Title: Kyden (Badari Gladiators Series Book 1)
Author: Veronica Scott
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Book Blurb:
Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.
Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself.
Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker.
And discovers she’s his fated mate.
Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together… Or can they?
KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?
My Review:
Kyden knows his place as an upper-echelon gladiator but when he rescues a senator’s daughter, he yearns for her to be by his side. Can he find a way for them to be mated or is the goddess playing a cruel joke on him? Kyden is a fierce Badari gladiator but it’s hardly his choice. Sold into slavery, his instincts and skills as a warrior made him the perfect gladiator. Endless combat, fighting to the death, is all Kyden knows until a beautiful noblewoman cries out for help. Kyden swoops in and saves her from drunken gladiators. One look into Elara’s eyes and he realizes she’s his fated mate. It must be a cruel joke, but he can’t deny the pull he feels for her. He’s a gladiator and she’s a senator’s daughter…opposing ends of society yet love unites them. Can they find a way to be together or will Kyden ache with loneliness forever?
Kyden is a gladiator science fiction romance I couldn’t put down. Who doesn’t love a gladiator? Add in an adorable meet-cute and a hero’s heart of gold and you’ve got an unputdownable romance. Veronica Scott is one of my favorite authors, especially when it comes to science fiction romance. Her prowess for world-building, relatable characters, and descriptive narration is on display in Kyden. From the beginning, I connected with Kyden. He’s such an honorable man, which is rare considering he’s a gladiator. The plot moves at a terrific pace with plenty of characters to interact with. I loved the hierarchy amongst the gladiators. I found myself enthralled by the romance. It’ll take your breath away. If you’re a romance reader, you’ll enjoy Kyden. If you love sci fi romance, you’ll want to read Kyden. If you like your romance edgy, pick up Kyden. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5+ stars
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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
Tiktok: @veronicascottauthor
Reviewed by: Mrs. N