Science Fiction Romance
Date Published: 03-21-2023
Game Wardens rule most of the galaxy by a fierce empire built on enslavement and brokered deals. The only means to earn one’s freedom is by playing in the Alien Games. Two slaves go in the arena, the survivor, if there is one, is given their freedom and crowned a king, earning them a small country to rule and slaves of their own.
To make the battle more fun for spectators, genetically enhanced monsters, sahalias, are given to the combatants, but they must found in a scavenger hunt. Five orbs, each hatching into a lizard that will bond with their keeper, are hidden on a random planet. If the competitor finds all five, they have a great imbalance of power over the other, who will have none. The sahalias are created with one purpose, to battle to the death and destroy the other competitor.
Read a Teaser from Book 3
Battle
of a Thousand Deaths-Day 1-Jenny is Officially a Competitor! Join Team Jenny
Today!
Jenny
The
hurried man only paused for a moment before running a hand down the front of
his suit to smooth the wrinkles. “I heard she might be interested in the game.”
The excitement was noticeable in his tone. He was practically jumping around
like a giddy child.
“Ivard,
she will hear her options and gauge her decision without bias,” Vicr said.
“I
know, I know.” He raised a hand to silence Vicr and looked at me. “But you
would be…,” he took a deep inhale, “a hero. The fans. They love you. They want
to see you win. Hell, I want to see you win.”
“Fans?”
I asked.
“Ivard,”
Vicr growled.
He
waved his hand dismissively again and held up a tablet. He had a photo of me
and lots of writing that I quickly recognized as a fan page full of comments.
“They
are furious Caden’s girlfriend was betrayed, and they want to see justice. They
want you to slay Erum in the arena,” Ivard said. He looked at Vicr. “You’re the
one who said we need to start moving away from barbaric fights. People want
stories and background. She’s proof. It doesn’t even have to be a real fight.
We can stage it, and—”
“Please
excuse Game Warden Ivard,” Vicr said, grabbing his shoulder and pushing him out
the door.
“We
can make it worth your—” The door was shut before he could finish.
“I
apologize,” Vicr said. “Please resume.”
“What
exactly is this?” I asked. “What are the Games?”
One
of the lawyers slid a tablet across the table in front of me. I’d taken a few
history classes in college and recognized the words were in Old English.
“This
is the historical context. If you care to read it.” He pushed a second tablet.
“This goes over the rules of the game, including what you would win as the
victor and what you lose should you opt to go into the game with safety
features.”
“Why
wouldn’t everyone use the safety features?”
“A
deal must be made with a Game Warden. Someone must sponsor you. That’s the only
way for the safety features to be on. If you win, you are free of the contract.
But should you emerge after losing, you are obligated to whatever commitment
you agreed upon with the Game Warden.”
“You
would make the deal with me,” Vicr said. “I would do it for Caden. I’ll have
something drafted. Your obligation to me would be marginal, but some trade
would be required.”
“Why
would you do this much for Caden?”
“He’s
good for business,” Vicr quickly said, making me think there was more to his
words than he was saying.
About the Author
Nina Schluntz is a native to rural Nebraska. In her youth, she often wrote short stories to entertain her friends. Those ideas evolved into the novels she creates today.
Her husband continues to ensure her stories maintain a touch of realism as she delves into the science fiction and fantasy realm. Their three cats are always willing to stay up late to provide inspiration, whether it is a howl from the stray born in the backyard or an encouraging bite from the so called “calming kitten.”
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