A false accusation. An unjust verdict. A sentence worse than death.Enslaved teen martial artist Bensin is just one victory away from freedom-or one mistake away from disaster. But when a bitter rival frames him for a crime he didn't commit, his fate is sealed with ruthless efficiency: a lifetime as a gladiator, forced to fight and bleed to entertain a bloodthirsty audience.Every day pushes Bensin to his limits as he struggles to survive in an environment designed to break him. The brutal system strips men of their identity, but Bensin refuses to be just another pawn in its deadly game. Defiance, however, comes at a high price. When he infuriates the authorities with his choices, he knows he will face a violent death. Can Bensin stand against the cruelty of the arena system and seize his freedom before that system crushes him?Also available as an audiobook!Grab your copy of The Gladiator and the Guard now and dive into a pulse-pounding adventure perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Karate Kid, and Gladiator!