The Gladiator cover art

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 Historical Fiction

Critic Reviews

"I don't need this kind of compeition." (Bernard Cornwall)
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love simon scarrow, and paired with Jonathan keeble.....well magic listen, macro and Cato are fantastic as usual and very engaging story.

love simon scarrow, and paired with Jonathan keeble.....well magic listen

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Very interesting interpretation of this little know part of Crete’s history. Not Simon Scarrow’s best work, but it keeps the story flowing.

Interesting version of a little known part of Crete’s history

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in the best tradition of the series. I found this one of the more enjoyable on the books.. an excellent read.

Excellence Reed

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This book is great. I'm glad some of Macro & Cato's past foes are coming back into the story.
No spoilers.
Give it a listen.

Cato to the rescue

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Struggled to finish in the end, but a great story none the less. Looking forward to the next one

Enjoyable

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Scarrow matches Pressfield for battle descriptions. Cornwall, Dando and others tend to struggle to match them. if you want a great read checkout Gemmels Shield of Thunder (3 book) series, marvellous take on Trojan War

good yarn again

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Still loving this series and especially following Cato's character. His love interest, the conflicts that generates with duty and how it makes him vulnerable. Plenty of action, highs and lows. Well written and well narrated.

Another action packed adventure

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The whole series is excellent. Adventure after Adventure, I hope there are many more to come

Excellent

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Simon Scarrow is a master story teller. every tale is an adventure taking you through twists and turns you never know what to expect next.

non-stop adrenaline rush

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