Author: Heidi Belleau
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781937551605
Category : Gay men
Languages : en
Pages : 236
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Book Description
A Warriors of Rome Novel After an inconvenient display of mercy in the arena, the gladiator AnazAr is pulled from the sands and contracted to nobleman Lucius Marianus to train his new stable of female gladiators. His charges are demoralized and untested, and they bear the marks of abuse. AnazAr has a scant two months to prepare them for the arena, and his new master demands perfection. AnazAr is surprised by how eager he is to achieve it--far more eager than a man motivated only by self-preservation. Perhaps it's because Marianus is truly remarkable: handsome, dignified, honorable, and seemingly as attracted to AnazAr as AnazAr is to him. But a rivalry between Marianus and his brother sparks a murder conspiracy, with AnazAr and his gladiatrices caught in the middle. One brother might offer salvation . . . but which? And in a world where life is worth less than the pleasures of the crowd or the whims of a master, can there be any room for love? As a gladiator, AnazAr's defenses are near impenetrable. But as a man, he learns to his cost that no armor or shield can truly protect his heart.
Author: Hash Blink
Publisher: Hash Blink & Rebellious Rebels LLC
ISBN:
Category : Drama
Languages : en
Pages : 297
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Book Description
In Chapter 8, Monk and Emilia continue their journey, but Monk can't shake the feeling that someone is watching him. As they travel, they come across a small village where they decide to rest for the night. As they settle in, Monk notices a familiar face in the crowd - it's Calista, the woman he had encountered in Rome. She approaches him and reveals that she has been following him, explaining that she knows about his past as a gladiator and wants to help him seek justice against the Empress. Monk is hesitant at first, but Calista convinces him that together they can bring down the Empress and free the gladiators from her tyranny. With a newfound sense of purpose, Monk agrees to join forces with Calista and together they begin to plan their next move. Monk and Emilia continue their journey, but Monk can't shake the feeling of being watched and the sense of danger lurking around them. He knows it's only a matter of time before the Empress sends her men after him. When they reach a small village where Lucia lives, Monk feels a sense of peace. However, Victoria appears and offers to help them disappear, but Monk declines, determined to face the Empress and put an end to her reign of terror. With Lucia and Emilia by his side, Monk returns to the Colosseum ready to face whatever comes his way. They encounter the Empress's men, but with the help of Victoria and her army, they confront the Empress. Monk realizes that Calista, a figure he trusted, orchestrated the events and betrayed him. Despite his injuries, Monk is determined to confront Calista and seek justice. However, Calista escapes, leaving Monk weakened and in the care of Emilia and Lucia. Monk wakes up to find himself in a safe place, grateful for the support of his friends. He is determined to recover and protect Lucia from any further harm. In the evening, Monk is reunited with his fellow gladiators who fought alongside him in the battle against the Empress's army. They celebrate their victory and the establishment of a new government. Monk feels a sense of relief and hope for the future. The next morning, a woman named Livia enters Monk's room and informs him that Lady Octavia, the new ruler of Rome, wishes to meet with him and his fellow gladiators. They agree to meet with her and learn that she wants them to fight against the barbarians threatening Rome. The gladiators accept the mission and prepare for battle. They are joined by a skilled hunter named Thalia and ride out to face the enemy. They win their first battle, but are surprised when the enemy soldiers surrender without a fight. Monk feels uneasy about the situation and wonders what will happen next. They encounter a woman named Kyra who offers to help them in their fight against the Empress. The gladiators accept her offer and continue their journey, knowing that the war is far from over. In this text, the gladiators, led by Monk, continue their fight against the Empress's army. With the help of Thalia and Kyra, they plan a successful attack on the soldiers, sparing the civilians and tending to their wounds. The gladiators enjoy a moment of respite, sharing stories and laughter around the fire. Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Monk feels a newfound sense of optimism and determination. They help the villagers and prepare to face the Empress's army once again. Monk forms a connection with Arianna, a baker in the town, and promises to return to her after the war. The gladiators engage in a fierce battle, ultimately emerging victorious. However, Monk's morale is low, and he feels a sense of dread. Kyra reminds him of their purpose and the importance of continuing to fight. Monk finds solace in her words and regains his confidence. The gladiators prepare for their next battle, knowing that the war is far from over. Monk shares a moment with Kyra, realizing the strength they have as a team. They face the Empress's army once again, and despite the losses, they emerge triumphant. Monk reflects on the cost of the battle but also the progress they have made. He finds hope and determination to keep fighting. The gladiators continue to train and prepare, forming bonds and celebrating Kyra's birthday. Monk feels a sense of belonging and looks forward to the future. He realizes the strength they have as a family and finds peace in the present moment. Monk, a gladiator, wakes up to the sound of rain and joins his fellow gladiators to train in the wet weather. They are caught off guard by a surprise attack but manage to fight back and emerge victorious. They regroup and strategize, preparing for future battles. They are called upon to defend Rome from the Empress' forces and agree to join Rome's standing army. They face challenges, including a traitor in their midst, but ultimately uncover the traitor's identity and bring him to justice. They continue to train and become skilled warriors. When a neighboring kingdom threatens to invade, Monk and his team join the battle and emerge victorious once again. They are celebrated as heroes by Lady Octavia and the people of Rome. In this text, Monk, a gladiator, returns to the training grounds with a sense of satisfaction and pride. However, his joy is short-lived when the Empress presents a new challenge for him and his fellow gladiators. They are to face off against skilled warriors from across the empire in a fight to the death. Despite his initial reluctance, Monk and his comrades agree to participate. As the games approach, Monk feels a sense of dread but also a calm determination. He fights bravely and emerges victorious, but the toll of the battles weighs heavily on him. Monk is granted his freedom by the Empress and leaves the Colosseum, but he struggles to adapt to his newfound freedom. He is tempted to return to the arena and fights in an underground arena, only to realize the danger and consequences of his actions. Monk decides to leave the city and finds solace in a peaceful village. However, he is pursued by soldiers sent by the Empress and is forced to flee. Monk takes refuge in a cave and plans to confront the Empress to earn his freedom. He faces her and her guards with courage and defeats them. Monk demands his freedom, but the Empress offers him a position as her bodyguard, which he declines. The Empress allows him to leave the Colosseum in peace, and Monk sets off on a new path, determined to live life on his own terms. In the final chapter, Monk continues to protect the village from bandits and finds fulfillment in his new purpose. He reflects on his past as a gladiator and the violence that has defined his life, but he is determined to make a positive difference. As he stands guard one night, he encounters a young girl who is injured and in need of help. Monk takes her to the village healer and vows to track down the bandits responsible for her harm. After a fierce battle, Monk and his men emerge victorious. As he watches the sunset, Monk realizes that he has found a new purpose in life and is grateful for the opportunity to protect the village and its people. In this text, Monk and Kyra continue to protect their village from various threats. They face battles against the Empress's army, a neighboring warlord, and a skilled army from a neighboring kingdom. Despite the challenges, they emerge victorious with the help of their allies. However, their victories are short-lived as they face new threats and the constant fear of attack. They seek assistance from the neighboring kingdom they had previously helped defend and plan a surprise attack on their enemies. During the attack, Monk is tragically killed, but Kyra vows to continue the fight for their kingdom's safety. Kyra takes charge of the village and works towards peace and stability with the help of a new ally, Marcus. However, their enemies are always watching, and the text ends with an approaching enemy army and a mysterious encounter with one of their generals. Monk and Tala lead their group of rebels in a daring mission to overthrow the oppressive Brotherhood. They face treacherous obstacles and engage in intense battles, but their determination and unity drive them forward. As they reach the stronghold, Monk's nerves are calmed by Tala's reassurance. They climb the cliff, fighting off attacks, and finally confront the Warlord, the leader of the Brotherhood. The stage is set for an epic showdown as Monk and his allies prepare to face the Warlord and bring an end to the tyranny once and for all. Monk and his group of rebels, including Kaida, continue their fight against the Brotherhood. They infiltrate the stronghold disguised as merchants and gather vital information about the Brotherhood's operations. Along the way, they discover the Brotherhood's use of slaves and decide to free them, bringing justice to the oppressed. Despite facing constant danger and evading the Brotherhood's grasp, they stumble upon an abandoned town where they find supplies and meet a group of escaped slaves. They join forces with the rebels in the nearby mountains and prepare for a surprise attack on the Brotherhood's stronghold. Monk finally feels a sense of purpose and a family who will fight alongside him. Monk and his group arrive at a rebel camp in the mountains and join the fight against the Brotherhood. They train alongside the rebels and share valuable information about the Brotherhood's plans. Monk grows close to the rebel leader, Lucia, and they develop a deep connection. The rebels face an attack from the Brotherhood but with Monk's knowledge, they are able to outsmart their enemies and win the battle. However, they know their fight is not over and must continue until the Brotherhood is completely eradicated. Monk and Lucia share a moment, knowing they are in this fight together until the end. Monk goes on a mission to uncover information about a spy and discovers that the spy was working for the rebels. He returns to the camp to share his discovery but learns that the Brotherhood is planning a massive attack. The rebels prepare for battle and with Monk's leadership, they emerge victorious. Monk realizes the importance of building alliances and recruits skilled fighters, blacksmiths, and a healer to join the rebels. They plan a surprise attack on the Brotherhood's stronghold and despite heavy losses, the rebels emerge victorious. However, the Empress plans a massive attack on the rebels and Monk leads a desperate charge against the enemy. He fights bravely but ultimately sacrifices his life for the cause. The rebels mourn his loss but continue the fight in his honor. Vex, a former Brotherhood soldier, steps up to fill the leadership vacuum among the rebels. He outlines a strategy to prepare for an attack by the Empress's army. Lyra, a healer, tends to the wounded and earns a place on the council. The rebels train and prepare for the battle, led by Vex and inspired by Lyra's encouragement. The battle is fierce, but the rebels hold their ground and emerge victorious, though at a great cost. Monk, the original leader, is still missing. In Chapter 80, a new face named Marcus appears in the rebel camp. He proves himself to be a valuable asset and rises through the ranks to become one of Vex's most trusted advisors. Under Marcus's leadership, the rebels continue to gain ground against the Empire. They receive an ultimatum from the Empire but negotiate a ceasefire and better conditions for the rebels. In Chapter 81, the rebels encounter a young woman named Kaia, who joins their cause. With her help, they gather crucial information about the Empire's plans. In Chapter 82, Monk returns with allies from a fierce warrior tribe. However, the Empress betrays the peace agreement, and the rebels are attacked. With the help of fellow gladiators, they emerge victorious once again. In Chapter 83, Monk decides to leave the rebels and find a new purpose. He says his goodbyes, including to Kaia, and sets off on his own. In Chapter 84, Monk comes across a gladiator tournament and decides to participate, despite his recent decision to leave that life behind. He fights alongside a fellow gladiator and feels the thrill of battle once again. The story continues in Chapter 85, as Monk and his friend fight in the tournament, determined to emerge victorious. Monk, a former gladiator, and his friend Marcus participate in a tournament and win. However, Monk feels guilty about his past as a gladiator and questions his purpose. They meet rebels who ask for their help in defending their town against the Empress's army. Monk hesitates but ultimately decides to join them. They win the battle and save the town, but Monk feels the weight of the lives lost. Despite this, he finds solace in his new purpose and continues to fight for justice. They receive a letter revealing the Empress's plan to attack their village and prepare for the upcoming battle. The rebels emerge victorious, but the cost is great. Monk helps reunite a mother and son and realizes that he has found a sense of belonging with the rebels. They celebrate their victory but remain prepared for future battles. Monk knows that this is where he belongs. Maria's curiosity was piqued. She had heard rumors of these creatures, but had never encountered them herself. Determined to find answers, she offered to help the man in his search for his brother. Together, they ventured into the dark forest, guided only by the moonlight. The air was thick with an eerie silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant howls of the creatures. As they delved deeper into the forest, Maria's senses heightened. She could feel the presence of something sinister lurking nearby. Suddenly, they heard a blood-curdling scream, followed by a growl that sent shivers down their spines. They rushed towards the sound and came upon a clearing, where they found the man's brother, trapped in a cage. Surrounding him were the creatures, their eyes glowing with a malevolent light. Without hesitation, Maria and the man fought off the creatures, using their wits and whatever weapons they had at hand. It was a fierce battle, but their determination to save the man's brother fueled their strength. Finally, they emerged victorious, freeing the man's brother from the cage. As they made their way back to the village, Maria couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. They had faced the darkness head-on and emerged stronger. Word of their victory spread throughout the village, and the villagers began to regain their hope. They realized that they were not alone in their fight against the unknown. Together, they would stand strong and face whatever challenges came their way. As they celebrated their triumph, Maria couldn't help but think of Monk and the sacrifices he had made. She knew that he would be proud of what they had accomplished and that his spirit would continue to guide them in their journey. The villagers had learned that even in the face of darkness, there was always a glimmer of light. And with that light, they would continue to fight for justice, freedom, and the safety of their village. Maria is skeptical of rumors about monsters, but when she meets a man who believes in them, she decides to investigate. With the help of gladiators, they venture into the forest and encounter a terrifying creature. They fight bravely but are outmatched and retreat to warn the villagers. The villagers take action to protect themselves and eventually rebuild their lives. During this time, Maria and Monk grow closer and realize the importance of protecting others. The gladiators eventually leave, but Monk finds his purpose in protecting the vulnerable. They part ways as heroes.
Author: Phil G. Goulding
Publisher: Ballantine Books
ISBN: 0307761843
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 721
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Book Description
In Ticket to the Opera, Phil G. Goulding finally makes the magic and mystique of opera accessible to all. Here he offers a complete operatic education, including history, definitions of key musical terms, opera lore and gossip, portraits of famous singers and the roles they immortalized, as well as pithy introductions to the greatest operas of Europe and America and their composers. The book's centerpiece is what Goulding terms "the collection"--85 classics, among them Aida, The Marriage of Figaro, Carmen, and Madama Butterfly, that have been packing the world's opera houses for years. This entertaining, meticulously researched book also includes a fascinating chapter on American opera from George Gershwin's Porgy and Bess to Philip Glass's Einstein on the Beach and a discussion of the gems of twentieth-century opera featuring works like Leos Janácek's The Cunning Little Vixen, Alban Berg's Lulu, and Serge Prokofiev's The Love for Three Oranges. Whether you're a curious neophyte, a music lover interested in branching out, or an aficionado eager to compare notes with a brilliant fellow opera buff, you'll prize Ticket to the Opera as an essential volume in your music library.
Author: Roger Dunkle
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317905202
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 403
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Book Description
The games comprised gladiatorial fights, staged animal hunts (venationes) and the executions of convicted criminals and prisoners of war. Besides entertaining the crowd, the games delivered a powerful message of Roman power: as a reminder of the wars in which Rome had acquired its empire, the distant regions of its far-flung empire (from where they had obtained wild beasts for the venatio), and the inevitability of Roman justice for criminals and those foreigners who had dared to challenge the empire's authority. Though we might see these games as bloodthirsty, cruel and reprehensible condemning any alien culture out of hand for a sport that offends our sensibilities smacks of cultural chauvinism. Instead one should judge an ancient sport by the standards of its contemporary cultural context. This book offers a fascinating, and fair historical appraisal of gladiatorial combat, which will bring the games alive to the reader and help them see them through the eyes of the ancient Romans. It will answer questions about gladiatorial combat such as: What were its origins? Why did it disappear? Who were gladiators? How did they become gladiators? What was there training like? How did the Romans view gladiators? How were gladiator shows produced and advertised? What were the different styles of gladiatorial fighting? Did gladiator matches have referees? Did every match end in the death of at least one gladiator? Were gladiator games mere entertainment or did they play a larger role in Roman society? What was their political significance?
Author: Kathryn Le Veque
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ISBN: 1728210119
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 243
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Book Description
Gladiator meets Fight Club in the Scottish Highlands in a new romance from USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Le Veque "The epic Medieval Romance is back—thanks to Kathryn Le Veque!"—Claire Delacroix, New York Times Bestselling author When Lor Careston's quiet Highland village was attacked and burned, he felt helpless against the raiders who destroyed his home. Seeking revenge, but lacking the fighting skills needed to execute his mission, he sets out to find the Ludus Caledonia—a mysterious fight guild that turns men into warriors. Lor trains hard, proves himself in the ring, and earns a place within the very clan that decimated his home. He knows he can set his plan for revenge in motion from the inside. But his plan didn't include Isabail Keith, a beautiful warrior lass who prefers broadswords to embroidery. Lor thought the Keiths were his enemies, but when Isabail is threatened, he'll have to decide what he's willing to risk for the woman who has captured his heart and the clan that has become his home. Truth. Justice. Revenge. Behind these stands the Scotsman's sword. Scots and Swords series: Highland Gladiator (Book 1) Praise for Kathryn Le Veque: "Vivid world-building, pitch-perfect prose... Kathryn Le Veque has made a fan of me."—TopShelf Reviews "Medieval Romance just doesn't get any better than this."—Uncaged Book Reviews "Le Veque writes winning epics."—Publishers Weekly
Author: Ben Kane
Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
ISBN: 1466802669
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 531
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Book Description
“Gritty, passionate and violent . . . a real page-turner and a damn good read. It brings Spartacus—and ancient Rome—to vivid, colorful life.” —Steven Pressfield, author of Gates of Fire Sink your teeth into the gritty, powerful tale of Spartacus, The Gladiator, a historical thriller that will grip you from the first page to the very last. Written by bestselling novelist Ben Kane, this epic journey delves into the life of Spartacus—from Roman auxiliary and slave to revered gladiator and a symbol of defiance against the most potent army of the era. Step onto the unforgiving sands of the gladiatorial arena and experience the brutality and raw energy of combat at its most primal. Witness the audacious bid for freedom led by Spartacus and his band of gladiators as they risk everything to break free from their shackles and challenge their oppressors—the mighty, ever-expanding Roman Empire. Spartacus’s tale isn’t just a story of rebellion; it’s an exploration of humanity, resilience, love, and sacrifice, set against the historic grandeur of ancient Rome. Charged with emotion and vivid color, this novel will transport you back in time to the underbelly of the Roman Empire—a journey that’s as thrilling as it is enlightening. Enjoy a fresh perspective of the legend that is Spartacus, one that goes deeper than ever before, uncovering the man at the heart of the myth. “You’ll swear you hear the thunder of the Coliseum and the roar of the lions in the pit!” —James Rollins “A compulsive, relentless story, vividly recounted in muscular prose.” —The Daily Telegraph (UK) “Powerful . . . The quest for freedom against overwhelming odds is just the beginning.” —Library Journal
Author: Benjamin Hulme-Cross
Author: Benjamin Hulme-Cross
Author: Simon Scarrow
Author: Benjamin Hulme-Cross
Author: Sergio Villani