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Gladium #1
Rise of the Loitador
Virote and Jillian are twins from a one stop sign town in Oklahoma. Abducted by the Mauvian Empire, on a night where the entire town is out to watch the high school football game, the twins wake in a room full of kids with no idea where they are or the deadly games they are about to be forced into. Upon completing a race that promised glory to the top ten, the twins and their new friends, find themselves being sold to be trained as loitador, the fierce new fighters revered by the mauvian nation.
Facing other conquered fighters from different planets, the teens must work together to survive training in hopes of finding freedom. As they grow accustomed to their new world, one thought sinks in: they will never truly be free to have their own lives on Odies. Working with the other aliens, the friends strive to find freedom and peace of mind with the goal of returning home.
Facing other conquered fighters from different planets, the teens must work together to survive training in hopes of finding freedom. As they grow accustomed to their new world, one thought sinks in: they will never truly be free to have their own lives on Odies. Working with the other aliens, the friends strive to find freedom and peace of mind with the goal of returning home.
384 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2018
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 1, 2018
This book was an adventure for me to write. Several scenes changed drastically (as they should with edits) but the payoff was worth it. This was the story I wanted to tell and I'm very proud with how the book turned out. I've been fascinated with the story of Spartacus ever since I watched the 1960 movie in middle school. This is a story that has been on my mind for fifteen years and now it is out there. These characters were fun to create and have the dynamic that I was striving for. I can't wait to share the sequel. Thanks for reading!
May 16, 2018
This was an ARC. Solid 3.5 STARS
Science Fiction is my favorite genre, but it can be tough to do well. Encompassing such major themes, it's hard to not overdo things. This novel combined aliens and gladiators in way that was believable and intriguing.
The world building was impressive. I could easily picture most things in every scene. But the arena and battles fought there, those were the best. Great action and suspense, very gritty, imaginative, and easy to follow.
Things started off well, but I thought the characters took to their new situation just a little too quickly. They kept a pretty positive attitude a lot, even making jokes, smiling and laughing at times, which, to me, didn't seem completely realistic. A few of these scenes were good, necessary, but others felt forced or strange given their situation.
The main characters were all unique with easily distinguishable personalities, but there were a lot of side characters and different creatures. It was hard to keep up with at times. I will say that all characters were still well written though.
Virote was my favorite character, strong and more mature by the end. Jillian sometimes seemed too perky or optimistic. Hoss was a big, but quiet guy who said he liked the violence of being a loitador, but only once or twice ever 'showed' readers this with actions or thoughts. I didn't fully believe him.
The end felt a little rushed, things coming together too smoothly. Everyone was basically on the same page, no one having any real qualms or indecision about the upcoming change/fight. I wish there'd been more tension leading up to it. The end fight was well done and not everyone made it out. Sad, but definitely necessary.
Overall, great world building and good characters. Ideas about freedom, working together, trust, and friendship, all play an important role here. I'm glad I read it :)
Science Fiction is my favorite genre, but it can be tough to do well. Encompassing such major themes, it's hard to not overdo things. This novel combined aliens and gladiators in way that was believable and intriguing.
The world building was impressive. I could easily picture most things in every scene. But the arena and battles fought there, those were the best. Great action and suspense, very gritty, imaginative, and easy to follow.
Things started off well, but I thought the characters took to their new situation just a little too quickly. They kept a pretty positive attitude a lot, even making jokes, smiling and laughing at times, which, to me, didn't seem completely realistic. A few of these scenes were good, necessary, but others felt forced or strange given their situation.
The main characters were all unique with easily distinguishable personalities, but there were a lot of side characters and different creatures. It was hard to keep up with at times. I will say that all characters were still well written though.
Virote was my favorite character, strong and more mature by the end. Jillian sometimes seemed too perky or optimistic. Hoss was a big, but quiet guy who said he liked the violence of being a loitador, but only once or twice ever 'showed' readers this with actions or thoughts. I didn't fully believe him.
The end felt a little rushed, things coming together too smoothly. Everyone was basically on the same page, no one having any real qualms or indecision about the upcoming change/fight. I wish there'd been more tension leading up to it. The end fight was well done and not everyone made it out. Sad, but definitely necessary.
Overall, great world building and good characters. Ideas about freedom, working together, trust, and friendship, all play an important role here. I'm glad I read it :)
May 7, 2018
I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Abducted by the Mauvian Empire on a night where the entire town is out to watch the high school football game, Virote and Jillian find themselves in a room full of kidnapped teens. Upon completing a race that promised glory to the top ten, the twins and their new friends, are promptly sold as loitador, Gladiator-type fighters revered by the Mauvian empire of the planet Odies. Force to battle other conquered fighters from different planets, the teens quickly realize they will never truly be free. Working with the other aliens, the teens decide to take matters into their own hands to seize freedom and the chance to return home.
Quick disclosure: I don’t usually read this genre, but this novel was unlike any of the other sci-fi stories I’ve read. I usually find sci-fi novels to be a little too bleak for me. But Vaughn has a created a world equal parts disturbing and uplifting. One thing I loved was the colorful and imaginative descriptions of Odies and Mauvian empire, and its juxtaposition to the brutal nature of this alien society. The entire novel has a really cool, vintage comic book vibe to it. The arrogance of the Mauvians also offered an interesting contrast to the determination and optimism of the central band of loitadors. The action sequences were exciting, well-paced and delightfully inventive. I especially loved Hoss and his slow evaluation from a gentle giant to a warrior with a dark streak.
Abducted by the Mauvian Empire on a night where the entire town is out to watch the high school football game, Virote and Jillian find themselves in a room full of kidnapped teens. Upon completing a race that promised glory to the top ten, the twins and their new friends, are promptly sold as loitador, Gladiator-type fighters revered by the Mauvian empire of the planet Odies. Force to battle other conquered fighters from different planets, the teens quickly realize they will never truly be free. Working with the other aliens, the teens decide to take matters into their own hands to seize freedom and the chance to return home.
Quick disclosure: I don’t usually read this genre, but this novel was unlike any of the other sci-fi stories I’ve read. I usually find sci-fi novels to be a little too bleak for me. But Vaughn has a created a world equal parts disturbing and uplifting. One thing I loved was the colorful and imaginative descriptions of Odies and Mauvian empire, and its juxtaposition to the brutal nature of this alien society. The entire novel has a really cool, vintage comic book vibe to it. The arrogance of the Mauvians also offered an interesting contrast to the determination and optimism of the central band of loitadors. The action sequences were exciting, well-paced and delightfully inventive. I especially loved Hoss and his slow evaluation from a gentle giant to a warrior with a dark streak.
May 16, 2018
I don’t like sci fi anymore. I don’t know what’s wrong with me lol. So while this book wasn’t up my alley, I definitely didn’t hate it. And I usually HATE sci fi these days.
This book starts with an alien abduction and futuristic guantlet-race. Very Maze Runner/Hunger Games imo, and my only complaint for this book is that I wish that section had been shorter. Because the next bit gets REALLY interesting!
Loitadors equal gladiators basically, and there were some great match scenes that were dynamic, interesting, fresh, and scary! I would have loved to see more.
The author does an amazing job of creating a unique and memorable alien world. I loved the different species and their personality/world view quirks. I hope we get to see more of the unique alien landscape in book two!
This book starts with an alien abduction and futuristic guantlet-race. Very Maze Runner/Hunger Games imo, and my only complaint for this book is that I wish that section had been shorter. Because the next bit gets REALLY interesting!
Loitadors equal gladiators basically, and there were some great match scenes that were dynamic, interesting, fresh, and scary! I would have loved to see more.
The author does an amazing job of creating a unique and memorable alien world. I loved the different species and their personality/world view quirks. I hope we get to see more of the unique alien landscape in book two!
April 29, 2018
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you've seen any of my reviews before, or looked at the books on my 'read' list, you'll see that Sci-Fi isn't my go-to genre. I've read a previous work of Jack's before, and although I was excited to read this one, I was a little nervous as Sci-Fi just doesn't appeal to me like fantasy or romance does. But this book...It's definitely one of my favourites that I've read this year, hence 5 full stars.
The plot was engaging and exciting. There was never a dull moment. I was always kept on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down as I needed to know what was going to happen next. I would describe it as a mix of Hunger Games and Sparta with aliens. Action packed, heartfelt, thrilling. Imagine an alien race that are like the Capital from Hunger Games, Arenas and fighters like those in Sparta, with teenage relationships and friendships mixed in. Jack has taken these concepts and given them a unique twist.
The characters were realistic and I was attached to quite a few of them. The relationships were really enthralling. It's refreshing to see a romance where the guy isn't all smooth talk and good looks. The second romance...well, I don't want to spoil anything, but it made my heart ache. It's also great to see the females not viewing each other as competition and banding together to support one another. I'm so tired of reading stories where this happens. The characters were fleshed out and easily distinguishable from one another.
One of characters that stood out for me was Hoss. He is a huge sweetheart, but I enjoyed the internal conflict he has about the violence. How he feels slightly ashamed that he likes it, though he knows he shouldn't, because it's barbaric. He's also a huge video game nerd, like me! Virote was another. He is stubborn and can seem like he has a chip on his shoulder, but beneath his tough-guy act, he has a soft spot for his sister, Jillian.
The world building is always a problem with me in Sci-Fi novels. It can be hard to try and imagine a made up world's inhabitants and their surroundings, but Jack has done a great job of it. I was able to clearly picture the different alien races and the world around them.
The only negative I can mention is that the cast was rather large. The humans I could remember easily, but with a couple of the aliens I did forget what they looked like and what race they were at times. But that's not really a negative, just a little pit-picky thing.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. The ending left me wanting more, so when the next book comes out I'll be sure to get my hands on it ASAP.
If you've seen any of my reviews before, or looked at the books on my 'read' list, you'll see that Sci-Fi isn't my go-to genre. I've read a previous work of Jack's before, and although I was excited to read this one, I was a little nervous as Sci-Fi just doesn't appeal to me like fantasy or romance does. But this book...It's definitely one of my favourites that I've read this year, hence 5 full stars.
The plot was engaging and exciting. There was never a dull moment. I was always kept on the edge of my seat, unable to put the book down as I needed to know what was going to happen next. I would describe it as a mix of Hunger Games and Sparta with aliens. Action packed, heartfelt, thrilling. Imagine an alien race that are like the Capital from Hunger Games, Arenas and fighters like those in Sparta, with teenage relationships and friendships mixed in. Jack has taken these concepts and given them a unique twist.
The characters were realistic and I was attached to quite a few of them. The relationships were really enthralling. It's refreshing to see a romance where the guy isn't all smooth talk and good looks. The second romance...well, I don't want to spoil anything, but it made my heart ache. It's also great to see the females not viewing each other as competition and banding together to support one another. I'm so tired of reading stories where this happens. The characters were fleshed out and easily distinguishable from one another.
One of characters that stood out for me was Hoss. He is a huge sweetheart, but I enjoyed the internal conflict he has about the violence. How he feels slightly ashamed that he likes it, though he knows he shouldn't, because it's barbaric. He's also a huge video game nerd, like me! Virote was another. He is stubborn and can seem like he has a chip on his shoulder, but beneath his tough-guy act, he has a soft spot for his sister, Jillian.
The world building is always a problem with me in Sci-Fi novels. It can be hard to try and imagine a made up world's inhabitants and their surroundings, but Jack has done a great job of it. I was able to clearly picture the different alien races and the world around them.
The only negative I can mention is that the cast was rather large. The humans I could remember easily, but with a couple of the aliens I did forget what they looked like and what race they were at times. But that's not really a negative, just a little pit-picky thing.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel. The ending left me wanting more, so when the next book comes out I'll be sure to get my hands on it ASAP.
May 5, 2018
I'd give this a 3 1/2 if I could...
Overall, Rise of the Loitadors is a tale of abducted teenagers from many worlds being forced to fight as entertainment. Think The Gladiator but in modern times and on an alien world. I suspect fans of The Maze Runner and other similar books would enjoy this one as well.
This story's strongest points are its world-building and the action scenes. I could see the world (and was thankful I couldn't smell it) and the alien creatures due to the vivid writing. More than once, my heart was pounding as I flipped from page to page! I was rooting for the inevitable ending and for the characters' successes. The end was a tad too open-ended, perhaps, but it left me wanting more.
I felt the characters were the weaker part of the story, and though I was cheering them on throughout, no one of them stood out more than any other. I was thankful the main point of view character was listed at the top of each chapter because it was sometimes difficult to tell one from another. That said, I *liked* all of the characters, I simply wish they'd been more distinct.
In spite of that, it was an exciting and fun read -- and again, I wish GoodReads allowed 1/2 stars because ROTL really would have earned it here.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Overall, Rise of the Loitadors is a tale of abducted teenagers from many worlds being forced to fight as entertainment. Think The Gladiator but in modern times and on an alien world. I suspect fans of The Maze Runner and other similar books would enjoy this one as well.
This story's strongest points are its world-building and the action scenes. I could see the world (and was thankful I couldn't smell it) and the alien creatures due to the vivid writing. More than once, my heart was pounding as I flipped from page to page! I was rooting for the inevitable ending and for the characters' successes. The end was a tad too open-ended, perhaps, but it left me wanting more.
I felt the characters were the weaker part of the story, and though I was cheering them on throughout, no one of them stood out more than any other. I was thankful the main point of view character was listed at the top of each chapter because it was sometimes difficult to tell one from another. That said, I *liked* all of the characters, I simply wish they'd been more distinct.
In spite of that, it was an exciting and fun read -- and again, I wish GoodReads allowed 1/2 stars because ROTL really would have earned it here.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews