- Hardcover: 384 pages
- Publisher: Headline; First Edition edition (6 Aug 2009)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0755327780
- ISBN-13: 978-0755327782
- Product Dimensions: 16.3 x 3.2 x 24.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (70 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 118,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Gladiator: (Roman Legion 9)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I've thoroughly enjoyed the Eagle series so far, but this latest installment has failed to engage me. Without rehashing the plot in detail, you can rest assured there are plenty of close scrapes, superiors who won't listen to blatantly obvious advice and cavalry riding to the rescue at the last second. Cato was somehow more fun when he was trying to prove himself as a Centurion. Now he has risen in the world, he just doesn't seem as relevant or exciting. Macro shouts a lot, and moves from place to place, but that's about it. Julia & daddy? Yawn....
Also, I had high hopes for the setting of this novel as I love Crete and it's atmosphere & history. Unfortunately the author fails to describe or capture any of this atmosphere, and the novel could really have been set anywhere.
I'll probably still read the next installment, but Mr Scarrow needs to try harder!
Also, I had high hopes for the setting of this novel as I love Crete and it's atmosphere & history. Unfortunately the author fails to describe or capture any of this atmosphere, and the novel could really have been set anywhere.
I'll probably still read the next installment, but Mr Scarrow needs to try harder!
42 of 48 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Having re-read all the other books of the series through in time for the release of this book, I can comprehensively say that this is as good as any of the previous books. If you haven't read them yet, I'd advise that you do, as both Marco and Cato develop with every book so to get the most out of them, it's good to have the full story.
If you're looking for a new series to pick up, and you have a penchant for big bloody battles then the Eagle series is for you. If you've already read the other books, then the newest addition to the series will definitely not disappoint. I hope we don't have to wait as long for the next instalment!
If you're looking for a new series to pick up, and you have a penchant for big bloody battles then the Eagle series is for you. If you've already read the other books, then the newest addition to the series will definitely not disappoint. I hope we don't have to wait as long for the next instalment!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was my first Simon Scarrow novel. I enjoy "page turners", historical novels, and have an interest in the Greeks and Romans dating back to schooldays ,so thought there was enough to keep me interested with this - and there was.
Well written, and lightly plotted it zips along at a fair old pace with a story that is a little predictable and feels as though it has been written to be filmed.
It does lack a sense of place, those wanting historic detail will be disappointed and some of the plot twists are formulaic.
But there is no lack of drama, an earthquake and tidal wave set the scene, our heroes are shipwrecked on Crete,a slave revolt ensues, our Roman Centurion heroes battle against the odds, rebellion needs crushing and hostages need saving and senator's daughters need protecting.
At over 500 pages I would have welcomed a little more political intrigue, there are only so many times that sword can crunch bone. A visit to Alexandria provides a glimpse both in terms of description and intrigue of what might have been possible. Equally a character based in Rome would have provided a welcome further dimension to proceedings.
Centurion's Marco and Cato are worthy heroes, the slave leader and Gladiator Ajax a formidable adversary, but Senator Sempronious is bafflingly under-written.
The ending, set for the next instalment, I found irritating and perfunctory, whether my enjoyment would have been enhanced if I had read the back story novels so far I do not know. Yet I did enjoy the characters sufficiently to perhaps read back, to see if it is worth taking in the next in the series.
Well written, and lightly plotted it zips along at a fair old pace with a story that is a little predictable and feels as though it has been written to be filmed.
It does lack a sense of place, those wanting historic detail will be disappointed and some of the plot twists are formulaic.
But there is no lack of drama, an earthquake and tidal wave set the scene, our heroes are shipwrecked on Crete,a slave revolt ensues, our Roman Centurion heroes battle against the odds, rebellion needs crushing and hostages need saving and senator's daughters need protecting.
At over 500 pages I would have welcomed a little more political intrigue, there are only so many times that sword can crunch bone. A visit to Alexandria provides a glimpse both in terms of description and intrigue of what might have been possible. Equally a character based in Rome would have provided a welcome further dimension to proceedings.
Centurion's Marco and Cato are worthy heroes, the slave leader and Gladiator Ajax a formidable adversary, but Senator Sempronious is bafflingly under-written.
The ending, set for the next instalment, I found irritating and perfunctory, whether my enjoyment would have been enhanced if I had read the back story novels so far I do not know. Yet I did enjoy the characters sufficiently to perhaps read back, to see if it is worth taking in the next in the series.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The first disappointment of the Eagle Series.
Scarrow's ninth Eagle Series work is undoubtedly well written in the style of the previous eight. The reader experiences the continued development of Macro and Cato's relationship... Read more
Published 9 days ago by William Strickland
Very Enjoyable
I read this book as a standalone book having not read any of the series post or pior to this. I found the book to be very engaging with a good plot, though certainly written for a... Read more
Published 10 days ago by J Hollis
One of those weird coincidences
On my way to a holiday in Crete I thought I'd pick up some holiday reading.
OK, read some Scarrow before, good holiday reading, liked Spartacus telly series, thought I'd... Read more
OK, read some Scarrow before, good holiday reading, liked Spartacus telly series, thought I'd... Read more
Published 11 days ago by R. W.
OK holiday read...
I've thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Scarrow's 'Eagle' series to date, but this one fell rather flat. I couldn't help feeling that perhaps the Author was struggling to find the Muse for... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mike Mac
Simon Scarrow - The Gladiator
This is another excellent book from Simon. Full of action and a real man's book. Suggest you read the series from the beginning to get the best from the book. Read more
Published 7 months ago by JD
Another great read!
Yet another episode in the enthralling story of Cato and Macro in the time of the Roman Empire- very well written- in terms that relate well to modern day military conditions and... Read more
Published 8 months ago by catlover1
Rip-roaring good read !
Another gripping read from the pen of Mr Scarrow. If you love your Roman history you will enjoy this series and learn a little more about the Roman army.
Published 9 months ago by Mrs Doubtfire
Cretan earthquake, tidal waves and revolting slaves
BRIEF STORY DETAILS - SLIGHT SPOILERS
In Crete after the Parthian campaign, Macro and Cato on their most dangerous mission yet, survive a tidal wave. Read more
In Crete after the Parthian campaign, Macro and Cato on their most dangerous mission yet, survive a tidal wave. Read more
Published 9 months ago by RR Waller
leaves you wanting more
you will love this book its a great read. in many ways you just cant help but feel everythin that macro and cato feel and go through . Read more
Published 10 months ago by barron10
Competition for Bernard Cornwell?
Simon Scarrow's historical novels are, in my opinion, a far better read than those of Mr Cornwell. They have that magical effect of making you care about the lead characters almost... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Geoff
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