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Battleborn Mage #0.5
Blood of Vengeance
In the gladiator’s arena of blood and death, magic cuts deeper than steel.
Stolen from the streets and condemned to battle as a gladiator, Killien survives by deceit and subterfuge. He must play the role of “Killer,” the prince’s savage, bloodthirsty champion.
Undefeated in battle, Killien wields a secret advantage: the magic enhancing his weapons and fueling his attacks. The cost of losing carries a price worse than death.
A wager between his vindictive master and a conspiring rival pits Killien in a fight to the death against a mysterious warrior —one he has no hope of defeating.
Stolen from the streets and condemned to battle as a gladiator, Killien survives by deceit and subterfuge. He must play the role of “Killer,” the prince’s savage, bloodthirsty champion.
Undefeated in battle, Killien wields a secret advantage: the magic enhancing his weapons and fueling his attacks. The cost of losing carries a price worse than death.
A wager between his vindictive master and a conspiring rival pits Killien in a fight to the death against a mysterious warrior —one he has no hope of defeating.
ebook
First published October 1, 2019
43 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Angel Haze
12 books164 followersAngel lives with her two amazing, half-gremlin children in a small Canadian town far from the borders of Middle Earth. She is deadly with a throwing ax, has an arsenal of dwarven jokes, and a legion of signed books she obsessively hoards with Gollum-like tenacity. She loves escaping to different fantasy worlds and finding new fantasy gems from the wonderfully amazing readers of the Indie Fantasy Addicts Facebook group. There she drinks with assassins, mages, and dwarves in shady taverns and revels in their crazy, amazing journeys to far off lands. She lives for adventure, whether it’s losing herself to phenomenal fantasy books, zip lining across jungles, snorkeling in underwater caverns, pole dancing, or traveling the world. She believes that life should be lived to the fullest and encourages others to follow their dreams and passions so they can see just what they are capable of.
Unleash the Adventure at http://www.angelhaze.com
Unleash the Adventure at http://www.angelhaze.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
May 4, 2022
Live to fight another day.
5 burning stars
for a fabulous read!
He walked the crimson-stained sands around the circular ring and looked past the twenty-foot stone walls that surrounded him and raised his bloody hands to the crowd.
Meet Killer, the Beast of Vendragon.
A slave, whose blade is forced by the hand of his master, the Prince of Vendragon.
Collared, beaten, chained like a dog and forced to kill for entertainment, Killer is the Prince's bloodthirsty champion. Or so it may seem. Because the man under the spiked great helm covering his face and keeping his identity a secret, may not be quite the Beast he is supposed to represent.
Killien had been stolen from the streets and condemned to battle as a gladiator, despite the fact that he was a born mage. Or perhaps because of it, since his training involved the use of magic in the arena too, and provided just the touch of advantage Killer needed to best the impossible challenges his ruthless master set. Now Killien is both: Killer in the arena and Bait on the training grounds.
He had endured a tormented life, full of pain, suffering and abuse, for the sake of his family whom the prince has been threatening to hurt. But there's only so much a man can take and Killien soon finds himself faced with a challenge he has no hope of defeating. Not only because he must take part in the first gladiatorial magic battle in history, but also because he may not have anything left to even try.
Fast paced and full of action, Blood of Vengeance is one of those tales that will grab you from the very first page and keep you reading. Savage battles both in the pits and the arena are delightfully gory and fabulously described. The characters are beautifully fleshed out and the setting seems plucked straight from a badass gladiator movie. Vividly described and downright real-seeming. But the highlight of the story for me were the emotions. Because this author effortlessly and flawlessly describes them. The insight into Killian's mind, as well as the coping mechanism of men condemned to a nightmarish existence of slavery and pain.
From the truth behind the entertaining gladiator fights:
Being in the arena, it's an unquenchable thrill. A drug that feeds on blood, rage chaos, and the brutal death of others. It gives them something to look forward to, a way to escape their pathetic miserable lives.
to a gladiator's bottled up feelings while faced with yet another injustice:
Killian kept his head down. His expression revealed nothing of the fury that churned inside him, bubbling and frothing like a cauldron about to boil over.
From coping mechanisms:
the pain served as a distraction, a way to subdue the rage that darkened his thoughts.
to the despair of a man at the end of his line:
How could one man endure as much torment as Killien's short life had brought him? .... How much longer must I live this nightmare.
From the exhaustion in that particular moment when you don't even know if you want to even keep trying anymore:
I don't think I have anything left.
Try. You have to try.
To that hard determination brought by despair:
You can lie down if you want. I'm going to my grave kicking and screaming.
Feeling and emotion leap from the pages.
Blood, death, magic and steel, a badass MC to absolutely root for and a gripping fast-paced tale that is guaranteed to make you feel. Angel Haze delivers on all counts. And I am eagerly waiting for the sequel.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
5 burning stars
for a fabulous read!
He walked the crimson-stained sands around the circular ring and looked past the twenty-foot stone walls that surrounded him and raised his bloody hands to the crowd.
Meet Killer, the Beast of Vendragon.
A slave, whose blade is forced by the hand of his master, the Prince of Vendragon.
Collared, beaten, chained like a dog and forced to kill for entertainment, Killer is the Prince's bloodthirsty champion. Or so it may seem. Because the man under the spiked great helm covering his face and keeping his identity a secret, may not be quite the Beast he is supposed to represent.
Killien had been stolen from the streets and condemned to battle as a gladiator, despite the fact that he was a born mage. Or perhaps because of it, since his training involved the use of magic in the arena too, and provided just the touch of advantage Killer needed to best the impossible challenges his ruthless master set. Now Killien is both: Killer in the arena and Bait on the training grounds.
He had endured a tormented life, full of pain, suffering and abuse, for the sake of his family whom the prince has been threatening to hurt. But there's only so much a man can take and Killien soon finds himself faced with a challenge he has no hope of defeating. Not only because he must take part in the first gladiatorial magic battle in history, but also because he may not have anything left to even try.
Fast paced and full of action, Blood of Vengeance is one of those tales that will grab you from the very first page and keep you reading. Savage battles both in the pits and the arena are delightfully gory and fabulously described. The characters are beautifully fleshed out and the setting seems plucked straight from a badass gladiator movie. Vividly described and downright real-seeming. But the highlight of the story for me were the emotions. Because this author effortlessly and flawlessly describes them. The insight into Killian's mind, as well as the coping mechanism of men condemned to a nightmarish existence of slavery and pain.
From the truth behind the entertaining gladiator fights:
Being in the arena, it's an unquenchable thrill. A drug that feeds on blood, rage chaos, and the brutal death of others. It gives them something to look forward to, a way to escape their pathetic miserable lives.
to a gladiator's bottled up feelings while faced with yet another injustice:
Killian kept his head down. His expression revealed nothing of the fury that churned inside him, bubbling and frothing like a cauldron about to boil over.
From coping mechanisms:
the pain served as a distraction, a way to subdue the rage that darkened his thoughts.
to the despair of a man at the end of his line:
How could one man endure as much torment as Killien's short life had brought him? .... How much longer must I live this nightmare.
From the exhaustion in that particular moment when you don't even know if you want to even keep trying anymore:
I don't think I have anything left.
Try. You have to try.
To that hard determination brought by despair:
You can lie down if you want. I'm going to my grave kicking and screaming.
Feeling and emotion leap from the pages.
Blood, death, magic and steel, a badass MC to absolutely root for and a gripping fast-paced tale that is guaranteed to make you feel. Angel Haze delivers on all counts. And I am eagerly waiting for the sequel.
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
April 29, 2022
I was a big fan of GLADIATOR and Angel Haze does an impressive job of doing a somewhat similar story with a fantasy vignette. This is the kind of story where our protagonist doesn't just face tigers in the ring but also goblins. Our protagonist is a fantastic warrior but the only reason he continues to survive in the arena is due to his (hidden) possession of magic.
It is a gloriously bloody sword and sorcery novel that I absolutely loved. It doesn't shy away from the gore and violence but has a strong humorous story as well. The protagonist is ruthless when he needs to be and the villains are incredibly scummy. It's a dark and gritty tale that makes ample use of its confined space, the institution of slavery's evils, and its pseudo-Roman atmosphere.
Strongly recommended.
It is a gloriously bloody sword and sorcery novel that I absolutely loved. It doesn't shy away from the gore and violence but has a strong humorous story as well. The protagonist is ruthless when he needs to be and the villains are incredibly scummy. It's a dark and gritty tale that makes ample use of its confined space, the institution of slavery's evils, and its pseudo-Roman atmosphere.
Strongly recommended.
March 9, 2020
I got this book for free from the author, on a giveaway organised by the FB group Fantasy focus.
I have really enjoyed reading this book, it’s a great read, a good solid 4 ⭐️.
It’s a sword and sorcery story with a great grimdark feel to it, the fight scenes are wonderfully written and flow together very nicely and took me along for the ride.
The author has done a really good job of writing the mental health aspects of long term fighting violence suffered by the main character as he is held against his will under extreme circumstances.
Well worth reading my Goodreads friends, show this Indy author that she must keep us entertained by keeping writing.
I have really enjoyed reading this book, it’s a great read, a good solid 4 ⭐️.
It’s a sword and sorcery story with a great grimdark feel to it, the fight scenes are wonderfully written and flow together very nicely and took me along for the ride.
The author has done a really good job of writing the mental health aspects of long term fighting violence suffered by the main character as he is held against his will under extreme circumstances.
Well worth reading my Goodreads friends, show this Indy author that she must keep us entertained by keeping writing.
July 10, 2022
Although you can see how this series may become epic in scale, this story felt a lot like classic sword & sorcery to me. There’s a lone wolf style hero, Killien. There’s a bad guy you just love to hate, who kinda stole the show, Prince Burne. The female characters are either sexy slaves or sexy princesses. And you just know that the only way things are gonna get resolved is lots of bloodshed. Even though I knew it was coming, there was still a LOT LOL.
The action scenes were great, with vivid descriptions of the violence meted out in the gladiator’s arena and elsewhere. There was nice character work, I was very quickly invested in Killien’s predicament and cheered him on. The worldbuilding was interesting, kind of dark but with classic fantasy races, as a reader I was intrigued to know more but it didn’t intrude on the lean storyline.
The issues I had feel pretty generic to this sub-genre. The plot and setup was simple but although it’s fast-paced in delivery it still felt like it took a while to advance things. There were parts of the story that when you stopped to think seemed a little unbelievable or kind of random. And although there was a pretty large cast of supporting characters, which I generally enjoy, many seemed incidental to the plot, leaving me a bit confused about who I should care about.
Overall, this is a great read for those who love hack and slash, action heavy fantasy, tortured heroes, maniacal bad guys, sneaky goblins, hip swishing femme fatales—you know—fun.
The action scenes were great, with vivid descriptions of the violence meted out in the gladiator’s arena and elsewhere. There was nice character work, I was very quickly invested in Killien’s predicament and cheered him on. The worldbuilding was interesting, kind of dark but with classic fantasy races, as a reader I was intrigued to know more but it didn’t intrude on the lean storyline.
The issues I had feel pretty generic to this sub-genre. The plot and setup was simple but although it’s fast-paced in delivery it still felt like it took a while to advance things. There were parts of the story that when you stopped to think seemed a little unbelievable or kind of random. And although there was a pretty large cast of supporting characters, which I generally enjoy, many seemed incidental to the plot, leaving me a bit confused about who I should care about.
Overall, this is a great read for those who love hack and slash, action heavy fantasy, tortured heroes, maniacal bad guys, sneaky goblins, hip swishing femme fatales—you know—fun.
October 24, 2019
This story was great. It is fast paced and exciting. Angel is not afraid of writing about blood and gore. She brings you right to the gladiator arena and the tunnels below. We get to see how Killien became a gladiator. What he has to endure as the princes main fighter. For a female writer she’s a no holds bar type of girl. If your looking for romance you won’t find it here but you will find deceit, blood, swearing, sweat, tears, turmoil, gore, magic, death and a bit of comrade. ahh the life of a gladiator.
June 7, 2022
"Killer" is the prize gladiator of Prince Burne and loved by the rabble. Behind the scenes, Killen is actually being blackmailed to bend his magic in combat to enrich the Prince, and for fear of his family being killed, Killen complies. For now.
I really enjoyed this one. It's a very fast-paced, action-oriented read with lots of combat and dialogue, which is right up my alley. It's very easy to empathize with Killen as he's tortured and beaten, has his beloved family's safety dangled in his face, and the internal angst he feels (as he wonder why he's been abandoned by his family) is very heartfelt. The magic system is of the soft kind and blends into the gladiatorial combat well.
The world-building is adequate but a little understated, though given that three-quarters of it takes place in the arena, that's understandable. I'd still love to see more. Prince Burne was a bit over the top in terms of super-villainy and his brother the king comes off as naive and blind to Burne's very obvious flaws, and those issues detracted from my enjoyment a little.
Having said that, the entire thing is still an adrenaline-fueled ride with lots of action. If you enjoy a good fight scene and magical warriors, check this one out.
I really enjoyed this one. It's a very fast-paced, action-oriented read with lots of combat and dialogue, which is right up my alley. It's very easy to empathize with Killen as he's tortured and beaten, has his beloved family's safety dangled in his face, and the internal angst he feels (as he wonder why he's been abandoned by his family) is very heartfelt. The magic system is of the soft kind and blends into the gladiatorial combat well.
The world-building is adequate but a little understated, though given that three-quarters of it takes place in the arena, that's understandable. I'd still love to see more. Prince Burne was a bit over the top in terms of super-villainy and his brother the king comes off as naive and blind to Burne's very obvious flaws, and those issues detracted from my enjoyment a little.
Having said that, the entire thing is still an adrenaline-fueled ride with lots of action. If you enjoy a good fight scene and magical warriors, check this one out.
November 19, 2019
Angel Haze delivers a great story full of action and intrigue. Grueling battles, intense emotions, scheming and dying. Not being over 900 years old, this is the closest I have ever come from a book to being a gladiator. Angel Haze can deliver emotion without trying as she effortlessly describes the setting around the character and their coping mechanism within.
All this being said, although the book is complete it feels like something is missing. THis truly seems to be a prequel where we have little pushing us into the next books. I for one however love the characters and want to read, no must read more to find where this series is going and what is next for our heroes.
All this being said, although the book is complete it feels like something is missing. THis truly seems to be a prequel where we have little pushing us into the next books. I for one however love the characters and want to read, no must read more to find where this series is going and what is next for our heroes.
February 4, 2020
A Gladiator Slave mage named Killien is forced to fight to the death in the pits and the arena everyday in order to get his freedom and save his family. Will he actually get it though or is it all just a lie? Read on and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good action-packed historical fantasy novel. If you like stories with action, magic and fantasy, then be sure to check this book out on Amazon and wherever ebooks are sold.
This was a pretty good action-packed historical fantasy novel. If you like stories with action, magic and fantasy, then be sure to check this book out on Amazon and wherever ebooks are sold.
January 21, 2025
Chants echo throughout the arena. Gladiators, creatures, warriors & beasts fall before the champion.
For he must win or all he cares for will suffer.
A Gladiator themed thrill ride! An utterly despicable villain & a hero you join the masses cheering for! Zipped through this!
Fantastic!
For he must win or all he cares for will suffer.
A Gladiator themed thrill ride! An utterly despicable villain & a hero you join the masses cheering for! Zipped through this!
Fantastic!
June 3, 2022
Blood of Vengeance is an uncompromisingly brutal story of enslaved gladiators kept by Prince Burne, cruel and viscious twin brother to King Rolden.
Killien is Burne’s star gladiator known as “Killer” within the arena, who just happens to have magical abilities which he must hide. Killien was enslaved at just twelve years old when he was caught killing a nobleman who was attacking his mother. The Prince constantly threatens him with the deaths of his family if he does not comply. He is not yet fully trained as a Battle Mage and is not fully in control of his powers. These powers are inhibited in the arena by a collar he is made to wear. I found this action packed story to be a little too cruel and grisly for my liking, particularly in the early chapters where the scene is being set and the horrors of Killien’s life in slavery are described.
I thoroughly enjoyed the magic-wielding and the final arena scene was excellent - very exciting.
There was mention of nightmare creatures called Shadowspawn which were intriguing and made me want to read more of the series to discover more about them. The king is having Battle mages trained in order to fight these deadly creatures.
I recommend this story to anyone who likes a bloodthirsty story of fighting with lots of death, some magic and fantastical creatures.
Killien is Burne’s star gladiator known as “Killer” within the arena, who just happens to have magical abilities which he must hide. Killien was enslaved at just twelve years old when he was caught killing a nobleman who was attacking his mother. The Prince constantly threatens him with the deaths of his family if he does not comply. He is not yet fully trained as a Battle Mage and is not fully in control of his powers. These powers are inhibited in the arena by a collar he is made to wear. I found this action packed story to be a little too cruel and grisly for my liking, particularly in the early chapters where the scene is being set and the horrors of Killien’s life in slavery are described.
I thoroughly enjoyed the magic-wielding and the final arena scene was excellent - very exciting.
There was mention of nightmare creatures called Shadowspawn which were intriguing and made me want to read more of the series to discover more about them. The king is having Battle mages trained in order to fight these deadly creatures.
I recommend this story to anyone who likes a bloodthirsty story of fighting with lots of death, some magic and fantastical creatures.
October 28, 2019
Wow!! Such a thrill ride through a Romanesque world. With gladiators who have to fight to stay alive, with one forbidden to have any kind of friendship with the others. Held in an isolated area made to train from sun up to sundown, all for a crime that by rights should have seen him hanging. The Prince is an evil, twisted man with expectations that are beyond any normal man to achieve. But Killien is a mage who fights with powers he has to keep from being shown. The other gladiators know him as Bait, training partner to Killer the Prince's best fighter, whom they hate. Killien is alone and just wants to be free. You can feel his pain and the confusion and anger as he finds the strength to keep doing everything he abhors.
Angel Haze writes with heart and makes you feel like you're there in the stands or in the arena. This is one you don't want to miss.
Angel Haze writes with heart and makes you feel like you're there in the stands or in the arena. This is one you don't want to miss.
August 30, 2022
A gut-punch of a break-neck tale!
This was a great first taste of Angel's writing. Blood of Vengeance was visceral and full of action with exciting pacing.
The basic plot is that Killian, aka Killer, is struggling to survive in the gladiatorial arena where he's been unfortunate to wind up. Though he's undefeated, he'll be pushed to his limits now just to survive… or even beyond what he can bear.
I enjoyed following our protagonist, Killian, but I savored the unsavory chapters with our antagonist in the prince even more. While it did drag on without much change in Killian's circumstances for a bit longer than I'd have liked, I was in no way bored, and I couldn't quite anticipate where the plot ended up.
Overall, I definitely recommend it!
This was a great first taste of Angel's writing. Blood of Vengeance was visceral and full of action with exciting pacing.
The basic plot is that Killian, aka Killer, is struggling to survive in the gladiatorial arena where he's been unfortunate to wind up. Though he's undefeated, he'll be pushed to his limits now just to survive… or even beyond what he can bear.
I enjoyed following our protagonist, Killian, but I savored the unsavory chapters with our antagonist in the prince even more. While it did drag on without much change in Killian's circumstances for a bit longer than I'd have liked, I was in no way bored, and I couldn't quite anticipate where the plot ended up.
Overall, I definitely recommend it!
October 26, 2019
"Wow" just "Wow"! My heart is still pounding from the intense fast paced action!... Killien, captured on the streets as a child, turned into a slave. Trained as a killer gladiator all these years. Killien will do anything to protect his family and find a way to gain his freedom. The cruel Prince who owns him will make sure that never happens because Killien earns the Prince way to much gold... I am amazed and extremely pleased with this well crafted story. A great plot with amazing characters. (I just love Killien). The author has brought something new and exciting and seriously addictive to us readers. I feel the story is unique and rich in imagination. A gripping must read. So if you love heart pounding action, then this is a book sure to please. Thank You Angel Haze for keeping me entertained.
December 17, 2019
Angel is a fantastic dark fantasy writer. Once again I couldn't put one of her books down! She wove a bloody battle of redemption and still managed to pull at the heart strings. Killens depth as a gladiator and character development is wow. Loving the build up of mystery surrounding the shadowspawn and can't wait to discover more about them.
You can always tell authors that write in the genre they love to read, the words practically flow off the page. Don't let this novella fool you, the ride that awaits is an epic, adventure and will leave you wanting more from this world. It is a complete story, with no crazy cliff hanger and well worth your time.
You can always tell authors that write in the genre they love to read, the words practically flow off the page. Don't let this novella fool you, the ride that awaits is an epic, adventure and will leave you wanting more from this world. It is a complete story, with no crazy cliff hanger and well worth your time.
July 1, 2024
What a fantastic book. It has is an action-packed, thrilling read with action, magic, and gladiators. Killien also known as Killer is an untrained mage forced into slavery as a gladiator. His trials and harsh treatment conflict with the unhappiness he feels with what he is forced to do. It is very well written with everything clearly laid out. I started this and could not stop reading. I will definitely read more.
April 28, 2022
Incredible read
Wonderful job with the story. The intensity gripped me, letting me cheer for the character even as I second-guessed the decisions he made under fatigue and duress. So gritty and violent that I thought I would end the book depressed, and yet it pulls off such a satisfying ending that had me pumping my fist in the air. Really respect what the author accomplished, and I look forward to any future books.
Wonderful job with the story. The intensity gripped me, letting me cheer for the character even as I second-guessed the decisions he made under fatigue and duress. So gritty and violent that I thought I would end the book depressed, and yet it pulls off such a satisfying ending that had me pumping my fist in the air. Really respect what the author accomplished, and I look forward to any future books.
August 1, 2022
Good book one, strong potential, enjoyed.
Auspicious start to potential strong series, I am intrigued and pleased with book one by Angel Haze. Series has promise, will continue to read, thank you, Angel Haze.
Auspicious start to potential strong series, I am intrigued and pleased with book one by Angel Haze. Series has promise, will continue to read, thank you, Angel Haze.
November 1, 2019
3.5 stars ~
Can I just say that was amazing? It was amazing. I am amazed. Whoa.
The thought of a colosseum-like arena where men fight to the death, and the MC has to survive such a place has always been exciting! Then throw in some fantasy beasts, magic, and revenge. Epic.
However, I do have some problems with the overall message being handed to readers. "It's okay to be angry. It's okay to kill to get revenge. Its okay to be nasty just because you don't have the energy to be kind. It's okay to bad mouth people and attack because your furious." I don't agree with any of this. So how come the adventure was enjoyable? Mostly because of the action, suspense, details, and unique characters.
The drive behind the characters decisions was interesting, however, I did not like when the author revealed that the motives behind every person were the same. -_- Seriously? Get some imagination. Someone would have just not cared unlike everyone else.
PROS ~
· Epic Battles
· Real struggles
· Tension
· Killien
· ALL. THE. GLADIATORS.
· Description.
· Some parts of the magic system.
· Mostly the suspension and fierce battles.
· The fact that there was no blossoming romance. *SO HAPPY*
CONS ~
· The unrealistic drive behind all the characters lives.
· Multiple things left unexplained.
· The message.
· The dirty language.
· Details of the fights....most gruesome.
· Revenge.
· Burne and his wife.
· Lighting Sticks--they were SO annoying. GAH.
· One Typo.
· Magic
· The reason behind Killien's fear of punishment/banishment is never explained. We know he has committed a crime by murdering man, but he had a very good cause. Nothing is explained.
CONTENT ~
· It's a gladiator battle.
· Fights to the death makes up most scenes.
· Lots of violence and gruesome scenes.
· Whores and Strippers mentioned.
· Men talk about enjoying themselves sexually ((only hinted at)).
· Abuse of women and men.
· A detailed scene ..... very strongly hinting at sexual relationships.
· Naked woman spoken about. Buttocks.
· Talks of murder and revenge.
· ALL the bad language and cursing..... drove me nuts.
· Seductive scenes.
· Near rape experience happens twice
Overall ~ I really disliked the message and all the content that jumped out of nowhere. However, I enjoyed the suspension. The relationships weren't all that well developed, but it was perfect in their own way. *shrugs*
The goblins though. 😂
Can I just say that was amazing? It was amazing. I am amazed. Whoa.
The thought of a colosseum-like arena where men fight to the death, and the MC has to survive such a place has always been exciting! Then throw in some fantasy beasts, magic, and revenge. Epic.
However, I do have some problems with the overall message being handed to readers. "It's okay to be angry. It's okay to kill to get revenge. Its okay to be nasty just because you don't have the energy to be kind. It's okay to bad mouth people and attack because your furious." I don't agree with any of this. So how come the adventure was enjoyable? Mostly because of the action, suspense, details, and unique characters.
The drive behind the characters decisions was interesting, however, I did not like when the author revealed that the motives behind every person were the same. -_- Seriously? Get some imagination. Someone would have just not cared unlike everyone else.
PROS ~
· Epic Battles
· Real struggles
· Tension
· Killien
· ALL. THE. GLADIATORS.
· Description.
· Some parts of the magic system.
· Mostly the suspension and fierce battles.
· The fact that there was no blossoming romance. *SO HAPPY*
CONS ~
· The unrealistic drive behind all the characters lives.
· Multiple things left unexplained.
· The message.
· The dirty language.
· Details of the fights....most gruesome.
· Revenge.
· Burne and his wife.
· Lighting Sticks--they were SO annoying. GAH.
· One Typo.
· Magic
· The reason behind Killien's fear of punishment/banishment is never explained. We know he has committed a crime by murdering man, but he had a very good cause. Nothing is explained.
CONTENT ~
· It's a gladiator battle.
· Fights to the death makes up most scenes.
· Lots of violence and gruesome scenes.
· Whores and Strippers mentioned.
· Men talk about enjoying themselves sexually ((only hinted at)).
· Abuse of women and men.
· A detailed scene ..... very strongly hinting at sexual relationships.
· Naked woman spoken about. Buttocks.
· Talks of murder and revenge.
· ALL the bad language and cursing..... drove me nuts.
· Seductive scenes.
· Near rape experience happens twice
Overall ~ I really disliked the message and all the content that jumped out of nowhere. However, I enjoyed the suspension. The relationships weren't all that well developed, but it was perfect in their own way. *shrugs*
The goblins though. 😂
November 13, 2023
This is my second foray into Angel Haze’ world of the Battleborn Mage. The first one was Beyond the Shadows, but that was too short for me to really get into it. It worked a lot better this time with Blood of Vengeance, here I could get a much better feel for the world.
Imagine ‘Gladiator’ in a world with magic and you might get an idea of Blood of Vengeance, but it’s quite a bit darker and gorier. To me, it had a little bit of old school-feeling with one 'hero' set against all odds and pretty much everybody else, prevailing through sheer tenacity. This person is Killien, the main character – or 'Killer' as the crowd in the arena knows him. He is a slave, fighting to please the crowd, to save his family and maybe even regain his freedom. His owner, Prince Burne is the second POV character in this book and Killien’s evil counterpart. He is a wonderfully obnoxious villain you really enjoy to dislike, but he is quite stereotypical. Most of the other characters unfortunately fall rather flat, especially the female ones.
The pacing is fast and, unsurprisingly, there is a lot of action, a lot of battle-scenes. It’s a perfect popcorn-read. There are some quiet scenes, often dealing with the psychological effects on Killien.
Angel Haze definitely knows how to write and how to keep her characters and here audience on her toes.
You know when you feel like you need a round of ‘Tekken’ on your Playstation to keep your mind off other things or just relax a bit? This is this book for me. Well done!
Imagine ‘Gladiator’ in a world with magic and you might get an idea of Blood of Vengeance, but it’s quite a bit darker and gorier. To me, it had a little bit of old school-feeling with one 'hero' set against all odds and pretty much everybody else, prevailing through sheer tenacity. This person is Killien, the main character – or 'Killer' as the crowd in the arena knows him. He is a slave, fighting to please the crowd, to save his family and maybe even regain his freedom. His owner, Prince Burne is the second POV character in this book and Killien’s evil counterpart. He is a wonderfully obnoxious villain you really enjoy to dislike, but he is quite stereotypical. Most of the other characters unfortunately fall rather flat, especially the female ones.
The pacing is fast and, unsurprisingly, there is a lot of action, a lot of battle-scenes. It’s a perfect popcorn-read. There are some quiet scenes, often dealing with the psychological effects on Killien.
Angel Haze definitely knows how to write and how to keep her characters and here audience on her toes.
You know when you feel like you need a round of ‘Tekken’ on your Playstation to keep your mind off other things or just relax a bit? This is this book for me. Well done!
August 2, 2022
This was a belter of a book. Killien is a slave forced to battle as ”Killer” in the gladiator pits for the corrupt Prince and his hangers-on, afraid of what will happen to his family if he doesn’t.
We get so much insight into Killien’s miserable existence, interwoven with superb gladiatorial battle sequences and the politics amongst the deplorable royal family.
I hated to love the dispicable Prince but I just adore a proper nasty morally corrupt villain like him.
I really enjoyed the writing on this book, the narration, the dialogue and the plot were all wonderful. I’m now heading straight into my first featured read: Reign of Shadows (and my 4th Haze book of the challenge, though some of them were over in the blink of an eye).
May 23, 2021
This book reminded me a lot of Spartacus the Starz Series, but with magic and goblins. It was very well written. The premise was intriguing. The dialogue was well done. The fight scenes well placed and provided good description. The characters motivations and interactions were believable. In my mind this book was pushing towards 5 stars and I had a hard time putting it down, until the climactic final fight scene. I just felt the book broke down a little there. One too many different people and creatures that Killeen was forced to fight. It felt from after the initial battle between Killeen and the other champion, the dialogue and realism that had really drawn me in cracked a bit. But up to that point I was very impressed and I think the book is a worthwhile read.
November 23, 2019
I really enjoyed the book. I thought I'll finish it earlier but the busy school life kept me from my favourite hobby.
I think this is the first time I'm reading gladiator based fantasy. I lived the idea and how all turned up at the end. Now I'm looking forward for the next book.
I think this is the first time I'm reading gladiator based fantasy. I lived the idea and how all turned up at the end. Now I'm looking forward for the next book.
July 17, 2023
Ok, let's dive straight in shall we? What I love is that Angel unapologetically snags me from the very first paragraph, usually a explicit brutal paragraph. Her books are filled to capacity with strife, action that's so vividly gory at times, it's dark, really dark but oh my goodness is it intensely emotional too! And hope amongst all the angst and gore.
Killien, escaping imprisonment is enslaved by the....the... despicable Prince Burne, who dangles Killien's family's wellbeing before him to make him compliant, nay, to make him kill time after time after time. Burne gets a kick out of having an undefeated champion gladiator and makes a ton of money doing so. But Killien is a mage, a mage who's magic is suppressed by an iron collar and is forced to unleash unspeakable brutality all for the pleasure of a greedy, vile Prince, who's just a spoilt, jealous brat. His lackey, Carac, is just plain cruel, he relishes torturing the slaves and his cruelty knows no bounds. He's tasked with "teaching" new slaves to become gladiators.
An incredible tale of one man's insane insatiable greed for power and money, of another desperately clinging to survive, not only the horrors of the pit but for his very soul. Killien had an effect on me, an effect that bleeds with him, hurts with him and despairs for him. There are only a handful of characters in all my years of reading that can evoke such a strong feeling in me. One of wanting to protect him, which is ludicrous, he's a trained killer and I a mere damsel. Yet if I could wrap my arms around him to alleviate any of his anguish, I would do so willingly. Ms Haze continues to astound me with her meaty, juicy characters, and her novel ability to make even the darkest of topics and themes so utterly irresistible to read. Even the cringing I experience at times, all add to my conviction that I will take anything she throws at me and relish every second. She has complete control over me for the duration of the read and that control lingers once I've finished reading, mulling the events, the characters, the plot over and over in my mind. Dark , gritty, all consuming! Exceptional!
Killien, escaping imprisonment is enslaved by the....the... despicable Prince Burne, who dangles Killien's family's wellbeing before him to make him compliant, nay, to make him kill time after time after time. Burne gets a kick out of having an undefeated champion gladiator and makes a ton of money doing so. But Killien is a mage, a mage who's magic is suppressed by an iron collar and is forced to unleash unspeakable brutality all for the pleasure of a greedy, vile Prince, who's just a spoilt, jealous brat. His lackey, Carac, is just plain cruel, he relishes torturing the slaves and his cruelty knows no bounds. He's tasked with "teaching" new slaves to become gladiators.
An incredible tale of one man's insane insatiable greed for power and money, of another desperately clinging to survive, not only the horrors of the pit but for his very soul. Killien had an effect on me, an effect that bleeds with him, hurts with him and despairs for him. There are only a handful of characters in all my years of reading that can evoke such a strong feeling in me. One of wanting to protect him, which is ludicrous, he's a trained killer and I a mere damsel. Yet if I could wrap my arms around him to alleviate any of his anguish, I would do so willingly. Ms Haze continues to astound me with her meaty, juicy characters, and her novel ability to make even the darkest of topics and themes so utterly irresistible to read. Even the cringing I experience at times, all add to my conviction that I will take anything she throws at me and relish every second. She has complete control over me for the duration of the read and that control lingers once I've finished reading, mulling the events, the characters, the plot over and over in my mind. Dark , gritty, all consuming! Exceptional!
February 15, 2024
Killien is trapped. He is forced to fight brutal battles as a gladiator for Prince Burne under the name Killer. The irony of being called a killer when he never wanted to be is not lost on him. The lies that the prince wraps around him separate Killien from the rest of the gladiators and hide who he really is, a mage and stepson to a powerful Battlemage. But there is no escaping the cruel prince, especially not with the looming threat of harm to his family if he falls short of expectations. He knows the prince has a vendetta against him but he hasn’t been able to figure out why he was singled out like this, being forced into slavery and fighting. But the prince is getting greedy which causes Killien to question his obedience and allow his anger to rise. He wants to escape but the question is how when everything has been stacked against him for years. Prince Burne is the overindulge and self reported slighted prince, especially when held up next to his brother King Rolden. The games he hosts never seem to get him out of debt, he can never seem to find enough wine to drink, and schemes to find a way to take the crown from his brother. With the celebration for his brother’s birthday coming up, it gives him a chance to set in motion plans he has been working on. A joy he can take from this is pushing Killien to his breaking point and will either earn a large profit from him or watch him die trying.
First of all, I was told that Angel’s stories are dark and bloody and that it was. Definitely on the gory side but not enough to turn me off, it touched on darker material that I sometimes have a hard time finding in books. This book is the foundation to understanding Killien. I haven’t read anything else in this series yet but I feel this is a great glimpse into what happened to Killien and fuels what drives him moving forward. The setup for vengeance and epic battles has started and I am truly looking forward to returning to this series to see where these paths go.
First of all, I was told that Angel’s stories are dark and bloody and that it was. Definitely on the gory side but not enough to turn me off, it touched on darker material that I sometimes have a hard time finding in books. This book is the foundation to understanding Killien. I haven’t read anything else in this series yet but I feel this is a great glimpse into what happened to Killien and fuels what drives him moving forward. The setup for vengeance and epic battles has started and I am truly looking forward to returning to this series to see where these paths go.
September 16, 2023
Part of the Battleborn Mage series, "Blood of Vengeance" by Angel Haze delivers a grimdark and intense gladiatorial story. The story centers around Killien, a character who has been stolen from the streets and enslaved into the brutal world of gladiatorial combat. Forced to adopt the identity of "Killer," the prince's savage and bloodthirsty champion, Killien must rely on cunning and subterfuge to survive in the treacherous arena.
What sets Killien apart from his fellow gladiators is a closely guarded secret: his mastery of magic, which enhances his weapons and fuels his deadly attacks. However, the cost of defeat in this unforgiving world is a fate far worse than death.
Angel Haze's storytelling plunges readers into a grimdark world where the stakes are high, and survival demands more than just physical prowess. Killien's journey is compelling, and his character development as he navigates this brutal world is a central focus of the narrative. One of the standout elements of the story is the brief camaraderie that Killien forms amidst the bloodshed. These relationships add depth to his character and provide moments of emotional connection in an otherwise harsh and unforgiving setting.
However, it's worth noting that the narrative does contain instances of what I perceived to be fatphobia and some concerning comments about women, which may be a point of concern for some readers. I suspect it's just meant to be edgy, but it did make me uncomfortable.
Overall, "Blood of Vengeance" is a dark and gripping gladiatorial fantasy that delves into the complexities of power, survival, and the lengths one will go to in order to stay alive. With its intense action and intricate character dynamics, this book is interesting enough to warrant my diving into the series.
What sets Killien apart from his fellow gladiators is a closely guarded secret: his mastery of magic, which enhances his weapons and fuels his deadly attacks. However, the cost of defeat in this unforgiving world is a fate far worse than death.
Angel Haze's storytelling plunges readers into a grimdark world where the stakes are high, and survival demands more than just physical prowess. Killien's journey is compelling, and his character development as he navigates this brutal world is a central focus of the narrative. One of the standout elements of the story is the brief camaraderie that Killien forms amidst the bloodshed. These relationships add depth to his character and provide moments of emotional connection in an otherwise harsh and unforgiving setting.
However, it's worth noting that the narrative does contain instances of what I perceived to be fatphobia and some concerning comments about women, which may be a point of concern for some readers. I suspect it's just meant to be edgy, but it did make me uncomfortable.
Overall, "Blood of Vengeance" is a dark and gripping gladiatorial fantasy that delves into the complexities of power, survival, and the lengths one will go to in order to stay alive. With its intense action and intricate character dynamics, this book is interesting enough to warrant my diving into the series.
August 8, 2022
4.5 stars.
This is a prequel novella detailing the time that Killian spent as an enslaved gladiator. It’s very dark, and extremely violent at times. It sets the stage for what promises to be much more action and higher stakes moving forward, and I’m excited to jump into the next book.
The characters (at least the major players) have very clear motivations, and really come to life. I can already tell that the prince will continue to be the main villain in the next book, and there are some hints that the prince’s wife may be just as evil as he is—maybe even more so. The king is barely mentioned, but I imagine he’ll become more important.
I found myself wanting more descriptions of the world outside of the arena—the mage city that Killian was originally from, the Black Wall, and especially the threat of the Shadowspawn. However, since Killian is trapped within the arena news is slow to come in, so it’s not surprising that you don’t end up with a lot of information about the rest of the world.
You do get to see some of the psychological aftermath of the violence, so it’s not just gore for the fun of it. It is very bloody at times, but it also gives Killian some more depth that I’m sure will play a major part in his decisions moving forward in the series.
I wish that we could have seen the points of views of more women characters here, although given the setting I suppose it’s not surprising that it was mostly men. I’m hoping the next book will have a bit more variety. Overall, this one was pretty good, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is a fan of dark/grimdark fantasy or gladiator battles.
This is a prequel novella detailing the time that Killian spent as an enslaved gladiator. It’s very dark, and extremely violent at times. It sets the stage for what promises to be much more action and higher stakes moving forward, and I’m excited to jump into the next book.
The characters (at least the major players) have very clear motivations, and really come to life. I can already tell that the prince will continue to be the main villain in the next book, and there are some hints that the prince’s wife may be just as evil as he is—maybe even more so. The king is barely mentioned, but I imagine he’ll become more important.
I found myself wanting more descriptions of the world outside of the arena—the mage city that Killian was originally from, the Black Wall, and especially the threat of the Shadowspawn. However, since Killian is trapped within the arena news is slow to come in, so it’s not surprising that you don’t end up with a lot of information about the rest of the world.
You do get to see some of the psychological aftermath of the violence, so it’s not just gore for the fun of it. It is very bloody at times, but it also gives Killian some more depth that I’m sure will play a major part in his decisions moving forward in the series.
I wish that we could have seen the points of views of more women characters here, although given the setting I suppose it’s not surprising that it was mostly men. I’m hoping the next book will have a bit more variety. Overall, this one was pretty good, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is a fan of dark/grimdark fantasy or gladiator battles.
September 16, 2024
In this book, Killien is the undefeated gladiator, Killer. He has been a slave to the Prince since being found on the streets when he was younger, the only thing keeping him in line are the threats to his family’s lives. Night after night he fights to fill the Prince’s dwindling coffers.
Prince Burne is a horrible human being, using anyone he deems below him to serve him in some way. From the gladiators in the fighting arena to having women as his foot stool, you can’t help but just loathe him. And if that wasn’t enough, he believes that because he was born a minute later he was cheated out of the throne as well. But one lord dares to doubt him and try to out him in public and makes an attempt to show the kingdom his lies.
Killien is forced to be a killer, but has a conscience. He isn’t allowed to befriend anyone, but that doesn’t stop him from feeling all the guilt from fight after fight to try to keep his family safe. His hate for all the guards and Prince Burne are palpable! I can’t believe he hasn’t lashed out long before now. But with the lord who is trying to out the Prince, will he be given a chance to make his escape?
This book is bloody, gory and full of action. It moves at a fast pace and has you hooked into reading to find out what happens next. I’m not sure if this is a prequel or book one of this series, I’ve seen it listed as .5 and book 1 of the series. But either way, it’s a full length novel and worth the read! I can’t wait to find out what will happen in the next book.
Prince Burne is a horrible human being, using anyone he deems below him to serve him in some way. From the gladiators in the fighting arena to having women as his foot stool, you can’t help but just loathe him. And if that wasn’t enough, he believes that because he was born a minute later he was cheated out of the throne as well. But one lord dares to doubt him and try to out him in public and makes an attempt to show the kingdom his lies.
Killien is forced to be a killer, but has a conscience. He isn’t allowed to befriend anyone, but that doesn’t stop him from feeling all the guilt from fight after fight to try to keep his family safe. His hate for all the guards and Prince Burne are palpable! I can’t believe he hasn’t lashed out long before now. But with the lord who is trying to out the Prince, will he be given a chance to make his escape?
This book is bloody, gory and full of action. It moves at a fast pace and has you hooked into reading to find out what happens next. I’m not sure if this is a prequel or book one of this series, I’ve seen it listed as .5 and book 1 of the series. But either way, it’s a full length novel and worth the read! I can’t wait to find out what will happen in the next book.
Want to read
February 1, 2024This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.
A bloodied gladiator who is not the monster the Prince has styled him fights for the amusement of the crowd, because that is his punishment.
This reminded me greatly of the work of David Gemmell. It is focused, full of gritty sensory details, and the promise of blood and broken bones.
The prose is descriptive and readable without feeling simple. It is clear and engaging and immediately begins to build a sense of anticipation of the violent conflict awaiting our MC on the other side of his arena gate.
We learn what we need to learn as that anticipation grows, drawing us into the momentary mystery of how our MC has fallen to this grizzly punishment, where the dead he has slain in combat are stacked in his cell.
What crime has he committed? Who was he before this terrible fall? How will his vengeance come to pass? And, more immediately, what new devilry awaits him in the arena?
The more I read, the more I find myself leaning into the pages. But this is not merely a historical Romanesque affair. A magic collar contains the magic of our MC, and there are goblin slaves, and surely other creatures familiar and strangely realized.
There isn’t a crack in this taught but patient opening. It is muscular and tensed to spring into action. This seems great for readers looking for a bloody good time. I’m in!
A bloodied gladiator who is not the monster the Prince has styled him fights for the amusement of the crowd, because that is his punishment.
This reminded me greatly of the work of David Gemmell. It is focused, full of gritty sensory details, and the promise of blood and broken bones.
The prose is descriptive and readable without feeling simple. It is clear and engaging and immediately begins to build a sense of anticipation of the violent conflict awaiting our MC on the other side of his arena gate.
We learn what we need to learn as that anticipation grows, drawing us into the momentary mystery of how our MC has fallen to this grizzly punishment, where the dead he has slain in combat are stacked in his cell.
What crime has he committed? Who was he before this terrible fall? How will his vengeance come to pass? And, more immediately, what new devilry awaits him in the arena?
The more I read, the more I find myself leaning into the pages. But this is not merely a historical Romanesque affair. A magic collar contains the magic of our MC, and there are goblin slaves, and surely other creatures familiar and strangely realized.
There isn’t a crack in this taught but patient opening. It is muscular and tensed to spring into action. This seems great for readers looking for a bloody good time. I’m in!
November 9, 2020
I received a copy of Blood of Vengeance because I signed up to be a part of Angel Haze's reader group. This book was a little different than the usually genre for me, but hey I'm up for whatever as long as it keeps my attention. As I got closer to the end of the book, I couldn't hardly put it down. The story is about Killien a fighter and mage, whose power has been repressed. He killed a noble, when he was younger, who tormented his family. He ran away so he did not face prosecution but was found on the streets and brought to the prince's castle to fight as a gladiator, since the prince was friends with the noble Killien had killed. He was beating, starved, and treated utterly horrible during his time at the prince's castle. The gladiator fights continued to get worse and worse. I won't give away the ending but I seriously couldn't put it down because I wanted to see what would happen next.
Angel does a great job describing, in detail, the events in the book. She leaves nothing to the imagination from her descriptions of the gladiator fights, the cell Killien is in, or the ending of the book. There is so much more going on in this book, like shifty nobels, magic, deception, if you want to know more, just read it. :)
Angel does a great job describing, in detail, the events in the book. She leaves nothing to the imagination from her descriptions of the gladiator fights, the cell Killien is in, or the ending of the book. There is so much more going on in this book, like shifty nobels, magic, deception, if you want to know more, just read it. :)
December 14, 2019
An epic story full of great battle scenes fought by both sword and sorcery, about our courageous hero Killien, who is a slave of the evil Prince Burne who uses and abuses him even though he is the only person keeping him from drowning in debt. Burne has labelled him a killer and a monster, his savage champion who fights in both the gladiator arena and in the pits and Killien hates what he is turning him into. He uses subterfuge and deceit and his magic which cuts deeper than steel to remain top dog. Killien is abused not only by the Prince but by his fellow Gladiators who are jealous of him as well as by the guards who fear him and he suffers in silence because the Prince has a hold on him, he threatens to kill his family if he ever dares to disobey. However everyone has a limit and Killien's was fast approaching but would he be able to escape and make a run for freedom? This story is very well written, full of blood and gore and cruelty but with a hero one just has to love. I would compare the heroism and the battle scenes to books written by Andy Peloquin and ML Spencer who in my opinion are the best when writing epic sagas about heroes, and grim dark novels.
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