Summary:
Peace bought by blood seldom lasts, for vengeance knows no end. The same is true for mortals and Gods alike. Decades, centuries, eras may pass, but the cycle remains. As war and revolution rise again, Zephyrus finds himself at the center of it all. Chosen by the Gods, hailed as a prophet of liberation, and forged as a weapon to break the kingdom and restore balance to the realm, hope rests squarely on his shoulders. If only he could remember.
Enslaved as a gladiator and thrust into a prince's game of espionage, Zephyrus has only two clues to help unlock his shattered past: a prophecy foretelling destruction, and a letter to the enemy king, promising peace. Now Zephyrus must survive the dangers of the gladiatorial arena, the cunny fury of the prince's enemies, and the Gods' torment if he is to find the truth of his identity and fulfill his fate. But to have any hope of breaking the cycle, first he must secure his freedom - and not just from his slavers.
Within this vengeful realm, a queen protecting her kingdom, a prince defending his father, and a gladiator slave haunted by the prophecy each contend for their own brand of freedom. But the Gods have an agenda of their own and they'll use any vessel - patrician, plebian, or slave - to see it done. The scales must be balanced. By peace. Or by blood.
My Thoughts:
Zephyrus is exactly the main character you'd imagine for a story of gladiators and fighting for freedom. What stands out about him the most is that he knows that things aren't just black and white. There are some of his people who make him their enemy, and some of the higher class who sympathize and want the same things he does. Zephyrus constantly questions himself; he realizes that nothing in this world is perfect or totally evil.
The side characters are all extremely well developed. Even ones with little appearance in the novel are carefully crafted. Personally, I really like Nallia. She is the daughter of a king from a neighboring kingdom, who helps Zephyrus find his lost memories and aides him in his journey for freedom. She is almost like a reader-insert of sorts.
The fighting sequences throughout the novel were beautifully done; the imagery was almost surreal.
While I have never gotten into the gladiator side of fantasy books, I can say that this is certainly the best from the few that I've read in the past.
I would definitely recommend reading this, and I would absolutely buy the sequel when it comes out.
My Rating: 5 stars
