Blood of a Gladiator

Leonidas the Gladiator Mysteries, Book 1

By: Ashley Gardner, Jennifer Ashley

Narrated by: Hillary Huber

Leonidas, champion gladiator of Rome, is set free from the games by a mysterious benefactor who grants him freedom, a place to live, and a servant - Cassia, a scribe - to look after him.

But the benefactor is only so generous - Leonidas must pay his own way and Cassia’s, which means hiring himself out. The sharp-witted Cassia quickly lands him a post as a bodyguard, escorting a retired senator to Ostia.

The trip soon turns deadly, as Leonidas and Cassia find themselves squarely in the middle of intrigue that reaches from the slums of the Subura to the Palatine Hill and the emperor Nero himself.

Book one of the Leonidas the Gladiator Mysteries.

©2020 Ashley Gardner/Jennifer Ashley (P)2020 Ashley Gardner/Jennifer Ashley

One of my favorite authors!

Ashley Gardner likes men. I say that because - refreshingly- her male protagonists are humble, generous guys with a moral code. Guys that do the right thing. Leonidas and Gabriel Lacey are great characters. They excel and are lucky at times but not supernaturally. I can't recommend this series or Captain Lacey series enough or more highly!!! Tastes are relative but some things are universal.

Wonderfully different

I loved the setting of this mystery. Ancient Rome during the time of Nero is fascinating. Leonidas is a simple and yet complex character. He has just recently been freed by an anonymous benefactor. Because of his years as a gladiator he believes that he is not smart. As the story progresses it is revealed that he is more astute than he thinks and has more varied interests. His slave Cassia, who was also a gift from the benefactor, is quite intelligent and guides Leon I'd as through this new phase of his life. I love their interactions. The mystery is well plotted and the narrator brings the story to life most excellently.

Great listen

I am so pleased that I stumbled on this series. I love Roman history. Nero is usually portrayed as the ultimate baddie. Not in this story. Cand wait to start 1.5.

Excellent New Series!

Great plot, story line and narration . I loved the characters. Please, more to come?

This Audible Book would be a better print book.

This book may have been a good read: It does interest me, however the stilted and monotone manner in which it is read is horrible! I couldn't even get through a chapter and I'm a person that can listen to poor renditions for at least five chapters or so without giving up.

I can't stress how bad the narration is, and of course the clip that is offered before one makes a purchase is the contents or an area of dialogue that disguises how truly awful the reading is. This rendition is definitely not due the honour afforded to even the worst of performances.

One last thing; it matters not if the character is lounging sleepily by the pool or dodging arrows and deflecting sword attacks, it is all delivered without a single nod to danger or excitement. The character could have been washing dishes and would have sounded more enthralling!