even though the next book was about the ultimate manwhore - I am happily moving on to it!
July 12, 2018
3.5 stars. Gladiator doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it was an entertaining read that exceeded my standard KU expectations.
Hackett's world-building is simple and straightforward. In a Star Wars-esque universe of different worlds and different beings, there are benign aliens and malevolent aliens and everything in-between. When alien slavers attack her ship, Harper, a United Nations space marine, is sold to a house of gladiators. On a planet dedicated to fighting and slavery and the brutality that comes with that, Harper finds that her house is, in fact, a beacon of light in the darkness. Trying to save as many slaves as they can, her fellow warriors are fierce and formidable. And kind. And sexy. Especially Raiden, the reigning arena champion who was a prince on his destroyed planet. Their attraction is instantaneous, and a connection forms between the two tenacious yet vulnerable souls.
I loved Harper...for the most part. She was strong and smart, and humans and aliens alike looked to her for guidance. That's why I was disappointed when she pulled a TSTL move at 57%, and why I deducted a half star from my rating. I think that people generally overuse the expression "TSTL", but this really and truly was a poor way to move the plot and the relationship forward. Meanwhile, Raiden, who had lost everything and everyone, alternated between hot and cold, distant and possessive, open and closed. Oh, I wanted to give him a good spanking! Fortunately, Harper beat me to it 😉 and I appreciated how she challenged him. They were a well-matched pair, even if I didn't always feel the intensity or sweetness of emotions.
Gladiator was a fun and fast read. I may skip ahead to Saff's book because I'm SO here for a black alien warrior goddess romance.
Read for SBTB July - September 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book with aliens.
Hackett's world-building is simple and straightforward. In a Star Wars-esque universe of different worlds and different beings, there are benign aliens and malevolent aliens and everything in-between. When alien slavers attack her ship, Harper, a United Nations space marine, is sold to a house of gladiators. On a planet dedicated to fighting and slavery and the brutality that comes with that, Harper finds that her house is, in fact, a beacon of light in the darkness. Trying to save as many slaves as they can, her fellow warriors are fierce and formidable. And kind. And sexy. Especially Raiden, the reigning arena champion who was a prince on his destroyed planet. Their attraction is instantaneous, and a connection forms between the two tenacious yet vulnerable souls.
I loved Harper...for the most part. She was strong and smart, and humans and aliens alike looked to her for guidance. That's why I was disappointed when she pulled a TSTL move at 57%, and why I deducted a half star from my rating. I think that people generally overuse the expression "TSTL", but this really and truly was a poor way to move the plot and the relationship forward. Meanwhile, Raiden, who had lost everything and everyone, alternated between hot and cold, distant and possessive, open and closed. Oh, I wanted to give him a good spanking! Fortunately, Harper beat me to it 😉 and I appreciated how she challenged him. They were a well-matched pair, even if I didn't always feel the intensity or sweetness of emotions.
Gladiator was a fun and fast read. I may skip ahead to Saff's book because I'm SO here for a black alien warrior goddess romance.
Read for SBTB July - September 2018 Quarterly Challenge: A book with aliens.
December 28, 2019
Gladiator is book one in the Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett.
Hackett is an amazing science fiction romance author. I feel in love with this series and devoured it one book after another. Gladiator surprised and captivated me.
House of Galen is the home of the biggest and baddest gladiators.
Harper is kick-ass heroine. A force to be reckoned with. Her ship is attacked and she finds herself in-slaved to a cruel race and she is soon thrown into the gladiator arena where she rises to the top; gaining the attention of the reining champion of the House of Galen, Raiden.
Raiden is the reining champion of the arena. He’s alpha, demanding, and bad ass. I liked him and his alpha-ness. He soon finds himself captivated by this small human who can fight and survive in the arena and learns fast that he likes having her close in and off the arena field.
Their romance was a lot of fun. It worked. Both had to learn to give and take, to be partners together, and that they both needed something in life and that something was found in each other. I enjoyed the idea of a big tough gladiator being struck almost dumb by the much smaller women. It’s an appealing storyline.
Gladiator is a slow start, but once we get on the Gladiator plant things pick up and move fast. House of Galen isn’t what it seams and we learn that they are trying to help those that don’t belong in the arena. As things move along and start to ramp up in the story we get loads of action, fight scenes, and romance. The author takes her time introducing the characters, world, and what is to come. I loved meeting all the Gladiators of House of Galen and some of the other houses.
Gladiator is a fabulous start to the series. I was mesmerized and couldn’t stop reading.
Rated: 4 Stars
Hackett is an amazing science fiction romance author. I feel in love with this series and devoured it one book after another. Gladiator surprised and captivated me.
House of Galen is the home of the biggest and baddest gladiators.
Harper is kick-ass heroine. A force to be reckoned with. Her ship is attacked and she finds herself in-slaved to a cruel race and she is soon thrown into the gladiator arena where she rises to the top; gaining the attention of the reining champion of the House of Galen, Raiden.
Raiden is the reining champion of the arena. He’s alpha, demanding, and bad ass. I liked him and his alpha-ness. He soon finds himself captivated by this small human who can fight and survive in the arena and learns fast that he likes having her close in and off the arena field.
Their romance was a lot of fun. It worked. Both had to learn to give and take, to be partners together, and that they both needed something in life and that something was found in each other. I enjoyed the idea of a big tough gladiator being struck almost dumb by the much smaller women. It’s an appealing storyline.
Gladiator is a slow start, but once we get on the Gladiator plant things pick up and move fast. House of Galen isn’t what it seams and we learn that they are trying to help those that don’t belong in the arena. As things move along and start to ramp up in the story we get loads of action, fight scenes, and romance. The author takes her time introducing the characters, world, and what is to come. I loved meeting all the Gladiators of House of Galen and some of the other houses.
Gladiator is a fabulous start to the series. I was mesmerized and couldn’t stop reading.
Rated: 4 Stars
October 25, 2016
I was very excited when I heard that this author was starting a new series about alien gladiators as usually her heroes are more human. It's an interesting idea and one that whilst still sci fi has an almost historical feel to it as it made me think of the arenas used in the past here on Earth. There is technology in this story that has a futuristic edge but I thought that mainly it's a insight into a barbaric practice with pain and bloodshed being celebrated.
It starts with a space station being attacked and Harper finds herself at the not so tender mercies of brutal aliens. Arriving at Kor Magna she is thrown into the deadly world of fighting in the arena and she quickly stands out. She may be small in comparison to others but Harper doesn't quit. She can be as fierce as the other gladiators but her speed and quick thinking get her a place in the House of Galen. Harper doesn't trust anyone and it doesn't matter that the big butch Raiden is hotter than the noon day sun, he's still part of this heinous practice. It's a world with very few rules and cheating is often overlooked but Harper learns to survive until she can find a way home. Yet the more she sees of Raiden the more Harper starts to learn about his background and when she discovers she's not the only human captive there's only one man to turn to, Raiden!
The idea of this big tough gladiator being struck almost dumb by the much smaller Harper was an immensely appealing one as the bigger they are the harder they fall but if honest I struggled initially. Yes Harper is a trained marine but I just couldn't believe in her prowess in the arena. She's almost like the energiser bunny but it just didn't convince me. The opponents they face are bigger and frequently actual beasts feeling nothing but bloodlust and yet they are set loose? I just wasn't convinced by it. The second half of the book actually did ramp up the story with both action and romance and the author gradually opened up the world she's created. There's clearly more to come as Harper wasn't the only human taken captive but I'm hoping any future heroine gets to use her brains and not just her supposed brawn. An interesting idea but at times I just wasn't as completely immersed as I'd hoped.
This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy
Three and a half from me
It starts with a space station being attacked and Harper finds herself at the not so tender mercies of brutal aliens. Arriving at Kor Magna she is thrown into the deadly world of fighting in the arena and she quickly stands out. She may be small in comparison to others but Harper doesn't quit. She can be as fierce as the other gladiators but her speed and quick thinking get her a place in the House of Galen. Harper doesn't trust anyone and it doesn't matter that the big butch Raiden is hotter than the noon day sun, he's still part of this heinous practice. It's a world with very few rules and cheating is often overlooked but Harper learns to survive until she can find a way home. Yet the more she sees of Raiden the more Harper starts to learn about his background and when she discovers she's not the only human captive there's only one man to turn to, Raiden!
The idea of this big tough gladiator being struck almost dumb by the much smaller Harper was an immensely appealing one as the bigger they are the harder they fall but if honest I struggled initially. Yes Harper is a trained marine but I just couldn't believe in her prowess in the arena. She's almost like the energiser bunny but it just didn't convince me. The opponents they face are bigger and frequently actual beasts feeling nothing but bloodlust and yet they are set loose? I just wasn't convinced by it. The second half of the book actually did ramp up the story with both action and romance and the author gradually opened up the world she's created. There's clearly more to come as Harper wasn't the only human taken captive but I'm hoping any future heroine gets to use her brains and not just her supposed brawn. An interesting idea but at times I just wasn't as completely immersed as I'd hoped.
This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy
Three and a half from me
September 27, 2019
Again completely surprised by a alien based romance novel!
Harper (FMC) is a force to be reckoned with, she is being honored with a place on my "Kick Arse Heroines" shelf and that is a hard category to get into. Harper's ship is attacked and she finds herself a captive of an abusive cruel race. She is then thrown into the gladiator arena where she rises to the top gaining the attention of House of Galen. House of Galen is the home of the biggest and baddest gladiators. Leading her to catch the eye of the reining champion, Raiden.
Raiden is completely alpha/demanding/bad ass and I LOVED him! When he lays eyes on Harper he has a pull of lust he has never experienced, but when he sees her fight in the arena that lust turned to something much deeper. Raiden finds very quickly that he likes having Harper close to him, and beneath him. He makes demands of her that she fights and he loves it. But when it is a choice of protecting/helping Harper or finally getting revenge on the man that killed is family and destroyed his planet....things get messy.
Loved this read! I am looking forward to seeing what is next for the series!
Happy Reading! DD
Harper (FMC) is a force to be reckoned with, she is being honored with a place on my "Kick Arse Heroines" shelf and that is a hard category to get into. Harper's ship is attacked and she finds herself a captive of an abusive cruel race. She is then thrown into the gladiator arena where she rises to the top gaining the attention of House of Galen. House of Galen is the home of the biggest and baddest gladiators. Leading her to catch the eye of the reining champion, Raiden.
Raiden is completely alpha/demanding/bad ass and I LOVED him! When he lays eyes on Harper he has a pull of lust he has never experienced, but when he sees her fight in the arena that lust turned to something much deeper. Raiden finds very quickly that he likes having Harper close to him, and beneath him. He makes demands of her that she fights and he loves it. But when it is a choice of protecting/helping Harper or finally getting revenge on the man that killed is family and destroyed his planet....things get messy.
Loved this read! I am looking forward to seeing what is next for the series!
Happy Reading! DD
July 24, 2018
Higher 3.5 stars.
I’ve read this last weekend, just like boogenhagen said, look at those abs! 😘😂
Her reviews about this series and those fabulous abs keep show up on my updates line!! LOL.
It was a fun read, a bit too short but the main storyline continues to the next couple’s book, lovely! ❤️
I’ve read this last weekend, just like boogenhagen said, look at those abs! 😘😂
Her reviews about this series and those fabulous abs keep show up on my updates line!! LOL.
It was a fun read, a bit too short but the main storyline continues to the next couple’s book, lovely! ❤️
July 8, 2017
This book showcases perfectly the difference between a competent author and a talented writer. Without using heavyweight word, like world building, this story lacks much: in logic, in characterization, just to name 2.
It has a plot, as in there's a story, yes. But it's not really interested in it, all of it screams superficiality.
Characters are cardboard, world building is clearly a prop, romance is non existing. There's just one word that fits: insta. You have insta-lust, insta-trust, insta-love. Nothing really mattered, teflon is the name of the game. And it contrast strongly with the story it tries to sell.
Is it a bad book? No, it reads easily. But this is the best thing I can say about it.
It has a plot, as in there's a story, yes. But it's not really interested in it, all of it screams superficiality.
Characters are cardboard, world building is clearly a prop, romance is non existing. There's just one word that fits: insta. You have insta-lust, insta-trust, insta-love. Nothing really mattered, teflon is the name of the game. And it contrast strongly with the story it tries to sell.
Is it a bad book? No, it reads easily. But this is the best thing I can say about it.
March 14, 2018
Not a lot of strong feelings for this. It was a nice way to pass the time, I'm not particularly regretting reading this. Though it could use more work and imagination. There wasn't much world building but it wasn't alien smut fluff either. Also at the same time it didn't feel very alien/sci-fi-y, I mean I can totally see this possible in some corner of Earth.
February 16, 2017
3.5 rounded to four stars.
In under 50 words, my friend Katrina perfectly described my thoughts on this book. I thought I would just link you to her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
In under 50 words, my friend Katrina perfectly described my thoughts on this book. I thought I would just link you to her review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 24, 2018
An easy 5 star ⭐️ read.
My only regret is I didn’t start the series with this first book. Well I guess it’s never too late.
Recommended.
My only regret is I didn’t start the series with this first book. Well I guess it’s never too late.
Recommended.
December 8, 2016
3.5*, rounded to 4
This is a "Yes" book
Formulaic - yes
Predictable - yes
Does not offer anything new - yes
BUT:
Easy to read - yes
Nicely written - yes
Fun - yes
Very likable characters - yes
Steamy - yes
Enjoyable - yes
Want me to read the next one - yes
This is a "Yes" book
Formulaic - yes
Predictable - yes
Does not offer anything new - yes
BUT:
Easy to read - yes
Nicely written - yes
Fun - yes
Very likable characters - yes
Steamy - yes
Enjoyable - yes
Want me to read the next one - yes
November 5, 2016
Oh, I had so much fun reading this! Definite recommendation if you're into space gladiators, aliens and strong, kickass heroines.
Luckily book two will release soon. Can't wait :-)
Luckily book two will release soon. Can't wait :-)
May 1, 2024
A generous 3✨, saved only by a genuinely cool setting and some world building that complemented the plot pretty well.
It’s a gladiator alien planet with different factions acting as “Houses”, that put forth fighters, both willing and unwillingly, into the arena to entertain the masses. The House of Galen, where our characters belong, acts almost as undercover operatives, working to free captive and kidnapped gladiators from the inside. It’s a really cool world, and I’m excited to see what else happens in it and how Book 2 builds on the overall plot, if it even does.
The two main characters fell flat for me on this one. Everything felt a little too insta, although it’s to be kind of expected, and there was no solid chemistry to supplement it. Dialogue was extremely stilted and sometimes repetitive between the MCs. I hated the FMC’s reaction in the end where the MMC’s priority, killing the being that destroyed his homeworld, clashes with her own, saving her friend, and the FMC acts that because the MMC didn’t suddenly make her priority his priority, he has abandoned and betrayed her like everyone else in her life. It was so silly.
It’s a gladiator alien planet with different factions acting as “Houses”, that put forth fighters, both willing and unwillingly, into the arena to entertain the masses. The House of Galen, where our characters belong, acts almost as undercover operatives, working to free captive and kidnapped gladiators from the inside. It’s a really cool world, and I’m excited to see what else happens in it and how Book 2 builds on the overall plot, if it even does.
The two main characters fell flat for me on this one. Everything felt a little too insta, although it’s to be kind of expected, and there was no solid chemistry to supplement it. Dialogue was extremely stilted and sometimes repetitive between the MCs. I hated the FMC’s reaction in the end where the MMC’s priority, killing the being that destroyed his homeworld, clashes with her own, saving her friend, and the FMC acts that because the MMC didn’t suddenly make her priority his priority, he has abandoned and betrayed her like everyone else in her life. It was so silly.
September 18, 2017
Vivienne Leheny is the audio reader and she does a great job.
....But that's about the nicest thing I have to say about it.
Meh
Harper the kick ass human and Raiden the alien who's about as alien as my next door neighbour. (Of course my neighbour is a bit odd... He vacuums every day!)
Harper and some of her colleagues get kidnapped by the *EVIL Thraxians* and taken to a Gladiatorial planet. Raiden tells her, "Nothing is as it seems" (and yet it is all painfully obvious... but still it has to be spelled out for Harper). Harper is a kinda 'glass half empty' gal. Which is something she has in common with Raiden. They both like to fight and they both think life sucks. And that the Thraxians suck.
The story is very black and white and very predictable.
The intrigue is shallow and often nonsensical.
Why do the Thraxians follow the rules sometimes but not others??? Who makes the rules anyways? If the Thraxians are such futuristic bad guys, why don't they just shoot Raiden and Harper??? In fact, why does everyone fight with swords when outside the arena? It boggles the mind...
On the bright side; the author does keep the misunderstandings to a minimum which I like. Harper has one TSTL moment about half way that almost made me DNF, but again, it wasn't pushed too far. Raiden has a TSTL moment later on... Really, despite their skill with weapons, it's a wonder these two survived the book.
I may read the author again but won't expect much from the story.
....But that's about the nicest thing I have to say about it.
Meh
Harper the kick ass human and Raiden the alien who's about as alien as my next door neighbour. (Of course my neighbour is a bit odd... He vacuums every day!)
Harper and some of her colleagues get kidnapped by the *EVIL Thraxians* and taken to a Gladiatorial planet. Raiden tells her, "Nothing is as it seems" (and yet it is all painfully obvious... but still it has to be spelled out for Harper). Harper is a kinda 'glass half empty' gal. Which is something she has in common with Raiden. They both like to fight and they both think life sucks. And that the Thraxians suck.
The story is very black and white and very predictable.
The intrigue is shallow and often nonsensical.
Why do the Thraxians follow the rules sometimes but not others??? Who makes the rules anyways? If the Thraxians are such futuristic bad guys, why don't they just shoot Raiden and Harper??? In fact, why does everyone fight with swords when outside the arena? It boggles the mind...
On the bright side; the author does keep the misunderstandings to a minimum which I like. Harper has one TSTL moment about half way that almost made me DNF, but again, it wasn't pushed too far. Raiden has a TSTL moment later on... Really, despite their skill with weapons, it's a wonder these two survived the book.
I may read the author again but won't expect much from the story.
February 1, 2018
Couple of months ago, I watched entire series of Spartacus on binge and even though it was very blood thirsty and lust driven, I ended up liking it. Same goes here...mixed with alien and abduction and several other things. But main thing is Arena and fights.
"Ready to fight?" Raiden asked.
"For Freedom and honor," Saff called out.
"For Freedom and honor," Thorin, Kace, Lore and Nero said together.
It has been premise which has been used many times but I ended up liking more than I should because Anna Hackett sure can write. Beautiful sentence composition without over doing is something of an art.
The crowd cheered, and he knew many were locals, but more came in especially for the fights from all parts of the galaxy. Lured by the thrill of watching man pitted against man, for the chance to see blood spray across the sand.
Story flowed without much difficulty and I found myself invested in story and secondary characters as well.
Also it was refreshing to see heroine, instead of damsel in distress, was also a Gladiator.
I will read more on this series....
"Ready to fight?" Raiden asked.
"For Freedom and honor," Saff called out.
"For Freedom and honor," Thorin, Kace, Lore and Nero said together.
It has been premise which has been used many times but I ended up liking more than I should because Anna Hackett sure can write. Beautiful sentence composition without over doing is something of an art.
The crowd cheered, and he knew many were locals, but more came in especially for the fights from all parts of the galaxy. Lured by the thrill of watching man pitted against man, for the chance to see blood spray across the sand.
Story flowed without much difficulty and I found myself invested in story and secondary characters as well.
Also it was refreshing to see heroine, instead of damsel in distress, was also a Gladiator.
I will read more on this series....
June 25, 2021
Review to come
October 31, 2016
I have to say, this is one of my favorite books by this writer. Insta-love seems to be an assumed in this genre so when I saw the book was under 200 pages I almost expected this to be the case. I have to say, however, that I was surprised. The love shared between the main characters seemed pretty developed and solid and actually felt genuine. I love that the heroine was tough and held her own. This book had a great balance of suspense and romance. I do wish that some of the hero's alien like traits were better emphasized. He felt very much human to me from beginning to end. Perhaps this was intentional? I will definitely check out more in this series as its released. I appreciate it being offered as a kindleunlimited.
August 28, 2018
My first sci-fi romance, it was a light read, I enjoyed a few chapters and struggled with others, overall it was ok.
February 3, 2018
I just have such a great time with Anna Hackett - tho I admit I was loving that cover. ( I refuse to confirm the rumor that I have watched 300 about a gadzillion times and gladiator about twice that much) So anyhows, based on my conspicuous consumption, imagine my surprise when the story was even better than the eight pack abs , erhm, cover.
AH is a great go to when you need a break read, she has fast paced, adventurous stories and sizzling hot romance and I am glad I found her. :P
AH is a great go to when you need a break read, she has fast paced, adventurous stories and sizzling hot romance and I am glad I found her. :P
June 4, 2017
*kissing my teeth*
Let's just put it simply so far I have not found a lot variety in sci-fi. The authors seems to come up with a generic barely passable plot and a mediocre love story. Nothing to write home about or I should say nothing to write a review about. We need a lot more of creativity in this genre.
Let's just put it simply so far I have not found a lot variety in sci-fi. The authors seems to come up with a generic barely passable plot and a mediocre love story. Nothing to write home about or I should say nothing to write a review about. We need a lot more of creativity in this genre.
December 2, 2016
Harper is stolen by the big, bad, ugly aliens, and she's taken to planet known for catering to every vice. Sold to the House of Galen because she's a feisty little thing, she trains with the other gladiators there to fight in the arena but catches the eye of Raiden, the uber gladiator everybody reveres and fears. They have a slow burn kind of thing going on until they just can't take it anymore, and there's a nice little sub-plot about Raiden wanting to get revenge on the same aliens who happened to be the ones who kidnapped Harper in the first place.
It's an easy story to read, though I found Harper kind of boring at times. Her kick-assery didn't quite overshadow her I'm-all-alone-whininess-on-repeat for me. Raiden was pretty one-dimensional, but I found that I liked him that way; it made me laugh. "I want your mouth on my cock. Now." She got up on her knees. "I don't like bossy men." "Harper, suck my cock." See? It's kind of endearing in a way...
It's an easy story to read, though I found Harper kind of boring at times. Her kick-assery didn't quite overshadow her I'm-all-alone-whininess-on-repeat for me. Raiden was pretty one-dimensional, but I found that I liked him that way; it made me laugh. "I want your mouth on my cock. Now." She got up on her knees. "I don't like bossy men." "Harper, suck my cock." See? It's kind of endearing in a way...
May 7, 2018
Great start to series!
This is my first book by this author and it was a very good start to this series it is a sci-fi romance of a woman abducted by aliens who was sold to The House of Galen to fight in a gladiator arena. There she finds a since who's world was destroyed by the same race who captured her.
The world building was well done and the story was action packed and well laced along with the romance of the two characters. I can't wait to read the second book about Regan.
This is my first book by this author and it was a very good start to this series it is a sci-fi romance of a woman abducted by aliens who was sold to The House of Galen to fight in a gladiator arena. There she finds a since who's world was destroyed by the same race who captured her.
The world building was well done and the story was action packed and well laced along with the romance of the two characters. I can't wait to read the second book about Regan.
April 27, 2017
Really enjoyed this one. I feel like this author always does really well with the first story in a series, but then it all falls apart after that with nearly identical stories.
May 12, 2022
Nice world building (as far as the characters are concerned) despite some common and expected inconsistencies found in alien-rom.
I like the series and may read at least 3-4 more of the stories.
The series has stories of the women (and a man or two) from Earth's space station who get abducted by slavers and then brought to Carthago, an arid planet on the other side of the galaxy, and the gladiators from the House of Galen at the Kor Magna, a Colosseum like place.
I like the series and may read at least 3-4 more of the stories.
The series has stories of the women (and a man or two) from Earth's space station who get abducted by slavers and then brought to Carthago, an arid planet on the other side of the galaxy, and the gladiators from the House of Galen at the Kor Magna, a Colosseum like place.
November 19, 2019
I believe this author has a loyal following, and good on them.
I, however, found this starter to a Sci-fi series boring, with silly, two dimensional clichéd characters and an unconvincing, spark-less “romance”.
Will not read any more of these.
I, however, found this starter to a Sci-fi series boring, with silly, two dimensional clichéd characters and an unconvincing, spark-less “romance”.
Will not read any more of these.
December 23, 2016
Good story! Lots of action with the right amount of romance.
October 31, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
This one is purely for fun. There’s no great message here, and I’m not too sure about any overarching story, like Hell Squad or Phoenix Adventures. This is just plain fun.
It’s also a good take on the infamous “Mars needs Women” trope in science fiction romance, A trope I don’t normally like, but is done well in this case. Because it isn’t Mars as a whole (so to speak) that needs Earth women, just three intergalactic gladiators in particular.
It has to get started somewhere. The somewhere in this case is Space Marine Harper Adams, stationed on a scientific research station orbiting Jupiter. Disaster strikes in the form of interplanetary slave raiders, the Thraxians, who look like the Terran equivalent of demons and break into the station and kidnap several of the scientists and marines stationed there, including Harper.
But unlike many of the captives, Harper is a trained warrior. Whenever she has the opportunity, she fights back. It earns her several beatings, and the undying enmity of one of the leaders, but also keeps her in fighting shape. A preparation she needs when she is sold on an outer Rim planet as a potential gladiator for the Kor Magna Arena on Carthago..
And that’s where everything changes. Harper is a good fighter to begin with, but she’s also deceptively strong. She’s smaller and shorter than most of the gladiators in the arena, but she’s also faster. It turns out that Earth has a slightly heavier gravity than Carthago, so she gets an unexpected strength boost.
It takes her a few days to find out both the good news, the bad news, and the dangerous news.
The bad news comes first. The Thraxians found Earth by accident, through a temporary wormhole. Earth is on the far side of the galaxy. Even if she stole a ship, it would take 200 plus years to get home. It’s a blow, but not as big as it might have been. Harper has nothing and no one left on Earth. She can make a home on Carthago if she can manage to accept her new circumstances.
Those new circumstances are nothing like she expected. She’s been enslaved, and she sees the gladiators in the arena as slaves, and thinks the gladiatorial contests are like the popular perception of the Roman Empire. That might be true in some of the other houses, but not in the House of Galen, the House that bought Harper’s “contract”.
Once she fights her way through her trial bout, Harper discovers the good news, for certain select definitions of good. She learns that the House of Galen, for all of its deserved badass reputation on the arena sands, has a surprisingly soft heart. All the gladiators are free, and they all fight because they can, and because the fights that they win allow them to bargain for the freedom of those who have been brought to Carthago from far-distant worlds but who are not suitable for the arena.
There is also the dangerous news. Fighting in the arena, fighting with the team that belongs to the House of Galen, Harper finds a place where she belongs, a purpose she can believe in and a man that she has come to love.
And it all threatens to go pear-shaped when the Thraxians dangle the presence of two of her friends from that Earth space station in front of her eyes. She’ll do anything to rescue her friends from Earth, no matter what the cost to herself, to the House of Galen, or to any future she might possibly have with the love of her very surprising life.
Escape Rating B+: For a story that is this much fun, there is a lot going on. While for this reader it feels like the focus is on Harper, because she is the one who has to make the big adjustment, there is definitely a romance here.
Raiden is the lost prince of a world that the Thraxians literally destroyed. They didn’t just wipe out the civilization, they placed bombs in the planet’s core so that it would break apart. Just like Harper, Raiden can’t go home again. He’s made a life for himself as a gladiator, fighting to free as many people as possible, one way or another.
Harper makes him feel, which is both dangerous and life-affirming, especially when they both have a nasty tendency to go off alone in dangerous situations to solve their problems.
I would love to know how things got to be the way they are in this place. Also more about the Thraxians. They have a bit more “evil for evil’s sake” in them than I would like. In other words, Hell Squad got much better for me when we learned the Gizzida’s motives. I may not like their motives, but understanding them helps me enjoy the series a whole lot more. We need to see that here on Carthago.
The whole “alternate gladiator” thing reminded me of another book, which of course I had to look for. If you like this kind of scenario, but want something darker and grimmer, you might like Lindsey Piper’s Dragon Kings series, starting with Silent Warrior. The way that the gladiator contests work has a similar feel, even if Dragon Kings is set on Earth.
I enjoyed Gladiator a lot, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Warrior. It looks like each book will match one of the gladiators of the House of Galen with one of the Earth women who was brought to Carthago. And it looks like a whole lot of sexy, sweaty fun!
This one is purely for fun. There’s no great message here, and I’m not too sure about any overarching story, like Hell Squad or Phoenix Adventures. This is just plain fun.
It’s also a good take on the infamous “Mars needs Women” trope in science fiction romance, A trope I don’t normally like, but is done well in this case. Because it isn’t Mars as a whole (so to speak) that needs Earth women, just three intergalactic gladiators in particular.
It has to get started somewhere. The somewhere in this case is Space Marine Harper Adams, stationed on a scientific research station orbiting Jupiter. Disaster strikes in the form of interplanetary slave raiders, the Thraxians, who look like the Terran equivalent of demons and break into the station and kidnap several of the scientists and marines stationed there, including Harper.
But unlike many of the captives, Harper is a trained warrior. Whenever she has the opportunity, she fights back. It earns her several beatings, and the undying enmity of one of the leaders, but also keeps her in fighting shape. A preparation she needs when she is sold on an outer Rim planet as a potential gladiator for the Kor Magna Arena on Carthago..
And that’s where everything changes. Harper is a good fighter to begin with, but she’s also deceptively strong. She’s smaller and shorter than most of the gladiators in the arena, but she’s also faster. It turns out that Earth has a slightly heavier gravity than Carthago, so she gets an unexpected strength boost.
It takes her a few days to find out both the good news, the bad news, and the dangerous news.
The bad news comes first. The Thraxians found Earth by accident, through a temporary wormhole. Earth is on the far side of the galaxy. Even if she stole a ship, it would take 200 plus years to get home. It’s a blow, but not as big as it might have been. Harper has nothing and no one left on Earth. She can make a home on Carthago if she can manage to accept her new circumstances.
Those new circumstances are nothing like she expected. She’s been enslaved, and she sees the gladiators in the arena as slaves, and thinks the gladiatorial contests are like the popular perception of the Roman Empire. That might be true in some of the other houses, but not in the House of Galen, the House that bought Harper’s “contract”.
Once she fights her way through her trial bout, Harper discovers the good news, for certain select definitions of good. She learns that the House of Galen, for all of its deserved badass reputation on the arena sands, has a surprisingly soft heart. All the gladiators are free, and they all fight because they can, and because the fights that they win allow them to bargain for the freedom of those who have been brought to Carthago from far-distant worlds but who are not suitable for the arena.
There is also the dangerous news. Fighting in the arena, fighting with the team that belongs to the House of Galen, Harper finds a place where she belongs, a purpose she can believe in and a man that she has come to love.
And it all threatens to go pear-shaped when the Thraxians dangle the presence of two of her friends from that Earth space station in front of her eyes. She’ll do anything to rescue her friends from Earth, no matter what the cost to herself, to the House of Galen, or to any future she might possibly have with the love of her very surprising life.
Escape Rating B+: For a story that is this much fun, there is a lot going on. While for this reader it feels like the focus is on Harper, because she is the one who has to make the big adjustment, there is definitely a romance here.
Raiden is the lost prince of a world that the Thraxians literally destroyed. They didn’t just wipe out the civilization, they placed bombs in the planet’s core so that it would break apart. Just like Harper, Raiden can’t go home again. He’s made a life for himself as a gladiator, fighting to free as many people as possible, one way or another.
Harper makes him feel, which is both dangerous and life-affirming, especially when they both have a nasty tendency to go off alone in dangerous situations to solve their problems.
I would love to know how things got to be the way they are in this place. Also more about the Thraxians. They have a bit more “evil for evil’s sake” in them than I would like. In other words, Hell Squad got much better for me when we learned the Gizzida’s motives. I may not like their motives, but understanding them helps me enjoy the series a whole lot more. We need to see that here on Carthago.
The whole “alternate gladiator” thing reminded me of another book, which of course I had to look for. If you like this kind of scenario, but want something darker and grimmer, you might like Lindsey Piper’s Dragon Kings series, starting with Silent Warrior. The way that the gladiator contests work has a similar feel, even if Dragon Kings is set on Earth.
I enjoyed Gladiator a lot, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series, Warrior. It looks like each book will match one of the gladiators of the House of Galen with one of the Earth women who was brought to Carthago. And it looks like a whole lot of sexy, sweaty fun!
March 4, 2024
There is nothing to complain about. This was easy to read, and I liked the characters.
February 20, 2025
Рейдън (гладиатор) и Харпър (човек)
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Много ми хареса. Това е първата книга, която чета от тази авторка и определено няма да е последната.
Харпър е космически пехотинец. Тя работи на космическа станция в близост до Юпитер, където учените изпращат сигнали в далечния космос опитвайки да разберат дали има други форми на живот с които да установят контакт. За сега нямат особен успех, докато един ден не се отваря космически портал и не се появява извънземен кораб. Малката космическа станция бива нападната и Харпър, заедно с други хора от станцията биват отвлечени.
Минават седмици и скоро Харпър се озовава на пустинната планета Кор Магна Арена, където извънземните раси организират гладиаторски боеве. Харпър се бори с извънземните, които са я пленили и така привлича вниманието на Рейдън.
Рейдън е принц, чиято планета и народ са унищожени. Сега той е най-силния гладиатор на арената и заедно със своите приятели макар свободни бойци, а не роби, са решили да останат на планетата, тъй като имат мисия.
Още щом вижда борбената дребна жена от неизвестна планета, Рейдън решава да я купи от робовладелците и тя става част от домакинството му.
Много скоро, между Рейдън и Харпър започват да прехвърчат искри, но на пътят им има страшни врагове, които искат смъртта им, Рейдън копнее за отмъщение, а Харпър да открие и спаси пленените си приятелки, които все още са в лапите на поробителите.
Честно казано, започнах книгата с резерви. Виждаше ми се странен сюжета за извънземни гладиатори, за роби и битки. Представях си нещо от типа Спартак, където се биеш до последна капка кръв, където си роб и нямаш права. Оказа се, че нашите гладиатори въобще не са това, което изглеждат. Супер много ми хареса тяхната мисия и целта на живота им. Харпър беше много борбена героиня, умна, силна и интуитивна, тя не се спираше пред нищо. Беше абсолютно най-добрия партньор за силния, сериозен и смъртоносен Рейдън.
Сега започвам следващата книга, за грамадния Торин и дребничката плашлива Рийгън. Очаквам при тях нещата да са коренно различни и все пак също толкова интересни <3
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Много ми хареса. Това е първата книга, която чета от тази авторка и определено няма да е последната.
Харпър е космически пехотинец. Тя работи на космическа станция в близост до Юпитер, където учените изпращат сигнали в далечния космос опитвайки да разберат дали има други форми на живот с които да установят контакт. За сега нямат особен успех, докато един ден не се отваря космически портал и не се появява извънземен кораб. Малката космическа станция бива нападната и Харпър, заедно с други хора от станцията биват отвлечени.
Минават седмици и скоро Харпър се озовава на пустинната планета Кор Магна Арена, където извънземните раси организират гладиаторски боеве. Харпър се бори с извънземните, които са я пленили и така привлича вниманието на Рейдън.
Рейдън е принц, чиято планета и народ са унищожени. Сега той е най-силния гладиатор на арената и заедно със своите приятели макар свободни бойци, а не роби, са решили да останат на планетата, тъй като имат мисия.
Още щом вижда борбената дребна жена от неизвестна планета, Рейдън решава да я купи от робовладелците и тя става част от домакинството му.
Много скоро, между Рейдън и Харпър започват да прехвърчат искри, но на пътят им има страшни врагове, които искат смъртта им, Рейдън копнее за отмъщение, а Харпър да открие и спаси пленените си приятелки, които все още са в лапите на поробителите.
Честно казано, започнах книгата с резерви. Виждаше ми се странен сюжета за извънземни гладиатори, за роби и битки. Представях си нещо от типа Спартак, където се биеш до последна капка кръв, където си роб и нямаш права. Оказа се, че нашите гладиатори въобще не са това, което изглеждат. Супер много ми хареса тяхната мисия и целта на живота им. Харпър беше много борбена героиня, умна, силна и интуитивна, тя не се спираше пред нищо. Беше абсолютно най-добрия партньор за силния, сериозен и смъртоносен Рейдън.
Сега започвам следващата книга, за грамадния Торин и дребничката плашлива Рийгън. Очаквам при тях нещата да са коренно различни и все пак също толкова интересни <3
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