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When this captive gladiator holds his mate, he's a brutal beast only on the outside...
Mostly.
After her abduction, Kaci was given to an alien gladiator--a huge male whose sentence was reduced when he agreed to spend ten years fighting for the wardens of Sikoda prison.
She was meant to boost his morale, reenergize him, give him a reason to continue being the best fighter in Sikoda.
She never expected to see him as anything other than an enormous, rough, vicious inmate who had the right to do whatever he wanted to her. She didn't imagine that hiding behind his rough, raging exterior was a tender man who would do absolutely anything to protect his mate.
She's consumed by his fierce, hungry passion, captivated by his battle-scarred body, and awed by his savagery in the arena.
But when the wardens pit him against his most vicious opponent yet, will he survive long enough to get her out of the brutal Sikoda and to the freedom he was promised?
This book contains themes that may trigger some individuals.
Mostly.
After her abduction, Kaci was given to an alien gladiator--a huge male whose sentence was reduced when he agreed to spend ten years fighting for the wardens of Sikoda prison.
She was meant to boost his morale, reenergize him, give him a reason to continue being the best fighter in Sikoda.
She never expected to see him as anything other than an enormous, rough, vicious inmate who had the right to do whatever he wanted to her. She didn't imagine that hiding behind his rough, raging exterior was a tender man who would do absolutely anything to protect his mate.
She's consumed by his fierce, hungry passion, captivated by his battle-scarred body, and awed by his savagery in the arena.
But when the wardens pit him against his most vicious opponent yet, will he survive long enough to get her out of the brutal Sikoda and to the freedom he was promised?
This book contains themes that may trigger some individuals.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2020
655 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Madison Savage
4 books39 followersMadison Savage writes science fiction romance with a darker side. When she's not writing, she's reading, playing videogames, or feeding the various wildlife that gathers on her porch for a tasty treat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 6, 2022
It's another generic "I've been abducted by aliens and now I belong to the most stronk alien gladiator that happens to have the same parts as a human man except everything's jumbo size"
Things of note:
-"Mental Illness" is cured by aliens with a simple injection! No idea what her mental illness was, but that's what she claims!
-His scratch injected her with horny powers. Does that mean he can accidentally make the gladiators he fights horny?
Things of note:
-"Mental Illness" is cured by aliens with a simple injection! No idea what her mental illness was, but that's what she claims!
-His scratch injected her with horny powers. Does that mean he can accidentally make the gladiators he fights horny?
May 18, 2021
DNF at 70%. At first she’s horrified, but then he scratches her cheek and claims her as his, and suddenly she’s hot for him and in love. And now she’s totally accepting that she belongs to him and it’s okay to be paraded around naked since slave women don’t get clothes. It’s her new life and it’s fine, and she just want to lie down and spread her legs for him, cause he deserves it. Ugh!! I just couldn’t with this book. This could have been good, but no.
June 22, 2021
Chapter 1: So the girl is with other abducted men, women, and aliens on a ship. She's *different* because she doesn't react, doesn't associate with the others, is 'cold' and aloof and emotionless. Except for when they come for one of the abductees, and she immediately reacts, gets fingered for attention, and when its over, she immediately begins talking to the others about it, even to *kissing* one of the prisoners on the cheek.
WoW. Already she's NOT different from the others.
That took three paragraphs.
C'mon, writers.
Impress us.
Chapter 2: She's not going to respond to the aliens, like the others do. So when they come for her to sell her, she has an ENTIRE conversation with them. "How do you know how long the gladiator's cocks are?" and "As long as they feed me, first." !! So much for NOT responding, NOT reacting, NOT letting the aliens see anything out of her. Pitiful.
"Why do you abduct humans?" she asks. After having said in the LAST chapter (FIRST chapter) that they like humans because they're defenseless and easy to take. Because this heroine is *S.M.R.T*!!!
Also, WHY are all aliens big muscular, and blue with horns?
Is there no imagination among these writers? Seriously?
At the end of the second chapter, he says, "Mine".
After drugging her out of her mind and cutting her face open.
And the author has managed more 'F's than necessary.
Okay, I'm out. Nothing new or interesting, here.
DNF, at 9%.
Let's go try ANOTHER alien series.
It's not like there isn't an overabundance, out there...
WoW. Already she's NOT different from the others.
That took three paragraphs.
C'mon, writers.
Impress us.
Chapter 2: She's not going to respond to the aliens, like the others do. So when they come for her to sell her, she has an ENTIRE conversation with them. "How do you know how long the gladiator's cocks are?" and "As long as they feed me, first." !! So much for NOT responding, NOT reacting, NOT letting the aliens see anything out of her. Pitiful.
"Why do you abduct humans?" she asks. After having said in the LAST chapter (FIRST chapter) that they like humans because they're defenseless and easy to take. Because this heroine is *S.M.R.T*!!!
Also, WHY are all aliens big muscular, and blue with horns?
Is there no imagination among these writers? Seriously?
At the end of the second chapter, he says, "Mine".
After drugging her out of her mind and cutting her face open.
And the author has managed more 'F's than necessary.
Okay, I'm out. Nothing new or interesting, here.
DNF, at 9%.
Let's go try ANOTHER alien series.
It's not like there isn't an overabundance, out there...
December 17, 2020
Kacianna is taken from earth on a slaver ship before being dropped off at a prison (planet?) to be a given to a fighter/prisoner. These prisoners were given the option of a shorter sentence if they were willing to fight in arena fights for their freedom. Tarik is one of those fighters.
I’m a little stumped on how to rate this. I really enjoyed the writing and the storytelling and I was really invested in all the characters. But I think the story lacked... some story.
The meat of this story only took place over the course of a couple of days. I like the whole fated mates thing but I think the characters should still have some time to get to know one another before that bond can be believed by the reader. If there were more days of them getting to know one another, maybe a few more moments where they were separated and longed to be together again it would have made me ache for their freedom more too.
I loved Tarik and Kacianna together. But Kaci went from full blown panic about being with Tarik to being 100% on board with being his mate in a matter of seconds. She also was this stoic, cold, unfeeling bad-butt when the alien slavers tried to taunt her, and yet when it is most important for her to be stoic and not show emotion for her and Tarik’s safety she wears her heart in her sleeve and blurts out things that gives away her feelings. It’s not a huge deal but she seemed smarter and had better intuition at the beginning of the book.
I did love how protective she was of Tarik, even though he didn’t need her protection, she would fight anyone for him anyway.
I wanted to hear more about how she was picked for him. It was said that he was offered other women, and that he responded when seeing her picture. I wish it would have been a conversation between Tarik and Kaci. These are the parts of the story I felt were missing. Things like this that would make me fall in love with them more. Because the draw was already there. I was in it. But it’s those little things that make a good book great for me. I’m afraid that by next week I won’t remember what this was about which stinks because I really enjoyed this book, despite what it may sound like.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
And for the first time, his eyes thaw and he smiles. “You may fear me,” he murmurs, “but any hurt I cause you will be unintentional. I have few treasures—and I do not misuse them.”
~Tarik
I’m a little stumped on how to rate this. I really enjoyed the writing and the storytelling and I was really invested in all the characters. But I think the story lacked... some story.
The meat of this story only took place over the course of a couple of days. I like the whole fated mates thing but I think the characters should still have some time to get to know one another before that bond can be believed by the reader. If there were more days of them getting to know one another, maybe a few more moments where they were separated and longed to be together again it would have made me ache for their freedom more too.
I loved Tarik and Kacianna together. But Kaci went from full blown panic about being with Tarik to being 100% on board with being his mate in a matter of seconds. She also was this stoic, cold, unfeeling bad-butt when the alien slavers tried to taunt her, and yet when it is most important for her to be stoic and not show emotion for her and Tarik’s safety she wears her heart in her sleeve and blurts out things that gives away her feelings. It’s not a huge deal but she seemed smarter and had better intuition at the beginning of the book.
I did love how protective she was of Tarik, even though he didn’t need her protection, she would fight anyone for him anyway.
I wanted to hear more about how she was picked for him. It was said that he was offered other women, and that he responded when seeing her picture. I wish it would have been a conversation between Tarik and Kaci. These are the parts of the story I felt were missing. Things like this that would make me fall in love with them more. Because the draw was already there. I was in it. But it’s those little things that make a good book great for me. I’m afraid that by next week I won’t remember what this was about which stinks because I really enjoyed this book, despite what it may sound like.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
And for the first time, his eyes thaw and he smiles. “You may fear me,” he murmurs, “but any hurt I cause you will be unintentional. I have few treasures—and I do not misuse them.”
~Tarik
September 22, 2020
Potential
This has some great potential. The world building can be developed more and more details added. This felt like a draft.
This idea of alien prisoner fighters has been done before. However, I think there is potential to build interest with the different types of aliens mentioned and prisoners. It needs more details to be interesting.
This has some great potential. The world building can be developed more and more details added. This felt like a draft.
This idea of alien prisoner fighters has been done before. However, I think there is potential to build interest with the different types of aliens mentioned and prisoners. It needs more details to be interesting.
September 30, 2020
There is nothing endearing about this book.
I'm sure there are some people who will believe this is a fantasy book. I believe it is a nightmare with a quick, abrupt attempt at a happy ending.
I'm sure there are some people who will believe this is a fantasy book. I believe it is a nightmare with a quick, abrupt attempt at a happy ending.
October 5, 2020
Miraculous, deux ex machina ending filled with telling and not showing. Smh.
August 11, 2021
I did really enjoy this book. It wasn’t the best best alien romance I have read, but I really appreciate the darker tones and story elements. Out of all three I actually this is ranked second for me which is saying something as I did really like this.
August 1, 2023
great
Great start to a new series, plan to read the rest. Thought some parts were unnecessary or dragged out but doesn’t detract from the story
Great start to a new series, plan to read the rest. Thought some parts were unnecessary or dragged out but doesn’t detract from the story
August 18, 2020
Tarik and Kaci have very good chemistry and their situation sucks. Really the only complaint I have is that there wasn’t really a satisfying rising action. The conclusion was good but the part right before they got there was really lackluster.
August 30, 2021
Radio yes, human no
The story was ok. Much of it was repetitive, fight ,heal,sex and repeat. The most distracting element was the main female character. She was a selfish annoying character. She constantly did and said things that caused her mate to be hurt and injured. Then cried about it because she didn't want him to die and leave her alone. Very unlikable.
The story was ok. Much of it was repetitive, fight ,heal,sex and repeat. The most distracting element was the main female character. She was a selfish annoying character. She constantly did and said things that caused her mate to be hurt and injured. Then cried about it because she didn't want him to die and leave her alone. Very unlikable.
February 27, 2021
All over the place
The concept wasn’t bad, but the story flow was all over the place. It’s like the villain, story plot, focus, and character development hopped from one idea to the next. The build up was nearly nonexistent, and this was a stretch for insta-lust much less insta-love. Two days to go from “I hate men” to “you’re my soulmate” and we don’t see the growth of love or trust between the leads. And welcome to where the heck did that dues ex machina come from? My head was spinning with how fast that descended to get out of the plot hole that was dug.
I feel this story needed more in-between. There were lots of points but never really a good showing of the journey from one point to the next. I also had a hard time following the writing style sometimes, like explanations were just slightly out of sync.
The concept wasn’t bad, but the story flow was all over the place. It’s like the villain, story plot, focus, and character development hopped from one idea to the next. The build up was nearly nonexistent, and this was a stretch for insta-lust much less insta-love. Two days to go from “I hate men” to “you’re my soulmate” and we don’t see the growth of love or trust between the leads. And welcome to where the heck did that dues ex machina come from? My head was spinning with how fast that descended to get out of the plot hole that was dug.
I feel this story needed more in-between. There were lots of points but never really a good showing of the journey from one point to the next. I also had a hard time following the writing style sometimes, like explanations were just slightly out of sync.
April 4, 2021
Bunch of characters accepting what is happening, torture, enslavement, killing, sudden lust & love from some chemical introduced by a scratch, no trying to free themselves but miraculously saved at the end. Not going to read the rest of the series.
August 14, 2020
This is a dark read that ends abruptly
It's not a bad book. There is Insta love, and lots of sex, but also loads of books and abuse.
It's not a bad book. There is Insta love, and lots of sex, but also loads of books and abuse.
November 20, 2020
Really liked this story. Hardships of gladiator life under a cruel prison warden. Love finds its way between Tarik and Kaci even through the grimmest of times.
August 8, 2021
Loved this book right up until the last couple chapters. I feel cheated out of a ‘real’ ending.
December 15, 2020
So so
This was just an ok book for me. I didn't really connect with the story or the characters
Not a series I will continue on with.
This was just an ok book for me. I didn't really connect with the story or the characters
Not a series I will continue on with.
June 16, 2021
The female characters reasonings and decisions weren’t comprehensible.
The plot was finished with a “cheap” twist.
The plot was finished with a “cheap” twist.
July 3, 2022
Human females have once again found themselves aboard an alien spaceship along with a bunch of other aliens. She is emotionless and an awful main character that you won't root for. She is sent to a gladiator style planet where she meets Tarik. They hit it off and you know how these romance novels go.
First Page Sample
"Watch." The girl to my right leans over to whisper in my ear, her naked breast brushing my arm. "They'll take Leigh this time."
I ignore her and continue staring straight ahead, afraid that if I move or open my mouth I'll call attention to myself and one of the barbarous aliens will notice me. I'm not brave like some the others- Leigh, for instance- or altruistic, or heroic. I don't have a head full of ideas or plans, and I'm not optimistic about the future.
Yikes!
I don't enjoy how this is formatted. One or two sentences sectioned off as a way to hit page count perhaps? I completely forgot that I had already began reading this once before but put it down. It was not good then and still a year later is not the best.
>> They haven't allowed him to come, but at last, he's calm and quiet. (a very insensitive MC)
Read: January 20, 2021 and Again on July 2, 2022
First Page Sample
"Watch." The girl to my right leans over to whisper in my ear, her naked breast brushing my arm. "They'll take Leigh this time."
I ignore her and continue staring straight ahead, afraid that if I move or open my mouth I'll call attention to myself and one of the barbarous aliens will notice me. I'm not brave like some the others- Leigh, for instance- or altruistic, or heroic. I don't have a head full of ideas or plans, and I'm not optimistic about the future.
Yikes!
I don't enjoy how this is formatted. One or two sentences sectioned off as a way to hit page count perhaps? I completely forgot that I had already began reading this once before but put it down. It was not good then and still a year later is not the best.
>> They haven't allowed him to come, but at last, he's calm and quiet. (a very insensitive MC)
Read: January 20, 2021 and Again on July 2, 2022
April 27, 2021
I'll start off by saying, these books will not be to everyone's cup of tea. This was my first time reading a dark sci-fi romance, and although there were some things I didn't enjoy, I did finish and like the book overall. There is sexual abuse towards the h and the H is powerless to help her, though he did not know about it, since normally he was off fighting. Everything about the book was hot. The attraction on the h's side felt a little sudden, but I think it was explained as a "matehood" she could feel after being scratched. I think there could have been more there to help a reader see it.
But as a couple, I liked reading about Tarik and Kaci. She is strong and although put in a situation that might melt another human's mind, she takes it in hand and does what needs to be done. And Tarik is sweet in his own alien way. I've already read the other two books, and I'm hoping for a fourth.
But as a couple, I liked reading about Tarik and Kaci. She is strong and although put in a situation that might melt another human's mind, she takes it in hand and does what needs to be done. And Tarik is sweet in his own alien way. I've already read the other two books, and I'm hoping for a fourth.
February 21, 2021
4 1/2 stars - Dark alien PNR with shocking twists and a HEA
Written for mature readers only (18+ years old) due to subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, steamy intimate scenes and violence.
Since this is about prisoners fighting for the glory and riches of their wardens, so there is a lot of violence and cruelty, but it is also a story about love found in unlikely places and overcoming all obstacles.
This is a dark PNR story and the type of story that could be rated 5 stars if the grammatical issues were corrected, or lower if the subject matter is too much, therefore I highly recommend this series to only those not offended by such content.
Written for mature readers only (18+ years old) due to subject matter that may be a trigger or offensive to some including adult language, steamy intimate scenes and violence.
Since this is about prisoners fighting for the glory and riches of their wardens, so there is a lot of violence and cruelty, but it is also a story about love found in unlikely places and overcoming all obstacles.
This is a dark PNR story and the type of story that could be rated 5 stars if the grammatical issues were corrected, or lower if the subject matter is too much, therefore I highly recommend this series to only those not offended by such content.
January 21, 2021
I really liked this book, a lot more than I thought I would actually. I thought it was going to be just a quick and simple sci-fi romance, but it ended up being more than that. It had depth and I actually got really attached to the characters and their story. What was happening to them had me on the edge of my seat and I wasn’t always confident that they were going to make it out of their situation.
The only thing I had a problem with was the last couple chapters. I felt like we had a giant build up of stuff for them to ultimately not happen and the ending felt rushed. It was deserved, but definitely rushed. I am interested in continuing the series though with Raath’s book!
The only thing I had a problem with was the last couple chapters. I felt like we had a giant build up of stuff for them to ultimately not happen and the ending felt rushed. It was deserved, but definitely rushed. I am interested in continuing the series though with Raath’s book!
September 16, 2020
Good Read!
I enjoyed this read by Madison Savage! The fmc was abducted and sold to a prison planet where gladitors fight to lesson their sentences. She is given to Tarik, a famous gladiator who has two years left on his sentence. She is given an "aide" to help her navigate her new responsibility. Of course she must help her gladiator heal and provide relief. Super steamy and lots of action! Wish there was more world building. But there are twists and suprises and I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series.
I enjoyed this read by Madison Savage! The fmc was abducted and sold to a prison planet where gladitors fight to lesson their sentences. She is given to Tarik, a famous gladiator who has two years left on his sentence. She is given an "aide" to help her navigate her new responsibility. Of course she must help her gladiator heal and provide relief. Super steamy and lots of action! Wish there was more world building. But there are twists and suprises and I cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series.
October 12, 2020
Dark but Loving
I loved this book. This is the first time that I've read a book from this author and I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put the book down and that is good cause it's a short read. I felt for Jaci. She a human woman that was taken from earth and does her best not to respond to her captors. When she is taken to the prison where Tarik is, things change. There are dark themes here won't with twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I plan on reading the other books as they come out.
I loved this book. This is the first time that I've read a book from this author and I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put the book down and that is good cause it's a short read. I felt for Jaci. She a human woman that was taken from earth and does her best not to respond to her captors. When she is taken to the prison where Tarik is, things change. There are dark themes here won't with twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I plan on reading the other books as they come out.
April 6, 2021
Don’t read this book
I am very disappointed in this book. I wish I could get the time I put into reading it back and I miss the way my brain used to be. This book is not at all like the blurb says it is. This book is missing, a plot, decent characters, common sense... the list goes on. If you are okay with reading about, rape, dubious consent, nonsense, underdeveloped characters, etc. then go ahead and read it. Otherwise, I do not recommend it. If I could give it less than one star I would.
I am very disappointed in this book. I wish I could get the time I put into reading it back and I miss the way my brain used to be. This book is not at all like the blurb says it is. This book is missing, a plot, decent characters, common sense... the list goes on. If you are okay with reading about, rape, dubious consent, nonsense, underdeveloped characters, etc. then go ahead and read it. Otherwise, I do not recommend it. If I could give it less than one star I would.
August 13, 2020
Great first book in the series!
Yes, this book is dark. But it is set on a prison planet with fights to the death so it makes sense it wouldn't be all sunshine and rainbows. Having said that, there is light here, too. Kaci and Tarik truly love each other as well as Yhorik. As far as I am concerned Yhorik is an unsung hero in this book. Kaci wouldn't have survived without him. Can't wait for Raath's book.
Yes, this book is dark. But it is set on a prison planet with fights to the death so it makes sense it wouldn't be all sunshine and rainbows. Having said that, there is light here, too. Kaci and Tarik truly love each other as well as Yhorik. As far as I am concerned Yhorik is an unsung hero in this book. Kaci wouldn't have survived without him. Can't wait for Raath's book.
August 20, 2020
In the end the book was completely worth reading. I had a little trouble getting into the main female character due to the drug problem in the beginning. Ms. Savage later in the book explains that Kaci was taking drugs for a mental health issue. No shame for me but I would have to know what mental problems she had in order to truly understand Kaci. But such small details aren't necessary to the story line, they just trip my curiosity buttons.
August 25, 2020
Very good, but very dark!
Kaci is snatched and then sold to the Alien gladiator pits. She is won by Tarik, who is a big vicious male. However, she soon realized he isn't like that with her. This book is very dark with some Th I vs that were hard for me to read. The author doesn't go into great detail on the dark stuff, but other stuff, oh yea. The ending has a HUGE surprise, one I never saw coming. There are some big typos in the book, but it doesn't take away from it.
Kaci is snatched and then sold to the Alien gladiator pits. She is won by Tarik, who is a big vicious male. However, she soon realized he isn't like that with her. This book is very dark with some Th I vs that were hard for me to read. The author doesn't go into great detail on the dark stuff, but other stuff, oh yea. The ending has a HUGE surprise, one I never saw coming. There are some big typos in the book, but it doesn't take away from it.
September 13, 2020
It’s a good story to go along with the plot
This is about a warrior Tarik who is given a beautiful female, human of course. Her name is Kacianna. The poor thing was abducted from her quiet life. She was smart and went along with the program trying to figure a way out. When one of the villains became angry because she didn’t react to him. She was shipped off to the fighting planet as a captive to one of the fighters. Read On!
This is about a warrior Tarik who is given a beautiful female, human of course. Her name is Kacianna. The poor thing was abducted from her quiet life. She was smart and went along with the program trying to figure a way out. When one of the villains became angry because she didn’t react to him. She was shipped off to the fighting planet as a captive to one of the fighters. Read On!
January 8, 2021
Honestly if it hadn’t been for the end, I would’ve bee. Really irritated that I read this book fully through. The beginning I really liked but somewhere around 44% I just didn’t like it anymore. 1. We never get any other perspective especially Tarik which would have made the book 50% better. 2. The Warden. 3. Kaci goes from a tough heroine to completely and utterly in love within a matter of MINUTES, it seems. I hate that she immediately changes once she realizes why she needs him. The book was a page turner but I wanted more from the characters and their relationship.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews