The Left Hand of Calvus

De: Ann Gallagher

Narrado por: Michael Ferraiuolo

Former gladiator Saevius is certain Fortune’s smiling on him when a Pompeiian politician buys him to be his bodyguard. That is until his new master, Laurea Calvus, orders Saevius to discover the gladiator with whom his wife is having a sordid affair. In order to do that, Saevius must return to the arena, training alongside the very men on whom he’s spying. Worse, he’s now under the command of Drusus, a notoriously cruel - and yet strangely intriguing - lanista.

But Saevius’ ruse is the least of his worries. There’s more to the affair than a wife humiliating her prominent husband, and now Saevius is part of a dangerous game between dangerous men. He isn’t the only gladiator out to expose the Lady Verina’s transgressions, and her husband wants more than just the guilty man’s name.

When Saevius learns the truth about the affair, he’s left with no choice but to betray a master: one he’s come to fear, one he’s come to respect, and either of whom could have him killed without repercussion.

For the first time in his life, the most dangerous place for this gladiator isn’t the arena.

This 52,500 word novel was previously published under the pseudonym L.A. Witt, and has been lightly revised.

©2012, 2016, 2019 Ann Gallagher (P)2019 Ann Gallagher

Audiobook? More like a radio play!!

I’ve listened to this narrator before and have been a fan of his for a while. He takes things to a new level in this book. Dozens of characters and accents all of which are distinct and memorable. Emotional, compelling, and absolute re-listen material.

Ann Gallagher delivered an emotional tale set against an exotic backdrop. If you're a fan of historical fiction, gladiators, romance, intrigue, and immersive narration then this one is for you.

Also loved the music in the credits too! Really grabbed me and set the scene!

A Perfect Rainy Day Story

Michael does his usual stellar performance. The main character is a man who has been a slave his whole life, and fought for that life for most of it. He finds himself in a situation where his life is in the hands of two ruthless men who can and will kill him to achieve their goals.

He eventually must take a side.

As he learns more about the situation, he becomes emotionally involved in protecting some of the people involved.

There are scenes of violence throughout. Part of being a gladiator is being pimped out after a battle. While these scenes occur off page and mostly prior to the events of the story, the idea is disturbing. His life is not his own.

The ending takes some very unexpected twists that greatly add to the story.

The resolution is hopeful, and the emotional HEA solid.