Review #143 - Blood and Sand

Details:

Title: Blood and Sand

Author: C.V.Wyk

Publisher: Tor Teen

ISBN 13: 978-0765380098

Synopsis:

FORGED IN BATTLE...
FROM THE DUST OF THE ARENA...
A LEGEND WILL RISE

The action-packed tale of a 17-year-old warrior princess and a handsome gladiator who dared take on the Roman Republic--and gave rise to the legend of Spartacus...

For teens who love strong female protagonists in their fantasy and historical fiction, Blood and Sand is a stirring, yet poignant tale of two slaves who dared take on an empire by talented debut author C. V. Wyk.

Roma Victrix. The Republic of Rome is on a relentless march to create an empire--an empire built on the backs of the conquered, brought back to Rome as slaves.

Attia was once destined to rule as the queen and swordmaiden of Thrace, the greatest warrior kingdom the world had seen since Sparta. Now she is a slave, given to Xanthus, the Champion of Rome, as a sign of his master's favor. Enslaved as a child, Xanthus is the preeminent gladiator of his generation.

Against all odds, Attia and Xanthus form a tentative bond. A bond that will spark a rebellion. A rebellion that threatens to bring the Roman Republic to its end--and gives rise to the legend of Spartacus...

Review:
I went into this without knowing much beyond 'female Spartacus' and I ended up really loving it. Attia is such a good character, well developed and fierce but with a big heart. There is a great overall plot with smaller interwoven ones which leads to a gripping enjoyable read. I went through a lot of emotions while reading this and am now highly anticipating the next one.  

I gave this book 4.5 out of 5 stars..