The Gladiators from Capua

The Gladiators from Capua is a continuation of the story in The Enemies of Jupiter, one moth later. There has been a fire that devastated much of Rome but the epidemic has ceased. To take their minds off the troubles of the past six months, Titus has decided to hold 100 days of games to mark the opening of the new Flavian Amphitheater (later known as the Colosseum). Flavia, Nubia and Lupus are in Rome to attend the opening games but they have returned to Rome to search for Jonathan, who mysteriously disappeared. In their search the friends manage to get access to the lower sections of the Colosseum in order to search for clues. How they get inside the workings of the amphitheater brings each a measure of trouble that challenges each. Caroline Lawrence provides a mesmerizing account of the opening games using Martial's book on the spectacles as inspiration (and there is a brief appearance by the poet). There are quite a few scenes of action that are magnificently described and the story keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat. She also fleshes out her characters superbly so we see them as real individuals. The Roman Mysteries is the kind of series that you do not want to end with each succeeding book building on the prior one. These are excellent books for young adults to learn about ancient Rome but adults will also enjoy them.

These books are just great for kids who love adventure, excitment and like to learn about history in entertaining way. My kids can't put these books down and now have a real image in their minds of what it was realy like to be a child growing up in this time in history. Kind of scary!!!!!

If your pre-teen reads this book, she/he may want to run to the nearest bookstore to buy an armful of books on ancient Rome. Not because there's too much in it that's incomprehensible, but because Lawrence makes it a very realistic and compelling world--both the "good" and the "bad." The protagonists--all children--adroitly negotiate a morally difficult world where men, womnen and even children are victims of spectacular (and bloodthirsty) games in the Flavian amphitheater. However, the narration is also quite sensitive to the young reader's possible reactions, and sympathetic views are always heard from at least one character. The subject of personal loss and family tragedy is well explored here. I'm not a a mental health professional, but this books feels like the type that might help a child who has had to cope with the loss of a loved one. I've read every book in the series and as an educator in literature, I highly recommend it, and also the other books in the series.

Flavie, Nubia and Lupus are all mourning the death of their dear friend- Johnthan. But when rumours start spreading of him being alive in Rome, Flavia and Nubia, with Lupus, decided to investigate. This was once again another great book from Caroline Larence- an amazing author who depicts ancient rome in a truly outstanding way. I enjoyed this book immensely and it is a must-read for any historical fans.

The Gladiators from Capua is the new, excellent book from Caroline Lawrence. It is the eight book in the series of the Roman Mysteries. The three friends go off to Rome to visit Flavia's family and see the games at the Colleseum. Thinking that their other friend, Jonathan, is not dead, they risk their lives to find him. Nubia plays with animals, Lupus lurks underground and Flavia appears on stage risking her life in front of the Emperor. Enough said, buy the book.