Opal Seleria, gladiator trainer, believes in her duty to the Vespasian Empire. When Dar, a Hadisian arrives and refuses to comply, he proves to be a match for her in every way. She desires him as both a fighter and a man. She's determined that Dar, chosen as a damnati, a gladiator to die in the first round of fighting, dies with honor.

Gladius is no slushy romance. It's a story of a warrior woman who's steadfast belief in the system on her world is shattered and a man of great strength who is determined to not die easily. It's brutal and animalistic and somewhat gory in places. I loved it! A refreshing and rather unique telling of an ancient Roman-like society in a futuristic off planet world. The love scenes are scorching and powerful. The vivid picture that the very talented Nathalie Gray paints of the Coliseum's arena and the battles allows the reader to become an avid spectator. The characters are interesting and I adored Dar and his rebuttal of everything Vespas. It caused me to giggle on several occasions. Interaction and the developing feelings between Dar and Opal is gritty and exciting.

It is another fabulous addition to a really unique and exciting series of books and recommended reading.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Explicit

Reviewer: Abi
January 16, 2009