The Gladiator

I have read all of Scarrow's Roman Legion series. I have enjoyed each one very much. The books blend history with fiction with interesting story lines. His development of the two main characters, Macro and Cato, is excellent. If you are interested in reading about the Legions of Rome during the first century A.D., I highly recommend this series.

The Gladiator is an extension of the excellent work that he has done in the past. If you are a Scarrow fan...just get the book and enjoy!

This novel is in keeping with the rest of the series. Extremely enjoyable; hated to see it end.

Gladiator is the latest of Simon Scarrow's Under the Eagle series starring two Roman centurions, young Cato and his mentor, Macro. The book pick up right from where the last book of this series as they tried to return to Rome from their encounter with the Pathians. This time they are caught on an island of Crete after a major earthquake, dealing with a major slave revolt led by a former foe from one of the previous books. Like all of his books, Scarrow writes in a fast, engrossing tale of how our two favorite Roman centurions save the day. Although the book is well written and a definite page turner, it is clearly gear for people who have read Scarrow's earlier books. If you are looking of character development and all that, best read Gone with the Wind or some other great American/British novels. The story got a light fast moving plot line and it definitely put our two heroes into a major trouble. This book continued to evolved Cato into another stage as his girlfriend Julia from the previous book, lies in constant danger. The book also reflect slightly on the trouble institution of Roman slavery during those time although I don't think Scarrow was making any political statement here. Obviously, the author took his cue from Spartacus' Revolt when writing this book. The book ends with a big bang, fast and furious although it may be too confusing for some as the writing here fails slightly. Of course, the ending clearly earmarked Cato and Marco for another adventure that will guarantee another book forthcoming. If you enjoy this series, buying this book is definite must. If you never read this series, I would strongly recommended that you start from the first book, Under the Eagle and work your way to this one. Otherwise, you will not have the enjoyment that most veteran readers of Cato and Marco. This is not a stand alone book but part of a series.

Very interesting. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a good historical fiction read. However, I wish the endings wouldn't wrap up so quick and neat.