Blood and Sand by C.V. Wyk is a fierce, action-packed retelling set in ancient Rome. It follows Attia, a warrior princess captured and enslaved, who finds herself fighting for survival and freedom in a brutal world. With rich historical detail, tension, and powerful characters, it’s perfect for fans of intense, warrior-driven tales of resilience and rebellion.

DNF at 25%. It's been over five years since I received this ARC. I gave it a go and have decided it is not for me. It interested me then and no longer does now.

Blood and Sand by CV Wyk is a book filled with action about a warrioir princess, Attia, and a gladiator, Xanthus, who are joined together under the backdrop of the Roman Republic. An interesting read.

I really liked Blood and Sand and really hope there's a sequel.

Thracian Warrior Princess Attia has been captured as a Roman slave when her people were conquered and eliminated by the Romans. Her desperation to escape is doubled when she is given to the gladiator champion Xanthus. Learning how to navigate through the Roman establishment, biding her time to escape, Attia becomes closer to the innocents of her enemies as well as to Xanthus, a slave in the same vein as Attia. Her fierceness in both training and love lead her to decisions that will ultimately result in the legend of Spartacus.

Blood and Sand was an okay read. Attia was a badass. The romance in this story was an insta-love scenario. I wanted a less predictable plot.

Blood and Sand by C.V. Wyk is a gender swap about Spartacus. I don't know much about Spartacus but the synopsis was very intriguing to me. Attia, has lot everything to the Romans. Her people were slaughtered right in from of her and now she is supposed to be a slave. All she wants is revenge.

This book was very well written. I think it was fast paced and able to keep the readers attention. I found that I quite enjoyed this one.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

Any and all books about Ancient Rome will automatically be on my radar, and this was no different. In a genderbent retelling of Spartacus, we follow Attia, once princess of Thrace, after she, and her people, have been enslaved by Rome. She is given to Xanthus, the champion of Rome, and once of the greatest gladiators the empire has ever seen. Attia has her own training, and will not just submit to the might of Rome, or to Xanthus. Her main aim = to escape, rise up, and reclaim her lost kingdom. As both she and Xanthus understand what it is to be enslaved, they form an agreement, and soon grow closer. However, their agreement will lead to one of the greatest uprisings Rome ever saw, and Attia will do just about anything to get what she wants.

I loved this book so much! Attia and Xanthus were both expertly written and researched. Thrace was one of the greatest kingdoms in the Ancient World, famed for its strength and warriors - both male and female. Attia perfectly embodied a princess and warriormaiden from this kingdom, and I loved reading her thoughts and processes throughout the book. When she decides to masquerade as one of the gladiators, known as Spartacus, she isn't faking her skill or resilience - it's all inherent in her from the get go. Xanthus, too, doesn't hide what he's been trained for, and all of the fight scenes, etc., are so details, but not overly graphic is if to provide a 'shock factor'. Attia and Xanthus together, I didn't think would work, because of the whole 'being gifted to him' arc. However, Xanthus never forces Attia into anything, and finds the notion of being gifted a girl abhorrent. The chemistry was undeniable, though, and I loved them together!

All in all, this was a fantastic debut, and I can't wait for book 2 to be published!

I did Not do an official review for this one since I felt I ended Up expressing more negative opinions than positive.

***ARC received in exchange of an honest opinion***

Blood and Sand was a marvelous surprise. The story gripped me from the start and I couldn't put it down.

This is the kind of fantasy book I really enjoy, with an awesome heroine and great plotline that evolves through the pages.

This book really impressed me and I was left wanting more and more. I can't wait for the next book!

I gave Blood and Sand a shout on the Barnes and Noble Teen blog! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/teen/read-based-favorite-current-ya-bestseller/

Spartacus was one of my favourite movies growing up. It was a combination of two things I loved - history and violence ( I know, I was such a morbid child ), and my dad got me obsessed over the movie. I still get chills over the "I'm Spartacus" scene. So when I heard about a book that asks the question, 'what if Spartacus was a female?', I knew I had to read it.

Attia was once the warrior princess of Thrace. But she's now a slave in Rome, given as a prize to her master's best gladiator Xanthus. Both Xanthus and Attia have had their country, family, freedom, peace and life taken away by the Romans, and both warriors live with vengeance in their heart, and when it breaks out, rises the rebellious hero, Spartacus.

Blood and Sand was absolutely glorious. The author doesn't hold back on anything, and I loved that. The book is as bloody, action packed, thrilling and happening as you would expect a story set in ancient Rome would be. It is a tale that will keep you hooked, and is a gripping page turner you wouldn't be able to put down at any instance.

When I say that Attia was badass, I am not exaggerating. I have read about countless MCs who were supposed to be fighters, yet hardly engage in any action. Attia is not all talk and no play, she demonstrates that she is every bit of a warrior princess she claims to be. When she fights, I got chills. She's fierce to the bone, and it's hard not to fall in love with her.

Xanthus totally surprised me. I was expecting an aloof hardened warrior, but what I got was a cinnamon roll. He is a gladiator who's been pushed to the arena since he was a little boy, and as he kills each man, the mount of regret in his heart increases. But as a person, he's so sweet and soft, and just so gentle with Attia from the beginning.

Their romance was great, however I would've preferred a bit more slow burn. That being said, they had a great partnership, and my shipper heart was sailing when they fought together. Speaking of, the fight scenes in the book were perfect. This was no lazy sparring, it was brutal, bloody and so aptly descriptive that I could exactly visualize the moves as I read them.

Blood and Sand is an instant recommendation if you're a YA historical fiction fan, and love some action in your reads. The book left me desperate for the sequel, and despite my usual habit of abandoning of series, I knew that Fire and Ash is a sequel that I will definitely read.

This novel had an interesting concept. It featured a female princess who became a gladiator. Blood and Sand featured a strong female protagonist. However, for a gladiator story it relied heavily on romance than the plot. Still, it is well-written and very fast-paced! I highly recommend it to fans of Defiant!

I picked up Blood and Sand because I have a bit of an obsession with the Spartacus TV show. And Ancient Rome, but mostly Spartacus. So when I saw that a Spartacus-inspired YA book was being released I FREAKED. OUT. Blood and Sand isn’t a true story about the historical events that happened during the Third Servile War, but it’s enjoyable and the parallels made me happy.

 

The main character, Attia, is a Thracian whose entire tribe is killed by the Romans. She is enslaved, and given to a gladiator as a gift. She tries to plan her escape, but she gets attached to said gladiator and things get a little bit complicated.

 

I enjoyed the story, and I was kept intrigued the entire time, although as always, I didn’t love the romance. I really wish it hadn’t been included, as I felt the relationship was rushed and far too insta-lovey for my tastes. There wasn’t enough time for a true bond to develop.

 

The ending was the best part of the book, with the high stakes, intense action, and the explosive event that took me by surprise. I liked that Wyk was willing to take chances with these characters, and I sincerely hope that there are no terrible fake-outs that will be revealed in the sequel.

 

I’m looking forward to reading the second book in this series when it comes out, which will hopefully be next year!

I was all ready to love Attia. And don't get me wrong, I really like her, but Xanthus is who stole my heart. I felt like he was so much more complex than Attia (who reminded me a bit of Katniss). Attia is this intensely spirited heroine. She is ferocious, talented, and incredibly smart. At the same time, what unites Attia and Xanthus is revenge. I could definitely empathize with her quest - the Romans destroyed her entire homeland and killed her father, then enslaving her - but I was much more fascinated by Xanthus.

This book was pulled from the publisher before I could read to give an honest review.

This book was amazing and absolutely just what I needed. I've read a lot of historical fiction where women are seen as property and view themselves as lesser. This book was about slaves, but at no point did I actually feel that Attia was anyone's property but her own.

Blood and Sand had all of the elements of a great story. There was action, lots and lots of action, as well as mystery. No one knew who Attia really was and that was precisely how she wanted. She didn't want anyone or anything to interfere with her desire for revenge. There was a sense of family and even romance. It just covered all of the bases for me.

As a slave, Attia is 'given' to Rome's Champion, Xanthus, as a reward for his hard work. Xanthus happens to be a very upstanding guy and feels sorry for this girl who has no control over what happens to her life or her body. As a slave himself, Xanthus knows what it's like to long to be in control of even some small part of one's life. He gives Attia a measure of freedom and even encourages her training. He earns her trust and the begin to lean on each other.

This is a super fast-paced book that pulls you through a circuit of emotions. It is a thrill-ride of heart-pounding scenes and heart stealing tableaus. I was completely in love with it from the very beginning to the very last page.

I wasn't able to get into the book like I wanted to. The story line sounded so unique and interesting, but I couldn't get past the violence. It is a very violent time period with very vicious people, but I just couldn't get into it. I appreciate giving me the opportunity to try though. I may come back to it later on and try again.

Blood and Sand by C.V. Wyk is an intriguing, emotional story set in the time of the Roman Empire. I highly recommend Blood and Sand for any fan of Spartacus (especially the TV show) and for anyone who may have found the Roman Empire fascinating. I loved the gender twist of how the author made Spartacus a mysterious woman and how all of that was set up. The Roman Empire was a truly awful place and Blood and Sand definitely reminds you of that.

Attia is a Thracian Princess, as a descendant of Sparta, she has grown up learning the abilities of an excellent warrior. She is a bit on the small side but she makes up for it in strength and speed. Attia’s skills have already been put to the test many times before the Romans attack and destroy her kingdom along with killing her father. Attia is forced to become a slave and is sold to an ambitious nobleman, Timeus, to be the companion for his Champion, Xanthus.

Xanthus is done. He is tired of being a gladiator and he’s even more tired of the killing. He gets a new lease on life when he finds out he now controls the destiny of Attia. He knows what will happen if he steps out of line. It doesn’t take long for Xanthus to figure out Attia’s background. He sees the fire in her and it doesn’t take long for him to develop an attachment to Attia that he knows is now a weakness.

Attia is thoughtful and cunning. She thinks out her actions before she does them, even if she is sure that they may not end up with the outcome she’s wanting but she’s still going to try. Attia wants revenge for her father’s death and for the fall of the Thracians. She is willing to bid her time because there are several steps that she wants completed before whatever happens to her will happen.

Blood and Sand is a dark book in atmosphere and theme. The Roman Empire thrived on slaves and killing and this book takes no liberties with that, it really isn’t graphic but it is discussed. There is also abuse. From the beginning of reading, I knew this would be a tragic book. There are no happy endings during this time frame, I kept reading hoping for one though. This was one book I never wanted to put down.

The author does come straight out and say that she took liberties with the timeline. I’m glad she did that because I would have been disappointed when I looked up that information later since I am fascinated with world history. I found it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book, it made me wish that this series of events had actually happened. Although, I would have wished for a happier ending… on that note, is Blood and Sand a standalone or the beginning of a badass new woman in YA? The ending felt like the beginning of something so I’m really hoping there is more to Attia’s story but this story would still make a great standalone. I do still have some questions so I really hope there is a sequel. (Update: After writing this I found out there is a sequel!)

First of all I’d like to say that this book was so much of what I look for in a book; taking a myth from my favourite era of history, and weaving it into an entirely fresh and innovative approach. Partnered with a strong female protagonist with a fascinating back story and change of circumstance made for a wonderful plot and it’s safe to say I enjoyed every minute of this read.

As a protagonist Attia is everything a female role model should be; despite her situation, she remains strong and defiant in the face of it, and as the story progresses, does not let it break her. She is someone who brings a sense of strength to anyone in her vicinity. She is also wise beyond her years, but something you might expect as a Thracian princess where people are clearly treated as equal and allowed to make their own mistakes. Despite already being a great protagonist, her character development throughout the story is brilliant as she learns to adapt to her surroundings.

Xanthus is the quiet and brooding gladiator whom Attia was “given” too, but a character who does not forget his roots, nor lose his moral compass. It is through Xanthus and other slaves in Timeus’ household that we learn so much about the attitude towards slaves, as well as snippets of Rome’s history.

For me, even the secondary characters were well-developed; for a story that is written pretty much entirely from one character POV this was really amazing. Throughout the story, as Attia spends more time in Timeus’ household, the other slaves come out of their shell and begin to share their stories; accepting Attia as one of their own and guiding her when her Thracian training takes over. We see them come alive and being the scenes to life with them.

This period of history is one which has long fascinated me, and Rome is a city which has a special place in my heart. The way Wyk is able to paint a picture of this ancient city and civilisation is truly remarkable and the passion the author has for the period shines through and brings the story to life.

The plot itself is action packed, and engaging. It is a story of hope, and a fight for survival in a country far from one’s own, and in a situation unlike any one would ever imagine themselves in. There is such a strong sense of camaraderie throughout this story, and the lesson that so much can be overcome by believing in ones’ self and banding together, being patient, and most of all simply listening.

As you probably expect, there is a theme of romance, but one that sits in the background of the book – neither side of the partnership lets it take over the more important matters at hand.

There were more grave themes throughout the story; slavery, physical abuse, substance abuse, and suicide hints, but for a historical fiction, this was more of an accurate portrayal of the era. These themes were not discussed tastelessly, but these more serious elements gave the story a hint of realism. This contrasted with the journey and message of hope made for a really great and balanced read.

The writing style and suitability for audience is perfect; I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Sabaa Tahir’s Ember in the Ashes series, as well as any older readers who enjoyed the Percy Jackson books. Due to some more serious themes I wouldn’t recommend it to people younger than 14 really, but above that age group it’s suitable for anyone who enjoys rebellion books with a historical fiction setting.

One flaw was regarding the latter chapters of the book; towards the beginning this novel moves at a steady pace; the reader keeps up nicely, and the plot is action-packed enough to maintain the pace even in more descriptive parts of the book. However towards the end there was a little bit more of a rush, and whilst I appreciate there was a lot happening in a short space of time, I would’ve liked the author to take a little more time as there were some major events occurring, imperative for book number 2. This might just be me as I tend to race through later chapters in book desperate to know the ending. This wasn’t a huge issue though and is unlikely to bother many people.

Overall I’m awarding this book 4.5*/5. In terms of character development, writing style, historical plot and setting it was absolutely flawless. One reason I wouldn’t give it 5* is that a few chapters at the end seemed to rush past a little bit fast; particularly compared to the careful and steady narration in the earlier parts of the book. Nonetheless this is a fantastic debut novel from Wyk and I am so excited for book 2 which is out in 2019.