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.

Gladiator: Fight for Freedom by Simon Scarrow

Title: Gladiator: Fight for Freedom
Author: Simon Scarrow
Publisher: Puffin
Published: Feb 2011
ISBN: 978-0141335100
Author's website: Scarrow Brothers

Rating 5/5 with merits  




The cover on this shows Marcus, the main character, and from this and the trailer, I knew it was a book not to be missed by our eldest reviewer, who is a huge fan of Rome, history, Asterix and fighting in books!!


Shaun's favourtite characters were Marcus and Ferax.  Marcus because he kills wolfs and becomes a gladiator, and Ferax because he is a Celt, tall and strong.  Marcus starts a free man, his father a Centurion (Shaun wont tell me who Marcus' mother is because it has impact on the story!)  Marcus has a destiny which he doesn't know about.  


Shaun's favourite part of the book was the ending, which I shan't give away...but he says he's really looking forward to the next installment in the series :-)  


As a parent, we love books which encourage history at a level which our children understand, and although this is not a factual book, the fact Shaun had his nose in it and hung to every word was a joy to see....this is the first large book he's read without assistance (he's 8 & in year 3), so his enthusiasm was sparked by this, and he's since gone on to delve into other books.  he was very happily telling us pieces of the story as he went along and hasn't stopped since.  I'd highly recommend this story for boys who like engrossing and hero type reads.




Source - Many thanks to Puffin, this was received at an event earlier in the year in exchange for an honest review.