Following the epic stand-alone adventures of Black Powder, The Buried Crown and The Queen’s Fool, comes a new rip-roaring tale from the rising queen of middle-grade historical fiction, Ally Sherrick.
Enter the terrifying gladiator’s arena in Roman London alongside our unlikely heroine, Vita, as she gets caught up in a dark underworld of intrigue and revolt.
Vita longs to write plays and poetry – but as a high-born girl in Roman Londinium, her fate is sealed: marriage and children. Then her father is murdered, her mother and brother disappear, and Vita flees from a shadowy enemy. Disguised as a slave at the gladiator’s arena, she forges an unlikely bond with Brea, a native Briton gladiatrix – and her wolf. Together, they resolve to discover and bring the killer to justice before Vita’s identity is revealed ...
This book is packed with fast-paced action, twists and fantastic historical details! Vita was a brilliant protagonist it was easy to root for and her adventure kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. There was plenty of tension, mystery and betrayal, along with exhilarating gladiator battles and fantastic characters.
The historical notes at the end make this perfect for children studying the Romans at school (as well as anyone who just wants to learn more about Roman London) and I felt fully immersed in Vita's world throughout.
Thank you so much Chicken House for letting me take part in this tour!