Thrust into a bloodthirsty alien society obsessed with high-tech gladiatorial combat, Red fights for her life. Taken from Earth in 52 BC, Red was a Roman slave who made a grievous mistake. Now she will have to pay for that mistake. Facing execution in the arena, Red fights to decide her own fate.
She must also learn to adapt to the society that has given her one last chance, and prove herself to her peers. A Brotherhood of hardened gladiators, battle ready and ruthless. New ties to unexpected and mysterious characters pull her away from her goal of freedom, and the ominous underbelly of society brings her closer to her true role. But nothing is permanent in the Brotherhood; and allegiances, ties, and affections shift daily. Dangerous powers are at play, and time is running out for Red to decide whom to trust.
Her freedom is on the line, and the choice is self-sacrifice or self-preservation. The Arena of Stars is not the only danger. Coming of age was never supposed to be this difficult, and Red must learn fast to survive in this hostile world.