Angela A. (kidibelle) reviewed The Protector (Love Inspired Historical, No 60) on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I genuinely like this story. I first read The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw which initially introduced the main characters and then I read this novella. This one is better than the first.
Set in 81 AD in Rome, Quintus Ambustus is a former merchant who was turned over to the authorites for converting to Christianity. Sold into slavery, he was purchased by Caros, a retired undefeated Gladiator, and trained to fight in the arena. Under Caros' tutelage, he becomes a champion and is introduced to Adonia Leonia, the stunning, wealthy widow also known as the Lioness of Rome. Believing Adonia to be nothing more than a vain and spoiled female, Quintus can't explain his heart's reaction to the alluring beauty, but when circumstances give him the opportunity to serve as her bodyguard, he accepts, fearing more for his heart than her safety!
Adonia has a reputation for putting even the most powerful politicians and nobles in their place with a few well aimed words. Her reputation as a successful and independent young woman allows her to display her hatred for all things male with open and honest contempt, so it comes as quite a surprise to her when her own heart betrays her for a "Christian Slave", two things she beleived to be very far beneath her!
A murder attempt on her own life and the death of a loved one, force Adonia to put her trust in the one man who has more power over her than she ever vowed to allow any man to have, the Christian slave, Quintus Ambustus.
As the lives of these two intertwine, each is forced to come to terms with the dark secrets of their pasts, and to determine for themselves, are they going to continue living the lies they've believed for so long or are they going to give everything to the one true God and let His will be done?!
Set in 81 AD in Rome, Quintus Ambustus is a former merchant who was turned over to the authorites for converting to Christianity. Sold into slavery, he was purchased by Caros, a retired undefeated Gladiator, and trained to fight in the arena. Under Caros' tutelage, he becomes a champion and is introduced to Adonia Leonia, the stunning, wealthy widow also known as the Lioness of Rome. Believing Adonia to be nothing more than a vain and spoiled female, Quintus can't explain his heart's reaction to the alluring beauty, but when circumstances give him the opportunity to serve as her bodyguard, he accepts, fearing more for his heart than her safety!
Adonia has a reputation for putting even the most powerful politicians and nobles in their place with a few well aimed words. Her reputation as a successful and independent young woman allows her to display her hatred for all things male with open and honest contempt, so it comes as quite a surprise to her when her own heart betrays her for a "Christian Slave", two things she beleived to be very far beneath her!
A murder attempt on her own life and the death of a loved one, force Adonia to put her trust in the one man who has more power over her than she ever vowed to allow any man to have, the Christian slave, Quintus Ambustus.
As the lives of these two intertwine, each is forced to come to terms with the dark secrets of their pasts, and to determine for themselves, are they going to continue living the lies they've believed for so long or are they going to give everything to the one true God and let His will be done?!
Helpful Score: 1
A great, suspenseful read!
Jane D. (terryslady) -
This is a really good book. It gives us a look at what a gladiator's life could have been like. I don't know what the life of a gladiator was like so this gives me a possible look at what may have been.
This gladiator is strong, courageous, and a follower of Jesus. He harbors some strong anger but everytime he sees a beautiful widowed heiress it cools some.
The heiress is considered to have some loose morals, the assumed behavior of widows in that time period.
She is in love with him but believes he doesn't like her. He becomes her protector which makes her uncomfortable. He would like to protect her for life but she isn't a follower. What you think happens? Enjoy.
This gladiator is strong, courageous, and a follower of Jesus. He harbors some strong anger but everytime he sees a beautiful widowed heiress it cools some.
The heiress is considered to have some loose morals, the assumed behavior of widows in that time period.
She is in love with him but believes he doesn't like her. He becomes her protector which makes her uncomfortable. He would like to protect her for life but she isn't a follower. What you think happens? Enjoy.
Carla Capshaw brings the readers to early A.D. It is a time of gladiators and persecution for Christians.
If you have not read Carla's first book in this series, The Gladiator, I would suggest doing so. She has started Quintus & Adiona's story in that book and she has wound the beloved characters from that book into The Protector.
Quintus Ambustus was turned in as a Christian and sold into slavery. Caros, a former champion gladiator, had bought him. Quintus was a quick learner in the training school Caros has.
Adiona Leonia is a wealthy widow. Those who want to be known in Rome's social circles want to be in her circle. She is known as a hard woman and a man hater, except for Caros whom many suspect she had been in an affair with.
From the moment Adiona seen Quintus she was drawn into his unique green eyes. Quintus struggled against his attraction for her as she was not a Christian and he had assumed she lived as many in her circle did.
Both of them were hiding deep hurts. When Adiona's life was threatened Quintus was assigned as her body guard. He soon see's that Adiona is not what she portrays to be.
This book is captivating and holds your attention. There is danger to Adiona as they travel as they do not know who her assailant is. Quintus must return to his hometown as well not knowing who had turned him as a Christian eight months ago. It will keep you hanging on to the end.
The third book in this series will be out in August, 2011, The Champion.
If you have not read Carla's first book in this series, The Gladiator, I would suggest doing so. She has started Quintus & Adiona's story in that book and she has wound the beloved characters from that book into The Protector.
Quintus Ambustus was turned in as a Christian and sold into slavery. Caros, a former champion gladiator, had bought him. Quintus was a quick learner in the training school Caros has.
Adiona Leonia is a wealthy widow. Those who want to be known in Rome's social circles want to be in her circle. She is known as a hard woman and a man hater, except for Caros whom many suspect she had been in an affair with.
From the moment Adiona seen Quintus she was drawn into his unique green eyes. Quintus struggled against his attraction for her as she was not a Christian and he had assumed she lived as many in her circle did.
Both of them were hiding deep hurts. When Adiona's life was threatened Quintus was assigned as her body guard. He soon see's that Adiona is not what she portrays to be.
This book is captivating and holds your attention. There is danger to Adiona as they travel as they do not know who her assailant is. Quintus must return to his hometown as well not knowing who had turned him as a Christian eight months ago. It will keep you hanging on to the end.
The third book in this series will be out in August, 2011, The Champion.
I did not enjoy this book as much as it's predecessor for a couple of reasons. First, this one has a more predictable plot. Second, the hero and heroine's journey to faith was not as rewarding for me. In this book, the author's focus is not so much on the characters' relationship with God, but instead on the development of their relationship with each other. Although, like the first, the ending has an interesting twist, the plot itself was not as surprising or engaging. All in all, even though it was not as enjoyable as the first, it is still a good book to read.
