In A Time of Gladiators and Fate, there is a scene where they go through Grace’s purse, asking her about the contents. As with many of my book series, there are dark moments, and there are lighter ones. This novel is no exception. There were plenty of opportunities to add a little humor so the reader (and my FMC) could have a break from the gravity of her situation.
She is forced to explain what each of those items are, which I’m not going to spoil her scramble for a reasonable explanation that wouldn’t get her into deeper trouble. Read the book if you want to know. In the meantime, you can take a look for yourself to see some of those things and take your own guess on how to describe them.
Probably the funniest item is her tampon, which they are completely wrong about its purpose, and they’re reaction to the truth is…timeless.
If you were suddenly transported to 1st-century Rome, what would they likely find you carrying? How would you explain those items?
I’m excited to announce the arena doors are officially open, and it’s time to step into the 1st-century!
After months of deep historical research, intense world-building, and late-night editing sprees, A Time of Gladiators and Fate (ATOGAF) is officially LIVE and available to read on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited! Also, keep reading for audio news.
From Kansas to the brutal Roman arena, a gladiator is born.
If you love rich historical details that don’t gloss over the raw reality of the past, fierce female friendships, sharp modern humor clashing with ancient civilizations, and an agonizingly delicious slow-burn romance, this trilogy was written for you.
What the Story is About:
When Grace is suddenly thrust from of the 21st century and lands directly in the brutal world of 97 CE Rome, survival is dubious. To make it out alive, she has to navigate complex alliances with fellow gladiator slaves, a ruthless training program, and a system stacked against her. Never mind the cultural and lifestyle differences. But the simmering tension building between her and two very different men might prove more dangerous than anything else.
What Early Readers are Raving About:
Over 70+ early reviewers have already flooded Goodreads, giving it an amazing 4.4+ star average rating:
✨ “She made me want to put on a ‘Walk Like A Badass’ Spotify playlist and go fight some gladiators myself.” — Ashleigh, Goodreads ✨ “I love Outlander, but I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy the same premise in Ancient Rome. Well, how wrong was I! This was immense.” — Becci, Goodreads ✨ “The slow burn is agonizing!!!! The yearning and tension is everything!!” — Darianna, Goodreads ✨ “What a masterpiece… The world building is so immersive that even small details like no cutlery suddenly make you realize how different life really was.” — Emma, Goodreads ✨ “A true badass full of that feminine rage we love to see.” — Megan C., Goodreads ✨ “The story felt unique… but would appeal to those who enjoyed Blood of Hercules.” — Joanna, Goodreads ✨ “The banter was perfect, I was laughing at Grace’s sarcasm and inability to hold her tongue.” — Stacy, Goodreads ✨ “The juxtaposition of Ancient Rome with modern first-person narration is entertaining… I felt fully immersed!” — Tara M., Goodreads
How to Read Today:
Kindle & Kindle Unlimited: You can grab the eBook for $4.99 or read it completely FREE as part of your Kindle Unlimited subscription! Links to all the Amazon country sites below.
Paperback: Available on Amazon only.
Hardback: Available widely wherever physical copies are sold.
Before the first book even went live to the public, I officially signed a multi-book contract with Tantor Media to produce the entire audio trilogy! Stay tuned for casting updates—I can’t wait to share who will be voicing this amazing story.
Thank you all so much for your incredible support as I launch this new world set in ancient times. I truly hope you enjoy A Time of Gladiators and Fate and can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this new time-travel trilogy!
While dark themes are prevalent in A Time of Gladiators and Fate, there is humor sprinkled in the storyline as well. Grace is from the 21st century and she makes some humorous observations from her modern perspective that help break up those tense, gritty moments. Though, one should expect that from a story where the FMC crashes her orange rental car into the Colosseum during gladiator games and gives the Roman legionnaires a wild chase.
“The banter was perfect, I was laughing at Grace’s sarcasm and inability to hold her tongue!” –Stacy, Goodreads
What happens when you drop a modern, witty 21st-century woman into the brutal, rigid world of 1st-century Rome? A whole lot of culture-clash humor and sharp-tongued defiance that the local gladiators and trainers aren’t prepared for! 🏛️⚔️
Oh, and you can’t imagine what happens when they rummage through the contents of her purse and interrogate her about their findings.
Early readers love the energetic humor and natural wit in A Time of Gladiators and Fate:
✨ “The banter between Grace and the men in her new life, along with the modern-day references, gave me a Percy Jackson vibe (and I can’t help it, I laughed out loud at ‘if only he’d had a ballroom’).” — Katie, Goodreads Reviewer
✨ “Grace was so funny throughout, using her knowledge and her sharp tongue while she navigated her new reality.” — Claire, Goodreads Reviewer
🚨 Paperback is Live! The paperback version is officially LIVE on Amazon for those who’ve been waiting to grab it.
A Time of Gladiators and Fate is filled with action, banter, strong women, historically accurate details, blood, and grit. It also has a slow, simmering romantic layer that takes its time to play out.
Grace finds herself fighting an attraction to two dangerous, contrasting men. One is her sponsor and the other the lead gladiator school trainer. Neither wants to get attached to her either, especially since her chances of survival in the arena are slim. As time passes, though, each man begins to want her for different reasons, but will either be the right choice? Should she give in when it’s challenging enough adapting to the first century and gladiator life?
You’ll have to read the novel to find out. In the meantime, below are some fun facts about them to give you some clues. The paperback will be available to order tomorrow, October 9th. The ebook and hardback release on October 12th. Those with Kindle Unlimited membership can borrow the book as soon as it’s live!
Hesitating because you don’t like historical settings? Reconsider…
Early Goodreads reviewers are loving the historical elements of A Time of Gladiators and Fate:
“ATOGAF is fiction at it’s core, but the historical accuracy has been educational for me and wholly immersive. I found myself questioning if I could do what Grace has done? Would I survive if this happened to me? Could I use or eat that? It’s masterful in how the facts have been woven in.“ ~Lois (Goodreads)
“Susan has clearly done her research; every historical element feels considered and authentic. What I appreciated most is that she hasn’t glorified or glamourised Rome and that period into something it wasn’t. So much historical fiction sands down the brutality and complexity of the ancient world for the sake of spectacle, but this story resists that, and it’s so much stronger for it.” ~AJ (Goodreads)
Written by a veteran and history major, this book brings 1st-century Rome to life with gut-wrenching arena action, modern humor, and incredible female friendships. Yes, there’s a bit of romance, too. I won’t deny you’ll learn a few things about the period, but you’ll also get to watch how a modern woman tackles the foreign and ancient ways of life. Sometimes with aplomb, sometimes not. The sponge on a stick situation has definitely left early readers with conflicting thoughts.
A Time of Gladiators and Fate will give some urban fantasy and romantasy vibes, but it is also different enough to be a great palate cleanser from your usual favorite genres. It’s also a fun way to take a step outside your comfort zone. Plus, it has gladiators, so what’s not to love?
⚔️ Coming soon to Kindle Unlimited! Also available in hardcover for pre-order on major retailers. The paperback isn’t available for pre-order, but it will release on Amazon Friday, October 9th!
