The Bloodbaths
The Bloodbaths is the first book of Steve Libbey's new Aqua Pura Trilogy, a sword and sandal fantasy featuring a plumber on an epic quest to win back his beloved. Mercedes Lackey says: "Steve Libbey gives the 'sword-and-sandal' epic a kick in the tunic and propels it into the gestalt of the 21st century, with an everyman hero whose brains triumph over brawn."Crixus Oraan is a water artesan, an engineer who builds aqueducts and piping for bathhouses and mansions in the empire of Rond (which bears a resemblance to our own Roman Empire). His guild has entrusted him with a large sum of gold to establish a branch in the up-and-coming coastal town of Restia. In a misguided effort to win enough gold to buy a lavish house for his new fiancé Kharrina, he loses the guild's gold in a card game.A shady sea captain present at the game-and possibly responsible for fleecing him-offers to sneak him off to the wild and mysterious continent of Minq. Afraid to lose his status in society for his crime, he agrees, hoping to gain back the gold he lost and compensate the guild back in Rond.In this first volume in the bold new Aqua Pura Trilogy, Crixus finds employment with the Lamiae of Nistru, a cruel society where those at the top bathe in the lifeblood of those on the bottom. Will his conscience allow him to finish the job?By turns dark, comedic, erotic and thrilling, The Bloodbaths is a book that transcends genre to stand on its own.This podcast is read by SWC's own Veronica Giguere.
- Update frequency
- every day
- Average duration
- 20 minutes
- Episodes
- 38
- Years Active
- 2007
Chapter 18: Barida - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: On the way to Nistru, the girl Barida casts herself on Crixus' mercy.
Chapter 17: The Road to Nistru - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Not everyone in Basrat is happy to see the Legionnaires take their bounty and go.
Chapter 16: Harvest - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: The Red Legionnaires stop by Basrat to pick up tribute for their masters Ð in the form of three young women.
Chapter 15: Departure - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Crixus hits the road with the Red Legionnaires and learns more about the Lamiae.
Chapter 14: Izhmir - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Frustrated by his efforts to sell his services to the rich of Minq, Crixus finds new, enigmatic clients.
Chapter 13: The Fancy - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: As Minq draws near, Crixus and Orazio must figure out how to trick Chyorth out of the remainder of the Guild's gold.
Chapter 12: Farewell - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: After their ordeal, Crixus finds solace in Sheirra's arms.
Chapter 11: Cove - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Assassins menace Crixus and Sheirra.
Chapter 10: Orazio - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Crixus makes an ally on *The Fancy* and a friend in the port city of Ambiri.
Chapter 9: Sea - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Life on *The Fancy* proves to be difficult.
Chapter 8: Lies - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Chyorth helps Crixus flee the city after his crime.
Chapter 7: Stakes - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Crixus gambles with the Guild's money against Captain Chyorth and his friends.
Chapter 6: Exploration - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: A casual game of Pathii leads to an invitation to a high stakes game -- and the possibility of buying the house of his dreams.
Chapter 5: Restia - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Flush with success, Crixus has a surprise for Kharrina.
Chapter 4: Gold - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: The mercenary Madraig escorts Crixus and the Guild's gold along the newly cut road to Restia.
Chapter 3: Ser Cadmis - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: A nobleman presents Crixus with an unexpected proposition.
Chapter 2: The Future - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: Kharrina and Crixus spend a night on the town.
Chapter 1: Water - The Bloodbaths
-In this episode: In the seaside town of Restia, Crixus clashes with a dowser who is interfering with his trade.