The first of two epic novels which tell the story of one of the most charismatic heroes history has ever known - Spartacus, the gladiator slave who took on and nearly defeated the might of Rome, during the years 73-71 BC.
Ben Kane was born in Kenya and raised there and in Ireland. He studied veterinary medicine and University College, Dublin, but after that he travelled the world extensively, indulging in his passion for ancient history. He lives in North Somerset with his wife and two young children.
Gritty, passionate and violent, this thrilling book is a real
page-turner and a damn good read. It brings Spartacus - and ancient
Rome - to vivid, colourful life
*Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire*
Ben Kane manages to bring a freshness to the saga ... Told with
Kane's usual panache and historical knowledge, this book is highly
recommended
*Kathy Stevenson Daily Mail*
Eyes are merciless, blows are wicked and screams are piercing, but
this is a compulsive if relentless story, vividly recounted in
muscular prose. Definitely one for the boys
*Daily Telegraph, 4 stars*
Like many choosing to read a book like this, I was seeking an
active and exciting plot, and in this respect, Spartacus: The
Gladiator delivers handily
*Medieval Bookworm*
If you want to become familiar with the lanista and the rudus, to
know your scutum from your licium, then Kane's your man ... plenty
of action
*Independent*
Spartacus has returned home to Thrace to find a new king has
usurped his throne. He is seized and then sold to a Roman slave
trader but he is a fighter and is destined for greater things.
Historically little is known about the real Spartacus but in the
hands of Ben Kane his legend has been crafted into two fantastic
novels and this is the first.
*Daily Express*
A breathless romp…a real feel for the grit and the mad excitement
of fighting and a fascination with a culture, Rome, that was
obsessed with blood-lust.
*History Today*
Abandoning life as an auxiliary in the Roman legions, Spartacus returns to his Thracian home to find his family dead and their murderer, Kotys, leader of the village. When Spartacus rescues the Dionysian priestess Ariadne from the lecherous king, he is betrayed and sold into slavery to a Roman gladiatorial school. There Spartacus slowly gains the respect of his fellow gladiators and devises a daring escape. Defeating the small force sent after them inspires the band of 70 gladiators who make their way to Mount Vesuvius. Thousands of runaway slaves from the surrounding areas join in their fight against the might of Rome. Despite little factual evidence (Roman historians wrote only 4000 words about his role in the Third Servile War in 73 BCE), Spartacus's story has sparked the imagination of writers and filmmakers alike. Kane (The Forgotten Legion) has chosen to rely as much as possible on actual historical accounts to bring to life a slave who became legendary for his courage, intelligence, and strategic brilliance. VERDICT Kane's powerful first volume of brutal warfare and the quest for freedom against overwhelming odds is just the beginning of Spartacus's tale. A sequel is expected toward the end of 2012.-Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage P.L., AK (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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