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.
RETAILER LINKS
AMAZON US AMAZON UK AMAZON AU AMAZON CA
B&N (HARDCOVER)
Goodreads– A Time of Gladiators and Fate (Last Road to Rome, #1) by Susan Illene | Goodreads
Storygraph– https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/0a509d68-b39f-46bc-b477-4a98b9683a30
Fable– https://fable.co/book/a-time-of-gladiators-and-fate-last-road-to-rome-1-by-susan-illene-9798987690284
HUGE NEWS: Tantor Media Audio Deal!
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!
