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Character Interviews
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Hero Interview from The Champion by Carla Capshaw
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A great book and series. Definitely read all three of them in order to fully appreciate the stories.
Cool interview and dont worry I want tell anyone about your board game obsession. love Rex too.
I agree with Judy. The entire series is great!
Mod
Dream
It is a great series for sure! Who wouldn't love a Gladiator?
How exciting to have Alexius, the hero from The Champion, an August release from Love Inspired Historical with us today.
1. Tell me the most interesting thing about you.
Because I'm a gladiator champion, I'm usually feared by most people. But my battle-scared exterior hides a soft heart. I'd like to leave Rome, move to my peaceful farm and start a family with the woman I love. Unfortunately, Tibi, the girl of my dreams is from a good family who would never allow her to marry a gladiator like me.
2. What do you do for fun?
Until recently, I did a lot of things I shouldn't have and now regret. I realize no one knows what day may be their last, but like many gladiators, I looked for enjoyment in life wherever I could find it because I stare death in the eye on a regular basis. Lately, I've started reflecting on my life and realizing the futility of it all. That may be because Tibi is in danger and she's come to me for help. Her close proximity is making wish more and more for what I really want in life. I'd do anything to keep her safe and make her my wife. She brings me joy, something I haven't had in years. With her even the simplest activity is entertaining. Don't tell anyone because I have a fierce reputation to protect, but I've started playing board games (a childish and unmanly activity) just so I can sit across from her, see her lovely face and spend more time with her.
3. What do you put off doing because you dread it?
I dread thinking about the past. I grew up on a beautiful farm in Greece, amidst a loving family I adored. We didn't have much money, but my mama, papa and six older sisters were my whole world. Tragedy and a greedy neighbor took them all from me and saw me sold into the gladiator trade. The injustice of that time has filled me with an unquenchable anger that plagues me, but even that intolerable emotion is not as painful as reliving the loss of all I held dear.
4. What are you afraid of most in life?
I'm afraid of losing Tibi. Her crazed father has no idea how blessed he is to have such a lovely and lively daughter. He should cherish her like I would if she could be mine. Instead, he's tried to marry Tibi off to several foolish, weak-minded men who want a spiritless wife who will bore them into an early grave. Tibi's father now plans to sell her to a temple in hopes of gaining a goddess's favor for his family. That's why she came to me for protection--well, to be honest, she came to my home looking for her cousins to protect her, but they're not here. I've convinced her to let me help her until her family returns to Rome in a few weeks. I can't let her down or I'd never forgive myself.
5. What do you want out of life?
I used to think it was money. My family in Greece had very little and that left us prey to evil men who caused us harm. Now that I have more wealth than I can spend in a lifetime, I realize inner peace is harder to come by than money and more priceless than gold. I long for a family of my own and a release from the rage that stems from the pain of losing my loves ones. My friends, Caros and Quintus, say I need to accept their Savior, Jesus, as my own. I tend to believe them since I've seen the miracles He's worked in their lives, but where will I be if their God doesn't want me?
6. What is the most important thing to you?
Tibi, my friends and the men who serve me in the gladiator school I own.
7. Do you read books? If so, what is your favorite type of book?
My family was poor, so I didn't learn to read until later in life and that's only the basics so I can keep my gladiator school running. Even though I don't read for pleasure very often, Tibi does. She's very clever and makes me laugh by reading stories where she gives each character a different voice and personality.
8. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I could be free of the anger that haunts me. As a young man, I was always laughing and filled with dreams. I'd like to have some of that openness back.
9. Do you have a pet? If so, what is it and why that pet?
Not until recently. The other day, Tibi rescued a black panther cub whose mother had been sacrificed in the arena. One of the things I love about Tibi most is her gentle heart. She took to the cub instantly. My friend, Caros, has a tiger and I figure if he can keep a big cat, I'll have no trouble at all. Tibi is calling the panther Rex, which means king. We Greek men like to think of ourselves at the kings of our homes, but if it makes her happy, then I'll work on being happy about it as well.
10. If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?
I'd travel back to the day before my family perished in order to save them. Then I'd return to Rome because I can't imagine never knowing Tibi or having her in my life.
Carla Capshaw
Be Inspired
The Gladiator, Nov. '09
The Duke's Redemption, Jan. '10
The Protector, Jul. '10
The Champion, Aug. '11
www.carlacapshaw.com