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The Gladiator (Eagles of the Empire 9)

Cato & Macro: Book 9

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The Gladiator (Eagles of the Empire 9)

By: Simon Scarrow
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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Summary

 THE GLADIATOR is the compelling ninth novel in Simon Scarrow's bestselling Eagles of the Empire series. A must read for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

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?

(P)2012 Headline Digital©2009 Simon Scarrow Ancient Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Military Thriller & Suspense War & Military Exciting Natural Disaster Scary
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Critic reviews

Praise for Simon Scarrow: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' (Bernard Cornwell)
A new book in Simon Scarrow's series about the Roman army is always a joy
Gripping... ferocious and compelling, it is a story of blood, romance and sacrifice
Rollicking good fun
A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff
Gripping
Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best
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Anyone who’s got this far in a series is most likely a devoted fan! And why not? Macro and Cato are thoroughly engaging characters and their developing story has never lacked action or momentum. This is another great addition to the series which also adds a little depth. Our heroes are cast into the midst of a disaster on the Roman province of Crete and a slave revolt led by a charismatic gladiator (no not that one!) proves one of their greatest tests yet. It’s intriguing that when this plotline has been told in the past we’ve sided with that gladiator and Scarrow isn’t scared to allow that the slaves had a point. The Roman Empire that Macro and Cato represent was a repressive one and it’s hard not to sympathise with their enemies on this occasion.

The book also sees a quite dramatic turning point in the relationships both between the two men and an ongoing love interest. As well as the action there are some very dark scenes and Macro in particular is put through possibly the toughest tests of his character to date. In fact I would say that as the book enters its final phase we are treated to some of the most powerful scenes I’ve encountered from Simon Scarrow.

The narration is just as good as ever from Mr Keeble so it’s another very fine package in a thoroughly enjoyable series.

I'm not Spartacus!

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this was my first encounter with macro and Cato many yrs ago at a small town library. I've since read/listened to them all and become a huge fan. each new book I fear will be their last and thank Simon scarrow for his excellent work.
now after the bloodiest evils of mankind our heroes chase the pirate gladiator to Africa to finally finish the slave rebellion.

slavery

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As always Scarrow has written a thrilling book. I am too invested in Macro and Cato to stop!

Relentlessly good

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love it. great story great finish . leads right into the next book in the series

excellent story

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For the same reason that pop groups keep popular by making similar sounding music that theircfans are familiar with so Simon Scarrows weaves new adaptations of familiarcthemes around two familiar and much loved heros. Sameish ? yes disappointed ? no, and on to the next adventure

A truely excellent series of novls. Simon Scarrow

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