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  • The Gladiator

  • Eagles of the Empire, Book 9
  • By: Simon Scarrow
  • Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
  • Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (681 ratings)
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The Gladiator cover art

The Gladiator

By: Simon Scarrow
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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Summary

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

Critic reviews

"I don't need this kind of compeition." (Bernard Cornwall)

What listeners say about The Gladiator

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

I'm not Spartacus!

Anyone who’s got this far in a series is most likely a devoted fan! And why not? Macro and Cato are thoroughly engaging characters and their developing story has never lacked action or momentum. This is another great addition to the series which also adds a little depth. Our heroes are cast into the midst of a disaster on the Roman province of Crete and a slave revolt led by a charismatic gladiator (no not that one!) proves one of their greatest tests yet. It’s intriguing that when this plotline has been told in the past we’ve sided with that gladiator and Scarrow isn’t scared to allow that the slaves had a point. The Roman Empire that Macro and Cato represent was a repressive one and it’s hard not to sympathise with their enemies on this occasion.

The book also sees a quite dramatic turning point in the relationships both between the two men and an ongoing love interest. As well as the action there are some very dark scenes and Macro in particular is put through possibly the toughest tests of his character to date. In fact I would say that as the book enters its final phase we are treated to some of the most powerful scenes I’ve encountered from Simon Scarrow.

The narration is just as good as ever from Mr Keeble so it’s another very fine package in a thoroughly enjoyable series.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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excellent

loved it will carry on reading and listening as long as Simon keeps writing excellent

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

great story that sucks you into another world

it sucks you into a world of combat, politics and friendship. Refusing to let you go until you know the fate of each character. It let's you like every character and begrudgingly you respect the bad guys.
I will be revisiting this author again.

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1 person found this helpful

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So exciting!

This is my favourite so far! Full of action and excitement, with a totally unpredictable plot. And just secretly, I have a riduculous crush on Macro - a totally fictitious character, lol.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A brilliant listen!

A huge fan of the series and this does nit disappoint, a great listen. loved the plot and about the purchase the next installment!

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Another great adventure!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Well paced with a great story and interesting characters. If you enjoy action, adventure and mystery all rolled into one then this book will do well by you.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Macro. He facilitates smiles and chuckles throughout.

What does Jonathan Keeble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

A vivid and dramatic recounting which is well paced.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Good clean fun.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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On to next one

Read these many years ago and now re visiting them via audible
Love Keeble please keep him for the rest of the series he compliments the book and brings a new life and different aspect via the narration

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Maybe the best one so far

Absolutely loved this one, if you are enjoying the series so far then this one is a real gem

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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totally worth it

If you're a fan of Roman fiction, then you absolutely have to check out this series of books. They are simply perfect, and the Audible version is made even better thanks to the incredible performance by Jonathan Keeble. His narration is pitch-perfect, keeping the pace just right and bringing all the right emotions to the story. It's so refreshing to find an audiobook where the reader doesn't let you down, and Keeble absolutely nails it with this one. So if you're looking for a gripping, immersive Roman adventure, look no further than this series - you won't regret it!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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It’s billitant read it it good

It great I’ve listen to Cato and macro for a long period like for 5 years and I’ve love every moment of listening to it

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