Blood and Sand was an actual bloody explosion of sand (SURPRISE) and epicness.
This is absolutely a good time for us all to wave swords around and shout “SPARTACUS!” valiantly as Rome falls. Epic, okay? It was all so epic. I also have such a weakness for genderbent retellings, and this one is a historical retelling Spartacus. It reminded me of And I Darken, also a favourite, and I wish for 501 more retellings like this. *
This book also manages to be at least a little bit frikkin’ devastating. Excellent.
* Someone do an Alexander the Great = but as a WOMAN. I also could totally be down with the Napoleon wars okay?! Little time jump there, but we’re keeping up.
+ So HI we have Rome and Gladiators and slaves and rebellion.
Stab stab stab. This is a recipe for an epic book or an epic caesar salad! Exciting! I grew up reading historical fiction set in Rome, so it wasn’t startlingly “new” for me but I LOVED the spin on it and pretty much glued it to my face. (Also it smelled good. I don’t know if that counts for a good book, but it should.) The details of the Roman life and history felt super realistic and carefully done — although, full warning, this isn’t a “fully accurate tale”. The author’s note says there are creative liberties done. But HEY if you weren’t there in 79 AD, how do you even know what went down, hmm? This totally could be 100% honest.
C’MON I HAD TO USE THIS GIF.
+ It is pretty dark, but not graphic.
Look the Romans weren’t nice and the book definitely doesn’t shy away from mentioning the horrors people went through, especially the slaves. Conquests were not chill. Gladiators did not walk away from fights calmly. It talks about rape and murder and torture of slaves (but I think it kept it very YA geared).
+ Attia was flippin’ epic.
She’s the badass heroine I long to read about: equal parts terrifying and also emotional. She’s been raised a Thracian war princess, but she still has a HEART. Even if she tries to deny it. Basically what went down:
Attia: I will cut out your heart.
Attia: I will have revenge and bath in the blood of my enemies.
Attia: I will–
Servant: ok but you have to be nursemaid to your master’s 6yo niece
Attia: I hate children
Child: *whispers* hi
Attia: omg
Attia was not faking the badassery and every scene where she fought was BRILLIANT. But she also was super protective over the little girl she has to look after while she’s enslaved and Attia’s aesthetic is basically: KNIVES BUT ALSO HEART EYES.
+ The other narrator is Xanthus who is a cute and deadly cinnamon scone.
I’m calling it: he’s such a Hufflepuff. Loyal to people who haven’t even earned it (DUDE) and super sweet when he can be (DUUUUDE) and yet a gladiator and completely terrifying (D U D E). He’s so respectful of Attia and even though she’s gifted to him as “his slave” he never never presumes anything of their relationship except to help her if he can. I only wish his storyline had been a bit deeper.
+ The romance was good but too fast.
The book is only 300pgs, and to get Attia who hATES EVERYTHING to fall for a guy she just met and was literally gifted to him as a bed slave…like. My dude. That takes some time getting over. But they went from “hey don’t touch me or you get a knife in the ribs” to “I WOULD DIE FOR YOU” super fast. Anyway, I liked them both! Just not sold on them together.
+ The story did seem slow despite being so short.
I definitely enjoyed it but felt not enough was always happening to move the plot in a direct fashion!? OR AM I JUST PICKY. It wasn’t boring but just some scenes were only Attia stewing in her soup and Xanthus would just be having an identity crisis somewhere else because he’s A BAD GLADIATOR but wants to be GOOD. I swear. He’s so freaking precious.
+ There were a lot of characters.
With a lot of Roman names. I have 7 people in my family and I don’t even have a clue what their names are half the time. So books with a hUGE cast and very similar names (Lucius, Lebuin, Lecretia???!?!?) have me frantically sweating.
+ And I don’t think you have to be a history nerd to enjoy it!
And by “history nerd” I just mean know ANYTHING about Spartacus (which I didn’t…ah hahahah). This is still epic and gripping and full of bloody and excellently complex characters.
Basically a heckin’ yes to this book.
It’s powerful and feministic and Attia will punch you for assuming she is a lesser being. Her comebacks are GOLD and the entire book was just empowering and exciting. (With a few cute scenes thrown in to make you “aww”.) Definitely an epic read and I would like mORE THANKS.
THANK YOU TOR TEEN FOR THE REVIEW COPY. Blood and Sand by C.V. Wyk was published January 2018.
★★★★☆
The action-packed tale of a 17-year-old warrior princess and a handsome gladiator who dared take on the Roman Republic―and gave rise to the legend of Spartacus…
For teens who love strong female protagonists in their fantasy and historical fiction, Blood and Sand is a stirring, yet poignant tale of two slaves who dared take on an empire by talented debut author C. V. Wyk.
Roma Victrix. The Republic of Rome is on a relentless march to create an empire―an empire built on the backs of the conquered, brought back to Rome as slaves.
Attia was once destined to rule as the queen and swordmaiden of Thrace, the greatest warrior kingdom the world had seen since Sparta. Now she is a slave, given to Xanthus, the Champion of Rome, as a sign of his master’s favor. Enslaved as a child, Xanthus is the preeminent gladiator of his generation.
Against all odds, Attia and Xanthus form a tentative bond. A bond that will spark a rebellion. A rebellion that threatens to bring the Roman Republic to its end―and gives rise to the legend of Spartacus…
Okay… how have I not heard of this book before!? It sounds AMAZING. I adore ancient history retellings (better if they have some element of magic/fantasy to them…but not needed) and this sounds incredible. When it comes to genderbent things, I’m not 100% sold, though. Mainly because I want to see women in new and iconic roles, instead of taking them from men. But I’m still totally down for this! Sounds like something I’d really enjoy. And this has also reminded me that I need to read AND I DARKEN, as well. I just saw the cover for the third in the series and it is gorgeous. <3
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Yesss, agreed! I mean everything is better with magic, but I also like a good plain HF on occasion.😂 And I totally get what you mean about genderbending. I personally love it to pieces, but it would be nice if actual real historical women figures could be highlighted themselves. I feel like there are way more of them than the history books probably ever talked about thanks to our patriarchal society. *shakes head sadly*
Uhm, yes, where do I sign up for a petition for an Alexander the Great retelling? That would make my life. -slinks off to go find a copy of Blood and Sand-
Omg wouldn’t it just?! I so want that. Someone’s going to have to write it now.😂
*adds Blood and Sand to ever growing, sentient tbr pile* and basically you want an Alexandra the Great? I’m in.
The best kind of TBR pile is one we are absolutely terrified of. :’) ALEXANDRA THE GREAT = YES. ABSOLUTELY.
I don’t know why but the genderbend Napoleon retelling sings to my blood! /type a note on my writing evernote/ also, it sounds like a great quick read!
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Omg doesn’t it just?! Please write one.😂😂
I will write it! / look at all the notes on her evernote / Maybe not soon, but in a distant future I will write it! 😠 🤣
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I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this book before. It sounds amazing. I enjoyed And I Darken and I generally like genderbent stories. I’m adding this to my TBR pile!
Ahhh so glad I convinced you! And I have no idea why it’s not getting more hype because it’s so badass and amazing. Attia and Lada would’ve gotten on so well.😂
THIS BOOK SOUNDS SO AMAZING!! I WANT TO READ IT!!!
I personally adore historical fiction with awesome characters and this seems absolutely fantastic
IT WAS! Definitely everything I want in a historical fiction!!
This is quite possibly the best review I’ve ever read. I love Rome and badass heroines so I’m very very tempted to pick this up. And I’m with you – genderbend ALL THE THINGS.
AWW THAT TOTALLY MAKES MY DAY!😂 And Rome is such an interesting time period right?!
Wow, this book sounds awesome! How had I not heard of it yet? I think it would be sooo cool if someone did a retelling from the POV of one of Henry VIII’s wives. THAT would be fun. Also full of beheading. Although I think someone’s done that already lol. Anyways Blood and Sand is definitely going on my painfully long TBR list. *dies under a mountain of books*
Omg I’m totally with you on Henry’s wives one! I think I read one (Mary, Bloody Mary?) as an MG book for school, but I’d love a really epic one like this. (And hey TBRs are meant to be mountains that terrify us, right?! 😂😂)
Oh goodness! This book sounds amazing! I may have to ask our librarian to order it for me! Thanks for the review honey!
Blessings –
~ Aspen
Yesss you should totally request your library! It’s SO GOOD.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA THAT FIRST QUOTE. XD XD XD i don’t dare enough to ask for it, but if i see it in the library IT’S MINE
Most crazily, ~Olive
I hope your library gets it in!! You might need to request they buy it?
Genderbent retelling + badass girl who hates everyone and everything + gladiators?????? I’m on it. Dude, I got to read this Though I don’t like when the romance develops too fast, I’ll read it. Also, I love it when a character’s heart of stone melts before a smol child. It’s just so cute. Wish me luck, though, with so many characters how will I know who is who? I get so confuse most of the time. I also forget my whole familiy’s names, surnames, birthdays, everything actually. I’m pretty sure if my mother wouldn’t get so excited about my birthday and tell me “you’re aging” I wouldn’t remember by now when’s my birthday. I’m a mess.
P.D: I love so freaking much ur pictures <3
I KNOW RIGHT?! It’s literally a pot of awesomeness and I’m so excited for this!! And just having those badass characters see a little kid and go “omg I must protect”…I mean. My little heart is beating now.😂
(I never remember who’s even in my family so you’re not alone.😂)
AND AWW THANK YOU ABOUT MY PHOTOS!
AHHHH I MUST GET MY HANDS ON THIS. Although I’m a biiiiit sad by the “not graphic” part. GORE AND BLOOD ARE THINGS I LOVE IN BOOKS. Pretty much why I love Kendare Blake so much–her books are SO graphic and make me stay awake until 5 in the morning imagining gross things. 😀
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LMAO AIMEE YOU ARE A READER AFTER MY OWN HEART. 😂 I do really love it when books aren’t afraid to get super bloody, although I guess this makes it work for for a wider audience ah ahhah.
This sounds slightly too violent for me, tbh, but I’m glad you enjoyed it! I don’t know how I feel about genderbent retellings…in some ways I feel like they take away from learning about the historical opression of women in some was–but at the same time opression is a total downer and I am 100% over often also. But the concept is definitely cool.
That’s fair! And I mean, I totally respect what you mean about the genderbending, but I just feel like it’s a cool historical twist and a way to reimagine the world. I mean, with our patriarchal society I’m sure there are THOUSANDS of epic stories with women starring in history, but they’ve been systematically forgotten or erased. So this is nice imo!
OOO This sounds so good, and totally up my alley! I love reading about badass MCs & Attia seems like a character I’d totally enjoy. I haven’t read a lot of books about Rome or gladiators, so I’m excited to delve into this world. Also Xanthus seems like such a cinnamon roll. I was already interested in this one, but even more excited to pick it up!
Yesss this totally sounds like it’s just the thing you need then!! And I really love the characters who are terrifying and bloody…but also really sweet on the inside?! Like, aww, bless them. 😍😍
WOW! The cover and premise are both REALLY interesting! I would LOVE to read a book about a female type-Spartacus type character! In my opinion, it sounds like An Ember in the Ashes type feels. Good review!
Oh yes actually I should’ve put Ember in the Ashes as a comparative title, haha. It totally has a lot of those vibes!🎉
Great review, Cait! I saw your review of this on Goodreads and it totally put this on my tbr. Cannot wait.
Ahh!!! So glad I was convincing!! 🎉🎉
Great review! For some reason your descriptions of this book remind me a little of the Nevernight Chronicle, which is simply the best! I’m going to add this book to my TBR, right now! Have a great week, Cait!
Is that Nevernight by Jay Kristoff?! I really love that one too!
Yes, I meant Nevernight by Jay Kristoff! I just read Godsgrave in January and it’s sooo good! Definitely one of my favourite series at the moment!
Yesss I love Nevernight omg it’s so good. I just haven’t read Godsgrave yet, but it’s on my TBR!
Gosh, I need to read this book. Actually, I also need to read And I Darken. I am behind on the good books, Cait. I feel like this will be awesome, and the cover is shiny so there’s another plus. I loooove that it is dark but without being too graphic, that is such a perfect combo! And Attia sounds so fabulous! I think maybe after I finish these next two review books I shall reward myself with this one. Great review, Cait!!
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The shiny-ness of the cover is the actual greatest thing in the universe. 😍😍😍 My true bookworm nature has arrived just knowing how frikkin’ gloriously shiny it is AHHH. Ahem. And yes! Read this and then And I Darken. You slacker. 😉 😂 (Just kidding. How on earth do we even manage to keep up with all the books, right?!)
That cover tho *salivates*
And I Darken was one of my birthday gifts and I’m SO FREAKING EXCITED to get to it! It’s at the mercy of my tbr jar once it arrives – my Mum knows me well enough to know that I’m not getting through all 12 books she got me in one month, so she sent some for my birthday and some for Easter. Bless her. I’ve raised her well.
Awww you have raised your mum well. GOOD JOB.😂 And I’m so glad you’re going to read And I Darken!! That trilogy is one of my all time faves (also the finale comes out this year *screaming softly*)
I have only heard amazing things about this book and I’m so excited to read it. I had the opportunity to meet the author last week and she is fabulous! Which makes me want to read it even more.
Thanks for sharing,
~Brittany @ Brittany’s Book Rambles
Aww I’m so glad the author is nice too!! Because she’s really mean to her characters. 😭😂 KIDDING. THAT’S THE BEST KIND OF AUTHOR HAHA.
The best kind are always cruel to their characters haha
BUT OF COURSE. 😈😈
This book sounds so good! I’ll definitely try and get my hands on it. 😆 I enjoyed reading this review, I always love your reviews! (Even tho I’ve rarely read any of the books…) 😄
I hope you do try it! And thaaaanks so much for liking my review. (Also I’m glad they make sense even if you hadn’t read the book. 🙈🙈)
I haven’t read this book, but it sounds really good, so I’ll add it to my reaaaaaaaaaally long tbr list :). Great review.
~Ever
thesmokeandashes.blogspot.com
Yayyy I’m glad I convinced you! Good luck with that reeeeeally long TBR pile though.😂I know those feels.
You have me convinced that I’d love this one, though the romance might bug me. At least now I’ve been forewarned.
I really hope you do like it!! I think the romance is adorable just maybe not *quite* as believable as I’d hoped?
Ooooooh I wanna read it so bad now but my TBR pile is so big it’s kinda scaring me – any advice on what book I should read next?
As always a lovely blog post xo
Honestly huge TBRs are one of the bookworm’s greatest life threats.😂😂
ooo this book sounds so good, i tend to love genderbent retellings of fairy tales or historical events.I actually haven’t heard of this book. I always end up finding new books through your blog. Have a nice week
Oh oh I’m glad you’re a fan of genderbending too!! I think it’s epic and always makes a story way more interesting. 😂😂 I’m also glad you like my recs!