In this stirring historical romance by award-winning author Jamie Ogle, a young woman imprisoned in a Roman gladiator school becomes a legendary warrior. But when not even her fame is enough, she must fight to save herself and those she loves.
Rome, AD 403. As a loyal daughter of the Visigoth tribe, Adelgard followed her father to war, hoping to win back her family’s approval. But after a clash with the Roman army, Adel is captured and sold to a gladiator school. Now she is the most famous gladiatrix in Rome, determined to keep the fickle love of the crowd and never again rely on anyone but herself for her own security. But beneath the fame lies a darkness and pain that holds her captive.
Felix despises Rome’s fascination with violence. But after returning from medical training to discover his father missing and his family desperate, he had little choice but to accept a position at the gladiator school managed by his uncle. He finds a kindred spirit in Adel and does what he can to preserve the humanity of the rebel fighters, but when he receives orders that further compromise his beliefs, he arrives at a crossroads.
Then Telemachus, a Christian leader, approaches Felix with an urgent message: if the Visigoth captives are not released, their army will invade Rome. Despite the risk, the emperor is bent on proving his power through a stunning, deadly day of gladiatorial games. As Telemachus seeks to save the Visigoth fighters, Felix and Adel join forces in a desperate rebellion that may define not only their own lives but also the course of history.
A captivating Christian romance novel perfect for fans of Francine Rivers, Lynn Austin, and Angela Hunt. Great for book clubs who enjoy ancient historical fiction by Tessa Afshar, Stephanie Dray, and Kate Quinn. Weaves together themes of sacrifice, courage, surrender, and faith. Includes discussion questions.
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Summary
4.5 stars -- Reviewed by Rebecca
"How can you, citizens of a Christian empire, cheer on the bloody spectacles of our pagan past?"
Having shamed her family, Adelgard chooses to become a war daughter, serving alongside the men in her Visigoth tribe until she is captured by the Romans and sold into a gladiator school, where Adel is forced to train in the art of fighting. Her skills are impressive and her wins are becoming legendary, yet behind the scenes Adel's heart is turning to stone. When an unfortunate distraction ends in a surprising loss and subsequent injury, a new medicus stitches up her outer wound while carefully probing the pain surrounding her inner spirit .
Upon his return from medical training in Alexandria, Felix finds his mother and sisters in dire straits, creditors demanding payment of debts incurred by the disappearance of his father. Reluctantly taking a job within his uncle's gladiator school, Felix uses his gifts of healing within an atmosphere that his Christian conscience abhors. Adding to his tension is the fact that a once famous figure in the sport, now serving as a monk, has approached Felix with a bold and dangerous plan. Set the captives free!
Immersed in the sights, sounds, and culture of ancient Rome, readers gain a birds eye view of how compromised many of the early church Christians had become in their forms of entertainment. While free to worship the one true God, they were celebrating death over life and turning a blind eye to Emperor Honorius' treatment of his war captives.
Extraordinary courage is written between the pages of this book, especially knowing (or discovering) that Telemachus was an actual historic figure, making Felix and Adel representative of any number of people caught in the crosshairs of Roman cruelty. Thankfully, a beautiful wellspring of love runs deep and wide from begining to end; Felix's gentle admonitions to Adel that she is made in the image of God, a great treasure, worth fighting for, form roots of a fragile faith that proves stronger and bolder than any sword that mortal man might swing.
An outstanding book worthy of your undivided attention!