This book is a sequel to Carla`s debut novel, "The Gladiator". If you've not read "The Gladiator", don't worry, "The Protector" stands alone. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy stories set in the Roman times. After winning "The Gladiator" in a contest online, I decided to give it a try. Boy, I'm so very glad I did!! Carla is an awesome writer who takes you back to Rome, gladiators, and the persecution of Christians.
Quintus Ambustus is a slave who fights for his life in the gladiator's ring. He is also a Christian who has sacrificed everything for his beliefs. Adiona Leonia is a wealthy socialite who believes in nothing and no one. Adiona is a friend of Caros, the famed lanista, who owns Quintus as a slave. While visiting with Caros, Adiona sees Quintus and likes what she sees. Adiona is a widow who was badly treated as a child and is sold into marriage at the age of 13. She is treated even worse by her husband and when he dies, she feels that she is finally free. Because of her past she doesn't trust men nor does she want much to do with them.
Quintus is appointed to take Adiona to see a relative of hers who is ill. Neither one wants the other to know how taken they are with each other. It becomes apparent early on that someone wants Adiona dead. They encounter many obstacles on their journey. Their relationship begins to grow and Adiona begins to ask questions about the God that Quintus serves. Does she put aside the gods she has prayed to and worshiped all of her life? Do her and Quintus find a future together?
You will want to grab a copy of "The Protector" and find out what happens. You won't be sorry! And while you're buying it, go ahead and get "The Gladiator", too! Both of these books will take you back in time and you'll be glad you went.
