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Galactic Gladiators #5
Champion
Fighting for love, honor, and freedom on the galaxy’s lawless outer rim…
Space marine Blaine Strong enjoyed being a composed, controlled member of space station security…until he was abducted by alien slavers. Forced into underground fight rings and pumped full of drugs, he’s now seething with anger and out for revenge.
Rescued by gladiators and fellow humans on the desert world of Carthago, Blaine is fighting to be the man he once was. But when the House of Galen is attacked, he must focus on joining the gladiators to fight back. That means teaming up with a tough, competitive female gladiator who not only challenges him at every turn, awakens a fierce desire he’s never felt before, but a woman who can sense the churning emotions inside him.
Gladiator Saff Essikani is the best net fighter in the Kor Magna Arena. Raised from young to fight, she bows to no man and uses her empathic abilities to win at whatever cost. With her House targeted and people under their care threatened, she’ll stop at nothing to find those responsible. But then she finds herself face to face with a big, tortured man from Earth who affects her like no man before. As Saff and Blaine head into the desert to uncover a conspiracy, their incendiary desire flares hotter than the desert suns. But as Blaine’s angry emotions rage out of control, Saff knows that unless he learns to embrace the man he is now, he has no chance of survival.
Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think wild gladiatorial fights and daring rescues), tough gladiators (the warriors of the House of Galen) and a steamy romance (between a tough female gladiator and a tortured space marine). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!
Space marine Blaine Strong enjoyed being a composed, controlled member of space station security…until he was abducted by alien slavers. Forced into underground fight rings and pumped full of drugs, he’s now seething with anger and out for revenge.
Rescued by gladiators and fellow humans on the desert world of Carthago, Blaine is fighting to be the man he once was. But when the House of Galen is attacked, he must focus on joining the gladiators to fight back. That means teaming up with a tough, competitive female gladiator who not only challenges him at every turn, awakens a fierce desire he’s never felt before, but a woman who can sense the churning emotions inside him.
Gladiator Saff Essikani is the best net fighter in the Kor Magna Arena. Raised from young to fight, she bows to no man and uses her empathic abilities to win at whatever cost. With her House targeted and people under their care threatened, she’ll stop at nothing to find those responsible. But then she finds herself face to face with a big, tortured man from Earth who affects her like no man before. As Saff and Blaine head into the desert to uncover a conspiracy, their incendiary desire flares hotter than the desert suns. But as Blaine’s angry emotions rage out of control, Saff knows that unless he learns to embrace the man he is now, he has no chance of survival.
Note to readers: This sci fi romance contains a lot of action (think wild gladiatorial fights and daring rescues), tough gladiators (the warriors of the House of Galen) and a steamy romance (between a tough female gladiator and a tortured space marine). So if you like it fast, and gritty, and sexy, this is for you!
193 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2017
507 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Anna Hackett
162 books2,901 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 153 reviews
January 17, 2020
Champion is book five in Galactic Gladiators series by Anna Hackett.
Another action-packed read. This time we are treated to a female fighter Saff and a human male Blaine.
Saff is tough, focussed, and fond of teasing her Gladiator brothers in arms. She also loves a challenge.
Blaine was a space marine until the day he was captured by alien slavers and sold to the underground fight arena. They drugged him to high heaven. He’s now escaped, but the drugs pumped into him have affect him.
There are quite a few people who are very unhappy with the House of Galen and revenge is clearly something they want. Things escalate and Saff and Blaine have a fight on their hands. Their romance was ok. Not as well thought out as previous couples.
Champion is a non stop action adventure. This was an enjoyable read. Not my favorite, but still good.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Another action-packed read. This time we are treated to a female fighter Saff and a human male Blaine.
Saff is tough, focussed, and fond of teasing her Gladiator brothers in arms. She also loves a challenge.
Blaine was a space marine until the day he was captured by alien slavers and sold to the underground fight arena. They drugged him to high heaven. He’s now escaped, but the drugs pumped into him have affect him.
There are quite a few people who are very unhappy with the House of Galen and revenge is clearly something they want. Things escalate and Saff and Blaine have a fight on their hands. Their romance was ok. Not as well thought out as previous couples.
Champion is a non stop action adventure. This was an enjoyable read. Not my favorite, but still good.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
March 22, 2017
Another dose of this authors Galactic Gladiators and this time it's the turn of female fighter Saff to make some hard choices. From the very start of this series she's been tough, focussed and fond of teasing her brothers in arms as the humans they meet steal their hearts. Now though there's a new man in the House of Galen and it's the very human space marine Blaine. He's escaped the underground fighting ring but he's damaged after all the drugs pumped into him . Still when Saff looks at him she sees his honour, his integrity and there's one thing Saff really enjoys and that's a challenge!
This series ticks a lot of boxes for me and I have to admit that these last two books have been fabulous sci fi romance with just enough action to entertain the most jaded reader. This book sees us catching up with not just Blaine ( Saff's very own Earth Man!) but also the three women who were rescued at the same time. The problem is there are quite a few people who are very unhappy with the House of Galen and revenge is clearly something they want. No spoilers but things start to escalate very quickly as those who trade in slaves are desperate for payback and pretty soon it's clear that Saff and Blaine have a fight on their hands. One that will take them far from the arena as they face not just danger but the past as well.
This book had a really interesting plot with vivid descriptions. I really enjoyed the build up of the romance but with such an ending its pretty clear that there's still a lot more in store for those who fight in Kor Magna.
This series ticks a lot of boxes for me and I have to admit that these last two books have been fabulous sci fi romance with just enough action to entertain the most jaded reader. This book sees us catching up with not just Blaine ( Saff's very own Earth Man!) but also the three women who were rescued at the same time. The problem is there are quite a few people who are very unhappy with the House of Galen and revenge is clearly something they want. No spoilers but things start to escalate very quickly as those who trade in slaves are desperate for payback and pretty soon it's clear that Saff and Blaine have a fight on their hands. One that will take them far from the arena as they face not just danger but the past as well.
This book had a really interesting plot with vivid descriptions. I really enjoyed the build up of the romance but with such an ending its pretty clear that there's still a lot more in store for those who fight in Kor Magna.
September 30, 2019
Hmmm...this one was on the fence for me. Did not love it. Did not loathe it. So the best way I can think to break this down is this:
Blaine: 3 star - I found him to be a bit boring. Possibly because Saff was so strong, but boring none the less. Their connection was not as well laid out as previous relationships in the series.
Saff: 3.5 star - Extremely strong FMC physically and mentally. For me possibly too strong. There was a delicateness missing which I do not think I have ever felt in a romance read.
Storyline: 3 star - Again well laid out plot. However, the continuous kidnapping of the same characters has become redundant.
Secondary character 4.5 - I am still completely drawn into these characters. Although, this is not one of my highest rating I have no intention of stopping. Still feel this is a stellar series!
Happy reading! DD
Blaine: 3 star - I found him to be a bit boring. Possibly because Saff was so strong, but boring none the less. Their connection was not as well laid out as previous relationships in the series.
Saff: 3.5 star - Extremely strong FMC physically and mentally. For me possibly too strong. There was a delicateness missing which I do not think I have ever felt in a romance read.
Storyline: 3 star - Again well laid out plot. However, the continuous kidnapping of the same characters has become redundant.
Secondary character 4.5 - I am still completely drawn into these characters. Although, this is not one of my highest rating I have no intention of stopping. Still feel this is a stellar series!
Happy reading! DD
May 16, 2019
3.5 stars.
Much to my surprise, I'm really enjoying Anna Hackett's Galactic Gladiators series. See, I never understood the "hot alien" thing. I grew up with The X-Files, and aliens were anything but hot. In fact, they so terrified me that when I woke up with a stomache one night, I burst into my parents' room convinced that aliens had abducted and impregnated me (yes, my crazy non-menstruating nine-year-old ass thought that I was pregnant). It was no wonder that my father declared, "No more X-Files!" Except I was watching the following week. Oops.
ANYWAY. This series is very entertaining, and a bit silly, and a lot of sexy. The House of Galen consists of a mishmash of aliens and humans who escaped slavery and barbaric arena fights. Some battle on as gladiators - in non-barbaric fights, of course - while others work as healers and scientists. All House of Galen members try to foster a peaceful and comforting environment for those that they rescue from vicious slavers.
Alien warrior Saff and human former Space Marine Blaine were a fun and hot couple (if eye-roll inducing when they were on the verge of making out during a rescue operation). Both characters had tortured backgrounds that made them strong enough to handle each other's rough and tough edges.
At times I felt that there were missed opportunities for more development and depth. Then I thought, "More depth? Who needs it?" And I mean that in a good way. While these books are not mindless fluff, they also are not reinventing the wheel. But they don't need to.
Read for April - June 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A science fiction novel or a book that has something to do with space.
Much to my surprise, I'm really enjoying Anna Hackett's Galactic Gladiators series. See, I never understood the "hot alien" thing. I grew up with The X-Files, and aliens were anything but hot. In fact, they so terrified me that when I woke up with a stomache one night, I burst into my parents' room convinced that aliens had abducted and impregnated me (yes, my crazy non-menstruating nine-year-old ass thought that I was pregnant). It was no wonder that my father declared, "No more X-Files!" Except I was watching the following week. Oops.
ANYWAY. This series is very entertaining, and a bit silly, and a lot of sexy. The House of Galen consists of a mishmash of aliens and humans who escaped slavery and barbaric arena fights. Some battle on as gladiators - in non-barbaric fights, of course - while others work as healers and scientists. All House of Galen members try to foster a peaceful and comforting environment for those that they rescue from vicious slavers.
Alien warrior Saff and human former Space Marine Blaine were a fun and hot couple (if eye-roll inducing when they were on the verge of making out during a rescue operation). Both characters had tortured backgrounds that made them strong enough to handle each other's rough and tough edges.
At times I felt that there were missed opportunities for more development and depth. Then I thought, "More depth? Who needs it?" And I mean that in a good way. While these books are not mindless fluff, they also are not reinventing the wheel. But they don't need to.
Read for April - June 2019 Quarterly Challenge: A science fiction novel or a book that has something to do with space.
June 8, 2023
Champion is the fifth installment in the "Galactic Gladiators" series. It was so wonderful to return to this series. I will say that what I have really enjoyed about these books are what a wild ride they are and so much thrilling action. I just love it. Its like sci fi romantic suspense and the only thing I think I would change about these is that they don't seem to be long enough haha there is a serial plot line, so I would actually recommend reading the series in order of each other though. Just because as far as that is concerned, the reader might find themselves confused on certain aspects.
Champion is a story that brings together two fighters together. The hero, Blaine, was a space marine, and then held hostage, forced to fight with drugs which changed him. Now that he is rescued and with the Galen warriors, though he is full of rage and the only one that seems to snap him out of it is the kick ass female warrior, Saff. When their safe haven and compound is attacked, and three of the women are taken captive, Saff and Blaine join forces to go out in the desert and find them, never expecting to find a connection to each other along the way.
What I found most interesting about this story was seeing the chemistry that builds between these two and the way that they connect in their sparring matches. They definitely kick ass against their enemies and I loved seeing that as well. I also found it interesting to see the way that their chemistry builds. And there are these small quiet moments that really build on the emotional intimacy that slowly builds stronger between them. And the ways in which they learn to fight for each other was beyond precious.
I loved the way in which we see other couples and hints for their stories building and I am really intrigued by this tension that is building between the Galen warrior and their Thraxian enemies, you can definitely tell its building into something more that will involve more than just these two groupings and I am curious to see where this author is planning on taking this in the next installments.
Overall, I had a blast with Champion and like the previous installments and what is typical with this author is you will be taken on one wild adventure to curl your toes and whet your appetites, leaving you hungry for more!
Champion is a story that brings together two fighters together. The hero, Blaine, was a space marine, and then held hostage, forced to fight with drugs which changed him. Now that he is rescued and with the Galen warriors, though he is full of rage and the only one that seems to snap him out of it is the kick ass female warrior, Saff. When their safe haven and compound is attacked, and three of the women are taken captive, Saff and Blaine join forces to go out in the desert and find them, never expecting to find a connection to each other along the way.
What I found most interesting about this story was seeing the chemistry that builds between these two and the way that they connect in their sparring matches. They definitely kick ass against their enemies and I loved seeing that as well. I also found it interesting to see the way that their chemistry builds. And there are these small quiet moments that really build on the emotional intimacy that slowly builds stronger between them. And the ways in which they learn to fight for each other was beyond precious.
I loved the way in which we see other couples and hints for their stories building and I am really intrigued by this tension that is building between the Galen warrior and their Thraxian enemies, you can definitely tell its building into something more that will involve more than just these two groupings and I am curious to see where this author is planning on taking this in the next installments.
Overall, I had a blast with Champion and like the previous installments and what is typical with this author is you will be taken on one wild adventure to curl your toes and whet your appetites, leaving you hungry for more!
April 23, 2017
Happy to see a human male get matched with an alien female. The fact that they are both amazing warriors is great as well.
I like the romance between them as the hero heals from his emotionial wounds from being a captive.
The action is fast paced but it sometimes out balanced the love story and wasn't as interesting as it repeated some events in the earlier books.
However, new characters that I am interested in do get introduced. I will keep reading.
I like the romance between them as the hero heals from his emotionial wounds from being a captive.
The action is fast paced but it sometimes out balanced the love story and wasn't as interesting as it repeated some events in the earlier books.
However, new characters that I am interested in do get introduced. I will keep reading.
March 29, 2017
There are many Anna Hackett books that are probably scored permanently in my memory, and I'm beyond happy to say that 'Champion' will number as one of them.
I've been somewhat on the fence with the Galactic Gladiator series but Blaine/Saff's story is one that I truly liked and could get into without difficulty. It's the sense of true equality that I got between the both of them - physically, emotionally, with similar spirits of determination, loyalty and courage - which I thought made this story so enjoyable, along with that chemistry that Hackett has written into this unlikely pairing. Throw in the desert landscape, the thrills and spills and the action and 'Champion' is a fantastic read that brings a mish-mash of classic but epic movies into play.
Now that we're waist-deep into this strange, gladiator world, I'm starting to appreciate the sheer scope of Hackett's world-building again - this woman's got a heck of an imagination and enough gumption to bring it to life - and am actually quite amazed at how it's expanding in a manner that's making me want to know how the future books are going to go.
Still, I had an altogether satisfying experience, enhanced of course, as always, by the anticipation of the next book and pairing written into the end of this story.
I've been somewhat on the fence with the Galactic Gladiator series but Blaine/Saff's story is one that I truly liked and could get into without difficulty. It's the sense of true equality that I got between the both of them - physically, emotionally, with similar spirits of determination, loyalty and courage - which I thought made this story so enjoyable, along with that chemistry that Hackett has written into this unlikely pairing. Throw in the desert landscape, the thrills and spills and the action and 'Champion' is a fantastic read that brings a mish-mash of classic but epic movies into play.
Now that we're waist-deep into this strange, gladiator world, I'm starting to appreciate the sheer scope of Hackett's world-building again - this woman's got a heck of an imagination and enough gumption to bring it to life - and am actually quite amazed at how it's expanding in a manner that's making me want to know how the future books are going to go.
Still, I had an altogether satisfying experience, enhanced of course, as always, by the anticipation of the next book and pairing written into the end of this story.
August 13, 2018
Our Alien girl got her Earth Man!
She is the only female gladiator of House of Galen, a kick ass girl but an Empath too:)
Awesome 😁
❤️
She is the only female gladiator of House of Galen, a kick ass girl but an Empath too:)
Awesome 😁
❤️
March 29, 2017
Revenge.
Blaine Strong was abducted from an Earth space station by Thraxian slavers, drugged, and made to fight or die in an illegal underground fighting ring. Though rescued and now freely fighting for the House of Galen on Kor Magna, his burning drive is to locate the Thraxian & Srinars responsible and deliver some good old fashioned payback, Earth style.
The House of Galen has been attacked and three of their females abducted. There are laws governing the planet and the Thraxians have violated the most sacred of them. The House of Galen will have their revenge.
Saff has known true evil and lived through it. As the premier female gladiator for the House of Galen, she now controls her own destiny. Feeling she can help Blaine deal with his own personal demons, Saff is shocked to discover her feelings go way beyond empathy for a fellow warrior. She'll have to deal those feelings after getting revenge for the brazen attack on her House and help free her friends.
The time has come for the House of Galan to collect on some overdue revenge
* * *
This is the fifth installment in the Galactic Gladiator sci fi series this time featuring Saff & Blaine. It can be read as a stand alone, but as always, to fully appreciate the story, it's best to have read some of the previous installments.
I enjoyed returning to this world building of sci fi arena gladiators who fight with basic tools and personal skill sets such as the ancient Romans did. This updated version did incorporate alien technology, powers, and flora/fauna elements for the futuristic time line which really opened the possibilities of gore and exciting fight scenes. If only 'some' of the differing gladiator houses would have played by the rules it would be perfect, but then the author wouldn't have a story to tell now would she.....
This wasn't one of my favorites in the series for the simple reason the plot and story lines are becoming cookie cutter remakes of each other. The bad guy elements are the same, the heroes (different main characters of course) are the same, it's just the variables to change up how things play out that change. The core romance between the main couples does add that extra zing to the story which is probably the biggest draw for me.
I'm not a big fan of the continued action/adventure that is incorporated into this story as the individual scenes are rushed and condensed. While I appreciate a story line that moves along, I like to feel that each individual scene has enough time to develop into being meaningful and supporting to the overall plot. I just didn't get there with this installment.
Saff & Blaine. I appreciated matching these two characters up and loved their chemistry. The adult content scenes between the two did provide that extra heat that I love to read. My only regret is that I didn't have the emotional attachment to them that I wanted to.
This is a SciFi romance that fans of the series and author will appreciate. I'm a fan myself and anxiously waiting for Galan's story, which I'm crossing my fingers comes sooner than later. I'm also hopeful Zihm makes another appearance and maybe gets his own HEA.
Blaine Strong was abducted from an Earth space station by Thraxian slavers, drugged, and made to fight or die in an illegal underground fighting ring. Though rescued and now freely fighting for the House of Galen on Kor Magna, his burning drive is to locate the Thraxian & Srinars responsible and deliver some good old fashioned payback, Earth style.
The House of Galen has been attacked and three of their females abducted. There are laws governing the planet and the Thraxians have violated the most sacred of them. The House of Galen will have their revenge.
Saff has known true evil and lived through it. As the premier female gladiator for the House of Galen, she now controls her own destiny. Feeling she can help Blaine deal with his own personal demons, Saff is shocked to discover her feelings go way beyond empathy for a fellow warrior. She'll have to deal those feelings after getting revenge for the brazen attack on her House and help free her friends.
The time has come for the House of Galan to collect on some overdue revenge
* * *
This is the fifth installment in the Galactic Gladiator sci fi series this time featuring Saff & Blaine. It can be read as a stand alone, but as always, to fully appreciate the story, it's best to have read some of the previous installments.
I enjoyed returning to this world building of sci fi arena gladiators who fight with basic tools and personal skill sets such as the ancient Romans did. This updated version did incorporate alien technology, powers, and flora/fauna elements for the futuristic time line which really opened the possibilities of gore and exciting fight scenes. If only 'some' of the differing gladiator houses would have played by the rules it would be perfect, but then the author wouldn't have a story to tell now would she.....
This wasn't one of my favorites in the series for the simple reason the plot and story lines are becoming cookie cutter remakes of each other. The bad guy elements are the same, the heroes (different main characters of course) are the same, it's just the variables to change up how things play out that change. The core romance between the main couples does add that extra zing to the story which is probably the biggest draw for me.
I'm not a big fan of the continued action/adventure that is incorporated into this story as the individual scenes are rushed and condensed. While I appreciate a story line that moves along, I like to feel that each individual scene has enough time to develop into being meaningful and supporting to the overall plot. I just didn't get there with this installment.
Saff & Blaine. I appreciated matching these two characters up and loved their chemistry. The adult content scenes between the two did provide that extra heat that I love to read. My only regret is that I didn't have the emotional attachment to them that I wanted to.
This is a SciFi romance that fans of the series and author will appreciate. I'm a fan myself and anxiously waiting for Galan's story, which I'm crossing my fingers comes sooner than later. I'm also hopeful Zihm makes another appearance and maybe gets his own HEA.
June 5, 2025
After being abducted by aliens he may be damaged, but he is strong and takes no prisoners. All he wants is freedom
Champion has captured all the elements of a great SciFi story, creatures of all sorts, gladiators, deadly trials, secret agendas, mystery, action, frustrations, pain, suffering, romance, and much, much more.
The story is told in multiple POV which I think makes or breaks a story as you get inside their thoughts, feelings etc that make the story feel more rounded.
The life of a gladiator is a dark and dangerous place full of secrets and lies and is brutal and deadly it will either make or break them.
I recommend this if you are looking for an enjoyable read.
Champion has captured all the elements of a great SciFi story, creatures of all sorts, gladiators, deadly trials, secret agendas, mystery, action, frustrations, pain, suffering, romance, and much, much more.
The story is told in multiple POV which I think makes or breaks a story as you get inside their thoughts, feelings etc that make the story feel more rounded.
The life of a gladiator is a dark and dangerous place full of secrets and lies and is brutal and deadly it will either make or break them.
I recommend this if you are looking for an enjoyable read.
February 20, 2025
Сав (гладиаторка) и Блейн (човек)
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Амииии, не ме впечатли. Нещо й куцаше на тази книга. Не мога да определя точно какво, но не ме грабна. Нямаше нищо точно определено, което да не харесвам, просто някак ми беше постна.
Сав е боец. Обучавана още от дете да се бие и продадена на арената на планетата Картаго, всичко което знае и обича да прави е да се бие. Тя е една от "момчетата". Не завързва връзки с никой. Използва мъжете само за кратки развлечения и държи сърцето си затворено за всякаква нежност и любов.
Блейн е военен отвлечен от космическата станция на която работи и продаден в робство. Принуден да се бие в подземните нелегални арени, измъчван и дрогиран, той смята че е изгубил всякаква човечност. Избухва бързо и яростно отдавайки се на гнева, докато преди е бил мъж уповаващ се на логиката и силната си воля. Още от първият миг в който зърва Сав, той е изключително силно привлечен от нея, но тя е прекалено независима, че да му позволи да се сближи с нея.
Враговете им нападат дома им и отвличат трите човешки жени, които бяха спасени заедно с Блейн. Дейна, Уинтър и Миа изчезват и всички гладиатори се хвърлят да ги открият и спасят.
Знам, че в основата на поредицата се върти идеята да се спасява главната героиня за която ще е следващата книга. Така в книгата на Харпър и Рейдън, Харпър беше обсебена от това да спасят Рийгън. В книгата на Рийгън и Кор, Рийгън бе обсебена от това да спасят Рори. В книгата на Рори и Кейс, Рори гледаше да спаси Маделин. В книгата на Маделин и Лор, Маделин имаше фиксидеята да спаси Блейн. Освен Блейн обаче спасиха и Дейна, Уинтър и Миа. Надявах се тея фиксидеи за спасяване на някой да се свършат, но не. В тази книга Блейн и Сав така бързаха да спасят Уинтър, че дори Блейн трябваше да изостави Сав, за да успее да измъкне Уинтър. И сега очаквам в книгата на Уинтър и Неро, Уинтър да мъчи да спаси или Дейна или Миа (в зависимост от това, за кой ще е следващата книга). И едно и също, като стар рефрен водещата тема е това, да се спаси героя от следващата книга. В началото беше интересно, ама вече се изтърка. Почва да ми става трудно да следя кой, кого спасява.
Отделно химията между Сав и Блейн някак куцаше, да не кажа, че хич я нямаше. Дали защото тя бе супер независима, не искаше да се обвързва и бе леко мъжкарана. Дали защото той все смяташе, че не е достоен за нея, тъй като мислеше, че има тъмна страна в себе си, или факта, че тя успяваше да го победи в двубоите го караше по някакъв начин да иска да й се наложи, и все пак, се боеше да не я нарани и се сдържаше. Не знам, но главното е химия нулева, клишето на макс и малко не ме впечатли. Разбира се, имаше си своите интересни моменти, заради които давам 3 звезди.
📣🚨🛑РЕВЮ СЪДЪРЖАЩО СПОЙЛЕРИ🛑🚨📣
Амииии, не ме впечатли. Нещо й куцаше на тази книга. Не мога да определя точно какво, но не ме грабна. Нямаше нищо точно определено, което да не харесвам, просто някак ми беше постна.
Сав е боец. Обучавана още от дете да се бие и продадена на арената на планетата Картаго, всичко което знае и обича да прави е да се бие. Тя е една от "момчетата". Не завързва връзки с никой. Използва мъжете само за кратки развлечения и държи сърцето си затворено за всякаква нежност и любов.
Блейн е военен отвлечен от космическата станция на която работи и продаден в робство. Принуден да се бие в подземните нелегални арени, измъчван и дрогиран, той смята че е изгубил всякаква човечност. Избухва бързо и яростно отдавайки се на гнева, докато преди е бил мъж уповаващ се на логиката и силната си воля. Още от първият миг в който зърва Сав, той е изключително силно привлечен от нея, но тя е прекалено независима, че да му позволи да се сближи с нея.
Враговете им нападат дома им и отвличат трите човешки жени, които бяха спасени заедно с Блейн. Дейна, Уинтър и Миа изчезват и всички гладиатори се хвърлят да ги открият и спасят.
Знам, че в основата на поредицата се върти идеята да се спасява главната героиня за която ще е следващата книга. Така в книгата на Харпър и Рейдън, Харпър беше обсебена от това да спасят Рийгън. В книгата на Рийгън и Кор, Рийгън бе обсебена от това да спасят Рори. В книгата на Рори и Кейс, Рори гледаше да спаси Маделин. В книгата на Маделин и Лор, Маделин имаше фиксидеята да спаси Блейн. Освен Блейн обаче спасиха и Дейна, Уинтър и Миа. Надявах се тея фиксидеи за спасяване на някой да се свършат, но не. В тази книга Блейн и Сав така бързаха да спасят Уинтър, че дори Блейн трябваше да изостави Сав, за да успее да измъкне Уинтър. И сега очаквам в книгата на Уинтър и Неро, Уинтър да мъчи да спаси или Дейна или Миа (в зависимост от това, за кой ще е следващата книга). И едно и също, като стар рефрен водещата тема е това, да се спаси героя от следващата книга. В началото беше интересно, ама вече се изтърка. Почва да ми става трудно да следя кой, кого спасява.
Отделно химията между Сав и Блейн някак куцаше, да не кажа, че хич я нямаше. Дали защото тя бе супер независима, не искаше да се обвързва и бе леко мъжкарана. Дали защото той все смяташе, че не е достоен за нея, тъй като мислеше, че има тъмна страна в себе си, или факта, че тя успяваше да го победи в двубоите го караше по някакъв начин да иска да й се наложи, и все пак, се боеше да не я нарани и се сдържаше. Не знам, но главното е химия нулева, клишето на макс и малко не ме впечатли. Разбира се, имаше си своите интересни моменти, заради които давам 3 звезди.
July 13, 2017
4 stars.
The only male Earth abductee that we know of, Blaine was drugged and put into illegal fight rings. Together with 3 other Earth women, he was rescued by the House of Galen. However, their enemies infiltrated the House and managed to re-capture the women. So, with Saff, the only high-level female Gladiator from the House, they went in search of the women who were rumored to have been sent to a mythical desert fight Arena.
I quite enjoyed this, especially as the author has expanded this alien Gladiator world a lot since the first book. Also, the author gave Blaine and Saff backgrounds that made them quite believable and you can't help but cheer them on to their HEA.
The only male Earth abductee that we know of, Blaine was drugged and put into illegal fight rings. Together with 3 other Earth women, he was rescued by the House of Galen. However, their enemies infiltrated the House and managed to re-capture the women. So, with Saff, the only high-level female Gladiator from the House, they went in search of the women who were rumored to have been sent to a mythical desert fight Arena.
I quite enjoyed this, especially as the author has expanded this alien Gladiator world a lot since the first book. Also, the author gave Blaine and Saff backgrounds that made them quite believable and you can't help but cheer them on to their HEA.
March 31, 2017
Originally published at Reading Reality
There was a bit more sand than usual in this entry in Hackett’s sand, swords, and spaceships saga of gladiators on an intergalactic pleasure planet far, far, far from Earth’s corner of the Milky Way galaxy. If you like your science fiction romance with a lot of strong, sexy heroes, very evil bad guys and more than a bit of “can’t go home again” angst, this series is a winner. But you really need to at least read the first book in the series, Gladiator, to see how it all fits so marvelously together.
And it’s such a fun ride that if you like either SFR or gladiator romance, the whole thing is a winner.
But about Champion in particular, this entry in the series breaks the pattern a bit, and I enjoyed it all the more for that. Up til now, all of the heroines have been the human women who were kidnapped from Jupiter Station and dragged through a temporary wormhole as slaves of the very evil Thraxians.
And the heroes have all been gladiators of the House of Galen, a house that is dedicated not just to fighting the good fight, but also to rescuing those, like many of the women from Earth, who are simply not meant to be gladiators.
This entry in the series still features one of the gladiators from the House of Galen, but this time it’s the heroine. Saff Essikani is the team’s net fighter, and she’s damn good. She’s also someone who overcame a childhood of being property, and understands all too well how those enslaved women feel.
The hero, on the other hand, the Champion of the title, is the first human male we’ve encountered who was also part of that kidnapping. Blaine has spent his several months of captivity in the underground fight rings, where his alternatives had been reduced to death or survival. He was rescued, along with three human women, at the end of Protector, but while his body may be free, his mind is still partially locked back in those cages.
He’s lost the iron control he used to be famous for, due to the rage amplifying drugs the slave masters injected him with to keep him in the fights. The withdrawal is beyond painful.
But just as he’s getting himself back together, the House of Galen is attacked, and every gladiator is needed to discover who is responsible, and finally put down their enemies, once and for all. And just as Saff and Blaine have finally discovered each other, they are both forced to relive their greatest nightmares, hoping that someone can free them, or that this time, they can save each other.
Escape Rating A-:For this reader, it had felt as if the series were descending into just a bit of a rut. A rut that was still plenty of fun to pull up a chair in and read, but not as fresh and new as at the beginning.
This book was a welcome change. Not just because of the gender reversal, where the woman is the gladiator and the man is the human, but also because the stakes got higher. One of the running threads in the series as a whole is that the House of Galen are the good guys, and the Thraxians and their allies the Srinar are very definitely the bad guys.
For admittedly loose definitions of good, bad and especially guys.
Up until Champion, the House of Galen has won every encounter. Those wins have meant increasing numbers of slaves freed from their captivity and either given good jobs or returned to the families from which they were stolen.
In this story, evil fights back. And it scores some really disgusting wins. But it’s necessary. Evil never just curls up into the fetal position and slinks away – at least not without seriously trying to reassert its evil ways and getting cut to ribbons by the forces of good. This is that attempt. And as so often happens, it succeeds, at least at first, because no one sees it coming. As it so often does, evil attacks through the noncombatants, and scores a big surprise victory.
As part of fighting back from that attack, the House of Galen not only has to begin rally its allies for a hopefully final assault on the evil, but it also has to finally dig down and determine the depths of that evil so that they can cut it out by the root.
And that’s where this story gets its heart. Saff and Blaine have to face and conquer their own very, very serious demons both to save the day and to be worthy of each other. While it is nail-bitingly scary in the doing of it, when they finally win through its absolutely awesome.
There was a bit more sand than usual in this entry in Hackett’s sand, swords, and spaceships saga of gladiators on an intergalactic pleasure planet far, far, far from Earth’s corner of the Milky Way galaxy. If you like your science fiction romance with a lot of strong, sexy heroes, very evil bad guys and more than a bit of “can’t go home again” angst, this series is a winner. But you really need to at least read the first book in the series, Gladiator, to see how it all fits so marvelously together.
And it’s such a fun ride that if you like either SFR or gladiator romance, the whole thing is a winner.
But about Champion in particular, this entry in the series breaks the pattern a bit, and I enjoyed it all the more for that. Up til now, all of the heroines have been the human women who were kidnapped from Jupiter Station and dragged through a temporary wormhole as slaves of the very evil Thraxians.
And the heroes have all been gladiators of the House of Galen, a house that is dedicated not just to fighting the good fight, but also to rescuing those, like many of the women from Earth, who are simply not meant to be gladiators.
This entry in the series still features one of the gladiators from the House of Galen, but this time it’s the heroine. Saff Essikani is the team’s net fighter, and she’s damn good. She’s also someone who overcame a childhood of being property, and understands all too well how those enslaved women feel.
The hero, on the other hand, the Champion of the title, is the first human male we’ve encountered who was also part of that kidnapping. Blaine has spent his several months of captivity in the underground fight rings, where his alternatives had been reduced to death or survival. He was rescued, along with three human women, at the end of Protector, but while his body may be free, his mind is still partially locked back in those cages.
He’s lost the iron control he used to be famous for, due to the rage amplifying drugs the slave masters injected him with to keep him in the fights. The withdrawal is beyond painful.
But just as he’s getting himself back together, the House of Galen is attacked, and every gladiator is needed to discover who is responsible, and finally put down their enemies, once and for all. And just as Saff and Blaine have finally discovered each other, they are both forced to relive their greatest nightmares, hoping that someone can free them, or that this time, they can save each other.
Escape Rating A-:For this reader, it had felt as if the series were descending into just a bit of a rut. A rut that was still plenty of fun to pull up a chair in and read, but not as fresh and new as at the beginning.
This book was a welcome change. Not just because of the gender reversal, where the woman is the gladiator and the man is the human, but also because the stakes got higher. One of the running threads in the series as a whole is that the House of Galen are the good guys, and the Thraxians and their allies the Srinar are very definitely the bad guys.
For admittedly loose definitions of good, bad and especially guys.
Up until Champion, the House of Galen has won every encounter. Those wins have meant increasing numbers of slaves freed from their captivity and either given good jobs or returned to the families from which they were stolen.
In this story, evil fights back. And it scores some really disgusting wins. But it’s necessary. Evil never just curls up into the fetal position and slinks away – at least not without seriously trying to reassert its evil ways and getting cut to ribbons by the forces of good. This is that attempt. And as so often happens, it succeeds, at least at first, because no one sees it coming. As it so often does, evil attacks through the noncombatants, and scores a big surprise victory.
As part of fighting back from that attack, the House of Galen not only has to begin rally its allies for a hopefully final assault on the evil, but it also has to finally dig down and determine the depths of that evil so that they can cut it out by the root.
And that’s where this story gets its heart. Saff and Blaine have to face and conquer their own very, very serious demons both to save the day and to be worthy of each other. While it is nail-bitingly scary in the doing of it, when they finally win through its absolutely awesome.
November 4, 2018
And now here we are at book five. This is a reversal of roles book. In this one Saff, our heroine is the lone female member of the House of Galen. She's fierce and she's a warrior and she can keep up with any of her male team members in the ring.
Blaine was an ex-marine, now working as security on the space station before it was attacked. When it was, he had been sold to an underground fighting ring and kept drugged to keep him more aggressive and fighting harder.
Saff is drawn to Blaine as he is to her but the drugs have done a number on Blaine and he's not the same person he was before and he's having a hard time accepting this. Also he's a protective type and finds it kind of hard to accept that Saff can handle herself just fine. He keeps wanting to jump in and save her and this annoys Saff as she IS a gladiator for one of the best Houses on the planet.
And this one certainly is good enough to keep me wanting to keep on.
Blaine was an ex-marine, now working as security on the space station before it was attacked. When it was, he had been sold to an underground fighting ring and kept drugged to keep him more aggressive and fighting harder.
Saff is drawn to Blaine as he is to her but the drugs have done a number on Blaine and he's not the same person he was before and he's having a hard time accepting this. Also he's a protective type and finds it kind of hard to accept that Saff can handle herself just fine. He keeps wanting to jump in and save her and this annoys Saff as she IS a gladiator for one of the best Houses on the planet.
And this one certainly is good enough to keep me wanting to keep on.
November 15, 2017
Scifi fluff romance.
This is really good until the middle where they don't kill the a-hole. And surprise surprise, he comes back to haunt them and cause great injury. Really? I literally was yelling out loud, while driving and listening to this through headsets and my daughter was like, 'what?'. "Kill him! argh!", "kill him already! argh!". 'what Mom?' daughter respondes. She knows I am listening to a book but is really wondering. Usually I'm laughing or sighing but not talking out loud. So here I am explaining that they are not killing the bad guy, no they try to take him with them and when they cannot... they don't kill him, leaving him to do very bad thing again. Argh!
So this is at the 1/2 way point and it is a spoiler but... I'm leaving it as maybe others won't be as disappointed knowing ahead that something totally stupid is about to happen.
So 80% in now and just for this stupidity, I will not be able to love this.
This is really good until the middle where they don't kill the a-hole. And surprise surprise, he comes back to haunt them and cause great injury. Really? I literally was yelling out loud, while driving and listening to this through headsets and my daughter was like, 'what?'. "Kill him! argh!", "kill him already! argh!". 'what Mom?' daughter respondes. She knows I am listening to a book but is really wondering. Usually I'm laughing or sighing but not talking out loud. So here I am explaining that they are not killing the bad guy, no they try to take him with them and when they cannot... they don't kill him, leaving him to do very bad thing again. Argh!
So this is at the 1/2 way point and it is a spoiler but... I'm leaving it as maybe others won't be as disappointed knowing ahead that something totally stupid is about to happen.
So 80% in now and just for this stupidity, I will not be able to love this.
September 8, 2017
Blaine Strong has been the iffiest of the humans captured and sold into slavery. He has been drugged and made to fight to the death before being rescued. Now he has to try to come to terms with what and who he is now and for that he needs help. Saff Essikani is the one to provide it but not without a lot of danger, tension and new problems for the Galactic Gladiators. The world building and back story was done in the previous novellas but there is some tucked into the story line if you missed the first stories. This one brings Blaine and Saff together in a rescue operation, sets the stage for the next story in the series and is a satisfying read with a nice romance for our two main characters.
April 5, 2017
This Galactic Gladiators book to breaks the formula of the first few, and it’s the more enjoyable (for me) for it.
Blaine Strong has plenty of demons and trauma to deal with. He’s a tortured hero who thankfully doesn’t take it out on anyone…except maybe himself. Saff Essikani, however, takes no guff from Blaine, and calls him on his self-destructive impulses. Both characters are strong and likable, competent and wounded. Saff has some ugly things of her own to overcome, and she and Blaine have to lean on each other to overcome them. They’re very good together, in bed, in the fight ring, or traveling together on not-camels.
The action and pacing are fantastic as usual, and this would make a great feature film. I don’t like that there’s teaser material for the next book in the series as this one.
Blaine Strong has plenty of demons and trauma to deal with. He’s a tortured hero who thankfully doesn’t take it out on anyone…except maybe himself. Saff Essikani, however, takes no guff from Blaine, and calls him on his self-destructive impulses. Both characters are strong and likable, competent and wounded. Saff has some ugly things of her own to overcome, and she and Blaine have to lean on each other to overcome them. They’re very good together, in bed, in the fight ring, or traveling together on not-camels.
The action and pacing are fantastic as usual, and this would make a great feature film. I don’t like that there’s teaser material for the next book in the series as this one.
April 8, 2017
Great read
Loved it. Lots of action, hot sex and great characters. If you're looking for an interesting plot, this the book for you
Loved it. Lots of action, hot sex and great characters. If you're looking for an interesting plot, this the book for you
June 17, 2017
Taken from his world forced to fight
Blaine overcomes being forced to kill, being made an addict against his will and having his freedom stolen. He finds love in the most unlikely place with a unusual warrior woman.
Blaine overcomes being forced to kill, being made an addict against his will and having his freedom stolen. He finds love in the most unlikely place with a unusual warrior woman.
January 1, 2018
My favourite of the Galactic Gladiators series.
March 30, 2017
Amazing!!
Another amazing sizzlin Hot, action packed, Paranormal Romance read by Anna Hackett! Loved this couple as much as all in previous reads in this awesome series! A must read:)
Another amazing sizzlin Hot, action packed, Paranormal Romance read by Anna Hackett! Loved this couple as much as all in previous reads in this awesome series! A must read:)
July 11, 2019
Saff and Blaine
Finding it hard to adjust to being free Blaine is impatient with himself returning to normal. Saff spars with him in practice and finds they have hot mad chemistry.
Throw in a kidnapping of several women and you have a great action packed story
Finding it hard to adjust to being free Blaine is impatient with himself returning to normal. Saff spars with him in practice and finds they have hot mad chemistry.
Throw in a kidnapping of several women and you have a great action packed story
February 3, 2025
Series: Galactic Gladiators #5
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Space Marine Blaine Strong is struggling to overcome his time as a slave in the underground fighting rings. The drugs they gave him have made him more aggressive and now he struggles to control himself. When the House of Galen is attacked he fights with the gladiators to take down their enemies and rescue the humans. Along the way he admits his feelings for the beautiful and dangerous Saff Essikani.
“Sometimes things look bad, impossible even, but you have to believe things will get better and keep moving toward it.”
This was an action packed adventure with a very hot couple. I really enjoyed this book. Blaine is struggling to deal with what was done to him in the fighting rights. Saff is the only one who gets through to him and really understands how much he is struggling. She helps him embrace the fact he will never be the same man again. I really liked Blaine and do wonder if we will see more human men in future books since we know more were taken.
“He kissed her like he needed her to live. Needed her to breathe. Like he could find all the answers inside her.”
Saff was a beautiful and deadly woman. I really liked her. She was sold to the arena and has earned her freedom but the scars from her past still remain. These two had great chemistry and were a kickass couple. I couldn’t get enough of either of them, especially when they were fighting together.
I really can’t wait to dive into the next book because things are really ramping up against the slavers. We are getting closer to finding the location of the fight rings and the rest of the humans but it gets more dangerous with every new piece of information. I love the mixture of romance and danger in this series. Hackett really knows how to mix the two and create an amazing world and characters.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good
Space Marine Blaine Strong is struggling to overcome his time as a slave in the underground fighting rings. The drugs they gave him have made him more aggressive and now he struggles to control himself. When the House of Galen is attacked he fights with the gladiators to take down their enemies and rescue the humans. Along the way he admits his feelings for the beautiful and dangerous Saff Essikani.
“Sometimes things look bad, impossible even, but you have to believe things will get better and keep moving toward it.”
This was an action packed adventure with a very hot couple. I really enjoyed this book. Blaine is struggling to deal with what was done to him in the fighting rights. Saff is the only one who gets through to him and really understands how much he is struggling. She helps him embrace the fact he will never be the same man again. I really liked Blaine and do wonder if we will see more human men in future books since we know more were taken.
“He kissed her like he needed her to live. Needed her to breathe. Like he could find all the answers inside her.”
Saff was a beautiful and deadly woman. I really liked her. She was sold to the arena and has earned her freedom but the scars from her past still remain. These two had great chemistry and were a kickass couple. I couldn’t get enough of either of them, especially when they were fighting together.
I really can’t wait to dive into the next book because things are really ramping up against the slavers. We are getting closer to finding the location of the fight rings and the rest of the humans but it gets more dangerous with every new piece of information. I love the mixture of romance and danger in this series. Hackett really knows how to mix the two and create an amazing world and characters.
This review was originally posted at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
May 20, 2017
💘Love's for Anyone But Me
Blaine Strong💪, human marine and once a drug addicted gladiator🔪, was freed from the slavers by Galen and fights for him now. He has beaten the addiction with the help of an alien woman gladiator🔪, Saff. She is also an Empath. They have fought at each other's side in the arena for the slavers and now for the House of Galen on the desert planet🌍 of Carthago.
When Galen's gladiator🔪 compound is raided, three of the human women are taken by the despicable slave master, a Srinarian 👽alien, who since banned from legitimate arenas, has taken his slave gladiators🔪 to secret arenas deep in the desert.
Galen organizes a rescue team to follow and recover the three women. Blaine💪🔪 and Saff🔪 lead the rescue effort.
Blaine👹🍌🌋🔪 is one hot, jacked💪, and tatted up dude, but he's also a tortured soul. A former marine🔫🔪, he was taken prisoner with other humans, off of the human space station, Fortuna. Taken through a worm hole to Carthago🌍, they are trapped there forever among 👽Alien races when the worm hole is destroyed.
This is a book with plenty of barbaric violence💪🔪, but through it all runs the hope of finding 💘love, camaraderie and acceptance in a foreign 🌎world. There are Xxx adult scenes🍌🌋👋, so not for anyone under 18.
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍌, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎
Blaine Strong💪, human marine and once a drug addicted gladiator🔪, was freed from the slavers by Galen and fights for him now. He has beaten the addiction with the help of an alien woman gladiator🔪, Saff. She is also an Empath. They have fought at each other's side in the arena for the slavers and now for the House of Galen on the desert planet🌍 of Carthago.
When Galen's gladiator🔪 compound is raided, three of the human women are taken by the despicable slave master, a Srinarian 👽alien, who since banned from legitimate arenas, has taken his slave gladiators🔪 to secret arenas deep in the desert.
Galen organizes a rescue team to follow and recover the three women. Blaine💪🔪 and Saff🔪 lead the rescue effort.
Blaine👹🍌🌋🔪 is one hot, jacked💪, and tatted up dude, but he's also a tortured soul. A former marine🔫🔪, he was taken prisoner with other humans, off of the human space station, Fortuna. Taken through a worm hole to Carthago🌍, they are trapped there forever among 👽Alien races when the worm hole is destroyed.
This is a book with plenty of barbaric violence💪🔪, but through it all runs the hope of finding 💘love, camaraderie and acceptance in a foreign 🌎world. There are Xxx adult scenes🍌🌋👋, so not for anyone under 18.
YEHAW! Ride em Bareback🍌, Cowgirl!🐎🐎🐎🐎
March 28, 2017
I received an ARC as part of the AWESOME Advance Reading team.
2 scarred warriors who fight to overcome their past, recent and not. Two head strings fighters who realized that they fit together better than they ever expected, looking after each other, protecting the other's back, and meeting in a storm of passion and love.
I really loved Staff who was the only female gladiator before Harper arrived. She is strong, proud and not afraid to let her opinion known. She is also fiercely loyal and protective of her people. She hides deep scars but when falling for Blaine, she is not afraid to let him know and to put him back in his place when necessary.
Blaine, previous Space Marine, has just been rescued from the Death Games and is fighting the darkness that the fighting, killing and the drugs forced on him unleashed in him. Trying to find himself again, he falls for the strong and proud female fighter, discovering a new side of himself and accepting his new and darker self.
A beautiful love story about love, redemption, self acceptance and loyalty. I loved going back to Kor Magna and I really can't wait for the next chapter of the serie.
2 scarred warriors who fight to overcome their past, recent and not. Two head strings fighters who realized that they fit together better than they ever expected, looking after each other, protecting the other's back, and meeting in a storm of passion and love.
I really loved Staff who was the only female gladiator before Harper arrived. She is strong, proud and not afraid to let her opinion known. She is also fiercely loyal and protective of her people. She hides deep scars but when falling for Blaine, she is not afraid to let him know and to put him back in his place when necessary.
Blaine, previous Space Marine, has just been rescued from the Death Games and is fighting the darkness that the fighting, killing and the drugs forced on him unleashed in him. Trying to find himself again, he falls for the strong and proud female fighter, discovering a new side of himself and accepting his new and darker self.
A beautiful love story about love, redemption, self acceptance and loyalty. I loved going back to Kor Magna and I really can't wait for the next chapter of the serie.
April 3, 2017
Anna Hackett's Galactic Gladiator series is one of the best Sci-fi-fi alien romance series I've ever read. Champion, her fifth and latest GG novel is a worthy companion to the rest. This is gladiator Saff Essikani's turn in the spotlight, and the human-turned-gladiator, Blaine Strong, is her love interest. As is her custom, Hackett gives us a good back-story for both her leads, making the relationship believable and keeping the reader involved in their story. The ongoing saga of the House of Galen and their covert mission to end the slave trade on Carthago serves as backdrop for Saff and Blain'e wild and sexy romance. The villainous Srinar and their Thraxian henchmen continue their brutal clash with the hero gladiators. Old allies make cameo appearances, and a few new characters enter the action, paving the way for future adventures in and out of the Kor Magna arena. I plan on being there for whatever happens next.
November 23, 2020
If you read this as a standalone, it may be good, but if you have read the series in order, a boring pattern have emerged. At the end of every book, except for first one, that set up premises for the whole series, a new Earth girl/guy gets rescued to promptly star in next book as a love interest and part of rescue mission for next girl. Rinse and repeat. The same enemy, the same battle at the end, the same search for the whole book without any leads until the last moment, and on and on, and on. By book 5 I already knew what to expect and how it will end. No surprises, no excitement. Every book is nearly the same as previous one. So. Even if writing is decent and easy to read, with every consequential book, it fails to capture readers attention. I can only presume, that author was encouraged by the success of first books and decided to stick to tried and tested pattern, but in this case it is a fail. Readers want something new, something exciting, something unexpected. Twists and turns that they didn't encounter in previous books. Disappointed heavily . I really wanted to be enchanted by these series, but if they continue on as they have, I am not sure I can be interested to continue reading.
Here's to hoping author will come up with imaginative and inventive ways to spice up the series.
Here's to hoping author will come up with imaginative and inventive ways to spice up the series.
March 28, 2017
The perfect combination of imagination and execution, this is a great sci-fi romantic adventure and KU library read. Blaine Strong, the human space marine security specialist freed from the Srinar underground fighting cages in book four, is still struggling with the aftereffects of his forced fighting and drug usage. He's gone through withdrawal and treatment, but is nothing like the man he was before.
Saff Essani is the net champion of the arena, a House of Galen gladiator and an empath. She fought beside Blaine against a beast when they freed him, and now, she helps train him for the arena. Tall, slim and muscular, Saff is her own person, but it hasn't always been that way. She is attracted to the battle scarred 'Earth Man', but she knows he needs to make peace with the man he is now, rather than mourn the man he was before Thraxian slavers captured him and sold him to the Srinars. And he will need to do it in his own way and in his own time.
The House of Galen has had a lot of success in freeing captives from the Thraxians and Srinars, and they've made dangerous enemies of them. An attack on Galen's compound turns out to be a diversion as well as a devious assault. In the aftermath, some of them are missing and others need healing. Galen vows to go after the slavers, but first they will recover the people under his protection.
Saff Essani is the net champion of the arena, a House of Galen gladiator and an empath. She fought beside Blaine against a beast when they freed him, and now, she helps train him for the arena. Tall, slim and muscular, Saff is her own person, but it hasn't always been that way. She is attracted to the battle scarred 'Earth Man', but she knows he needs to make peace with the man he is now, rather than mourn the man he was before Thraxian slavers captured him and sold him to the Srinars. And he will need to do it in his own way and in his own time.
The House of Galen has had a lot of success in freeing captives from the Thraxians and Srinars, and they've made dangerous enemies of them. An attack on Galen's compound turns out to be a diversion as well as a devious assault. In the aftermath, some of them are missing and others need healing. Galen vows to go after the slavers, but first they will recover the people under his protection.
May 12, 2018
This time around we have a human male (the only one the gladiators have come across, come to think of it) and a female gladiator. Blaine has been drugged and tortured and forced to fight in the pits below the Kor Magna Arena and he's a bit of a mess when we first met him. He's come a long way since then, but he's still struggling to find himself.
While Blaine is the seething mass of rage and emotion, Saff is the cool, competent gladiator who knows what she wants and goes after it. While Blaine isn't her usual type, it turns out there EXTREMELY compatible. Both in temperament and otherwise, if you know what I mean.
With the three women Blaine was rescued with end up in the hands of some bad, bad people, the House heads out to save them. Because that's what they do. They save people.
Things are heating up for both humans and aliens alike. Conspiracies are being uncovered and more and more humans keep popping up. Which is AWESOME because that means I have more books to read.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
While Blaine is the seething mass of rage and emotion, Saff is the cool, competent gladiator who knows what she wants and goes after it. While Blaine isn't her usual type, it turns out there EXTREMELY compatible. Both in temperament and otherwise, if you know what I mean.
With the three women Blaine was rescued with end up in the hands of some bad, bad people, the House heads out to save them. Because that's what they do. They save people.
Things are heating up for both humans and aliens alike. Conspiracies are being uncovered and more and more humans keep popping up. Which is AWESOME because that means I have more books to read.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
November 28, 2019
Saff e Blaine, esse casal e TNT pura, o quinto livro da série Galactic Gladiators, chega, chegando com esse casal. Ela é uma mulher que pode sentir o que as pessoas (alienígenas) a sua volta sente, e usa isso como uma arma na arena, mas quando O Homem da Terra chega a Casa de Galen, ela se vê perdida, mas para compelida a ajudar ele, a se aceitar como é agora. Ele se vê completamente destruído, por tudo o que fizeram com ele nos ringues de lutas subterrâneas, e quando ele finalmente consegue sair, ele tem que aprender a aceitar o que ele é agora, e isso torna as coisas complicadas, pois as mulheres que foram salva são pegas, e nesse ponto que se começa uma caçada para salvá-las, e durante esse tempo ele percebe que ela, a gladeadora Saff está ao seu lado para tudo o que vier, e quando um casal que ama vencer se une, bom é puro uma competição para ver quem é o melhor, e não dá em outra coisa, a não ser em uma louca aventura e uma paixão explosiva. Se quer se aventurar fora da terra, leia pois não tem como parar, se apaixone por algo lindo e maravilhoso. Bjs da Mak.
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