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The Gladiator
 
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The Gladiator (Hardcover)

by Simon Scarrow (Author)
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
RRP: £17.99
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Product details

  • Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Headline (6 Aug 2009)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0755327780
  • ISBN-13: 978-0755327782
  • Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 16 x 3.6 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 505 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #1 in  Books > Fiction > Genre > War
    #4 in  Books > Fiction > Historical
    #5 in  Books > Crime, Thrillers & Mystery > Thrillers

Product Description

Product Description

The action-packed new novel featuring Roman army officers Macro and Cato from Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Scarrow

While centurions Macro and Cato are returning to Rome from a harrowing campaign against the Parthians, their transport ship is almost capsized by a tidal wave. They barely make it to the port of Matala in Crete where they are stunned to find a devastated town. An earthquake has struck the island, destroying its cities and killing thousands. In the chaotic aftermath, large bands of the island's slaves begin to revolt and local bandits, taking advantage of the slave rebellion, urge the Cretans to overthrow the Roman administration. With many of the island's troops either killed or wounded during the earthquake, the governor of the province calls on Macro and Cato for help. Can they move swiftly enough to counter the rebellion before it sweeps the Romans from the island?


About the Author

Simon Scarrow is the very well-established author of the Roman adventure novels in the Eagle series. He lives outside Norwich.

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Customer Reviews

31 Reviews
5 star:
 (17)
4 star:
 (11)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:
 (1)
1 star:    (0)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.4 out of 5 stars (31 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Series Just Gets Better, 7 Aug 2009
By Mr. J. Bullock (England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
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!
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27 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A gritty novel - moving and finely written., 9 Aug 2009
The Gladiator is the ninth in Scarrow's series following the expolits of Roman officers Macro and Cato. This time, they are on their way home, by sea, from the events that take place in Centurion. All seems set for a relaxing break and then a promising future, until a natural disaster strikes. Narrowly escaping ship-wreck Macro and Cato are forced to land in Crete they find the province in turmoil. Authority has collapsed and the slaves have siezed the chance to rise in rebellion, led by Ajax, a man with a very personal grudge against Macro and Cato.

As with earlier books, this is a pacy read, but what sets Scarrow ahead of most other historical writers is his ability to set the scene so well. All the reader's senses are beautifully catered for in the descriptions of Crete, the sea and tensions that exist between the characters. Macro and Cato are fully rounded and credible in a most engaging way.

One of the impressive things about this series is the way that Scarrow does not avoid tackling contentious themes. He did it in Eagle in the Sand and here we have Cato and Macro fighting slaves. From a modern perspective this might seem iffy, but slave revolts have to be viewed in context. Indeed, many aspects of ancient Roman life would strike a barbaric note to the modern reader. While Cato, the more thoughtful of the duo, might have some misgivings about slavery these are tempered by the credible brutality of the slaves. There is a deplorable tendency to regard past rebellions as somehow heroic, and this book is a useful reminder of the bloody realities of such uprisings, and Scarrow deftly balances the tale so that we understand the motivations of each side in the struggle.

The resolution of the novel is intrigueingly open-ended and I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book. This series is head and shoulders above similar offerings in the genre. Its success has also spawned a number of recent imitations by the likes of Sidebottom and Kane, and while imitation may be a sincere form of flattery, it is certainly no substitute for quality. I expect that Macro and Cato will be remembered long after the competition has faded from memory.

Buy The Gladiator. Simple as that. You'll thank me.
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18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars If only Carlsberg wrote books, 6 Aug 2009
By Simon Head "Heid" (UK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Having waited what seemed like 2 years I was lucky enough to get a copy and have finished it in a day,

Please dont make me wait this long again as I just want to know what happens next.

In my opinion this is one of the best books in a brilliant series as its very fast paced and employs some clever and very unexpected twists.

Whilst the two main characters come roaring back to life, exciting new characters are emerging that i am sure will (hopefuly) feature in further books.

Whilst i would definately recommend buying thisit is also worthwhile starting at the beginning with Under the Eagle. By starting at the beginning you will grow to love this series of books and their main characters Macro and Cato (pronounced Kay Toe i found out yesterday).
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Scarrow strikes again
Macro and Cato find themselves in Crete in another fast pace adventure. The Gladiator is easily up to Scarrows usual exemplorary standard. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Yamaha

5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite so far!
I just finished this title. And I have to say that I found this the most entertaining of the series to date. Read more
Published 20 days ago by Valak

3.0 out of 5 stars Gladiator, a victory of content over substance
Once again Macro & Cato fall into desperate circumstances but, on this occasion, in the company of Cato's fiancee and prospective father-in-law, a senator. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Stuart Lidstone

5.0 out of 5 stars Revolt in Crete
Another episode featuring the two Romans Cato and Macro. I am looking forward to the sequal. In earlier days it would have been classed as 'a ripping yarn'.
Published 1 month ago by Sqn Ldr Raymond Leach

4.0 out of 5 stars Another triumph for Scarrow
This is another excellent book by Simon Scarrow relating to the adventures of Marco and Cato. This is the first time I have had one of his books as an audio book and it looses... Read more
Published 1 month ago by R. D. Moody

4.0 out of 5 stars Familiar but still exciting
Well things never get any easier for Macro and Cato!

Stranded on the island of Crete following an earthquake with unleashed a devastating tsunami, the two centurions... Read more
Published 1 month ago by J. Cooper

4.0 out of 5 stars More of the same...
Still one of my favourite series of books. Mr. Scarrow weaves a great yarn. For first time readers, I would recommend reading from the start, but if you are after a good, fast... Read more
Published 1 month ago by S. Warren

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
Excellent. Just what you would expect from Simon Scarrow. Could not put it down.
Published 1 month ago by Wendy Smith

4.0 out of 5 stars Crying out to be a film!
I've read all of the Cato/Macro novels and this is a really good addition (the first is still my favourite). Read more
Published 1 month ago by G. Goodwin

4.0 out of 5 stars Must be careful what I write....
I like Simon Scarrow and particularly his portrayal of Macro and Cato who I am sure had to atone to some fictional deity for their acts of war, which surely this far into the... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr. S. J. Morawiec

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