If you’re a fan of the STARZ TV show Spartacus or HBO’s Rome, this is definitely the book for you. While this is a fantasy book, there is very little magic or fantasy-type aspects to this book; the ending, without spoilers, definitely leads towards more magical aspects and such in the second book, so if you can hold on until the second, it might get better. There’s a lot of political elements to this story, if you’re knowledgeable of Spartacus, then all of the political elements of that is definitely in this book, so again, if that’s your thing, this is your book. I wanted to enjoy this and like this as I am a fan of Spartacus and fantasy too, but I could not get into this; it was a struggle to finish it and while I think part of that comes from the fact that I listened to this as an audiobook and I’m not a big audiobook fan, I just could not get into this.

Wait! What? The ending just made my jaw drop! If you love epic fantasy this has to be part of your library. After reading his first book in the A Vengeful Realm trilogy, I put Tim Facciola right up there with Brandon Sanderson and John Gwynn. Yes! This book is that good. It has everything, magic, gods, deception, deceit, murder, war, conflict, false accusations, heroes, gladiators and many other things that make this a great epic fantasy. I don’t want to give away spoilers because you have to experience this without knowing what’s going to happen. At the beginning there is a lot of names and world building being set up and it can be overwhelming but hang in there because the payout is worth it. I can’t wait for book 2. January can’t get here fast enough. I listened to the audiobook. The narrator Landon Soelberg is fantastic. I now have to go get the hardcover. Read this book!

I want to thank NetGalley and First Torch Books, LLC for a free copy of the audiobook. This review is made up of my own opinions and voluntarily given.

This book had the action, political drama and absolutely amazing fight scenes that I’d want for a fantasy novel.
Did I mention the fight scenes?!?!? Absolutely amazing and epic

This narrator was amazing. He fully immersed me into the story with his enthusiasm, singing when called for, and overall voice. I would love to find more books he has narrated.
The story itself was pretty intense and kept me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed how the characters wove together and I was transported to this day and era of gladiators.

An intriguing story and charters. Awesome world building. A part of history with a bit of magic. Has roots in classic fantasy story telling. I personally would have like more of a resulation at the end.

What a wild ride this book was! If you love epic fantasy with political intrigue and lots of gladiator sword play, this is the book for you! It helps that the author does gladiator sword training, so his fight scenes are fantastically written. This multi POV book will have you reeling, wondering which character is right and which is wrong. All coming from opposing sides, can there be more than one right answer? Our main character, Zephyrus, becomes a slave gladiator who has lost his memories and just wants to figure out who he is and what his purpose is. Filled with morally grey characters, and others who think they are doing the right thing (but probably aren’t), this book hits all the right notes. Bonus points: it’s a trilogy and the next book comes out in January! I cannot wait!

There is so much to Love about Tim Facciola‘s A Vengeful Realm we follow Zeb who just wants his memories back in as he goes from one fight to another he questions whether he is fighting for the right person when a king wants nothing but war how does his son rebel… With peace? He is so busy fighting he never won’t stops to think how did he get there? This book has such a humongous twist at the end and it really blew my mind because I also was not thinking of… Said twist. This book is epic it is so good there’s magic guardians treasure battles kings princess enemies villains slaves and on and on it is so so good this is such a great book and although the summary is awful just know if you love any of the above mentioned things in any order or scenario you absolutely love a vengeful realm it is an awesome awesome epic book I went to see if it was part of a series and it’s not nor is it available on Kindle 🙄 it is available in hardback and paperback and it would be so worth getting this is one of the better fantasy books I have read this year. Zeb is really a great character to root for because he doesn’t remember his past but he does remember his principles and the things he stands for he is a great character to route four. I listen to the audiobook and loved the narrator I couldn’t find his name but he is awesome and does a wonderful job I want to think the publisher and Net Galley for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

ok book, bit of a slow start I feel like there is a ton of potential with this series but I will need to wait for book two, to make a final decision on whether this is a trilogy worth a read or a must read.