The Certainty of Blood by Tim Frankovich

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Nothing is certain under the moon's gaze, save blood.

When Aldan discovers the power to burn someone’s blood, he is taken from his family, branded, and sold into slavery as an arena fighter. A painful life and an early death are all he can expect, until he listens to a supernatural voice coming from his own blood. Taking her advice, he uses his power to become the greatest arena fighter of the age, fighting year after year with one goal in mind. If he can purchase his own freedom, maybe a normal life with the woman he loves is possible. And now, he needs to win only one more fight… against a rebel leader who people are calling “the chosen one.” From the grueling training grounds where boys learn to kill, to the luxuries of the sinister Hawk King’s palace, Aldan’s whole life has led inexorably to this one day. This one fight. The king holds everything Aldan cares about. All he has to do is kill this final opponent. But love and friendship demand a different outcome. The choice is not as easy as it first appeared… Gladiator meets The Name of the Wind in this mesmerizing tale of blood, glory, magic, and love.

Until All Curses Are Lifted (Heart Of Fire #1) by Tim Frankovich

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The laws are enforced by magic. If you break the law, you’re cursed. But the rich and powerful twisted the laws to allow for… exceptions. Marshal has been cursed since birth for his unknown father’s crimes. When he discovers he’s also heir to immense magical power, he must flee for his life. His half-brother wants the power for himself and has hired an assassin to pursue Marshal and his mother. No one has ever escaped from a curse, but it’s the only way for Marshal to be truly safe. Seri wants to become the most powerful mage in history. But the magic that holds the world together is failing and no one knows why. While the ground itself shakes, someone begins murdering mages. In danger from all directions, Seri must learn how to use her unique abilities before everything falls apart. Neither of them know they are being watched from another realm…