Gladiator: Street Fighter by Simon Scarrow (Children's, 8 years +)

January 2012, Puffin
346 pages, Hardback
Review copy

Themes: ancient Rome, Julius Caesar, the senate, life as a slave, gladiators, cloak and dagger subterfuge, class status, unexpected friendship, fair amount of gory fighting, a few tissues needed.

Summary from Puffin

 'It is settled. The boy is in your charge. You will train him to fight.

He must be able to use the dagger, throwing-knife, staves and his bare hands.
One day young Marcus may well become a gladiator in the arena.
But you must also teach him the ways of the street.'

Now a member of Julius Caesar's palace, Marcus's training continues in the city of Rome. The streets are plagued by vicious gang war attacks, and Caesar must employ his own gang leader, who learns of a plot to murder him.

Only Marcus can go in undercover. But he's in terrible danger. If the rival gang discover him the price will be fatal. Julius Caesar's isn't the only life at risk . . .

Nayuleska's thoughts

Marcus, despite what he thinks he wants is no stranger to fighting for what he wants. I would have liked to have had Portia play a greater role in his life, but she helps him out a lot. I loved how Marcus became adept with differen weapons, which add to why I give this a solid 8/10.

Be sure to check out more about Marcus on Simon's website.

Suggested read
Follow Marcus on the first steps of his journey in Gladiator: Fight for Freedom.