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1st out of 198 books
—
92 voters
The Gladiator (Love Inspired Historical)
by
Carla Capshaw (Goodreads Author)
He won his fame--and his freedom--in the gory pits of Rome's Colosseum. Yet the greatest challenge for once-legendary gladiator Caros Viriathos comes to him through a slave. "His" slave, the beautiful and mysterious Pelonia Valeria. Her secret brings danger to his household but offers Caros a love like he's never known....Should anyone learn she is a Christian, Pelonia wil...more
Mass Market Paperback, 282 pages
Published
2009
by Steeple Hill Books
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Sep 25, 2011
Marlene Cabrera
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
EVERYONE!!
Shelves:
private-library,
first-reads
It has been a long time since I have read a book that has captured my full attention, such as this one. From the first page I had a deep hunger too continue and to unravel the many misteries hidden in each page. I believe this book to be a wonderful masterpiece that deserves high praise. I shall wait with utter excitement for Carla Capshaw's next book, and I assure you I shall be first in line once it is released.
P.S. I would also love to thank Carla Capshaw for sending me the copy of The Gladia...more
P.S. I would also love to thank Carla Capshaw for sending me the copy of The Gladia...more
In an instant, Pelonia's life is changed. On the way to her cousin's wedding, her loving, wealthy, Christian father is killed with all of their traveling party - except for Pelonia and her cowardly uncle. Her uncle beats her and sells her into slavery.
Pelonia wakes up in the home of retired gladiator, Caros. Unable to resist her, even when the slave trader asks an exorbitant sum for the unconscious female slave, Caros buys her and brings her to his home.
Caros gained his own freedom because of a...more
Pelonia wakes up in the home of retired gladiator, Caros. Unable to resist her, even when the slave trader asks an exorbitant sum for the unconscious female slave, Caros buys her and brings her to his home.
Caros gained his own freedom because of a...more
Okay, okay. I know this book looks like just another bodice-ripping, formulaic romance. I'm still a little shocked that I read it at all. But after finishing it, I'm a little surprised to see it categorized simply as romance, and that it has a cover that does little to represent the story. In fact, our hero was hardly physically described at all (refreshing).
Pelonia is the daughter of a rich land owner just outside Rome. While on her way to her cousin's wedding, her father and entire family are...more
Pelonia is the daughter of a rich land owner just outside Rome. While on her way to her cousin's wedding, her father and entire family are...more
2 likes · like · see review
I was excited to read this book. It engaged me quickly, and I love this time period and theme. The faith in the persecuted church, their strength and witness is inspiring. The church grew like wild fire because of that faith in the face of horrible trials and death. We live in an age where we have relative freedom of sharing Christ with others, and yet we hold back because of various small consequences. The believers of that day and age literally faced swords, slavery, lions, and beasts before t...more
I was blessed to get an advance copy of Carla Capshaw's November release, The Gladiator. I can say without a doubt it is one of the most compelling, faith-full, romantic Love Inspireds I have ever read. Make that inspirational novels period.
The story of a slave girl and an former gladiator, this wonderful read is definitely not the same old characters, same old setting. The Gladiator is also no sugarcoated historical novel but a true page turner which transports the reader back to the times whe...more
The story of a slave girl and an former gladiator, this wonderful read is definitely not the same old characters, same old setting. The Gladiator is also no sugarcoated historical novel but a true page turner which transports the reader back to the times whe...more
This book had me hooked from the beginning! I absolutely loved the characters; Pelonia and her undying love for God and Caros with his struggle with faith but his undying devotion towards Pelonia. Pelonia knows she was sent to Caros for a reason, and that is to help build his relationship with God. However, no matter what she says to him about God he always shuts it out. Caros doesn't understand how God could forgive someone who has committed so many sins against him, many of them being killing...more
His battle-scarred fingers stroked the smooth head of his pet tiger."
I believe this just might be the best sentence ever written in a romance novel (or any other novel, for that matter).
Ahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa perfect. Elinor Glyn is weeping somewhere in Heaven for not being the one to come up with it.
It is, of course, one of the surprisingly large subset of "gorgeous Christian girl converts virile Roman pagan dude through the power of her love! But not before he kills a whole bunch of people i...more
I believe this just might be the best sentence ever written in a romance novel (or any other novel, for that matter).
Ahahahahahahahahahaaaaaa perfect. Elinor Glyn is weeping somewhere in Heaven for not being the one to come up with it.
It is, of course, one of the surprisingly large subset of "gorgeous Christian girl converts virile Roman pagan dude through the power of her love! But not before he kills a whole bunch of people i...more
Tigers and Christians and Gladiators, oh my. Yup, Carla Capshaw’s The Gladiator has them all. When the Roman gladiator, Caros, buys a lovely new slave, Pelonia, he gets more than he bargained for. Her Christian faith is a sharp contrast to his belief system. Her beauty attracts him, body and soul. But how can a man with so much blood on his hands ever be worthy of such a woman?
Capshaw depicts a time period when believing in Christ could literally get you thrown to the wolves. The tensions of the...more
Capshaw depicts a time period when believing in Christ could literally get you thrown to the wolves. The tensions of the...more
The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw tells the story of a Christian young lady who is sold into slavery by her uncle, but is saved by the gladiator from being sold into a brothel. I received a copy of Capshaw's book from Goodread's Give Away program. Overall, the book was a good romantic story with interesting sub-plots. It reminded me that as a Christian how we were persecuted and killed for our faith in the past and how we need to take our past into consideration in our lives. I enjoyed how the fe...more
More like 4.75 stars
Carla Capshaw knows how to write a breath-stealing romance. She adds just the right amount of bait on the line to reel fans of romantic historical fiction in to her tale of inspired love. Fans of The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers will enjoy this book. While this story had to be a tad kinder and gentler due to the Love Inspired label, I still found it to be edgy enough to be enjoyable.
Caros was one hot hero. His restrained desire for the heroine made him very her...more
Carla Capshaw knows how to write a breath-stealing romance. She adds just the right amount of bait on the line to reel fans of romantic historical fiction in to her tale of inspired love. Fans of The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers will enjoy this book. While this story had to be a tad kinder and gentler due to the Love Inspired label, I still found it to be edgy enough to be enjoyable.
Caros was one hot hero. His restrained desire for the heroine made him very her...more
4 likes · like · see review
this is the first ebook i've read besides The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella, and it wasn't that bad.
given that it's published by a division of harlequin called "love inspired historicals", i was pleasantly surprised. capshaw's actually a decent writer, with compelling (if pop-lit) characters and setting. makes me want to go back! to rome. not to the time when christians were fed to lions.
i look forward to chilling out with a few more of her books in the future. there's al...more
given that it's published by a division of harlequin called "love inspired historicals", i was pleasantly surprised. capshaw's actually a decent writer, with compelling (if pop-lit) characters and setting. makes me want to go back! to rome. not to the time when christians were fed to lions.
i look forward to chilling out with a few more of her books in the future. there's al...more
This is one of my all time favorite books. What makes it my favorite is the tender love story that develops between unlikely people. That the hero has integrity and doesn't force himself on the heroine who is his slave bought for his purposes. That the heroine has the courage to live her faith outloud. Most importantly, at the climax, I love how the hero proves his love by changing places with his love and doing something he would have never done again if not for his love for her--and the exchan...more
I'd actually give this one 4.5 stars.
Sometimes when I read a book, I figure out right away that I'm in for something good. This was the exact feeling I had when I picked up The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw. I found this story of a former gladiator and his Christian slave very well-done; one would never guess it's a debut novel. I picked it up on my own from the Harlequin site rather than having it assigned for review, but as I read it, I knew it would be one of those books I wanted people to know...more
Sometimes when I read a book, I figure out right away that I'm in for something good. This was the exact feeling I had when I picked up The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw. I found this story of a former gladiator and his Christian slave very well-done; one would never guess it's a debut novel. I picked it up on my own from the Harlequin site rather than having it assigned for review, but as I read it, I knew it would be one of those books I wanted people to know...more
I won a copy if this book from goodreads giveaways.
This book is a Love Inspired Historical. For anyone not familiar with the Love Inspired Historials they are Christian romance books and thus contains all the content typical of this genre...Very clean with Christian faith, doctrine and beliefs interspersed thoughout the book. Pelonia's faith was woven into the story in such a way that it didn't seem out of place. Pelonia is a Christian who is sold as a slave to retired Gladiator Caros. From tha...more
This book is a Love Inspired Historical. For anyone not familiar with the Love Inspired Historials they are Christian romance books and thus contains all the content typical of this genre...Very clean with Christian faith, doctrine and beliefs interspersed thoughout the book. Pelonia's faith was woven into the story in such a way that it didn't seem out of place. Pelonia is a Christian who is sold as a slave to retired Gladiator Caros. From tha...more
Awesome book! Hard to believe this is Carla Capshaw's debut novel. As in
The Champion, she draws the reader into this Roman world of danger and
intrigue, bringing the story alive with every detail. Even though
Caros is tough and at times, hurtful, he's also commpassionate and
vulnerable. He falls for his beautiful slave, Pelonia, yet she's
unattainable because of her Christian beliefs and social status.
Their story kept me flipping the pages, unwilling to put it down.
Looking forward to reading The P...more
The Champion, she draws the reader into this Roman world of danger and
intrigue, bringing the story alive with every detail. Even though
Caros is tough and at times, hurtful, he's also commpassionate and
vulnerable. He falls for his beautiful slave, Pelonia, yet she's
unattainable because of her Christian beliefs and social status.
Their story kept me flipping the pages, unwilling to put it down.
Looking forward to reading The P...more
I was excited to read this book. It engaged me quickly, and I love this time period and theme. The faith in the persecuted church, their strength and witness is inspiring. The church grew like wild fire because of that faith in the face of horrible trials and death. We live in an age where we have relative freedom of sharing Christ with others, and yet we hold back because of various small consequences. The believers of that day and age literally faced swords, slavery, lions, and beasts before t...more
This was a romance and so much more. Carla brings us to 81 AD when to be a Christian was a lot more than just a phrase. It was life and death. It was unique to visit this Roman era.
Pelonia is traveling to her cousins wedding when her life takes turn. Their camp is attacked. Her father and all their servants are murdered. Only two survive, Pelonia and her Uncle Marcus. Then her uncle sells her to a slave traitor and she awakes as the slave of a retired Gladiator.
Caros is pulled towards this woman...more
Pelonia is traveling to her cousins wedding when her life takes turn. Their camp is attacked. Her father and all their servants are murdered. Only two survive, Pelonia and her Uncle Marcus. Then her uncle sells her to a slave traitor and she awakes as the slave of a retired Gladiator.
Caros is pulled towards this woman...more
All I can think to say right now is Wow! I am a bit sleep deprived at the moment, since I stayed up til five reading this book. :) (Well worth it I assure you!) I just had to finish it, there wasn't any chance of me putting it down until it was done. Instantly this is a favorite of mine, I LOVED it that much. So full of depth, the realness of Caros and Pelonia's story instantly pulled me in, tugging at my heartstrings, and also making me smile and laugh like I haven't laughed in so long.
It real...more
It real...more
Jan 31, 2011
Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of Christian romance, angsty historical romance
This was a beautiful book. I have long been wishing to read a Christian romance that delivered such a rich story as this. I loved how the love story was full, and it was as much about the love between Pelonia and Caros, as it was also Pelonia’s love for Christ, and how she was able to come into Caros’ life and to help him to heal and to come to know Christ. Ms. Capshaw did such a great job of showing this without it being preachy. The message of God’s love and how it gave Pelonia strength and ho...more
10 likes · like · see review
The Gladiator captures your attention right from the first page. I must admit that I couldn't put it down. I love the story of Pelonia and Caros. Pelonia and Caros both learn lessons the hard way. Pelonia learns to strengthen her faith in God even during difficult times. It is her light and love for Christ that Caros sees in her, and that is the reason that he is drawn to her. He wants peace and he sees it among her and another slave he had bought for the Gladiator ring. It is through these two...more
Seventeen-year-old Pelonia is a young Christian woman living near Rome in 81 AD. She lived a comfortable life, sheltered from the dangers faced by Christians in Rome, until her greedy uncle has her father murdered and sells her into slavery. She is brought to Rome, where she is purchased by Caros, a former gladiator. Though still a young man, Caros has lived a difficult and violent life. After witnessing the horrific deaths of his family, he was sold into slavery at the age of fifteen and traine...more
The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw was such a good read. From the first sentence, Capshaw pulls you into Roman times. She does such a good job of transporting the reader to the time period and conveying the uncertainty of living in a time when being a Christian could be a death sentence. Both the main characters are believable and heroic. I found the strength of the heroine, Pelonia, inspiring. I love historical reads like The Gladiator because they get me hungry for more.
Admittedly, I don't read too many love-inspired-length books. I used to read them a lot and they all started to sound like the same story with just different characters. Many of them fail to go indepth into the characters, the lack of story length being an issue there, I think. Anyhow, this book caught my eye. It was getting really good reviews and so I decided to give it a shot.
I'm really glad I did. A very nice departure from the norm. Chalk one up for Carla Capshaw. I'll be looking for more o...more
I'm really glad I did. A very nice departure from the norm. Chalk one up for Carla Capshaw. I'll be looking for more o...more
1 like · like · see review
I always enjoy reading historical romance of all periods. This book was no exception. Having visited three ancient coloseums in Italy while I lived there, including the Roman Coloseum, I especially enjoyed the Gladiator theme. And knowing some of the early Christian Church history, I really appreciated that aspect of the book. The early Church lived their faith in such a dangerous time, and I think that Carla Capshaw represented that well.
this book was amazing! i gave it to my sister who hates to read and told her to read at least the first four chapters and if she didnt like it she could stop. the next day she called me up and complained that the book had to end! she read it in less than a day! i have loaned this book out multiple times and everyone loves it. Carla is such a talented writer! i wanted to be transported back to the roman days!
I had high hopes for this book, and I can say without a doubt that they were fulfilled and then some. I was very hesitant to even attempt a review for fear I would not be able to do this book justice.
The Gladiator is a truly remarkable book and it quickly became a new favorite for me.
I have always been intrigued with stories of gladiators, and was very pleased with the detail of this story and all I learned from it!
With deeply impassioned characters, a greatly emotional storyline and a poetic d...more
The Gladiator is a truly remarkable book and it quickly became a new favorite for me.
I have always been intrigued with stories of gladiators, and was very pleased with the detail of this story and all I learned from it!
With deeply impassioned characters, a greatly emotional storyline and a poetic d...more
This book took me back to the time shortly after Jesus's death when the danger of being a Christian was still great. The plot, the character portryal was all wonderful, and it drew me into a different time and a different place with so much realism I could not put this book down. Carla Capshaw did a wonderful job with this story set shortly after Christ's crucifiction.
I was a little disappointed in that I thought it might be along the lines of the Voice in the Winds series but it really didn't even compare. I will say it had a great gospel presentation. All in all...it was still a good read and I'll probably read the 2nd book in the series just because I'm wondering about the characters I've already met.
LOVED it, wonderful passionate story. Why can't more inspired books be like this one? I like the strong, manly hero too. Was great to see how God worked in the lives of the characters when they faced persecution. Great love story, nice escape. I would prefer more if more Love Inspired novels were more like this one, it is a rare jewel!
4.5/5.0
A perfect example that really good books can come in small (and serial) packages! Having a knowledgeable understanding of the basics in Roman history yet shying away from any "entertainment" reading centered in the brutal time, I was delightfully amazed at how deftly Ms. Capshaw wove the horrendous historical realism into a beautiful love story.
The worlds of a slave-turned gladiator-turned wealthy trainer and a wealthy Christian girl-turned slave are such polar opposites that the plot is...more
A perfect example that really good books can come in small (and serial) packages! Having a knowledgeable understanding of the basics in Roman history yet shying away from any "entertainment" reading centered in the brutal time, I was delightfully amazed at how deftly Ms. Capshaw wove the horrendous historical realism into a beautiful love story.
The worlds of a slave-turned gladiator-turned wealthy trainer and a wealthy Christian girl-turned slave are such polar opposites that the plot is...more
4 likes · like · see review
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Carla Capshaw is a Florida native who grew up dreaming of traveling the world and writing novels.
After visiting numerous countries, Carla began writing novels in earnest and eventually won two Golden Heart awards as well as a double Rita nomination for her first novel, The Gladiator. Carla loves passionate stories with compelling, nearly impossible conflicts. She's found Inspirational Romance is...more
More about Carla Capshaw...
After visiting numerous countries, Carla began writing novels in earnest and eventually won two Golden Heart awards as well as a double Rita nomination for her first novel, The Gladiator. Carla loves passionate stories with compelling, nearly impossible conflicts. She's found Inspirational Romance is...more
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Thank you for that wonderful review! I'm so pleased you liked The Gladiator. :-)
Nov 17, 2009 01:30am