Bloodguard

Bloodguard - 706 pages (Large Print Edition)

Cecy Robson

Summary (From Goodreads)

One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise…

Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie.

Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose.

He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity.

All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day.

Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom.

But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap.

Nor will his ultimate revenge…

Review

I felt the dual-pov structure served this story well, particularly in allowing for a comparison and contrast between Maeve and Leith's personalities.  Though the pacing did feel a little off-kilter in some places, and the motivations and actions of some characters didn't feel especially well-thought-through, it still managed a decent pace overall with sound worldbuilding.  Personally, I'm hoping for a sequel!