Publication Date: 2 February 2023

The Blurb

Vita longs to write the plays that she steals off to watch – but as the daughter of a high-born Roman, her only future is marriage.

When her father is murdered, everything changes. 

She escapes with her life – only to end up a slave, sharing a cell with a fierce gladiator, Brea, and her wolf. 

But when Vita and Brea discover they have a common enemy, they know they must stand together for truth and justice …

The Review

An utterly gripping adventure that immerses the reader in Londinium Life in 125CE.

Themes of social justice, freedom, and equality are all brought to the fore as Vita discovers just how privileged her life as a wealthy Roman with status is compared to the Britons the Roman troops have enslaved. Yet despite this, she is still bound by social conventions that mean she cannot follow her own path through life. She is a determined character, but it was her desire to learn, and reassess her views in the face of new truths that really endeared her to me.

I was mesmerised by the hustle and bustle of the markets, the thrill of the theatre that Vita longs to write for, and the sheer brutality of the arena that her cell mate Brea has to survive. Add in Vita’s determination to uncover the truth about her family and secure her freedom, and you have a compelling read that will build on knowledge learned during a Roman topic.

The historical notes at the end of the book are superb, and this knowledge adds richness and depth to the story. Vita And The Gladiator would make a cracking class read for any UKS2 class studying Romans.

Great for fans of:

• Empire’s End: A Roman Story by Leila Rasheed
• Circus Maximus by Annelise Gray
• She Wolf by Dan Smith

Huge thanks to Laura and Chicken House for sending me a copy and inviting me to take part in the Blog Tour. Do make sure you check out all of the other stops.