“Blood of Vengeance” by Angel Haze - Book Review
Angel Haze’s “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 stay alive. In this unforgiving world, the stakes are high, and survival demands more than just physical prowess.
In the treacherous arena, the cost of defeat is a fate far worse than death.
“Blood of Vengeance” is a dark and gritty tale that explores the evils of slavery within a pseudo-Roman atmosphere. This story shares similarities with Gladiator, Spartacus, and Rome, but it introduces a unique element by incorporating magic and goblins.
The story centers on Killien, who is thrust into the brutal world of gladiatorial combat. Killien, known as “Killer” in the arena, is forced to fight to keep his family safe. He lives a grim life, constantly battling for survival. What sets him apart from his fellow gladiators is a closely guarded secret: his mastery of magic. This skill enhances his weapons and fuels his deadly attacks, giving him an edge in the arena.
Prince Burne, Killien’s owner, is a rather stereotypical villain who is characterized by his cruelty and mindless ambition. His brother, the king, appears naïve and oblivious to Burne’s flaws. This dynamic is overdone and lacks surprise.
The author tells the story primarily from Killien’s perspective, with occasional shifts to Prince Burne’s POV. On the one hand, that streamlines the narrative because this focus prevents the reader from getting sidetracked by other characters. On the other hand, there are many additional characters, and almost everyone lacks depth, especially the female ones. This insufficient development makes it challenging to become emotionally invested in their fates.
The world-building is limited. It is understandable because three-quarters of the story occur within the arena. Still, more descriptions of the world outside the arena would have enriched the narrative.
Despite some shortcomings, “Blood of Vengeance” effectively establishes the “Battleborn Mage” series. Angel Haze crafts a heavy and gritty atmosphere that emphasizes the harsh realities of a gladiator’s life. She delves into the mental health aspects of prolonged exposure to violence and believably portrays the psychological toll it takes on Killien. Moreover, the action scenes, the gladiatorial battles in the arena, are well written and vividly depict the brutal and high-stakes nature of Killien’s world.
