Anazar lives to fight in the Roman arena, just a slave. A runaway who got caught and branded is unsaleable, except to the mines. The lanista, the master of events, is irate that Anazar refused to slay unarmed men in a re-enactment. Hence he's had the slave beaten... life is pretty bad, but Anazar doesn't wish to die.We go straight into the brutality of Roman life, where one Numidian is worth only what his owners can get out of him. Anazar is leased to Marianus, a wealthy man who wishes to train a stable of female gladiators for the arena. This was the entertainment of the day, when affluent men paid for spectacles to secure public votes. The fourteen gladiatrices are a mixed bunch who don't all speak Latin, though Amanikhabale can speak and read it, and their new trainer Anazar has work ahead. But if he succeeds, he might earn his freedom.This adult novel shows us various sides of life, from the squabbling, plotting wealthy to the galley slaves and valuable scribes. Relaxation in the baths is the only pleasure allowed to Anazar, but some men take pleasure from his body, and he can't refuse. Spendthrift Felix, his master's younger brother, is the target of an attempted assassination one night and Anazar saves him, altering his status. But he still must train the gladiatrices, and they're more likely to kill one another, or a Roman, than fight together....The total immersion in the times, the continuous uncertainty of a slave's life, are well realised; good details such as bullock carts making deliveries after nightfall, fine mosaics in rich homes and wooden swords painted silver. A glossary is provided, though Latin terms such as damnati - prisoners condemned to die - are self-evident in the context. MARK OF THE GLADIATOR may appeal to those with an interest in Roman history or gay romance literature. This book turned out far better than I thought it would be. The debauchery in the beginning made me think I would hate it. But, it turned out to be a roller coaster of a tale that kept me reading. I really felt for the gladiatrices and Anazar and Felix, which was an amazing turn of events because at the beginning I hated him.There's more to him than meets the eye. And I like that when Felix and Anazar meet its not love at first sight, in fact Anazar kind of hates him. Felix seems to be just a flighty, horny malcontent. But, he's more. I thought it would be hard to have a happy ending in the book, but there was one and I was definitely fulfilled by it.We even get to hear about what happens to the gladiatrices. Which made me grin.
What do You think about Mark Of The Gladiator (2012)?
DNF, I tried my best to get into this book but it just was not happening.
—DittoS
