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Kristen Banet
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The Gladiator's Downfall (Age of the Andinna Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Kristen Banet (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,386 ratings
"This is the kind of epic story that grabs you by the throat, chokes you into submission, and leaves you begging for more."
-Auryn Hadley, Author of Rise of the Iliri and The Demons' Muse.

Mave knows where she stands in life.

She’s an Andinna. A member of the winged, horned, and tailed warrior race that the Elvasi Empire defeated in the Hundred Year War and then enslaved. She’s a slave, and has been one for a thousand years, the personal property of the Empress of the Elvasi Empire, since the end of the War. She’s a gladiator, thrown onto the sands of the Colosseum to die, though it backfired on those who wanted her dead. She’s the Champion of the Colosseum, and has been for roughly nine hundred years.

All of these things have marked her as an outcast among her own people. Hated, distrusted, and despised, she knows the name of her people, but not much else.

But she knows where she stands. Keeping her head down and her blades sharp has carried her this far, and she refuses to acknowledge the deepest wishes she holds in her heart. Those will only get her killed.

Alone, she’s stood against everything they have ever thrown at her, refusing to give them what they want.

What Mave doesn’t know is that it’s all about to change.


The Gladiator’s Downfall is a 129,000+, full-length novel.
Age of the Andinna is a reverse harem epic fantasy series. The female lead will collect her lovers as the series progresses.
There is triggering content in this series including but not limited to: abuse, violence, mature language, and sexual content. It’s recommended for mature audiences.
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  1. Book 1 of 7
    Age of the Andinna
  2. Print length
    432 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    December 14, 2018
  5. File size
    2.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review


This is the kind of epic story that grabs you by the throat, chokes you into submission, and leaves you begging for more.
-Auryn Hadley

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07HX3DT7Z
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kristen Banet
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 14, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 7 ‏ : ‎ Age of the Andinna
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 2,386 ratings

About the author

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Kristen Banet

Kristen Banet

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Kristen Banet loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.

She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.

You can find more of her works under K.N. Banet!

Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kristenbanetauthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBanetPride/

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,386 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story compelling with well-developed characters and beautiful writing. Moreover, the world-building and strong female lead receive positive feedback, with one customer particularly praising Kristen's creation. Additionally, the book evokes a wide range of emotions, and customers consider it well worth the effort. However, the pacing receives mixed reactions, with several customers noting it's really slow.

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98 customers mention "Story quality"96 positive2 negative

Customers find the book's story compelling and well-told, with one customer describing it as an amazing epic fantasy narrative.

"...created her own races- the Elvasi, the Andinna, and incorporated a few mythological well-knowns (chimera, gryphon)...." Read more

"...I freaking loved this book, there are some hard points like attempted rape, actual rape (even if the act isn’t written, the aftermath is) and the..." Read more

"Very much enjoying the story so far. It’s brutal, but not for shock value. Sensitive topics are handled with a care I appreciate...." Read more

"...This is no harem story. There is a real story line here that slowly unfolds...." Read more

53 customers mention "Character development"49 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer noting how the heroine is versatile in her storytelling.

"...The men are interesting as well. Matesh and Rainev are the ones we get closest to, and they both develop a palpable chemistry with Mave...." Read more

"...Maeve is an awesome character. All she really has known is slavery and yet she is defiant and strong to all of her adversaries...." Read more

"...The culture behind the Andinna plays a huge factor in understanding the key characters, their interactions and challenges...." Read more

"...She was such a fierce badass character!" Read more

29 customers mention "Writing style"24 positive5 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, describing it as beautifully written, with one customer noting how the author creates a vivid world.

"...At all. The Gladiator's Downfall is rich in detail, and Banet really has strong world-building going on...." Read more

"...Strong, dominent men written right. Mave isn’t a perfect character but that’s what makes her compelling...." Read more

"...The story was beautifully written and draws you in from beginning to end. Nothing was rushed. Kristen took her time laying out this story...." Read more

"...With all the various nuanced depth and color, the author created a vivid world that is easy to step into, with characters you are able to understand..." Read more

24 customers mention "Value for money"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well worth the effort and absolutely amazing.

"...The s*x, when it happens, is meaningful and well-done rather than being rushed or thrown in just to keep the more eager audiences hooked...." Read more

"...Captivating and well done. Absolutely with the read." Read more

"...The worldbuilding, the fantasy, was impressive, but it was the plot that had me reading the whole book in one sitting...." Read more

"...I love it. It was absolutely fantastic and intricate and leaves you wanting more. The world building is amazing...." Read more

24 customers mention "World building"24 positive0 negative

Customers praise the world-building in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating how it takes readers to a different world.

"...The s*x, when it happens, is meaningful and well-done rather than being rushed or thrown in just to keep the more eager audiences hooked...." Read more

"...Packed full of world building, I can’t wait to continue!" Read more

"...The worldbuilding, the fantasy, was impressive, but it was the plot that had me reading the whole book in one sitting...." Read more

"Like the characters and world-building, the beginning of the book felt a little forced with certain characters but it mellowed out and became very..." Read more

19 customers mention "Strength"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character's strength, describing her as a strong female lead and badass fighter, with one customer highlighting her grit and determination.

"...Mave has real depth to her: an emotional backstory, a strong facade and even stronger core of feeling, wicked fighting skills, and a desperate need..." Read more

"...really has known is slavery and yet she is defiant and strong to all of her adversaries. She is the kind of main character I love...." Read more

"...Sensitive topics are handled with a care I appreciate. Strong, dominent men written right...." Read more

"The main character was well-written and definitely a strong FMC. I enjoyed the relationships between characters and how they served the story...." Read more

18 customers mention "Emotional depth"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, describing it as brutal and intense, with one customer noting it made them go through the whole gambit of emotions and another mentioning scenes of attempted rape.

"...Mave has real depth to her: an emotional backstory, a strong facade and even stronger core of feeling, wicked fighting skills, and a desperate need..." Read more

"...loved this book, there are some hard points like attempted rape, actual rape (even if the act isn’t written, the aftermath is) and the gladiatorial..." Read more

"Very much enjoying the story so far. It’s brutal, but not for shock value. Sensitive topics are handled with a care I appreciate...." Read more

"I have so much respect for this story, like damn. It's brutal and isn't shy about presenting situations with awful realism...." Read more

14 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it fast-paced while others describe it as really slow.

"...Nothing was rushed. Kristen took her time laying out this story. Mave is a warrior on a foreign land...." Read more

"...What I appreciate that the Audible did so well was she took time to really build the culture behind these characters and the various races in the..." Read more

"...The book's three big flaws; its over-wordy descriptions, uneven pacing..." Read more

"I really enjoyed reading this! It drags you in immediately and just keeps going...." Read more

Favorite series
5 out of 5 stars
Favorite series
I've reread this series about 9 times so far, I love it. I finally just bought it in paperback, a couple came bent from the mail so I wish they were better packaged, but I'm so happy. This series is heart wrenching and raw. It deals with politics, SA, violence, love and care, finding one's self. It has triggers for sure, but it truly does take you to a different world. I highly recommend this series. It's one that can be put down and came back to later easily, but you won't want to stop reading. Even during lulls, I was never bored. The storytelling is amazing
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Rambling Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Downfall of my Sleep Cycle (NO regrets)
    Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The Gladiator's Downfall was such a delightful surprise. Before reading TGD, I'd only had exposure to Banet's Kingson series. While I enjoyed the Kingson Pride books, there were times where I felt like the story was a little shallow, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this new series that sounded like an epic fantasy adventure.

    Banet does not disappoint. At all.

    The Gladiator's Downfall is rich in detail, and Banet really has strong world-building going on. She's created her own races- the Elvasi, the Andinna, and incorporated a few mythological well-knowns (chimera, gryphon). However, she's not just crafting a character that looks a little extraordinary.

    She's developed a social system, a language, magical abilities/rules, and a historical background for her races. Throughout the book, we're continually learning more about the Andinna culture, and, like Mave, I was eagerly soaking up every drop of information thrown my way. Her creations are fascinating, and we only just scratch the surface of what's there to discover. Like Mave, we're starting from the very beginning, so our knowledge of the world, of the Andinna, grows along with her.

    Banet's characters are as well-rounded as her world. Mave has real depth to her: an emotional backstory, a strong facade and even stronger core of feeling, wicked fighting skills, and a desperate need to be wanted, to belong to her people. I really like her because of her imperfections. She can be rash, aggressive, violent, and untrusting; she's truly a product of her environment. However, as her environment is changed, so is she. She's a dynamic character who is surely going to be amazing when she's finished.

    The men are interesting as well. Matesh and Rainev are the ones we get closest to, and they both develop a palpable chemistry with Mave. I also enjoy the family bond that Banet's created between them and the rest of the Shadow Company. Her characters connect with and rely on each other, and it's delightful to see the banter, the arguments, and the support they give one another. With a strong core of men behind her, Mave is going to really take flight (hopefully literally). Banet is setting up a situation where she will not only become better because of them, but where Mave has the opportunity to leave her mark on each of the men as well, a reciprocal relationship that makes everyone into a bit of the hero.

    In terms of steam, I'd say this is a slow burn. We get some teasing, we get some action, but the emphasis is definitely on the story-telling, and it shows. The s*x, when it happens, is meaningful and well-done rather than being rushed or thrown in just to keep the more eager audiences hooked.

    Overall, there are just so many things done right in The Gladiator's Downfall that I just don't have the time to list them all. I'm so glad that I saw a recommendation for this book. My only regret is that I read it so soon after its publish date since it means that much longer of a wait for book two.
    29 people found this helpful
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  • ChristinaReads
    5.0 out of 5 stars wow!! I randomly came upon this book in a random TikTok video and decided to give it a try and I fell in love!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Maeve is a slave, a gladiator and has known nothing it slavery in Her 1000 years of life. After two mercenaries are taken captive she decides to take a chance on them and finds family, safety and freedom.

    I freaking loved this book, there are some hard points like attempted rape, actual rape (even if the act isn’t written, the aftermath is) and the gladiatorial ring.

    It is a slow burn and I am all for the anticipation and there is probably gonna be a why choose from the lead up.

    Maeve is an awesome character. All she really has known is slavery and yet she is defiant and strong to all of her adversaries. She is the kind of main character I love. Strong, honest and loyal but not overly bitchy and still very feminine.

    I know I already live Rainev and May is definitely got a soft spot for me. I am soooooo looking forward to future books!!

    I read in KU and now NEED physical copies!!
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  • Ana
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
    Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Very much enjoying the story so far. It’s brutal, but not for shock value. Sensitive topics are handled with a care I appreciate. Strong, dominent men written right. Mave isn’t a perfect character but that’s what makes her compelling. Packed full of world building, I can’t wait to continue!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • JA
    5.0 out of 5 stars Original and great
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    <strong>Original and great</strong>

    This was such a unique world and I haven't read anything like this anywhere else. The story was beautifully written and draws you in from beginning to end. Nothing was rushed. Kristen took her time laying out this story.

    Mave is a warrior on a foreign land. A slave for thousands of years who her fellow gladiators and ppl hate because it's easier than to face the truth
    They are pathetic and weak corruptions of a once great race.

    The beginning of the story is from Mave's point of view and shows you what she goes through as a defiant but undefeated gladiator and then as a woman seeking family but receiving only hate. And yet she still has compassion.

    Then these two newbies come in and turn things upside down for her. Break down walls she has long built and also teach her different types of love and companionship. This is no harem story. There is a real story line here that slowly unfolds. You learn Mave's full past by the time this is done and come to love not just her but each and every person that's important to her. There is a blooming relationship here but it's done so smoothly and one of the few I've actually found to be believable.

    There is so much that happens and changes here. You go through a lot of emotions as well. Sad, happy, disgusted, intrigued you name it.

    Highly recommend this book and can't wait to see what the next book brings.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Liz K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exciting High Fantasy World
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It's taken me quite a while to get to this book. I seem to read based on moods lately but I'm almost always down for a read that includes a strong and heroic fmc and Mave certainly checks the box.

    This is a high fantasy (different world story). What I appreciate that the Audible did so well was she took time to really build the culture behind these characters and the various races in the story. The culture behind the Andinna plays a huge factor in understanding the key characters, their interactions and challenges. The author also created a portion of a new language to further add complexity and culture.

    With all the various nuanced depth and color, the author created a vivid world that is easy to step into, with characters you are able to understand and relate to quicker. There is plenty of action, intensity, suspense, and the kindling of some beautiful relationships. Captivating and well done. Absolutely with the read.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
  • PaigeT
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly epic!!
    Reviewed in Australia on December 14, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The Redemption Saga has been my fave book series of Kristen's.... up until now!!

    This book was absolutely amazing!! The depth to the characters, worldbuilding, language and culture is just incredible.

    This book introduces us to a race called the Andinna: a winged, horned, and tailed warrior race that the Elvasi Empire defeated in the Hundred Year War and then enslaved - and are still capturing and enslaving.

    Mave is one of the strongest and most resilient female characters I've ever read. Having been a slave for 1000 years, she has experienced unspeakable cruelty in the 900 years she's been fighting as the only female gladiator in the arena. All this time she has been alone, shunned by her people, with no support. Yet she still keeps getting up and fighting to survive. Truly inspiring!

    When a group of new slaves are brought to the arena, 2 really stand out from the rest - Matesh and Rainev. These two characters are so very different from each other, both bringing out different emotions from Mave that she's never really felt before, and both so lovable for different reasons. I love them both, but really have a soft spot for Rain.

    While we meet various other characters along the way, i'm not going to go into detail about them cause of possible spoilers.

    All you need to know is that this book is EPIC, you need to read it, and I cannot wait for the next book for more Mave and her men! <3
    Report
  • Katykaboom
    5.0 out of 5 stars A reverse harem with an actual story line!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 31, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book took my whole weekend but I'm glad of it and would do this again and again! I've been waiting for this since I read power of five. I've found an epic story with a actual character who is a bada$$! Mave is not a simmering female character with just words but the skills yo back it up. Mave is an undefeated champion of the pits. One that has been enslaved for a thousand years. Battling for dominance to allow her simple pleasures of a bed and a private room away from the males in the pit. Shes the Express's toy and she hates every minute of it. Never allowing herself a friend or group to stay unattached from hurt and pain. That is until two very interesting males are captured . One a small male that raises her protective instinct and one male that does strange things to her. I joined Mave through the pain of growing into a hard woman, around a company of her own kind who hate her for being the daughter of a general. A general that marched his own kind to near extinction to gain his 5 year old daughter back. This story is heartbreaking, anger inducing but hopeful and by the end it makes you want more but also make you want to follow Maves journey into gaining her vengeance but also bringing peace to her kind. I'm sure if anyone could achieve it, it will be her. Thank you for suggesting this book random website.
    Report
  • Mel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gutes Fantasy Buch
    Reviewed in Germany on May 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Sterne: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Spice: 1/5 🌶️

    Guter Fantasy Reverse Harem. Mave ist eine starke Protagonistin. Freu mich schon auf die weiteren Bände und die anderen Männer besser kennenzulernen!
    Report
  • Avidreadersbc
    5.0 out of 5 stars 💯 Can't recommend this enough
    Reviewed in India on March 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have been wanting to start this series for a long time but kept putting it off for one reason or another.

    Now that I have started it, I wonder why I put it off for so long. This series has everything to keep a reader hooked till the end.

    The action, adventures, romance and the emotions...this is so well-written that I felt everything right alongside the characters.

    Can't wait to find out what happens next.
    Report
  • MatGO
    5.0 out of 5 stars Vraiment original
    Reviewed in France on March 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Un livre vraiment original. Un tout petit peu lent au début mais complètement prenant. Une fin inattendue. Je le recommande et vais lire le deuxième !
    Report

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