'The Gladiator's Downfall' in the series 'Age of the Andinna' by Kristen K.N. Banet follows the story of Maeve, a slave and gladiator who has only known a life of slavery for her 1000 years. When two mercenaries are captured, Maeve decides to take a chance on them, leading her to discover family, safety, and freedom. The book is set in a gladiator colosseum, with a riveting plot that delves into themes of SA, slavery, and finding strength in the face of adversity. The world-building is rich in detail, introducing unique races like the Elvasi and the Andinna, and incorporating mythological creatures like chimera and gryphons.

The character development in 'The Gladiator's Downfall' is highly praised, with even minor characters receiving significant depth. Maeve is portrayed as a strong, defiant, and loyal protagonist, with imperfections that make her a dynamic and relatable character. The relationships between Maeve and her companions, Rainev and Matesh, are central to the plot, showcasing themes of family, growth, and overcoming past traumas. The writing style is described as well-crafted, with a focus on storytelling that balances meaningful intimate scenes with a compelling narrative.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Mave serving as a resilient protagonist whose journey intertwines her relationships with equally rich supporting characters.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is detailed and immersive, focusing on character development and world-building, though it can occasionally feel erratic.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on Mave, a gladiator slave who confronts her tragic past while seeking vengeance and reclaiming her identity, all while navigating complex relationships.

Setting:

The setting is a richly crafted fantasy world marked by unique cultures and a strong matriarchal society, with key locations like gladiator pits playing a significant role.

Pacing:

The pacing begins as a slow burn, gradually evolving into a more dynamic rhythm as the series progresses, balancing plot and character interactions.

Mave stood silently as the crowd drowned out her thoughts. The roar of those bloodthirsty viewers was a common sound. She was long used to it. She was no longer unnerved by the idea of thousands of pe...

Notes:

The series follows Maeve, a strong female character who is a slave and gladiator for 1000 years.

Maeve, the protagonist, is a member of a unique winged race called the Andinna.

The story intricately weaves themes of trauma, survival, and personal growth.

The plot involves political elements and societal structures dictated by dragon goddesses.

Relationships in the series develop slowly over multiple books, focusing on emotional intimacy before any romantic or sexual encounters.

The series is set in a matriarchal society where women hold power, yet they are vastly outnumbered by males due to past wars.

Characters have complex backstories, and the series emphasizes character development over mere action or romance.

The author, Kristen Banet, has created a rich world with its own language, social system, and magical elements.

The series includes discussions of heavy themes such as slavery and abuse, but it also conveys a sense of hope and resilience.

Readers noted a strong sense of camaraderie and emotional support among characters, especially within Maeve's growing harem.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high content warnings due to themes of slavery, sexual assault (implied), and physical abuse.

Has Romance?

While the romance is present, it is characterized as medium, primarily developing over the course of the series.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Mave knows where she stands in life.

She's an Andinna. A member of the winged, horned, and tailed warrior race that the Elvasi Empire defeated in the Hundred Year War and then enslaved. She's a slave, and has been one for a thousand years, the personal property of the Empress of the Elvasi Empire, since the end of the War. She's a gladiator, thrown onto the sands of the Colosseum to die, though it backfired on those who wanted her dead. She's the Champion of the Colosseum, and has been for roughly nine hundred years.

All of these things have marked her as an outcast among her own people. Hated, distrusted, and despised, she knows the name of her people, but not much else.

But she knows where she stands. Keeping her head down and her blades sharp has carried her this far, and she refuses to acknowledge the deepest wishes she holds in her heart. Those will only get her killed.

Alone, she's stood against everything they have ever thrown at her, refusing to give them what they want.

What Mave doesn't know is that it's all about to change.

The Gladiator's Downfall is a 129,000+, full-length novel.

Age of the Andinna is a reverse harem epic fantasy series. The female lead will collect her lovers as the series progresses.

There is triggering content in this series including but not limited to: abuse, violence, mature language, and sexual content. It's recommended for mature audiences. more

Ratings (24)

Incredible (7)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (4)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (66):

Read It (25)
Want To Read (23)
Did Not Finish (3)
Not Interested (15)

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The Gladiator's Downfall

Kristen K.N. Banet

Book 1 in the series:Age of the Andinna