Amy Hearst - The Gladiator's Girl

1. The Gladiator's Girl by Amy Hearst (2013)
The Gladiators' Gifts Series Book 1
Length: 51 pages
Genre: Short Story
Started/Finished: 7 January 2015
Where did it come from? From Amazon
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 15 November 2013
Why do I have it? This ebook was a free download from Amazon in November of 2013, although I certainly want to read more short stories. I also like historical romance and Amy Hearst is a new author for me.

Rue is an orphaned slave girl in ancient Rome whose master runs a gladiators' school known as a ludus. She is primarily a servant to the master and his family; although she is often given to gladiators for their enjoyment after they win a match in the public arena. Being kept as a reward; expected to provide pleasure to some of Rome's fiercest warriors, Rue's experiences with these men are painful. Most gladiators take the greatest pleasure in brutalizing and humiliating her; and for Rue, they are nothing more than violent brutes.

When a new gladiator named Ducius arrives at the ludus, Rue doesn't know what to expect. He seems nice enough, but she's certain that it'll be only a matter of time before his true personality is revealed. Yet, Ducius eventually surprises her. He's a gladiator with a gentle spirit, who manages to entice Rue out of her shell and helps her to believe in love again.

But their happiness is constantly threatened. Ducius could be killed while fighting in the arena any day, and Rue just can't seem to satisfy her cruel mistress, Cornelia - who repeatedly accuses her of somehow angering the gladiators. In a time when violence and cruelty was encouraged, and life existed at the whim of the powerful; can Ducius and Rue find a way to be permanently happy together?

Despite this story being only the length of a novella, I still enjoyed it very much. I usually enjoy reading anything having to do with ancient Rome and Greece, and this was no exception. The story was coherent and fast-paced; well-written and dramatic. I found myself really rooting for Rue and Ducius, and wondering what would happen next for them. I give The Gladiator's Girl by Amy Hearst an A!

A! - (90-95%)
 
May you read well and often