Review: Engaging Storytelling, Unique Time Period to Set a Story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 9, 2014
As a fan of the TV shows Rome and Spartacus I was immediately drawn to this story and its compelling characters, vivid depiction of ancient Roman life, and edge of your seat political intrigue.  From start to finish this book makes for an exciting and engaging addition to Ms. Scott's Romancing the Romans series that can be read on its own, but considering Ms. Scott's talent on display here you'll want to read the rest of the series too.Klara is the daughter of an influential Hun who values her independence and desires more out of life, but whose future is to marry a childhood friend.  This event is life-altering in more ways than one as political machinations leave her life in jeopardy and have her crossing paths with Lucius Aurelius, which gives her more excitement than she ever expected.  Klara is an immensely likable character with a modern day sensibility.  She's strong-willed and rolls with whatever is thrown at her which she'll need when she's forced into becomeing a gladiatrix.  Her interactions with Lucius were entertaining with witty and engaging dialogue and hinted at their burgeoning sexual attraction.Lucius is the son of a Senator who knows his place in society but wants to experience more.  He travels through the countryside earning money working as a tradesman which allows him to interact with all the various social ranks.  As he too values independence and the excitement of living life to the fullest he's immediately drawn to Klara and together they must fight to stay one step ahead of those wanting to eliminate them for political gain.  The sexual tension between him and Klara is obvious from the moment they meet.  The similarities in many of their desires and their social class make for a deep-seated connection that's palpable even when they're separated.Ms. Scott has written an exciting story that vividly depicts life in Ancient Rome across all social ranks.  From the decadent lifestyles of the Senators to the bloody and gritty existence of life in the arena, readers are put on an exciting path to HEA where the protagonist's lives are in jeopardy and only love and belief in each other will see them to safety.  Political machinations are nicely spaced throughout the story alongside a satisfying romance that kept me fully immersed in the story and have me looking forward to what Ms. Scott plans for next in this entertaining series.