Tag Archives: Weekend Writing Warriors

Mar 5 2022

Awake Now Weekend Writing Warriors

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m taking excerpts now from RENNYR, my new release and nook two in my scifi romance gladiator series. KYDEN had been in the gladiator system for many years, understood it well and had risen to the top, although he was still enslaved. RENNYR is brand new to it all.

The books can be read as standalones.

The excerpt from the beginning of the book. I’ve skipped ahead from where I stopped last week as now buyers walk through, inspecting the various humans and aliens:

A group of men and women walked along the row of cages, pausing briefly in front of each for quick conversation before continuing their procession. Kyden bared his fangs and held his taloned hands ready to fight as they came to him.

The others looked him over critically.

“Interesting natural weaponry,” said one. “What’s the backstory here?”

The person who appeared to be in charge did a data inquiry on a handheld and shrugged. “Not much. Slavers picked him up on an uncharted planet. A private deal apparently. He’s been sold and resold three times and we bought him on spec.”

“He doesn’t appear too healthy,” a third man said.

“There’s a note he doesn’t tolerate cryo sleep. In fact the unusual reaction is most likely why he was so cheap. Every time he was awakened he was severely disoriented and had to be put under again.”

“He’s awake now,” said a woman in the group. “The issue is moot since he’ll most likely never be leaving this planet.”

“Are you going to put in a bid?” the man in charge asked. Rennyr heard eagerness in his tone. “I hate to sell him to the mines, as many muscles as he has, and with the claws. Waste of good arena material. Surely he could be trained for the death matches.”

“Well I can assure you my team isn’t putting in a bid,” a man on the edge of the crowd said. “Can we move along? There were interesting Gugnasarians my franchise wanted to acquire.”

Seeming deflated, the person who was so eager to sell Rennyr switched topics smoothly. “The ones you want to see are on the next row over, ten cages down. A prime lot for sure and there’s been a lot of interest in them. Moving on.”

VS: So who does decide o acquire Rennyr? Next week…

RENNYR (BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK 2) by Veronica Scott

Rennyr was a genetically engineered senior soldier in his Badari Warrior pack until one day he woke up on a strange planet naked, disoriented and about to be sold into the gladiator arena for the rest of his life. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. Kill or be killed is the rule in his new life and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death and release him from the wretched existence.

Jaine Mitchel of the Sectors was on her way to an exciting research internship until pirates seized the spaceship on which she was a passenger and took her to feature in a gladiator ‘death match’ in the galactic hinterlands. She has no hope of surviving in the arena until a man she only glimpsed in passing breaks out of his cell and saves her life, declaring her to be his fated mate. Given to Rennyr as his reward for winning the death match, Jaine must share a cell and a bed with the handsome, not human, gladiator and together they have to find a way to survive in this merciless world of violence and death. Their mutual attraction is off the charts. Falling in love is the easy part, finding a way to escape or even to remain together is the challenge. At any time their mutual owner could decide thumbs up or thumbs down on one or both of them, or sell them separately.

Their only hope is a mysterious gladiator master from offworld who may be coming to buy Rennyr. Will he take Jaine as well? Could Rennyr win freedom for them both if he does well enough in the arena? Badari Warriors claim their mates for life and Rennyr has no intention of losing Jaine…RENNYR is an 80K word novel and can be read as a standalone. KYDEN is the first book in the series.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo     Nook     Google Play

 

 

Feb 26 2022

Where Am I Weekend Writing Warriors

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m taking excerpts now from RENNYR, my new release and nook two in my scifi romance gladiator series. KYDEN had been in the gladiator system for many years, understood it well and had risen to the top, although he was still enslaved. RENNYR is brand new to it all.

The books can be read as standalones.

The excerpt from the beginning of the book: 

Rennyr came awake in one sudden convulsive motion, fangs and claws deployed, ready to take any action required. Only to find himself brought up short by heavy chains on his wrists and ankles. He shook his head as if gnats were buzzing around him, trying to clear the fog in his mind, slowing his thinking.

Where the hell am I? What kind of afterlife is this?

He reached out mentally for his brothers only to be met with a blank wall, as if he was shouting into an empty room in an abandoned house. Range of motion severely limited by the chains, he rubbed his chest where the pack bond should have been and…simply wasn’t. There was no pain but an unsettling void where something precious had always been. Ever since he first came to consciousness in the lab of the scientists who created his kind, he’d been linked to his brothers.

Reality was beginning to intrude on his mind. Wherever he’d been placed was extremely noisy and people bustled here and there.

After two attempts Rennyr made it to his feet, clinging to the bars of the cage containing him. He gave an experimental tug on the metal but the enclosure was substantial. Next he examined the chains on his wrists and ankles, going cold when he realized he no longer wore the Khagrish neuro controller. The black bracelet had been surgically implanted on his arm since he was created but now was gone.

VS: More next week…

RENNYR (BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK 2) by Veronica Scott

Rennyr was a genetically engineered senior soldier in his Badari Warrior pack until one day he woke up on a strange planet naked, disoriented and about to be sold into the gladiator arena for the rest of his life. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. Kill or be killed is the rule in his new life and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death and release him from the wretched existence.

Jaine Mitchel of the Sectors was on her way to an exciting research internship until pirates seized the spaceship on which she was a passenger and took her to feature in a gladiator ‘death match’ in the galactic hinterlands. She has no hope of surviving in the arena until a man she only glimpsed in passing breaks out of his cell and saves her life, declaring her to be his fated mate. Given to Rennyr as his reward for winning the death match, Jaine must share a cell and a bed with the handsome, not human, gladiator and together they have to find a way to survive in this merciless world of violence and death. Their mutual attraction is off the charts. Falling in love is the easy part, finding a way to escape or even to remain together is the challenge. At any time their mutual owner could decide thumbs up or thumbs down on one or both of them, or sell them separately.

Their only hope is a mysterious gladiator master from offworld who may be coming to buy Rennyr. Will he take Jaine as well? Could Rennyr win freedom for them both if he does well enough in the arena? Badari Warriors claim their mates for life and Rennyr has no intention of losing Jaine…RENNYR is an 80K word novel and can be read as a standalone. KYDEN is the first book in the series.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo     Nook     Google Play

Feb 19 2022

Ten to One Weekend Writing Warriors

May be edited a bit from published version.

From KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE 

The excerpt jumping ahead in the book to the next time Kyden appears in the arena. Elara is in the audience. They’ve had no contact since the episode where she gave him the scarf… 

Ten men were taking up positions to surround him. Two of them were cyborgs, or so his keen Badari instincts told him. A gladiator was supposed to be warned when he was going to battle anyone unusual. Another was a short, musclebound alien with four arms, all holding different weapons.

Ten to one wasn’t great odds.

The other men from his House reacted in different ways. Some were clearly as puzzled as he’d been, when their scheduled opponents joined the circle around Kyden instead of lining up to fight one on one. These men tried to come to Kyden’s aid but were shooed away by the referees.

Others like Jadaxus merely shrugged and headed for the tunnel without a backward glance. He stood to benefit hugely if Kyden died, with one fewer man between him and the top rank he craved.

All right then.

Calm descended on Kyden as he made a quick circle, taking in each of the men who planned to join in killing him today. On another afternoon he might have decided to welcome death and go into the arms of the goddess with gratitude, ending his time here. Not today. Not with his mate in the audience. He would not die in front of Elara.

Amazon     Apple Books      Kobo      Nook      GooglePlay

The second in the series:

RENNYR (BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK 2) by Veronica Scott

Rennyr was a genetically engineered senior soldier in his Badari Warrior pack until one day he woke up on a strange planet naked, disoriented and about to be sold into the gladiator arena for the rest of his life. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. Kill or be killed is the rule in his new life and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death and release him from the wretched existence.

Jaine Mitchel of the Sectors was on her way to an exciting research internship until pirates seized the spaceship on which she was a passenger and took her to feature in a gladiator ‘death match’ in the galactic hinterlands. She has no hope of surviving in the arena until a man she only glimpsed in passing breaks out of his cell and saves her life, declaring her to be his fated mate. Given to Rennyr as his reward for winning the death match, Jaine must share a cell and a bed with the handsome, not human, gladiator and together they have to find a way to survive in this merciless world of violence and death. Their mutual attraction is off the charts. Falling in love is the easy part, finding a way to escape or even to remain together is the challenge. At any time their mutual owner could decide thumbs up or thumbs down on one or both of them, or sell them separately.

Their only hope is a mysterious gladiator master from offworld who may be coming to buy Rennyr. Will he take Jaine as well? Could Rennyr win freedom for them both if he does well enough in the arena? Badari Warriors claim their mates for life and Rennyr has no intention of losing Jaine…RENNYR is an 80K word novel and can be read as a standalone. KYDEN is the first book in the series.

Amazon     Apple Books     Kobo     Nook     Google Play

 

 

Feb 12 2022

Unless You Want to Pay Weekend Writing Warriors

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m taking excerpts from KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE.

The excerpt, Kyden and Elara alone in the private office. I’ve jumped ahead a little:

There was a soft knock at the door before he could answer her and the maid slipped inside.

“The gladiator master says we’re out of time, my lady, unless you want to pay—”

“Enough.” Elara cut her off. “Wait outside, Tell him we’ll be leaving immediately.”

As soon as the door closed, she walked to Kyden, not touching him, but standing close enough he could have gathered her in for the kiss he was burning to give her. “I wish we’d met under other circumstances,” she said. “I’d like to know you better. You intrigue me.”

And I desire you. He scented faint arousal from Elara and sadness swept over him because he knew their places in this world were so far apart there was no way they could spend any real time together. Even if she paid his master for time, which was a loathsome idea, it would be a few hours once or twice, until the novelty wore off for her. Kyden found himself hoping today would be enough for Elara because being so close to her was almost more than he could bear.

She gathered up her things and as she did so, a scarf drifted to the floor. It was a pretty thing of the most rare star spider silk, in greens and lavenders, and as Kyden picked it up, he savored her scent. Elara reached for it but he retreated a step, motivated by a fierce longing he didn’t have time to question.

“I’d like to keep this,” he said. “Consider it my reward for the other night if you must. It—it would mean a great deal to me.”

VS: I’ll do a few more excerpts from KYDEN but book two, RENNYR will be releasing soon and I’ll switch to that one.

KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE by Veronica Scott

Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.

Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself. Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker. And discovers she’s his fated mate.

Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…Or can they?

KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?

Amazon     Apple Books      Kobo      Nook      GooglePlay

Feb 5 2022

Much in Demand Weekend Writing Warriors

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m taking excerpts from my new release KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE.

The excerpt, after the ‘fight’ with the klixta worms. I’ve skipped ahead a little and Kyden and Elara are alone in the private office:

He stood at attention, nerves on edge. “You sent for me, my lady?”

“I—yes, I did. I wanted to thank you again,” she said.

“Having you in the audience today was thanks enough,” he said truthfully, lowering his gaze to savor the sight of her. The ceremonial robes she wore were modest and demure but hinted at her lush curves and her shining hair was done up in an elaborate arrangement. He longed to loosen the curls and revel in her scent but forced himself to change the direction of his thoughts before his obvious arousal gave him away.

“Since you were only fighting because of us, I decided someone from the family needed to be here,” she said, toying with the writing instruments on the desk.

Kyden knew Elara was a valuable member of the Senator’s operation, running businesses as well as several outreach and charity efforts. There was even talk she might run for a Senate seat herself one day, from the province where their summer home was located. Thinking of her bright future, he came to a hard decision. “Lady Elara, it’s not wise for us to meet again. I was grateful to see you at the bout today and appreciative for these few moments but—”

“Jealous girlfriend?” she asked with a lilt in her voice as if amused but the glint in her blue eyes was sharp. Plainly the idea of competition displeased her.

Kyden was at a total loss for words but couldn’t bring himself to lie. Not to her. “No, I’m concerned for you and your reputation. I know your society looks with disapproval on those who consort with gladiators, no matter how many members of the elite may do it behind discreetly closed doors. And especially not a young, unmarried Senator’s daughter.”

She rose and went to the window, where a pleasant garden vista awaited. “You must be much in demand.”

KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE by Veronica Scott

Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.

Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself. Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker. And discovers she’s his fated mate.

Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…Or can they?

KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?

Amazon     Apple Books      Kobo      Nook      GooglePlay

Jan 29 2022

Requested for an Audience Weekend Writing Warriors

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m taking excerpts from my new release KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE.

The excerpt, after the ‘fight’ with the klixta worms:

In the dressing room, gladiators congratulated him profanely on his ‘win’ as they disrobed and cleaned their weapons from their own bouts. He responded in kind and headed for the refresher chamber, which his status entitled him to use rather than the communal showers.

Erment intercepted him. “You did a nice job today. Thanks for putting all the effort into it just for the bored lower tier rats.”

“If I set foot on the sand, I do my best,” he said, curious as to why the master was here at all.

“You’ve been requested for an audience,” Erment said, lowering his voice. “In the special office.”

A surge of hope spun through his mind, quickly pushed away. Elara would never be so indiscreet. Being in the stadium today was a risk for her after the unsavory events of the prior evening. Probably some overawed young scion of a House wanting private lessons will be waiting for me. Erment was practically incapable of turning down the chance to make a credit from services provided by any of his gladiators, no matter what the client wanted the man to do. “All right, let me shower and change. I’ve got the damn klixta sap all over.”

Shaking his head, Erment handed him a wash rag. “No time. She said immediately. Wipe yourself off and come on.” The master reached out and snagged a fresh scarlet cloak from a hook on the wall. “Wear this and you’ll be fine. She didn’t ask for or pay for skin privileges.”

As he was rushed across the huge space to the visitors’ office, Kyden couldn’t decide between being insulted on Elara’s behalf that Erment even considered she might lower herself to ask for a quick sexual encounter, or disappointed for himself. He’d dreamt of her…..

VS Note: What does Elara want?

KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE by Veronica Scott

Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.

Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself. Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker. And discovers she’s his fated mate.

Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…Or can they?

KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?

Amazon     Apple Books      Kobo      Nook      GooglePlay

Jan 15 2022

An Empty Throne Weekend Writing Warriors Snippet

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m Taking excerpts from my new release KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE.

The excerpt: As promised, I’ve jumped ahead to the first arena scene, which is the next day. Kyden had to volunteer to fight in order to save Elara and her sister the night before.

Today Kyden was to fight with his own natural weaponry, the fangs and talons his creators had given him. He expected to walk through the bout. Midweek fights were cheap seats only, far below being a full audience, mostly practice for the less experienced men rather than serious contests, although the points won or lost did go onto each gladiator’s account and his standing in the system-wide ranking.

Kyden could recline in the middle of the damn arena and take a nap and his points total would barely move because he had such an unthinkable number of wins. There hadn’t been time for his owner to advertise the fact he was fighting either, much to the master’s chagrin.

He walked into the arena at the end of the line of gladiators and briefly scanned the crowd. Or should he say the few people scattered in the cheap seats? They were the lucky ones today, getting to see the Death Dealer in action unexpectedly. When he did fight in prime time, the prices were exorbitant and the scalpers made huge profits.

The trumpets blared and the ceremony began. Kyden pivoted smartly with the others and saluted the empty Emperor’s box. To his knowledge, the ruler of the Five Systems had never graced their stadium with his presence. He didn’t even live in the solar systems he ruled, preferring to dwell in hedonistic style in the Outlier Empire, being related to the ruling house there in some complicated genealogy. But the ritual must be carried out and Kyden uttered his oath to the empty throne with all the others standing in a line beside him, mouthing the same words about fighting for the glory of the throne and the Five Systems and pledging to die bravely. The trumpets blared again and he made a quarter turn as required, to repeat a lesser oath to the equally empty Senatorial seats.

Only to blink and do a double take at the sight of Lady Elara Vasclavian, dressed in the formal robes of her House, occupying the family’s box along with a number of retainers and others.

VS Note: Lady Elara isn’t a fan of gladiatorial contests and hasn’t attended them previously…

KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE by Veronica Scott

Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.

Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself. Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker. And discovers she’s his fated mate.

Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…Or can they?

KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?

Amazon     Apple Books      Kobo      Nook      GooglePlay

My recent Tiktok video with images relating to the novel:  https://www.tiktok.com/@veronicascottauthor/video/7051540172722294022

Jan 8 2022

We Won’t Speak of It Weekend Writing Warriors Snippet

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m Taking excerpts from my new release KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE.

The excerpt, from the beginning of the book, after Kyden went to investigate an outcry in the gladiators’ assembly room and found two women who say their presence is a mistake. He takes the girls to his cell. As the top gladiator in the Five Systems, he has more of a room than most and a private bathroom. Continuing on from last week:

“Stand aside, barbarian,” said the officer in charge. “Or be shot. And if you’ve touched a hair on the heads of the senator’s daughters, you’ll wish you’d never been born.”

I wasn’t born—I was created in a lab. With wry amusement, Kyden raised his hands to show he intended no resistance and allowed the security troops to shove him against the wall and hold him there at gunpoint. He could have killed all of them with ease but he recognized the insignia of the Vasclavian House on the uniforms and Elara wasn’t acting upset.

Although she was reading the officer the riot act for mistreating him.

“This man saved my sister and me from injury tonight,” she said fast and furiously, shaking her finger in the officer’s face so hard he retreated a step. “How dare you allow your guards to rough him up?”

“Lady Elara, doubtless the ruffian had his own unsavory plans for you,” the officer said. “None of these people can be trusted.”

Kyden heard Erment’s voice from the hall. “My Death Dealer is an honorable man. If he came to the aid of the ladies he’s to be commended although I don’t understand why they were here at all tonight. If you wanted a tour of the facility, my lady, it could have been arranged quite easily for a more appropriate time.”

Clever Erment, giving them all an out. Kyden admired his owner’s quick thinking but then Erment was a weasel-like character, quick on his feet.

The security officer was agreeing now, taking the Gladiator Master’s lead. “Yes, a huge misunderstanding. I’m sure the Senator will appreciate your staff having accommodated the unusual request. But of course we won’t speak of it further, will we?”

This last was addressed to Kyden, still being held against the wall with blaster barrels pressed into his back. He chose to remain silent although he wished desperately to turn around and have one more glimpse of Elara as she walked out of his life again, leaving it and him in a shambles.

VS: Next week we’ll jump ahead to the arena…

KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE by Veronica Scott

Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.

Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself. Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker. And discovers she’s his fated mate.

Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…Or can they?

KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?

Amazon     Apple Books      Kobo      Nook      GooglePlay

Dec 25 2021

Am I Boring You Weekend Writing Warriors

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate the holiday!

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m Taking excerpts from my new release KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE.

The excerpt, from the beginning of the book, after Kyden went to investigate an outcry in the gladiators’ assembly room and found two women who say their presence is a mistake. He takes the girls to his cell. As the top gladiator in the Five Systems, he has more of a room than most and a private bathroom. Continuing on from last week…

Elara Vasclavian was more dangerous to him than any gladiator or beast opponent. Emotions and feelings were stirring deep inside him, and longings he barely understood. He wanted this woman, not only physically but to be a part of his life. He wanted to sit and talk to her for hours, to walk with her, to dine with her… The ancestral memory, which he’d worked so hard to repress as part of his effort to remain sane out here in the Hinterlands of the galaxy, cut off from his pack, forced its way into the forefront of his mind and he realized with shock, Elara was his goddess-given mate. The Great Mother, who he was sure had abandoned him, chose now to present him with a potential mate? And the woman was so far above him in the strata of the Five Colonies they should never have met. Certainly he wouldn’t be able to see her again, much less have the chance to talk to her.

And no chance at all of ever claiming his mate.

“I’m sorry, am I boring you?” Elara asked, brows drawn together in a frown.

VS: Oh he’s not the least bit bored…

KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE by Veronica Scott

Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.

Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself. Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker. And discovers she’s his fated mate.

Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…Or can they?

KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?

Amazon     Apple Books      Kobo      Nook      GooglePlay

My Tiktok video about why I wrote KYDEN… here

Dec 18 2021

Except for Other Gladiators Weekend Writing Warriors Snippet

Here’s the link to the Weekend Writing Warriors central page, so you can visit all the participants sharing excerpts today…a fun way to sample new books and find new authors! (Also welcome to the Sunday Snippet visitors!)

May be edited a bit from published version.

I’m Taking excerpts from my new release KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE.

The excerpt, from the beginning of the book, after Kyden went to investigate an outcry in the gladiators’ assembly room and found two women who say their presence is a mistake. He takes the girls to his cell. As the top gladiator in the Five Systems, he has more of a room than most and a private bathroom. Continuing on from last week…

Easing back in his chair, Kyden shook his head. “I’m something entirely different and we were talking about your sister not me. I won’t deny the occasional wife or girlfriend manages to sneak in here for a night to see their man, after bribing the guards and Big L a year’s worth of purse money, but we’ve never had noble born girls on a spree. Utter foolishness.”

“I don’t disagree. I think Diandre was set up. From what she told me as we were transported here, all her friends begged off or failed to meet at the agreed-upon place, except for one, who pretended friendship and then abandoned her once inside the holding pen at the whorehouse and wasn’t seen again. Diandre said she was sharing feelgoods with this other girl to give themselves courage. I don’t know what she was taking.”

“And she actually believed she’d be able to simply meet the fighters and then walk away unmolested?” He couldn’t keep all of his disbelief out of his voice.

“Bored, rich nobleborns do stupid things sometimes,” Elara said.

“Young ones do anyway.”

“I think she was set up, in order to embarrass our father. He has a big speech soon in the Senate and having one of his daughters found in this situation would be ruinous.” Elara swallowed hard. “I heard about this escapade of hers almost too late to intervene. When I got to the whorehouse and tried to extract Diandre, I ended up inside the pen as well. The guards derived much amusement from abducting the sister of a whore, which they assumed Diandre was since she was already in the pen. No one paid any attention to my protests. Well, other than you, for which, thank you again.”

“My people are sworn to protect those smaller and weaker than ourselves,” he said.

“Except for other gladiators?” Her laugh was a rich sound inviting him to share her amusement and Kyden kept his composure with great effort.

VS Note: Oh he’s falling fast and hard here…but she’s a Senator’s daughter…

KYDEN: BADARI GLADIATORS SERIES BOOK ONE by Veronica Scott

Kyden is the top ranked gladiator in the Five Systems but he’s hardly there by choice. Unscrupulous guards faked his death in the lab where he was created and sold him into slavery in the galaxy’s hinterlands. He has no idea where his home is or how many years have passed since he was condemned to a life of endless combat. Kill or be killed is the rule and a Badari never gives up. He’ll fight to stay alive until the Badari goddess sees fit to decree his death.

Elara Vasclavian is the daughter of a senator, as far removed from the life of a gladiator as a noblewoman can be until through the machinations of a political enemy, she ends up in terrible jeopardy. Abducted and given to a group of drunken gladiators for their amusement the night before the games, Elara vows to put up a fight but there’s no real hope of saving herself. Until Kyden steps in, responding to the goddess’s commandment to protect those who are smaller and weaker. And discovers she’s his fated mate.

Rescued, Elara returns to her life of privilege but she can’t forget the man who saved her life. The gulf between their places in the Five Systems is unbridgeable, no matter how much Kyden longs for even a glimpse of her in the arena audience. No matter how much she feels the pull to be by his side. As matters stand, they cannot be together…Or can they?

KYDEN is the first book in a new series, spun off from my ongoing Badari Warriors series. Kyden is a Generation Five Badari whereas the main characters in the long running series are from a later time and are Generation Eight. This new series stands alone and you don’t have to have read any of the other books to enjoy this one. I couldn’t resist the temptation to tell a few other Badari stories, set in the galaxy’s Hinterlands, and who can resist gladiators?

Amazon     Apple Books      Kobo      Nook      GooglePlay

My Tiktok video about why I wrote KYDEN… here