Leonidas, champion gladiator of Rome, is set free from the games by a mysterious benefactor who grants him freedom, a place to live, and a servant—Cassia, a scribe—to look after him.But the benefactor is only so generous—Leonidas must pay his own way and Cassia’s, which means hiring himself out. The sharp-witted Cassia quickly lands him a post as a bodyguard, escorting a retired senator to Ostia.… senator to Ostia.
The trip soon turns deadly, as Leonidas and Cassia find themselves squarely in the middle of intrigue that reaches from the slums of the Subura to the Palatine Hill and the emperor Nero himself.
Book 1 of the Leonidas the Gladiator Mysteries. Events in this book take place before the novella, Blood Debts.
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My first reaction was: What WILL she think of next? Because this author is such a protean talent. Everything I’ve read from Jennifer Ashley/Ashley Gardiner has been delightful, and the Leonidas the Gladiator stories are too. First century Rome is a fascinating place to set a mystery series, and the combination of Leonidas’s tenacity, bravery, and connections up and down the social ladder, with Cassia’s analytical and literary mind and social perspective (she’s a slave, he was as good as, despite being the top gladiatorial dawg) makes them a blazingly original pair of sleuths. Toss in a hint of Great Expectations (think mysterious benefactor), and I hope this is a very, very long series!
Leonidas becomes embroiled in a murder investigation because he wants to avoid being named the murderer. He became a gladiator after being charged with a murder he did not commit and doesn’t want to go that road again. Cassia is his scribe/slave given him by his anonymous benefactor who bought his release from the arena. She is intelligent and able to navigate the secular world of Rome. Leonidas is strong and illiterate but he is not a brute. Both have versions of street smarts. They form a respectful interdependent team. You may figure out who did the murder before the reveal–I did, but I didn’t figure the why. On a steamy scale, it would be a zero–the bit of sex is more clinical than prurient. Gardner’s Rome in the time of Nero is dark and gritty but populated by some very interesting and intriguing folks. If you like Lindsay Davis’s Falco mysteries, you should find a new home here.
Leonides the Spartan is a gladiator in Rome during the reign on Nero. For some reason, he is freed after one bout and given a slave named Cassia. Leonides is lost in the real world because he’s lived a sheltered, if dangerous, life where all his needs are provided. Cassia is a smart, educated, practical woman who is a scribe. Grounded in the real world, she helps Leonides get food, clothing, blankets, and a job to pay for all the things. The story is a mystery, and the plot starts when Leonides accompanies wealthy patrician Priscus to Ostia. Leonides soon learns he is embroiled in a plot to assassinate Nero. Cassia, with her endless lists and notes, proves an invaluable partner in solving the mystery. This book is original, and the plot is fast-paced. I look forward to future books in the series.
This is a work of historical fiction set in Rome during the reign of the Emperor Nero. The number one gladiator, Leonidas, is given his freedom by an unknown benefactor. Now free, he has no idea how to live in society. His secret benefactor, however, has provided him with the services of a female slave called Cassia who is a skilled scribe. She finds him work providing security for affluent clients, manages the money, buys the food and goods they need and helps him adjust to his new life. There is a murdered and Leonidas is fearful he will be falsely implicated as the culprit. He and Cassia set out to solve the murder to remove any suspicion from Leonidas. Both of their lives are placed in jeopardy along the way, but they solve the mystery and meet a number of interesting characters along the way. This story was rather tame for a story about a gladiator. There is a hint of a budding relationship between Leonidas and Cassia, but there is no romance. It would have been more interesting if there was a little chemistry or a spark or two demonstrated between the two main characters. It came across rather flat. I found the historical detail and descriptions of old Rome interesting. In all, this was a pleasant story that held my interest, but it needed a little more action and spark between the main characters.
Slow start but developed into an enjoyable read
I had previously met Leonidas and Cassia in a novella and just loved them, so was eager to read a full novel. Was not disappointed. Leonidas is freed from his gladiator slavery and gifted a female slave by an anonymous benefactor, although he is expected to earn his own living. Together, they solve the murder of a brothel owner for which Leonidas could have been implicated. Leonidas provides the brawn and Cassia supplies the brains. They make an engaging team. The next book in the series won’t be out until this May, so something to look forward to.
Following Leonidias through his journey was always surprising. Good characters interacting in real-life drama.
Great storyline: can’t wait for next in series
too many idioms not related to historical period. Author uses her own cultural idioms throughout the book which takes away from the story
I enjoy reading Gardner’s historical fiction series and having a new one to delve into is fantastic. She seems to capture the era and provide enough historical setting to make it become real and recognizable in your mind as you read. I’ll continue with this series.
I liked this one well enough to pick up the next in the series.
Loved this book. Leonidas is clueless in the outside world, having been a gladiator all his adult life. Cassia, the slave he is given, is smart but vulnerable. The two need each other, especially as they struggle to prove that Leonidas is innocent of murder, and to find out what really happened. This novel was written after the novella Blood Debts, which is the next in the series. A Gladiator’s Tale is coming! I can’t wait.
I have always been fascinated by ancient Rome and Gladiators. I found the book to be an interesting look at that time with likeable characters.
I liked that this was a different world than I am used to reading about. The characters were believable and likeable.
I was surprised how strong a narrative this was. Great protagonist and his partner is unexpected but I read this in three sittings. Great pace. Good mystery. This was a lot if fun. Bought the next book right away.
Liked the Roman history and I was able to visualize the ancient city because I was able to visit the ruins in Rome.
A well written tale of action and suspense
Very good! Roman era historical fiction is either very good or very bad, and this was very good! I loved especially the friendship and respect between the two main characters.
I would have given it five stars except there was TMI about the prostitutes.
The characters are likable and the view of life in Rome is very interesting .
Great storyline