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The Gladiator

Eagles of the Empire, Book 9

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The Gladiator

By: Simon Scarrow
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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About this listen

The Gladiator is the compelling ninth novel in Simon Scarrow's best-selling 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?

©2009 Simon Scarrow (P)2012 Headline Digital Fiction Historical Fiction Island Natural Disaster Earthquake Scary

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Critic reviews

"I don't need this kind of compeition." (Bernard Cornwall)
Most relevant
The story was the best in the series so far. It's been good all the way. I have a profound hatred for Ajax now. So on to the next book!

Best book in the series so far.

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An exciting romp through Roman Crete in the aftermath of a leveling earthquake. Slightly predictable however those parts are quite enjoyable. The narrative from the villain (the gladiator) is a bit incoherent; does he want freedom or vengeance? also hated the way the narrator pronounced the gladiator's name...Good listen though, would recommend.

Macro and Cato back on form!

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For me I find the romantic storyline irritating and stretching the imagination to believe that a Senator would consent to his daughter’s relationship with a soldier.

I thought the narration not up to the usual standard and found it difficult to differentiate between the main characters and his impression of Julia awful.

But for all that, this is another excellent book in this series and I am looking forward to the next one.

Excellent Plot, but Too Much Romance!

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Couldn't put it down, built to a fantastic finale. Where's the next book! I'm going to be very sad when I eventually get to the end of this series.

Another fantastic book with Macro & Cato

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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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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Well paced with a great story and interesting characters. If you enjoy action, adventure and mystery all rolled into one then this book will do well by you.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Macro. He facilitates smiles and chuckles throughout.

What does Jonathan Keeble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

A vivid and dramatic recounting which is well paced.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Good clean fun.

Another great adventure!

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I enjoyed this instalment of the macro and Kari series. Kato really does and tries everything. I assume he will end up emperor by the end of the series.

Enjoyed this listen

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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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Another excellent book from the master of Roman historical fiction. Weaving his characters through what it must have been like when the tsunami and earthquake hit Crete around 365 AD.

Scarrow gets better and better

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loved it will carry on reading and listening as long as Simon keeps writing excellent

excellent

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