Galactic Gladiators Cover Reveal: Imperator

I can not tell you how many readers have sent me emails and messages wanting this particular hero’s story — there were a lot of them! So many readers have been waiting for the mysterious, protective Imperator of the House of Galen’s turn to meet his match.

I am absolutely thrilled to show you the cover for Galen’s story, Imperator!

In Imperator, Galen has to work with the former head of security of Fortuna Station and Champion of the Zaabha Arena, Samantha Santos, to survive and escape from the dangerous desert arena of Zaabha. Let me just say one thing: this is story is super action-packed!

To celebrate the cover reveal, I have an awesome Galactic Gladiators Swag Giveaway. Scroll down to the bottom to enter.

Imperator
Galactic Gladiators #11
Release Date: Tuesday July 10th

Cover art by the awesome Melody Simmons

Excerpt from Cyborg featuring Galen and Sam

She was good.

Galen’s muscles strained as he fought. Blood pumped through his body.

Sam swung her sword at his head and he jumped back. He spun, and used his speed to come up behind her. With the hilt of his sword, he knocked her forward.

But she didn’t go down like he’d anticipated. She was already spinning to face him. Drak, she was light on her feet.

She twirled, and he saw that deadly, poison-tipped blade coming at his face. He dropped to one knee, then rammed a fist into the toned belly bared by the ridiculous fighting leathers the Thraxians had given her.

As she staggered back, shaking her head, Galen pushed up and raised his sword.

She watched him with blank eyes, her boots moving through the sand to circle him. He matched her moves.

“I promised to come back for you, Captain Santos.”

Nothing flickered in those brown eyes of hers.

“Remember, I told you that I’ve been protecting your people. We agreed to protect them and bring Zaabha down.”

She lunged at him, and their swords crashed together. She drove him back, and he moved his sword to meet her blows.

Galen was aware of his gladiators fighting around him. Another explosion rocked the ground beneath them, and he shifted his weight to keep his balance.

Anger punched through Galen. His backup team was stuck on the ground. If they could find a way to land Zaabha and get their full contingent of fighters aboard, then he could finally destroy this drakking hellish pit.

Sam leaped high, her strong body a thing of beauty. She had bold features and golden skin turned bronze by the sun. Light flashed off the sword that was like an extension of her body.

Galen had learned to not covet things, but he could only think of one word for her. Magnificent.

It was wrong for her to be imprisoned. To be leashed by that drakking implant.

He’d vowed to free her, and if there was one thing Galen always did, it was fulfill his promises.

As she came at him again, he slammed his sword against hers. He used more of his strength this time. Their bodies crashed together, their swords driven up above their heads. His cloak blew around them, trapping them in a private cocoon. Heat pumped off her body.

“Samantha.”

Something shifted in her eyes and she tilted her head. Then she blinked, and it was gone.

He felt her muscles bunch, but before she could strike out, he rammed into her. They tumbled to the sand and rolled.

 Galen managed to get on top of her and pinned her beneath him. She bucked her hips, trying to fight him off.

“No,” he growled.

Her eyes narrowed. They were still the same gorgeous brown that had haunted his thoughts since he’d first seen her on this sand. But the fierce intelligence and drive he’d spotted was missing, dulled by the Thraxians’ implant.

Suddenly, her strong legs twined with his, and with a vicious thrust of her body, she managed to knock him off her.

They scuffled in the sand, but Galen had the advantage of height and weight. And he used it.

He pinned her again, and this time, her strong legs were spread, his hips settling into the cradle of her thighs. Awareness rocketed through him.

Drak. Now was not the time. He captured both her wrists with one of his hands. She jerked and fought, but he held her down.

With his other hand, he pulled his dagger off his belt. He lifted the dagger above her head, aiming it downward.

Her eyes widened, her gaze shifting to his.

He stabbed the knife down.

The tip of the blade pierced her implant. There was a sizzling sound, and the light on the implant blinked out.

Her eyes closed, then opened. Awareness filled her gaze.

“You,” she breathed.

“My name is Galen, remember?”

“I remember.” She turned her head, taking in the fighting in the arena in a second. Emotion crossed her face so fast he almost missed it. “You came back.”

“I told you I would. I told you that I would take care of your friends, and that I would come back for you.” The words echoed in him. He’d been born and raised to protect and to honor his vows. “And I promised you that we would destroy this place.”

“Your gladiators are outnumbered.”

“We’ll retreat for now, but we will be back.” Galen pushed off her and stood. He held his hand out to her. “Are you with me, Samantha Santos?”

She stared at his hand for a long second, then she put her hand in his. “Yes.”

They both turned, raising their swords.

Then Sam frowned. “Something’s wrong.”

Galen saw Magnus clutching Ever’s still body to his chest. The cyborg’s face was filled with emotion, ravaged.

No. Galen and Sam broke into a run. A second later, they reached Magnus’ side. Galen saw that one of Ever’s arms was missing a hand. The stump was wrapped in blood-soaked fabric.

“Galen.” Magnus’ eyes were wild. “Poison. She was touched by diseth.”

Sam looked down at her sword and her face spasmed. “This is my fault.”

Galen shook his head. “No, it’s the Thraxians’ fault.”

“I…I had no other choice.” Magnus stared at Ever’s face. “I had to remove the source of the poison.”

“We’ll get her to the healers,” Galen said. They weren’t losing the woman or her child.

Shouts and screams echoed over the sand, and Galen lifted his head. A fresh wave of Zaabha fighters was rushing across the arena.

“We need to go,” Galen ordered. “We need a way out of here.”

All around them, his gladiators were drawing back, protecting them.

“The flying creatures?” Magnus asked.

“Gone.” Galen scanned the stands. “Are there ships or shuttles anywhere?”

“Not that I’ve seen.” Sam tossed her honey-brown braid over her shoulder. “But there is an emergency exit.”

“Where?” Galen demanded.

“Near the northern stands. I’m not sure exactly. It’s heavily guarded, and I’ve only overheard the guards talking about it. It’s some sort of wire ladder that will reach down to the surface.”

Galen nodded. “Let’s move.”

He took the lead. With Sam beside him, and his gladiators at his back, they fought through the Zaabha fighters.

“There.” Sam pointed with her sword.

He saw a tight group of Thraxian guards huddled in the stands.

Galen leaped over the railing. Almost all the spectators had scattered, leaving the stands nearly empty.

Guards rushed at them. As he thrust his sword at the first attacker, Sam moved in beside him, taking on another.

“For honor and freedom,” Galen yelled.

“For honor and freedom,” Galen’s gladiators roared.

Galen cut down the guard, pulling his sword back. His gaze met Sam’s.

“For honor and freedom,” she murmured.

Galen felt a flood of energy and he nodded.

“We have more fighters incoming,” Raiden yelled, bringing Galen back to the present.

Galen turned and saw the wild crowd of fighters leaping into the stands. Nearby, he saw Magnus was holding Ever carefully, Jax and his other cyborgs protecting them.

They needed to get Ever out of here. Now.

Galen ripped into the fighters. He ran along the seats, swinging his sword and taking down fighter after fighter. He focused solely on the battle, nothing else. Blood splattered on the seats, and for a second, he was on another planet, watching red blood splatter on stone.

No. Stay in the present. He scanned the desert arena. This place was an abomination, and it had to end.

“Galen.”

Sam’s warning had him spinning.

A huge Thraxian swung a giant axe at him. He leaped backward, the blade missing him by a thread.

Sam jumped over a row of seats, driving her sword through the alien’s gut. She stepped back, and shoulder-to-shoulder, they fought the incoming fighters. They fought together like they’d been fighting together for years. Galen forced the shocking feeling of awe away.

Sam glanced his way and smiled. Galen inclined his head, marveling that she could look so beautiful, even with blood staining one smooth cheek.

A horn sounded out across the arena. More gates clanked open below them.

Sam’s face hardened. “They’re throwing everything at us.” She dragged in a breath. “There are too many. We won’t make it.”

“We will.” Galen lifted his sword.

She arched a brow. “Do you always just say something and it happens?”

“Yes. I’m good at giving orders.”

Sam snorted. “What a surprise.” Then her gaze moved to the arena floor. It was packed with fighters, Thraxians, and beasts. “Get your people out of here, Galen. Get Ever out and help her. I’ll hold the fighters off.”

Not again. He grabbed Sam’s arm. “No.”

“You might give your orders, imperator, but I’m unlikely to follow them.”

With that, she broke free of him. She leaped down the seating, racing to meet the oncoming fighters. Then she jumped, flying through the air, sword swinging.

Drak. Courageous fool.

“Galen!”

He swiveled and saw Raiden waving at him from higher in the stands. A trapdoor was open, and he watched as Magnus disappeared down the hole, carrying Ever. The others were quickly following them.

A muscle ticked in Galen’s jaw. They’d be overrun before they got far enough down the ladder, even with Sam holding some of the fighters back.

“Get Ever out,” Galen yelled at his best friend. Raiden was his closest friend, his brother.

Raiden’s eyes widened. He shook his head angrily.

“Get them all out safely, Raiden. That’s an order.”

With that, Galen turned and followed one stubborn, intriguing Earth woman into the fighting mob.

Galactic Gladiators Swag Giveaway

To celebrate the Imperator cover reveal, I am giving away a big tote bag of signed Galactic Gladiators paperbacks and swag to ONE lucky winner! AND the awesome Cara Bristol has offered a signed paperback of Claimed by the Cyborg that will also be part of the main prize as well!

I also have THREE runner up prizes of signed Galactic Gladiators paperbacks to give away too.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open internationally and closes on Tues 3rd July. Winners notified by email by 7th July. You DO NOT have to use every option below to enter. Just select the one(s) you prefer to do.

To purchase your own Galactic Gladiators gear, just visit my Zazzle store!

Anna Hackett Store

143 thoughts on “Galactic Gladiators Cover Reveal: Imperator”

  1. ana paula medeiros

    Anna, the cover is beautiful and this is the one book I was expecting (along with Burke and Darcy’s LOL). Galen is an interesting character with so many struggles and responsibilities, he is not just a leader, he is kind of the “mother” of all these gladiators and accepts it selfless. I am really looking forward for this book! Thank you so much!

    1. Hi Ana! You are so right about Galen, and I truly loved writing his story and learning more about him. And watching him fall in love, of course 😀

  2. So excited that this book is on it’s way. I can’t wait to get to know Sam – she seems like an awesome character!

  3. The cover looks gorgeous! So excited for Galen. (Yes, I am one of THOSE readers) Can’t wait to get more of his backstory! And of course to watch him go down – especially after he has been standing by, shaking his head, while watching all the others fall in love. This promises to be one fun ride!

  4. I haven’s been this excited about a book release in a LOOOOOONG time. I cannot wait! Great cover…wish I could see the eyepatch 😉

  5. Am waiting anxiously for this book, these and Hell squad are my favourite books. Unfortunately for my Husband Amazon think he reads them, just as well he is a tolerant soul.

  6. I’ve been absolutely hooked on this saga from the beginning! I’m so happy that Galen (rawr) gets his ever after story. For honor and Freedom!

  7. ❤❤❤❤Galen❤❤❤❤❤. How many days is it until release day???? I can’t wait to read this one.

  8. I have been waiting for Glen’s story since I read my first GG. He looks good! In preparation of the release I am rereading the series. And waiting anxiously for July 11.

  9. Galen has been one gladiator that I have been looking forward to from day one and Anna you haven’t let me down. All I can say us WOW and I want more. Cover is one of your best.

  10. Connie Hutchings

    First off – the cover Holy cow! I love it! It’s really helped me picture Galen and his cloak. Secondly – omg! We’re so very nearly close to finding out Galen and Samanthas story!
    Thirdly – I don’t know whether to laugh or cry because it means GG is nearly over ? Anna Why do you do this to us? ??
    I’m surprised you can’t hear the screaming fangitls – I know I’m one of them! ?

  11. Love the cover!! Great work Anna and Melody! I’ve been impatiently waiting for Galen’s book, so glad it’s nearly here!!!

  12. Meleeta Morris

    I am so excited to finally get to Galen tale. He is so interesting and I can’t wait to see how he handles s female of his own.

  13. Seriously, cannot wait for each book in this series to drop! And yes I read them again while waiting.

  14. I love this cover and I can’t wait to read the story of Galen and Samantha, This will the best one yet!!!!!

  15. The cover gave me a shock but in a good way. Wow, those scars over his heart! I’m really anxious to read his story and Sam’s. I really like her when she was first mentioned and have long felt she and Galen would be perfect.

  16. Galen..*sigh*..he’s so hot. I’ve been waiting a long time for him. That cover is fitting. Super hot and super lickable. Can’t wait!

    Oh, Fyi, loved the story of some super cool treasure hunters parents *_*

  17. Oh, my, the one I have been waiting for. Loved all the others but you just breathe a little faster for Galen.

  18. The cover is gorgeous! And I’m really looking forward to this one – from the very first GG book, I’ve wanted to know Galen’s story – I just know I’m going to fall for him in a big way. Galen is released on my birthday, so it’s going to be a good one this year – I just hope none of my friends want to take me out to celebrate because I’m going to be staying in to read!

  19. Carrie McConnell

    CAN NOT WAIT !!!!!!!! I have loved Galen’s strength, tenacity, and leadership throughout the Galactic Gladiators series. He comes across as stern and aloof, but you know that under all the gruff is a heart of gold that will fight for you to the end. Will be watching for this one eagerly.

  20. Can’t wait. So excited. This is the one I’ve been waiting for. Another gorgeous cover. And its going to be another fantastic story.

  21. I am taking a quick break at work, drooling, and trying not to get caught drooling. I am so EXCITED to read this book! The cover is so fabulous. I have wondered since the very first book what Galen’s story would be like and it is ALMOST HERE!!!

  22. Christine Bean

    The cover is gorgeous, but I was hoping for his face, eye patch and all! I can’t wait to read his story and how they finally take down the Thraxians!

  23. Love that you’ve kept the covers in a series similar but with enough distinguishing marks to identify the main character. Great job!

  24. Shannon Ferguson

    Well, you’ve done it again Anna. You’ve managed to give us another wonderful cover. And this is one is for the big guy…Galen himself. And you’ve outdone yourself with this giveaway. WOW! Can I win it pretty please??? ?

  25. OMG! I’ve been waiting for this book to come out forever! I binged all of your books lol I am in LOVE! The new cover looks amazing, it fits how I imagine Galen to be! Can’t wait to get my hands on this book! Love all of your books you are such an amazing writer!

  26. Galen deserves a happy ending. He had suffered so much fo so long, protected so many, freeded so many from slavery. He’s paid the price over and over again. Go Galin.

  27. I love the cover for Imperator! I cannot wait for Galen’s story. He’s caught my attention from the beginning! AAAAnd just finished reading Hemi. I think that’s my favorite of all the Hell Squad novels. 😉

  28. Carole Riddell

    Ever since I started this series I’ve been blown away by each and every one! In fact I binge read the first 5 books only stopping to sleep! Housework? What’s that? Love the series and am eagerly awaiting Helen’s book. I know it will be fantastic. Keep up the great work Anna!!

  29. I love the cover, it’s so drool worthily ‘gladiatorish’ (is that even a word?) and I can’t wait to read the book. I just have to know if Galen and Sam make it out of the arena, especially after missing the opportunity to get the self-sacrificing Sam out twice and Galen choosing to stay behind with her the last time. Where will they go from there and how much recovering will they have to do. At least they have friends who are determined not to leave them there….

  30. Jessica Neuhart

    Absolutely love the cover!! I know this is a long awaited book and I’m so excited to see all of the action and love!

  31. Love your books!!! I have bought and read every single one since I discovered you a few months ago!!! Can’t wait for Imperator to come out and look forward to any other books you write!!! And awesome cover by the way!!!

  32. Bertha Alicia Leon

    Hi Anna! Of all your series, Galactic Gladiators is my favorite and Galen is one of the best character. The cover is amazing! This week will be a long week, I can’t wait to read Galen’s story. But it isn’t the last in the Galactic Gladiators, I hope…

  33. Oh my… finally Galen finds his happiness… I’ve been waiting for his story since Raiden and Harper’s story in Gladiator!!! ❤️❤️❤️Love love love me some Galen!!! (The others too..but he’s my top)

  34. Hi Anna! I’m so excited that Galen finally gets his story told! This a great series and I love the cover!

  35. Been waiting a long time for Galan’s story and it looks as if he has got himself quite a a task to free himself and Sam. He has finally met his match.

  36. Been waiting a long time for Galan’s story and it looks like he will have quite a task to free himself and Sam. He has finally met his match. Love it.

  37. Emily A Anderson

    Oh, I cannot even right now!!! The series is by far one of my favorite indulgences. You paint such a wonderful world with your words. I am so thrilled for this one!!!

  38. Amazing cover ❤️, I can hardly wait for Galen and Sam’s story . I just know it is going to be awesome. I love this world that you have creatief, Anna ?

  39. 1) that cover is AWESOME! 2) I’m so drakking excited for this book!!! (As my 3 year old has started saying “eeeeeeeeek!!!”) 3) would you consider selling some merchandise with quotes on them? Or maybe the THS logo or something? I’d be interested in buying something like that 🙂

  40. Aurora Martinez

    Omg love the cover love all the galactic gladiators stories please please don’t stop with Galen story please I love your books thank you so much! ❤️?

  41. I’ve been waiting for this book to come out since the first GG novel, so excited, and I’m sure in not the only one?

  42. The new cover is awesome can’t wait to read it !!! I love your books please keep them coming. ? enjoy your time with your boys☺

  43. CAMILLE WILLIAMSON

    I always enjoy the Galactic Gladiators. Glad to see Galen has his story.Cant wait to read it.

  44. Love the cover though I wish we could have seen the eyepatch lol As you know Anna,I have been wanting to hear Galens story since the beginning but knew I’d have to wait and luckily you had so many good books in the interim that it made the wait not so long!!!!

  45. Sylvia McCullers

    I was wondering when Galen would fall for someone ! The cover was nice but honestly … I was looking forward to seeing his eye patch ( sexy ) !! Lol..

  46. Yay I was waiting for this! Now I just need Thane and Selena’s book from the other series and I’m a happy camper! Can’t wait!

  47. LOVED IT LOVED IT LOVED IT–NOW WHEN DOES THE PAPERBOOK HIT SO I CAN COMPLETE MY COLLECTION–ALSO NOTICED THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE A PART OF THE NEXT “PETS IN SPACE” AND IT WILL BE A GALACTIC GLADIATOR–CAN YOU GIVE A HINT PLEASE PLEASE!! THANKS ANNA FOR SUCH A WONDERFUL SERIES I’VE ENJOYED EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM. ALSO LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT TREASURE HUNTER (ALSO HAVE ALL OF THEM).

    1. So glad you loved it, Jane!! Imperator is out in paperback! Oops, I haven’t added the link to my website yet — will get right on that. And yes, my Pets in Space story is from Galactic Gladiators. It stars Mersi and Bren from the Corsair Caravan 😀

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top