The Left Hand of Calvus (Warriors of Rome, #1)

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The Left Hand of Calvus (Warriors of Rome #1)

by L.A. Witt (Goodreads Author)

3.68 of 5 stars 3.68 · rating details · 44 ratings · 22 reviews

Former gladiator Saevius is certain fortune’s smiling on him when a Pompeiian politician buys him to be his bodyguard. But then his new master, Laurea Calvus, orders Saevius to discover the gladiator with whom his wife is having an 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 c...more

ebook, 175 pages

Published November 5th 2012 by Riptide Publishing

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The Gladiator's Master by Fae Sutherland

Gay Historical Fiction About Ancient Rome

5th out of 30 books — 21 voters

Best M/M Historical Romance published in 2012

9th out of 28 books — 28 voters

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Nov 13, 2012 Eed99 rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book for the story it told. It was unique I think to both M/M romance and general period story telling. I enjoy books set in ancient Rome-straight historical to erotic stories.

If a reader is looking for a book with lots of really hot sex scenes this book isn't going to ring that bell, but I am a reader far more interested in the story telling than hot sex (I like hot sex, but I want the hot sex to fit in the context of a good story).

This story also goes in an interesting di...more

4 likes · like · see review

May 02, 2013 Nerine Dorman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Saevius is a veteran of the arena, but as a gladiator, he’s not master of his own fate. When he’s sold to a Pompeiian politician to work as a bodyguard, he’s cautiously optimistic about his future. But this good fortune doesn’t last, as he soon finds out that Calvus is playing a dangerous game, which might have fatal consequences for Saevius. Caught up in the sticky web of intrigue, Saevius is tasked to discover with which gladiator Calvus’s wife is having an affair.

Saevius now finds himself act...more Saevius is a veteran of the arena, but as a gladiator, he’s not master of his own fate. When he’s sold to a Pompeiian politician to work as a bodyguard, he’s cautiously optimistic about his future. But this good fortune doesn’t last, as he soon finds out that Calvus is playing a dangerous game, which might have fatal consequences for Saevius. Caught up in the sticky web of intrigue, Saevius is tasked to discover with which gladiator Calvus’s wife is having an affair.

Saevius now finds himself acting as an agent for Calvus in the ludus of the lanista Drusus, who has a reputation for being cruel. Yet Saevius is unaccountably drawn to the master on whom he’s been employed to spy. No man can serve two masters, and at some point Saevius will have to betray one of them. But making that decision is not going to be easy.

While this is ostensibly a m/m tale, if you’re looking for scenes of hot, pumping action, you’re going to come away empty-handed. (No pun intended, LOL.) What you will get, however, is a story brimful of tension, and that is, in itself, a reward. Also, kudos to the author for dumping a huge reveal later on in the story. I totally did not see that one on the horizon and it put an entire different spin on the tale that left me grinning like crazy.

Most of all, I loved Saevius as a character. He’s been there, done that, and bears the scars. He’s a man who gets on with the job and has realistic expectations about people and situations. Much of his conflict is related to loyalty. Scenes where he has to get over being the new guy in the ludus and wins the grudging respect of his fellow gladiators – that was awesomely done. Also, the careful dance he has keeping both Calvus and Drusus happy – nerve-wrecking.

LA Witt makes me feel like I’m *there* in the story, that these things actually happened to *real* people. Which means that you’re not going to find larger-than-life characters here with epic stories of derring-do. Everyone’s got flaws. Everyone’s got issues. Pompeii is dirty and full of perils for the unwary. And Saevius is a man who’s trying to do the right thing while keeping his head on his shoulders, almost literally in some situations.

In any case, if you’re a big fan of historical stories set during ancient times, be it watching Spartacus on telly or reading classic Mary Renault, then this story will possibly bite you in all the right places. I am loving the living hell out of Riptide’s Warriors of Rome series, and this title just underscores the fact that they’re onto a very good thing. More please!
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Dec 20, 2012 Sunne rated it 3 of 5 stars

I'm not sure what to say about this book. I was hesitant to start because the set-up didn't appeal much to me. On the other hand, L.A. Witt generally has the ability to draw me in, no matter what she is writing about.

So - I started reading and as anticipated, I liked it. Saevius is a good MC, a bit jaded, street smart in his surroundings and honorable. And soon enough I started to like Drusus who obviously was the "other man" in the hopefully soon to come couple. And the built up for the "romanc...more I'm not sure what to say about this book. I was hesitant to start because the set-up didn't appeal much to me. On the other hand, L.A. Witt generally has the ability to draw me in, no matter what she is writing about.

So - I started reading and as anticipated, I liked it. Saevius is a good MC, a bit jaded, street smart in his surroundings and honorable. And soon enough I started to like Drusus who obviously was the "other man" in the hopefully soon to come couple. And the built up for the "romance" was slow...oh so slow...well, after a while too slow for me.

In the end ... I wonder if I missed somewhere the note that this book isn't ment to be a romance - don't get me wrong, there is a love story included but for me it wasn't enough, not because that even at the end there hadn't been any sex - I can live with that - but these few emotional stong moments are enough to alter lives?

The other story about the spying order of his master is entertaining but not enough to make a mystery story out of the novel.

And I'm not even get started on the whole "identity"-thing - those who have read know what I mean and I wonder how to word it without giving away a MAJOR spoiler. Hm...I think I can't so this is really a MAJOR SPOLIER and if you don't want to know, don't read it.

(view spoiler)

So..for the writing, the characters - it was a good book. For the lovestory - I missed more. Makes all in all thre stars.

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Apr 15, 2013 G.B. Gordon added it

Whoa. Brilliant.

Read a few reviews and am floored by how many reviewers don't consider this a 'true' romance. It's a quiet book, for sure, and it takes a while to build up steam (though the second half has very good pace and tension IMO), but if this isn't romance, then the romance genre has strayed from the original sense of the word beyond any recognition. For me this is a romance in the most classical sense of the word.

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Feb 13, 2013 Cris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-author, historical, m-m, suspense

I really enjoyed this one, but I would have wished for more on the romance front. While it had romantic elements, it really wasn't a "romance novel" so much. We see Savius and Drusus' attraction and growing trust, but while love must include respect, respect doesn't always lead to love. And the twist threw me quite a bit. It wouldn't have been as good of a story had I known what was coming, but on the other hand if I'd been expecting it I wouldn't have been thrown out of the story so much.

At any...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Anna added it

5/5 stars

This is a copy from my non pen-name Goodreads. The actual review is here:

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

(I don't double rate.)

Good God, this book. This book. I adore L.A. Witt for having written this book.

First off, this isn't an erotic romance, though the author does write erotic romances. This is historical fiction with light romantic elements and no sex. So set you expectations. If you're looking for bow-chicka bow wow, there isn't any. There's some kissing, but that's it.

Wh...more

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Mar 16, 2013 Ann rated it 5 of 5 stars

Good God, this book. This book. I adore L.A. Witt for having written this book.

First off, this isn't an erotic romance, though the author does write erotic romances. This is historical fiction with light romantic elements and no sex. So set you expectations. If you're looking for bow-chicka bow wow, there isn't any. There's some kissing, but that's it.

What you get instead is a fantastic novel full of intrigue, action, and a darn fine fine tale.

The writing is gripping. I generally don't like book...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 27, 2012 Sineala rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, fiction, gay, queer, rome, historical-fiction, romance

This was surprisingly fun, and if all the rest of the books in the Warriors of Rome collection are as good, I will be pleased. Our hero Saevius is basically a spy-gladiator in Pompeii. How does that work? Well, he is bought by a man named Calvus and told to go undercover at the gladiator school of this famous trainer Drusus, because Calvus thinks one of Drusus' gladiators is sleeping with his wife. Because that would be far too simple as-is, Saevius ends up befriending Drusus and becoming a doub...more

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Nov 23, 2012 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, m-m, request, romance

The Left Hand of Calvus is a wonderful masterpiece by L.A. Witt and the first book in the Warriors of Rome collection. I was intrigued and held captive from the first page. The story takes place in ancient Rome when Saevius, a gladiator, is exploited by his current master, Laurea Calvus to spy on his wife, the Lady Verina. Laurea believes that she is having an affair with someone under the house of Drusus, a powerful lanista, and Laurea want his name.

As a fan of L.A. Witt and mystery and intrigu...more The Left Hand of Calvus is a wonderful masterpiece by L.A. Witt and the first book in the Warriors of Rome collection. I was intrigued and held captive from the first page. The story takes place in ancient Rome when Saevius, a gladiator, is exploited by his current master, Laurea Calvus to spy on his wife, the Lady Verina. Laurea believes that she is having an affair with someone under the house of Drusus, a powerful lanista, and Laurea want his name.

As a fan of L.A. Witt and mystery and intrigue, this book was perfect for me. Add in a heavy dose of Roman history and I knew that I had to read it. The story takes the reader through all the malevolent manipulation that can be found in the world of the gladiators; their training, fighting, and surviving. The viciousness of the ludus and the arena emanated through the pages and I felt every slice of the flagellum or slash of the sword.

Seduction and intrigue are the framework for the novel, as Saevius returns to the ludus and attempts to fit into a new familia, all the while spying on his new master and lanista under false pretenses. His character was resilient and masculine, not only battling the enemies of the arena, but also the familia that does not trust him. Additionally, he is torn in his loyalty to his ruthless master Laurea and the feelings that he is developing for the brutal Drusus.

Women of all statures throw themselves at the gladiators’ feet as do men of prominence. The story takes the reader through twists and turns that are not expected, but could easily fit into any Roman setting.

As the story unfolds, Ms. Witt surprises the reader with even more intrigue and a completely unexpected ending. The novel contains no sex scenes, but Ms. Witt’s writing made the story intimate in its settings along with stolen kisses and yearning desires. I was enthralled and hope that she aspires to write more historical fiction.

A highly recommend this book for lovers of L.A.Witt, Roman history, and brawny gladiators.

reviewed by Zafira
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Nov 15, 2012 DayDreamer rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: angsty-feels-good, arrogant-mofo, fucking-finally, lgbtq, reviewed-or-kinda, meh, absofuckinglutely-nuts

Errr... what?

Not what I expected, to be honest.

5 likes · like · see review

Jan 03, 2013 BarkLessWagMore rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

3 1/2 Dominus Saevius is a gladiator just three fights away from freedom when he is sold as a bodyguard to Pompeian politician Junius Calvus Laurea. Saevius is not thrilled with this turn of events but is relieved he will no longer have to risk his life in the arena. Or so he thinks. He soon learns he was purchased under false pretenses when he is thrust into a far more dangerous situation.

Calvus thinks his wife is cheating on him with a gladiator and he won’t stand for it. He orders Saevius to...more 3 1/2 Dominus Saevius is a gladiator just three fights away from freedom when he is sold as a bodyguard to Pompeian politician Junius Calvus Laurea. Saevius is not thrilled with this turn of events but is relieved he will no longer have to risk his life in the arena. Or so he thinks. He soon learns he was purchased under false pretenses when he is thrust into a far more dangerous situation.

Calvus thinks his wife is cheating on him with a gladiator and he won’t stand for it. He orders Saevius to infiltrate and train as a gladiator in the group his wife is rumored to visit. I didn’t know this, but it seems that it was commonplace for wealthy women to find sexual satisfaction with a gladiator or four back in ancient Rome. Not only were the gladiators forced into the ring to fight for their lives but they were also prostituted out by their owner, the “lanista”. Saevius has always done his duty even though he prefers men so his re-entry into another slavery contract is particularly disheartening. If he gets caught spying he will be slain but if he doesn’t co-operate with Calvus he’ll likely be slain anyway. So he does what he must. Then things get even more complicated for Saevius.

His new lanista called Drusus is rumored to be a madman who kills for the pleasure of it. Drusus takes a special interest in Saevius and asks him to spy for him because he feels something fishy is afoot among his gladiators. This pulls him even further into the intrigue mess. But even more troubling for Saevius is the fact that he finds himself inexplicably attracted in the sexual way to Drusus. “He’s like a god strolling among those who think they’re gods.” And Drusus seems to return those feelings.

Uh ohs.

Riptide publishes some unique work that always draws me to their titles. The few that I have read focus on the darker edges of sex and usually feature very complicated relationships. This one is no exception but you should know that this story isn’t a sexual fantasy and there isn’t much in the way of a romance. It’s more of an action intrigue, danger filled look into the life of a gladiator. Truly fascinating, even for one such as me who isn’t normally into this sort of thing. The characters and plot are intricate and complicated and though Drusus and Saevius are drawn to each other there isn’t a lot of room in this story for romance. It ends at the very beginning of a very complicated love story that never progresses further than a few sexy kisses and some stealthy longing looks. I would love to read a sequel some day because there is a huge game changer of a reveal that comes along (and NO I’m not telling) and I’d like to see how the characters worked it all out. But sequel or no, this review is based on what I just read and it feels a little too rushed at the end and a wee bit unfinished.
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Feb 03, 2013 Ery rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: no-sex, owned, mystery-thriller, historical, girl-cooties, say-what

4.4 stars. What a wonderful, enjoyable story! In a departure from the style or topics of her previous books LA Witt takes on historical Pompeii, gladiator style. Although there is romance, this book is much better classified as general (gay?) fiction.

Saevius is a veteran gladiator who has known nothing but slavery. A few fights from obtaining freedom, he is sold to a politician in another city as a bodyguard. Unfortunately, when he gets there, he finds that his true purpose is not to serve as a...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Daisy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m_m, m_m_historical, owned

Very slow build up with a surprise at the end - which I did see coming because there are clues scattered throughout the story. I won't spoil you by saying which. No smut in this at all, which is fine by me, as the plot was well crafted enough to not want any actually. It would have done something bad to the book I think. There is a lot of violence instead (hey, it's about GLADIATORS. Those weren't pussies.).
At first I didn't really like the main character Saevius much - but he started to grow on...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Sue rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this Roman romp.
L. A. Witt made me believe in her setting and characters, and I really enjoyed following the thread of Calvus' experience at the gladiator school.
I found Calvus' feelings about the gods, especially the fickle Fortuna, a nice touch.
Gripping historical action, well worth the money.

1 like · like · see review

May 12, 2013 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, historical, trans

Not what I was expecting - there's a twist (which I had guessed at before it was revealed) that had I known, I might not have read the book at all. However, the story had good flow and structure, though I was glad for the glossary at the end! I enjoyed the intrigue and Saevius as a character.

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Nov 05, 2012 Kazza rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: bought-it

Another good L A Witt book. A great start to the Warriors of Rome series. A very interesting, enjoyable read from start to end.

Full review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews
http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...

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Dec 04, 2012 Alexandra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, mm

Witt's writing exceeded my expectations. Handclap to Witt and editor.

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Mar 28, 2013 Vishous * 4ever Racht's Minion * marked it as to-read-arc

Shelves: m-m, netgalley

* ARC courtesy of Riptide Publishing via Netgalley *

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Nov 12, 2012 Hj rated it 3 of 5 stars

NB It's in the present tense, which I don't like.

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Nov 05, 2012 Amara marked it as to-read

WANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Nov 09, 2012 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-historical-romance, lgbt, netgalley-arc

Review Pending.

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Jan 16, 2013 SueM rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: pre-ordered, prisoner-slave, trans, mystery-suspense-thriller, historical-romance, hfn

3.5 stars

Not what I was expecting, but nevertheless, it's a story well told and researched.

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Nov 05, 2012 Aija rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: riptide, own, favourites, revved, lgbt, historical, mystery, novel

Bloody brilliant! Loved every single moment of it. *happy sigh*

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May 21, 2013 Britney marked it as to-read

May 20, 2013 Jennifer marked it as to-read

Shelves: rom-book-club-possibilities

May 19, 2013 ari_reads marked it as to-read

May 19, 2013 Isabelle Müller rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ancient-rome

May 19, 2013 BeCullen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, m-m-history, m-m-military, m-m-ancient-rome

May 15, 2013 Charlene marked it as to-read

May 07, 2013 Ashlee added it · review of another edition

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About L.A. Witt

L.A. Witt is an abnormal M/M romance writer who, after three years in Okinawa, Japan, has recently relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two cats, and a three-headed clairvoyant parakeet named Fred. There is some speculation that this move was not actually because of her husband's military orders, but to help L. A. close in on her arch nemesis, erotica author Lauren Gallagher, who has al...more

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