Gladiator Street Fighter by Simon Scarrow

Young reviewers review of:

Gladiator: Street Fighter

Author: Simon Scarrow

Publisher: Puffin

Published: February 2012

ISBN: 978 0141333649

Scarrow website

Rating: 4/5

My favourite characters in this are Marcus and Festus.  My favourite part in the story is when Portia gets kidnapped and when Marcus has to kill the two boys in the food storage place.

I think there should be more action parts to this story, although I enjoyed reading it.  I read most of this by myself.

This review is written by our 9 year old reviewer, Shaun.  He was really looking forward to reading this and read the majority of it without adults accompanying him.  The parts he did read out aloud with us saw him full of enthusiasm for what he was reading.  He adored the first book, and with this being the second in the series was very pleased to continue reading.  As a parent it’s encouraging when your child finds a book and a series which they don’t want to stop reading, and it’s lovely to see!  

Book synopsis:

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' 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...

Source – Many thanks to the publishers, a copy was received in return for an honest review by one our young reviewers.