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Badari Gladiators #1
Kyden
Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.
Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself.
Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker.
And discovers she’s his fated mate.
Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…
Or can they?
KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?
Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself.
Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker.
And discovers she’s his fated mate.
Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…
Or can they?
KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2021
11 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Scott
91 books244 followersUSA Today Best Selling Science Fiction & Paranormal Romance author.
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
MISC FACTS ABOUT VERONICA
Seven time winner ~ SFR Galaxy Award
Proud recipient ~ NASA Exceptional Service Medal but must hasten to add the honor was not for her romantic fiction!
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – I’ll improve your process (mwahahahaa)!
Elvis Presley’s best friend once serenaded Veronica on a local TV telethon…now that could be a novel…
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
MISC FACTS ABOUT VERONICA
Seven time winner ~ SFR Galaxy Award
Proud recipient ~ NASA Exceptional Service Medal but must hasten to add the honor was not for her romantic fiction!
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – I’ll improve your process (mwahahahaa)!
Elvis Presley’s best friend once serenaded Veronica on a local TV telethon…now that could be a novel…
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 1, 2023
If one is looking for a strong, sci-fi novel, better move on. If one is looking for a romance with very light sci-fi elements, this one is perfect! The setting is very Roman era with gladiators, senators, slaves, so much so, that one forgets it is actually set in the future until a mention of tablets, cars, or other worlds are mentioned.
Still it is a great story as a romance. It keeps a reader turning the pages, biting the nails, sighing here and there and smiling when the last page turns.
Still it is a great story as a romance. It keeps a reader turning the pages, biting the nails, sighing here and there and smiling when the last page turns.
February 2, 2022
Kyden knows his place as an upper-echelon gladiator but when he rescues a senator’s daughter, he yearns for her to be by his side. Can he find a way for them to be mated or is the goddess playing a cruel joke on him? Kyden is a fierce Badari gladiator but it’s hardly his choice. Sold into slavery, his instincts and skills as a warrior made him the perfect gladiator. Endless combat, fighting to the death, is all Kyden knows until a beautiful noblewoman cries out for help. Kyden swoops in and saves her from drunken gladiators. One look into Elara’s eyes and he realizes she’s his fated mate. It must be a cruel joke, but he can’t deny the pull he feels for her. He’s a gladiator and she’s a senator’s daughter…opposing ends of society yet love unites them. Can they find a way to be together or will Kyden ache with loneliness forever?
Kyden is a gladiator science fiction romance I couldn’t put down. Who doesn’t love a gladiator? Add in an adorable meet-cute and a hero’s heart of gold and you’ve got an unputdownable romance. Veronica Scott is one of my favorite authors, especially when it comes to science fiction romance. Her prowess for world-building, relatable characters, and descriptive narration is on display in Kyden. From the beginning, I connected with Kyden. He’s such an honorable man, which is rare considering he’s a gladiator. The plot moves at a terrific pace with plenty of characters to interact with. I loved the hierarchy amongst the gladiators. I found myself enthralled by the romance. It’ll take your breath away. If you’re a romance reader, you’ll enjoy Kyden. If you love sci fi romance, you’ll want to read Kyden. If you like your romance edgy, pick up Kyden. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Kyden is a gladiator science fiction romance I couldn’t put down. Who doesn’t love a gladiator? Add in an adorable meet-cute and a hero’s heart of gold and you’ve got an unputdownable romance. Veronica Scott is one of my favorite authors, especially when it comes to science fiction romance. Her prowess for world-building, relatable characters, and descriptive narration is on display in Kyden. From the beginning, I connected with Kyden. He’s such an honorable man, which is rare considering he’s a gladiator. The plot moves at a terrific pace with plenty of characters to interact with. I loved the hierarchy amongst the gladiators. I found myself enthralled by the romance. It’ll take your breath away. If you’re a romance reader, you’ll enjoy Kyden. If you love sci fi romance, you’ll want to read Kyden. If you like your romance edgy, pick up Kyden. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it. My thoughts are all my own.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
October 22, 2023
After enjoying my start with the Badari Warriors series, I spotted this side series and I let myself be pulled into the interesting juxtaposition of Roman gladiator games set in a futuristic sci fi world. I’ve enjoyed so many of Veronica Scott’s sci-fi romantic adventures that I was excited for this new venture and I wasn’t disappointed.
In the author’s note, Ms Scott explains how the Badari Gladiators fits into the earlier and ongoing Badari Warrior’s series. Gladiators takes place three generations before and a great distance from the Warriors’ setting yet there is a connection that allows existing fans and new readers alike to enjoy both series together or separately.
Kyden is the first in the series and swiftly introduces a noble yet enslaved Badari who, true to his genetic purpose, is the top fighter for his gladiator House and of all the gladiator Houses. This gives him some prestige as a slave, but at the end of the day, he has no freedom and is forced to do what he does to entertain others. His hopeless life takes a drastic change when he steps in to save a Senator’s two daughters when they mistakenly get sent to the gladiators along with a group of prostitutes. There is intrigue behind this incident, but Kyden is more occupied with the discovery that Elara, the oldest daughter is his true mate.
I enjoyed the action that stays on the sanitized side of gladiator fighting, the growing class difference romance, and the emerging political intrigue that adds to the conflict of how this pair will find a way to be together since he’s slave and she’s not just free, but high up in the Five System’s class structure.
I feel a smidge guilty admitting that I transferred my allegiance from Badari Warriors series to the Gladiators with this one book. I blame Kyden. He’s so heroic and noble, self-taught by a growing library he purchased with his wins, and he stands up for the other slaves when and where he can.
Now, I look forward to getting the story of the next Badari who found himself taken far from his homeworld and sold into this brutal, exciting environment of the gladiator games to find his adventure and romance. Those who enjoy action and romance in a sci-fi setting should definitely give Kyden a chance.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Oct 18th.
In the author’s note, Ms Scott explains how the Badari Gladiators fits into the earlier and ongoing Badari Warrior’s series. Gladiators takes place three generations before and a great distance from the Warriors’ setting yet there is a connection that allows existing fans and new readers alike to enjoy both series together or separately.
Kyden is the first in the series and swiftly introduces a noble yet enslaved Badari who, true to his genetic purpose, is the top fighter for his gladiator House and of all the gladiator Houses. This gives him some prestige as a slave, but at the end of the day, he has no freedom and is forced to do what he does to entertain others. His hopeless life takes a drastic change when he steps in to save a Senator’s two daughters when they mistakenly get sent to the gladiators along with a group of prostitutes. There is intrigue behind this incident, but Kyden is more occupied with the discovery that Elara, the oldest daughter is his true mate.
I enjoyed the action that stays on the sanitized side of gladiator fighting, the growing class difference romance, and the emerging political intrigue that adds to the conflict of how this pair will find a way to be together since he’s slave and she’s not just free, but high up in the Five System’s class structure.
I feel a smidge guilty admitting that I transferred my allegiance from Badari Warriors series to the Gladiators with this one book. I blame Kyden. He’s so heroic and noble, self-taught by a growing library he purchased with his wins, and he stands up for the other slaves when and where he can.
Now, I look forward to getting the story of the next Badari who found himself taken far from his homeworld and sold into this brutal, exciting environment of the gladiator games to find his adventure and romance. Those who enjoy action and romance in a sci-fi setting should definitely give Kyden a chance.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Oct 18th.
January 31, 2022
Lots of action and fast read
Kyden might have been a quick read but it was packed with a lot of action! There is roman style gladiator fights, aliens, political scheming, forced proximity romance and more. While I liked the story and how the characters interacted with one another I would only give this story about 3 to 3 ½ stars. I found the chapter layout to be clunky and hard to read. The story switched from Kyden’s POV, to Elara’s POV and had time jumps more than once, and all within the same chapter. The story is almost 200 pages long and only 9 chapters. I would have preferred shorter chapters or some other layout. For some reason this one just didn’t quit work for me. I also found the characters hard to connect with. I liked that Kyden and Elara were with each other but overall I felt like they were a little stiff.
Check out Bonded Books Podcast for our episode on this book!
Kyden might have been a quick read but it was packed with a lot of action! There is roman style gladiator fights, aliens, political scheming, forced proximity romance and more. While I liked the story and how the characters interacted with one another I would only give this story about 3 to 3 ½ stars. I found the chapter layout to be clunky and hard to read. The story switched from Kyden’s POV, to Elara’s POV and had time jumps more than once, and all within the same chapter. The story is almost 200 pages long and only 9 chapters. I would have preferred shorter chapters or some other layout. For some reason this one just didn’t quit work for me. I also found the characters hard to connect with. I liked that Kyden and Elara were with each other but overall I felt like they were a little stiff.
Check out Bonded Books Podcast for our episode on this book!
November 7, 2021
I devoured this book. Captivating, a real page-turner. Ms. Scott has taken her Badari warrior series and expanded it to the Gladiators. Think ancient Rome. Kyden is no dumb slave. Strong enough to emerge at the top of the gladiator rankings and cunning enough to build up a fortune with his winnings. His life takes an abrupt turn when he rescues a Senator's daughters, caught in a prank gone wrong.
Elara is fascinated by her rescuer. Despite the difference between a slave and noblewoman, she's determined to be with him. When he rescues her a second time, both their lives change tremendously.
This is the first in a new series. It's a standalone, but readers of the Badari warrior series will enjoy this new series.
Elara is fascinated by her rescuer. Despite the difference between a slave and noblewoman, she's determined to be with him. When he rescues her a second time, both their lives change tremendously.
This is the first in a new series. It's a standalone, but readers of the Badari warrior series will enjoy this new series.
November 5, 2021
MAN AND BEAST
The intermingling of the early Badari world with that of the early Gladiators world adds a special twist to this fast paced story. The foundation is laid for some interesting background and some equally intense and interesting scenarios moving forward. Lots of action and surprises and a relationship that is all consuming both physically and spiritually.
Kayden is the perfect introduction to the combined worlds of the Badari and the Gladiators. It is a book that grabs hold immediately and does not let go till the very end. Definitely a not to be missed book. So very highly recommend!
The intermingling of the early Badari world with that of the early Gladiators world adds a special twist to this fast paced story. The foundation is laid for some interesting background and some equally intense and interesting scenarios moving forward. Lots of action and surprises and a relationship that is all consuming both physically and spiritually.
Kayden is the perfect introduction to the combined worlds of the Badari and the Gladiators. It is a book that grabs hold immediately and does not let go till the very end. Definitely a not to be missed book. So very highly recommend!
November 6, 2021
WOW!!!
OMG, you did it again. This was one of the best reads. We finally get to see some of the gladiator Badari. So happy Kyden is living his dream with Elara. I’m hoping that we get other rescued Badari to live with Kyden in the five systems. Hope he becomes the Alpha and forms a sectors pack. Is this leading to the introduction of the Sectors knowing of them? Will they have the option to meet, fight with Adar’s war? OMG this is so exciting. Can’t wait for the next book already.
OMG, you did it again. This was one of the best reads. We finally get to see some of the gladiator Badari. So happy Kyden is living his dream with Elara. I’m hoping that we get other rescued Badari to live with Kyden in the five systems. Hope he becomes the Alpha and forms a sectors pack. Is this leading to the introduction of the Sectors knowing of them? Will they have the option to meet, fight with Adar’s war? OMG this is so exciting. Can’t wait for the next book already.
December 2, 2021
I love this off-shoot of the Badari Warriors series. The highest ranked gladiator in the Five Systems, Kyden is aging and certain it is but a matter of time before his owner arranges a death match Kyden can't win for a final payout. Enter one senator's daughter, as a much a killer in the boardroom as Kyden is in the arena. The odds are against a slave and a noble woman, but together they are awesome!
Super blend of action, suspense, and romance.
Super blend of action, suspense, and romance.
January 18, 2026
Love the warrior stories
It does not drag out to get to the suspense or actions of the players. Even far from home Kyden continues to hold onto his genetic heritage, to be true to his Bardari brothers and to take care of those who are weaker and to hold onto his integrity especially when he has no idea if anything will ever get better.
It does not drag out to get to the suspense or actions of the players. Even far from home Kyden continues to hold onto his genetic heritage, to be true to his Bardari brothers and to take care of those who are weaker and to hold onto his integrity especially when he has no idea if anything will ever get better.
November 5, 2021
Great Badari new series. KYDEN is alone but still living by the code of his people. Then he masts his mate and his life changes. Great start as we meet Badari who are sold as slaves and don’t know where home is so cannot return. Interesting how they are making a new life for themselves
December 7, 2021
love me some BADARI warriors!!
I’m just a sucker for my BADARI warrior stories.. now there’s a twist where they have been snuck off planet and sold.. the possibilities are amazing!! Kyden and Elara’s story is amazing and the base for a whole new series.. I’m ready!!!
I’m just a sucker for my BADARI warrior stories.. now there’s a twist where they have been snuck off planet and sold.. the possibilities are amazing!! Kyden and Elara’s story is amazing and the base for a whole new series.. I’m ready!!!
February 10, 2022
Another winning series
Wow sucked me in and did not let me go till the end. Hope together more with them collecting all the enslaved badari. Can't wait for the next story. I recommend all of the stories by this author.
Wow sucked me in and did not let me go till the end. Hope together more with them collecting all the enslaved badari. Can't wait for the next story. I recommend all of the stories by this author.
December 31, 2024
Intriguing, Dangerous, & Thrilling!
The successful slave gladiator, aka Death Dealer, recognizes the Senator Vasclavian’s daughter Elara as his fated mate. Will Kayden’s rescue of Elara help or hinder them getting to know each other intimately? Enjoy!!!
The successful slave gladiator, aka Death Dealer, recognizes the Senator Vasclavian’s daughter Elara as his fated mate. Will Kayden’s rescue of Elara help or hinder them getting to know each other intimately? Enjoy!!!
Read
October 23, 2025If the heroine was a different type of nobility - the loud, brash but endearing kind, I'd love it. Sadly, the first chapter and first meeting went by without ANY chemistry or "something" between the MCs, I knew this wouldn't be my thing. And heck no am I talking about insta-love.
November 10, 2021
A great start
This was a wonderful story. Very moving. A great start to a new series. Hope for more in the future.
This was a wonderful story. Very moving. A great start to a new series. Hope for more in the future.
November 25, 2021
Kyden
Too short but so good, male finds female, male loses female, female finds male , male doesn't think he is good enough. There is so much more so read and find out.
Too short but so good, male finds female, male loses female, female finds male , male doesn't think he is good enough. There is so much more so read and find out.
January 14, 2022
Liked it. It was fairly predictable but an enjoyable read nevertheless.
July 2, 2022
It lost me pretty quickly, the rhythm wasn't doing it for me and there wasn't enough chemistry.
September 9, 2023
Kyden (5th generation Bardari warrior, gladiator) & Elara Vasclavian (Senator’s daughter).
Offshoot of the Sectors New Allies series, starting with Aydarr.
What is a lone Bardari warrior to do when he’s worlds away from his pack? Form a sort of pack of his own with his fellow gladiators. And, should the goddess bless him, cherish the mate he has been given.
Still a good read, but I prefer the main series to this spinoff.
Offshoot of the Sectors New Allies series, starting with Aydarr.
What is a lone Bardari warrior to do when he’s worlds away from his pack? Form a sort of pack of his own with his fellow gladiators. And, should the goddess bless him, cherish the mate he has been given.
Still a good read, but I prefer the main series to this spinoff.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews