51aBTZQ-56L._SL500_Synopsis: “Circus Maximus, the greatest sporting stage of the ancient Roman world, where the best horses and charioteers compete in a race to the death, and one girl dreams of glory. Ben Hur meets National Velvet in the ultimate 9-12 adventure story by debut children’s author, Annelise Gray.
Twelve-year-old Dido dreams of becoming the first female charioteer at the great Circus Maximus. She’s lost her heart to Porcellus, a wild, tempestuous horse she longs to train and race. But such ambitions are forbidden to girls and she must be content with helping her father Antonius – the trainer of Rome’s most popular racing team, The Greens – and teaching the rules of racing to Justus, the handsome young nephew of the Greens’ wealthy owner. When her father is brutally murdered, she is forced to seek refuge with an unlikely ally. But what of her dream of Circus triumphs and being reunited with the beloved horse she left behind in Rome? And the threat to her life isn’t over as she faces a powerful and terrifying new enemy… the emperor Caligula.“

My Review

This was a fab audiobook transporting me to Ancient Rome through the eyes of twelve year old Dido, and her desire to become a charioteer and race in the Circus Maximus.

This was such a good book full of thrills and drama and wonderfully researched details of ancient Rome. I read a book by the author years ago under a different name, also set in Ancient Rome, so I knew I’d be in for treat with this one.

Dido was a great character a teenager who wasn’t annoying but was very focussed on what she wanted in a very male world. I loved following her journey from daughter of a well respected chariot trainer to outcast and then what happens afterwards is so exciting. If you love horses and all things Roman you’ll definitely enjoy this book.

Eva Feiler’s narration was perfect, she really brought all the characters to life. I particularly liked her portrayal of Dido, Scorpus, Cassius, Justus, Atticus and the Emperor Caligula!

If you enjoy middle grade children’s books I highly recommend this fantastic book on audio and can’t wait to listen to book 2!

Book 3/20

Advertisement