Though the next installment in the incredibly popular Spartacus television series won’t air on Starz until January 27, fans can pass the time by reading a novel about the powerful, muscular, and sexy gladiators. Spartacus: Swords and Ashes is written by J.M. Clements, the author of Highlander: The Secret of the Sword and Doctor Who: The Destroyer of Delights.
The summary from Amazon is as follows:
Spartacus is the hit TV show which combines blood-soaked action, exotic sexuality, villainy and heroism. This original novel from the world of Spartacus: Blood and Sand tells a brand new
story of blood, sex and politics set in the uncompromising, visceral world of the arena.The gladiator Spartacus, the new Champion of Capua, fights at the graveside of a rich man who was brutally murdered by his own slaves. Seeing an opportunity, ambitious lanista Quintus Batiatus plots to seize the dead man’s estate.
In the arena blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands…
Though the story takes place during the time period of Blood and Sand, the actor Liam McIntyre appears on the cover instead of Andy Whitfield, who portrayed the title character until his untimely death. McIntyre has very big, um, sandals to fill in the role of Spartacus. Will fans respond as well to him? Or will they simply keep watching because of the blood, gore, and graphic sex scenes?
And will the novel contain the same amount of sex and violence? Sometimes an incredible action scene on screen doesn’t translate as well to the written word, but a novel will allow for more character building and the internal thoughts of the characters. So, if you’re the kind of fan who only watches the show for the nudity and blood spatter, then it’s doubtful the book will provide the same level of enjoyment.
The book is available as a paperback and an e-book. The first chapter can be read for free on Amazon now, and I admit I’m curious enough to check it out. And, if you do read the book and like it, a second book entitled Spartacus: Morturi will be available March 6.
Spartacus: Vengeance premieres on the Starz channel on January 27.