Review: 4 1/2 Stars ~ This is one for the keeper shelf
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 27, 2012
The Gladiator's Master by Fae Sutherland and Marguerite Labbe~ Carina Press ~ September 20114 1/2 Stars! ~ Captured, enslaved and given a Roman name, gladiator Argon has vowed to have his revenge and destroy his captors bloodline. His captor, Craxus, is a cruel but careless man, and Argon is easily able to slip out of his cell at night. One night he puts poison into his masters wine. Inheriting the villa and gladiator stable upon his uncle's death, Caelius is determined to return the house to it's former glory and restore the reputation of the gladiators. He's dismayed with the state of disrepair and how malnourished and ill the slaves are. Inspecting his gladiators, Caelius is pleasantly surprised to find one whose brilliant blue eyes boldly stare directly at him. The man takes his breath away. When Caelius summons Argon, he asks for the name his mother gave him, and thus begins the reawakening of Gaidres.In the privacy of his chambers, Caelius uses Gaidres anger to fuel their passion and to prove to him that though Caelius is called Dominus, he has no wish to dominate. Slowly with each encounter, Caelius learns more about the gladiator, and Gaidres admits that he will murder Caelius for the crimes to his village and the death of his lover, Kerses. He is a man of honour, so when Caelius requests often that this day not be the day he die, Gaidres gives his promise. Returning to his villa outside of Rome to cremate his wife who has died in childbirth, Caelius requests Gaidres accompany him as his private guard. In the quiet villa, he relearns what it is to be a freeman, whose opinions are sought and respected. Caelius offers this life to him but he refuses and insists that he be returned to the arena.This is a lovestory of a man tortured with hatred and guilt. Enslaved, he became Argon, fierce in the arena and consumed by his vow for revenge but with the patient caring of Caelius he once again finds himself as Gaidres, a man capable of tenderness. Caelius shows him that not all of reality is darkness that there can be hope. I love how through persistence Caelius is able to show Gaidres that he is worthy of life and freedom. Their relationship though begun from mutual lust, develops into one of love and respect. This is one for the keeper shelf.