Title: BADARI GLADIATORS: KYDEN, RENNYR & TALINN BOOKS 1-3
Author: Veronica Scott
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Book Blurb:
This Badari Gladiators box set gathers the first three science fiction romance novels from this series into one collection. Featuring genetically engineered soldiers of the far future, the Badari were created by alien enemies to fight humans. But then unscrupulous lab techs faked the deaths of a few men, smuggled them off the planet in cryo freeze and sold them to be gladiators. They meet their human fated mates in alien arenas and must fight to save themselves and their mates.
Excerpt:
(NOTE: From KYDEN)
Ten to one wasn’t great odds.
The other men from his House reacted in different ways. Some were clearly as puzzled as he’d been, when their scheduled opponents joined the circle around Kyden instead of lining up to fight one on one. These men tried to come to Kyden’s aid but were shooed away by the referees.
Others like Jadaxus merely shrugged and headed for the tunnel without a backward glance. He stood to benefit hugely if Kyden died, with one fewer man between him and the top rank he craved.
All right then.
Calm descended on Kyden as he made a quick circle, taking in each of the men who planned to join in killing him today. On another afternoon he might have decided to welcome death and go into the arms of the goddess with gratitude, ending his time here. Not today. Not with his mate in the audience. He would not die in front of Elara.
He cast his ridiculous weapons away, inciting the crowd to boo and stamp their feet, assuming he was displaying unforgivable cowardice, planning to beg for mercy and try to surrender. He was done with these toys, imitations of the savage weaponry from the Five Systems’ past. No, he was going to use his own weapons today and let the goddess decide.
Facing the man he believed was the leader of this ad hoc unit, Kyden grinned, threw back his head and howled a challenge at full volume as he let the great predator in his DNA come to the fore. The echoes of his rallying call rebounded around the stadium, overriding the yells and taunts of the crowd. He hadn’t fought like a Badari since the earliest days of his captivity, in the grim pits of death. Today though, they were going to meet him as he truly was—a beast with fangs and talons which would slice through any cyborg’s enhancements as easily as a man’s sinews. He was done portraying a chivalrous fiction from the past of this place.
His fangs deployed and his talons snapped into full readiness. He saw consternation on the faces of some of the opponents, drawn from three different Houses, judging by their badges. The trumpets blared and Kyden launched himself at the first of his intended victims.
Elara thought she was going to be physically ill when she saw the strange goings-on in the arena, ten men against Kyden and his own brother gladiators leaving him to his fate. She wanted to scream a protest and get the bout stopped, but knew there was no possibility of accomplishing the feat. The crowd was clamoring for blood and spectacle, delighted by this unexpected change in the program. She told herself sternly not to faint. He must know I’m here, I have to be supportive.
“Lady Vasclavian?”
A voice at her shoulder startled her and she dropped her fan with an annoying clatter. An Imperial page stood there. As he retrieved the fan for her, he said, “The Emperor’s nephew wishes to speak to you.”
“Now?” She cast an incredulous glance at the arena.
The man nodded. “If you please. He asks you to join him in the Imperial box.” He held out his gloved hand to escort her and she had no choice but to slide from the seat and walk with him. Luckily the Imperial box was fairly close and Elara was able to take quick peeks at the arena as she went. The attendants were nearly done raking the sand and the fight—the slaughter—would soon begin.
“Ah, Lady Elara, so pleased you could join me for this last match,” the emperor’s nephew said as she entered his box and made her obeisance. “Come sit beside me.” He patted the chair next to his.
“Most kind, your excellency.” Somehow she found her voice, although she felt as if she was moving in a dream, not fully present. Worry for Kyden overrode everything else.
He handed her a drink and leaned close. “I’m told you know this gladiator.”
“We—we’ve met, sir.” She speculated as to which of her enemies had told him the bit of gossip.
“So tell me then, should I bet on him? The odds are astronomical and I like a long shot as much as the next man. Does he stand any chance, do you think?” Prince Pargen made a silent appraisal of the lineup of men on the arena sands and shook his head slightly.
Never in her wildest nightmares had she imagined ever being asked a question like this but there was only one answer. “He’ll win.” The sound of her voice, confident and strong, came as if from a distance. Elara sipped the drink, finding it overly sweet with quite an alcoholic kick at the end. Needing courage, she didn’t mind the artificial boost right now. “Place your bet without fear. “
There was a huge chorus of boos from the crowd and she looked hastily to the arena to see Kyden had thrown his weapons away.
The emperor’s nephew chuckled and lifted a finger, signaling to his aide. “Place one bet on the man for me—you know the usual amount? Triple it. And place a bet for Lady Elara as well.”
Her protest was immediate. “There’s no need—”
“I insist.” He settled back in his chair, drink in his hand and put his feet up on the footstool embroidered with his family crest, fully at ease. “I hope your man can justify your faith in him or I may be displeased with you today, my lady.”
As Kyden roared a challenge, she clutched the arms of her chair and prayed to the Lords of Space to help him.
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What makes your featured book a must-read?
Who doesn’t love a good scifi romance gladiator tale? These three genetically engineered soldiers of the far future will do anything to save their fated mates and battle for life in alien arenas.
Giveaway –
Enter to win a $15 Amazon gift card:
Open Internationally.
Runs October 11 – October 19, 2023.
Winner will be drawn on October 20, 2023.
Author Biography:
USA Today Best Selling Author
Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library as its heart. Dad loved science fiction, Mom loved ancient history and Veronica thought there needed to be more romance in everything. When she ran out of books to read, she started writing her own stories.
Seven time winner of the SFR Galaxy Award, as well as a National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award, Veronica is also the proud recipient of a NASA Exceptional Service Medal relating to her former day job, not her romances!
She read the part of Star Trek Crew Member in the official audiobook production of Harlan Ellison’s “The City On the Edge of Forever.”
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vscotttheauthor