“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 and gladiatorial combat within a pseudo-Roman atmosphere. While similar to Gladiator, Spartacus, and Rome, this story incorporates magic and goblins.
In the arena, they call him "Killer," but Killien fights because he has to keep his family safe. His life is a grim struggle for survival. What sets him apart from his fellow gladiators is a closely guarded secret: his mastery of magic.
Prince Burne, Killien’s owner, embodies the stereotypical villain: cruel and ambitious. His brother, the king, appears naïve and oblivious to Burne’s flaws. This dynamic is overdone and lacks any surprise.
The story is told mainly from Killien's point of view, although it sometimes shifts to Prince Burne's. Focusing the narrative on one character keeps the story streamlined and prevents distractions. But with a large cast of characters, most lack depth, especially the women. It's hard to care what happens to them.
The limited world-building makes sense, given that the arena is the setting for most of the narrative. Adding more details about the world outside the arena would have improved the story.
Despite some shortcomings, “Blood of Vengeance” effectively establishes the “Battleborn Mage” series. Angel Haze creates a dark and intense atmosphere that shows the brutal realities of being a gladiator. She convincingly portrays the psychological impact the constant violence has on Killien. The action scenes, particularly the gladiatorial arena battles, are well-written and convey the high-stakes reality of Killien's world.
