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Spartacus #2
Spartacus: Morituri
Batiatus and Solonius vie with each other for the favor of one Marcus Licinius Crassus, an Equites who aims at the Praetorship. Thrilled by the bloody violence of the fights, Crassus decides to set up his own gladiatorial school. In the arena, the Batiati are ground down by injury and death, while Crassus' numbers never seem to shrink. Can the ludus survive against such odds?
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2012
13 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Mark Morris
133 books239 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Mark Morris became a full-time writer in 1988 on the Enterprise Allowance Scheme, and a year later saw the release of his first novel, Toady. He has since published a further sixteen novels, among which are Stitch, The Immaculate, The Secret of Anatomy, Fiddleback, The Deluge and four books in the popular Doctor Who range.
His short stories, novellas, articles and reviews have appeared in a wide variety of anthologies and magazines, and he is editor of the highly-acclaimed Cinema Macabre, a book of fifty horror movie essays by genre luminaries, for which he won the 2007 British Fantasy Award.
His most recently published or forthcoming work includes a novella entitled It Sustains for Earthling Publications, a Torchwood novel entitled Bay of the Dead, several Doctor Who audios for Big Finish Productions, a follow-up volume to Cinema Macabre entitled Cinema Futura and a new short story collection, Long Shadows, Nightmare Light.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Mark Morris became a full-time writer in 1988 on the Enterprise Allowance Scheme, and a year later saw the release of his first novel, Toady. He has since published a further sixteen novels, among which are Stitch, The Immaculate, The Secret of Anatomy, Fiddleback, The Deluge and four books in the popular Doctor Who range.
His short stories, novellas, articles and reviews have appeared in a wide variety of anthologies and magazines, and he is editor of the highly-acclaimed Cinema Macabre, a book of fifty horror movie essays by genre luminaries, for which he won the 2007 British Fantasy Award.
His most recently published or forthcoming work includes a novella entitled It Sustains for Earthling Publications, a Torchwood novel entitled Bay of the Dead, several Doctor Who audios for Big Finish Productions, a follow-up volume to Cinema Macabre entitled Cinema Futura and a new short story collection, Long Shadows, Nightmare Light.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 24, 2012
MORITURI: Slow Start But Compelling Finish To Spartacus Adventure
I’ll admit it: the first hundred pages of SPARTACUS: MORITURI had me convinced that I was wasting my time. After all, what makes SPARTACUS – the television program – such a winning experience is the visceral thrill of bloodshed, the sweaty bodies thrown back-and-forth in combat and in sport, coupled with some exciting drama besieged with so many duplicitous characters. As a viewer, you’re shocked by the brutality, you’re captivated by the beauties, and you’re intrigued by the betrayals. SPARTACUS remains a swords’n’sandals soap opera – one based loosely on the events of history – spun with a cinematic flair that elevates even the most mundane happenings to the level of human drama. It isn’t hard to see why the STARZ Network jumped at the chance to put in on the air, and it isn’t hard to fathom why its cadre of loyal fans might latch on to a series of books based on their favorite characters.
After author Mark Morris could dispense with introducing his players and situations, MORITURI thankfully morphed into a great yarn – one beset with the same elements that make the TV show a sensation. So long as you don’t mind action sequences reduced to sometimes wordy sentences and paragraphs, you’ll find plenty to like in this guilty pleasure beach read.
Set during the events of SPARTACUS’s first season (“Blood and Sand”), MORITURI picks up shortly after the legendary slave is first crowned the Champion of Capua with his defeat of Theokoles. Suddenly, a new noble comes to town – Hieronymus – and he comes bearing the support of the Roman politician, Crassus. To everyone’s surprise, Hieronymus sets up his own ludus, and, in his gladiators first outing, he decimates the reputation of the House of Solonius. Never one to shy away from new challenges, Batiatus commits Spartacus and his own league of fighters to a display in the arena … but will Hieronymus’s grim spiritual advisor, Mantilus, and an unexplainable plague spell certain doom for all involved?
As stated above, I think Morris could’ve gone to greater pains in incorporate his new characters into SPARTACUS’s already very-full-bodied existence. This isn’t to say that his additions aren’t all that interesting; indeed, Mantilus is a brilliant creation, and there’s a new slave (Athenais) who serves as a visual reminder of how nefarious some ‘owners’ can be with their property. Hieronymus and his gladiators end up serving as (mostly) stock characters, while Crassus is given a bit of new exploration for the purposes of this tale. However, I felt the set-up and introductions went on far too long, keeping the reader away from the real heart of the tale, that being the legendary slave who will eventually lead a revolt. Spartacus is given short shrift in the opening 100 pages (or so), and that places a bit of a hurdle in front of the reader which doesn’t get rectified until later.
Still, once the action starts, it’s all delivered with a crispness and an attention to detail. Morris clearly understands what draws fans to SPARTACUS, be it the bloodletting, the Bohemian approach to sex and sexuality, and the infinite backstabbing. All of that Morris gives great exposure, elevating the book to the point that it’d be easy to see MORITURI actually having taken place off-screen of those elements filmed for Season 1. Rather smartly, Morris sets much of the action at a time of upheaval for some of the secondary characters – Crixus is laid up in the infirmary, and, as such, gets little time but still manages to serve a role integral to the conclusion; Ashur is often off performing Batiatus’s bidding – and that presents the author with the chance to really hone in on the still-budding friendship between Spartacus and Varro.
In fact, MORITURI is so strong an installment that I could make a suggestion: do more just like this. Figure out precisely when in the lives of these televised characters that other like-minded tales could be spun. One could make the case that, given Morris’s strengths as a writer, there could be some great value in adapting some of the morality plays of the individual episodes into novels as well. Certainly, there’s enough fodder here for new stories; but – without spoiling it for anyone who hasn’t/doesn’t watch the TV program – not all of these characters will be around forever. Making the best of them when they are around could be a tremendous challenge to anyone attempting further franchise novels, but, if they’re half as good as MORITURI, I’d definitely be on-board as a regular reader.
No, it ain’t perfect. Parts of MORITURI feel a bit rushed – maybe the author was rushing to make a publication date? – and there are parts that, quite frankly, felt a bit rote. Still, it worked. As characters, Spartacus and his enemies and allies make for some very compelling narratives. Once the show vanishes from the airwaves as it must (Googled the real Spartacus if you’re inclined for a brief lesson in history), I’d be thrilled to see some of these folks get new lives maybe even in novels detailing the greater backstories. It may never happen, but it wouldn’t hurt if anyone at Titan Books is interested.
RECOMMENDED. It’s a franchise novel, told with the same care and attention given to most franchise efforts, and SPARTACUS: MORITURI hits all the right notes: there’s ample danger, intrigue, suspicion, sex, violence, and then some to interest (at least) fans of the STARZ Network Original Series and maybe (at best) win a few converts. I went into it with no expectations, and I came out of it definitely pleased, definitely sated. No, it’s not as good as the TV show, but it’s a filling substitute, all-the-same. If nothing else, it’s a respectable way to pass the time while waiting for the program to return for its fourth (and final) season.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the good folks at Titan Books provided me with a reader copy of SPARTACUS: MORITURI for the expressed purposes of completing this review.
I’ll admit it: the first hundred pages of SPARTACUS: MORITURI had me convinced that I was wasting my time. After all, what makes SPARTACUS – the television program – such a winning experience is the visceral thrill of bloodshed, the sweaty bodies thrown back-and-forth in combat and in sport, coupled with some exciting drama besieged with so many duplicitous characters. As a viewer, you’re shocked by the brutality, you’re captivated by the beauties, and you’re intrigued by the betrayals. SPARTACUS remains a swords’n’sandals soap opera – one based loosely on the events of history – spun with a cinematic flair that elevates even the most mundane happenings to the level of human drama. It isn’t hard to see why the STARZ Network jumped at the chance to put in on the air, and it isn’t hard to fathom why its cadre of loyal fans might latch on to a series of books based on their favorite characters.
After author Mark Morris could dispense with introducing his players and situations, MORITURI thankfully morphed into a great yarn – one beset with the same elements that make the TV show a sensation. So long as you don’t mind action sequences reduced to sometimes wordy sentences and paragraphs, you’ll find plenty to like in this guilty pleasure beach read.
Set during the events of SPARTACUS’s first season (“Blood and Sand”), MORITURI picks up shortly after the legendary slave is first crowned the Champion of Capua with his defeat of Theokoles. Suddenly, a new noble comes to town – Hieronymus – and he comes bearing the support of the Roman politician, Crassus. To everyone’s surprise, Hieronymus sets up his own ludus, and, in his gladiators first outing, he decimates the reputation of the House of Solonius. Never one to shy away from new challenges, Batiatus commits Spartacus and his own league of fighters to a display in the arena … but will Hieronymus’s grim spiritual advisor, Mantilus, and an unexplainable plague spell certain doom for all involved?
As stated above, I think Morris could’ve gone to greater pains in incorporate his new characters into SPARTACUS’s already very-full-bodied existence. This isn’t to say that his additions aren’t all that interesting; indeed, Mantilus is a brilliant creation, and there’s a new slave (Athenais) who serves as a visual reminder of how nefarious some ‘owners’ can be with their property. Hieronymus and his gladiators end up serving as (mostly) stock characters, while Crassus is given a bit of new exploration for the purposes of this tale. However, I felt the set-up and introductions went on far too long, keeping the reader away from the real heart of the tale, that being the legendary slave who will eventually lead a revolt. Spartacus is given short shrift in the opening 100 pages (or so), and that places a bit of a hurdle in front of the reader which doesn’t get rectified until later.
Still, once the action starts, it’s all delivered with a crispness and an attention to detail. Morris clearly understands what draws fans to SPARTACUS, be it the bloodletting, the Bohemian approach to sex and sexuality, and the infinite backstabbing. All of that Morris gives great exposure, elevating the book to the point that it’d be easy to see MORITURI actually having taken place off-screen of those elements filmed for Season 1. Rather smartly, Morris sets much of the action at a time of upheaval for some of the secondary characters – Crixus is laid up in the infirmary, and, as such, gets little time but still manages to serve a role integral to the conclusion; Ashur is often off performing Batiatus’s bidding – and that presents the author with the chance to really hone in on the still-budding friendship between Spartacus and Varro.
In fact, MORITURI is so strong an installment that I could make a suggestion: do more just like this. Figure out precisely when in the lives of these televised characters that other like-minded tales could be spun. One could make the case that, given Morris’s strengths as a writer, there could be some great value in adapting some of the morality plays of the individual episodes into novels as well. Certainly, there’s enough fodder here for new stories; but – without spoiling it for anyone who hasn’t/doesn’t watch the TV program – not all of these characters will be around forever. Making the best of them when they are around could be a tremendous challenge to anyone attempting further franchise novels, but, if they’re half as good as MORITURI, I’d definitely be on-board as a regular reader.
No, it ain’t perfect. Parts of MORITURI feel a bit rushed – maybe the author was rushing to make a publication date? – and there are parts that, quite frankly, felt a bit rote. Still, it worked. As characters, Spartacus and his enemies and allies make for some very compelling narratives. Once the show vanishes from the airwaves as it must (Googled the real Spartacus if you’re inclined for a brief lesson in history), I’d be thrilled to see some of these folks get new lives maybe even in novels detailing the greater backstories. It may never happen, but it wouldn’t hurt if anyone at Titan Books is interested.
RECOMMENDED. It’s a franchise novel, told with the same care and attention given to most franchise efforts, and SPARTACUS: MORITURI hits all the right notes: there’s ample danger, intrigue, suspicion, sex, violence, and then some to interest (at least) fans of the STARZ Network Original Series and maybe (at best) win a few converts. I went into it with no expectations, and I came out of it definitely pleased, definitely sated. No, it’s not as good as the TV show, but it’s a filling substitute, all-the-same. If nothing else, it’s a respectable way to pass the time while waiting for the program to return for its fourth (and final) season.
In the interests of fairness, I’m pleased to disclose that the good folks at Titan Books provided me with a reader copy of SPARTACUS: MORITURI for the expressed purposes of completing this review.
September 20, 2015
It took awhile to get going, but once it did, I enjoyed it very much.
A man named Hieronymus arrives in Capua and, under the patronage of Marcus Licinius Crassus, sets up his own Ludus. Soon after the gladiators in both Batiatus' and his rival lanista, Solonius' ludi begin experiencing lethargy, nightmares, and general malaise. After Solonius' gladiators are quickly defeated by Hieronymus' lesser trained men, and people set eyes on Hieronymus' rather unique looking attendant, Mantilius, superstition begins to take hold. Is Mantilius a sorcerer, there to place curses upon rival gladiators, or is there a less otherwordly explanation in play here?
The trouble often times with tie-in novels is that if they're not written by someone with intimate knowledge of the characters, you're sometimes left with beloved characters who behave in non-canonical ways. I didn't see much, if any, of that here. The author had a good grip on the characters he was writing, and I can't recall any events in the book that would directly contradict things that happened on screen. I would have liked there have been a bit more depth to the few original characters the author added, though.
Oh, and he did a great job with the rather unique speech patterns the show used.
The mystery itself--what exactly was wrong with the gladiators--I'd already sussed out, but not the actual how, so that didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story.
This book, like the other Spartacus tie-in novel is set in the period after Spartacus and Crixus have defeated Theokoles, and Crixus is healing from his wounds, and thus not as big a factor in the book as I'd have liked. Though, he did play a part in the solving of the mystery, he still felt like a side character to me.
I'm sad there's only been two tie-in novels released. I'd love to read more.
A man named Hieronymus arrives in Capua and, under the patronage of Marcus Licinius Crassus, sets up his own Ludus. Soon after the gladiators in both Batiatus' and his rival lanista, Solonius' ludi begin experiencing lethargy, nightmares, and general malaise. After Solonius' gladiators are quickly defeated by Hieronymus' lesser trained men, and people set eyes on Hieronymus' rather unique looking attendant, Mantilius, superstition begins to take hold. Is Mantilius a sorcerer, there to place curses upon rival gladiators, or is there a less otherwordly explanation in play here?
The trouble often times with tie-in novels is that if they're not written by someone with intimate knowledge of the characters, you're sometimes left with beloved characters who behave in non-canonical ways. I didn't see much, if any, of that here. The author had a good grip on the characters he was writing, and I can't recall any events in the book that would directly contradict things that happened on screen. I would have liked there have been a bit more depth to the few original characters the author added, though.
Oh, and he did a great job with the rather unique speech patterns the show used.
The mystery itself--what exactly was wrong with the gladiators--I'd already sussed out, but not the actual how, so that didn't lessen my enjoyment of the story.
This book, like the other Spartacus tie-in novel is set in the period after Spartacus and Crixus have defeated Theokoles, and Crixus is healing from his wounds, and thus not as big a factor in the book as I'd have liked. Though, he did play a part in the solving of the mystery, he still felt like a side character to me.
I'm sad there's only been two tie-in novels released. I'd love to read more.
November 2, 2021
Spartacus and the rest of his brothers from Batiatus’s Ludus suffer from a mysterious mental and physical illness, which most believe is caused by dark sorcery. But Spartacus knows better than to rely on superstitious follies and seeks to investigate further.
This book is sort of a spin-off to the events following the death of Spartacus’s wife from the first season of Starz’s Spartacus TV series. The story started slow-moving, but it was entertaining just the same. Less violent and sexy, too. I’ve watched the TV series before, and I keep hearing the voices of Andy Whitfield (though the book cover shows Liam McIntyre), Manu Bennett, John Hannah, and the rest of the actors in this book. It was a little nostalgic, to be honest.
This book is sort of a spin-off to the events following the death of Spartacus’s wife from the first season of Starz’s Spartacus TV series. The story started slow-moving, but it was entertaining just the same. Less violent and sexy, too. I’ve watched the TV series before, and I keep hearing the voices of Andy Whitfield (though the book cover shows Liam McIntyre), Manu Bennett, John Hannah, and the rest of the actors in this book. It was a little nostalgic, to be honest.
June 15, 2024
The book was a solid okay. Author, Mark Morris, has a great writing style, but the story itself could be shortened to 100 pages. Overall, both Spartacus books lack compelling characters, and leave you with an empty feeling.
February 24, 2018
İlk kitaptan daha iyi bir kurguya sahipti ve yine bir kez daha dizi tadını verdi. Olayların gelişmesi ve çözülmesi zekice olmuş.
July 8, 2019
Very well written and set to mind an episode of Spartacus that we might have missed. Truly, this was written by a fan of both DeKnight's work as well as the beloved show that influenced so many.
August 16, 2019
Not bad story
December 20, 2020
As much like a missing episode of the show as you'll find.
September 21, 2012
In Summary
Morituri is not epic but does provide a glimpse of Capua at its depraved worst with its citizenry vying for wealth and power on the backs of slaves, gladiators included. Pages abound with the machinations of Batiatus and his rivals, and although there are only two major gladiator tournaments, the story grips readers in a different way by besetting the city’s fiercest fighters with an enemy they cannot cut or even pinpoint.
The Review
Spartacus: Morituri is based off the Starz TV series, but familiarity with the show is not necessary to read the novel. I haven’t watched any TV episodes, but the bits of backstory in the narrative were sufficient for me to grasp the larger Spartacus arc. What did trip me up was some of the terminology and dialogue. It being a Roman period piece, Morris uses Roman terms for everything from rooms to gladiator weapons. While this should please enthusiasts of that era, not all the terms can be figured out from context, and the book provides no glossary. In addition, the characters speak in a kind of dialect. For example, this interchange takes place before a party between Lucretia and Ilithyia:
“Gods smile upon husband this day. He responds with raised voice in gratitude.”
“Spirits raise to hear the gods show generous heart,” Ilithyia said with a tinkling laugh. “But such bleating calls to mind sacrificial pig awaiting slaughter!”
I assume their speech is meant to reflect Latin sentence structure, but it does take some getting used to.
As to Morituri’s plot, it’s not so much an epic adventure as it is a tale of intrigue. The novel begins shortly after Spartacus has defeated Theokoles and become Champion of Capua and Batiatus’ ludus. But the focus, especially for the first half of the novel, is not so much on Spartacus and his fighting prowess, but the wheelings and dealings of his owner Batiatus, whose household is sliding into debt. The new lanista Hieronymus has come to Capua to debut his gladiators, the Morituri, and once Batiatus learns Hieronymus’ patron is the wealthy Roman nobleman Crassus, he’s desperate to curry Crassus’ favor. Batiatus comes off as a vulgar politician as he kisses up to his betters (often with little finesse); treats his lessers with contempt; and spews profanity within his home.
The intrigue ramps up once Batiatus and Hieronymus agree to a match with Batiatus’ fortunes weighing in the balance. A strange malaise falls upon Batiatus’ gladiators, affecting not only their bodies, but their minds. Nightmares afflict them, and the stable scenes are less about men training (though there are a couple passages about Spartacus perfecting his new two-sword technique) and more about the discord caused by their hallucinations. Making things worse is Mantilus, Hieronymus’ gladiator trainer, who exudes a demonic aura. With the ludus in disarray and the Morituri’s white-eyed, tattooed overseer lurking around, rumors of witchcraft run rampant, terrifying gladiators and Batiatus’ household alike.
Spartacus, though, is the notable exception. Despite his own eerie visions and sapped strength, he refuses to believe Mantilus possesses magic powers, with seemingly superhuman stubbornness. Therefore, it is not surprising that he is the one with enough presence of mind to figure out the truth behind Mantilus and the plague affecting the ludus.
Once the mystery is solved, what follows is a predictable plot for revenge. It is interesting though to see Solonius, Batiatus, Oenamus, and Spartacus working together, the lanistae to crush the one who’d nearly ruined them and the gladiators to avenge their fallen brethren. The three-way match in which they exact retribution turns the spotlight on the gladiator arena with intense, if harrowingly graphic, fight descriptions. For those wanting to read about blood on the sand, they will find it in those pages.
By the way, the cover blurb advertises Morituri as a “tale of blood, sex and politics.” There’s definitely politics with all of Capua trying to cozy up to nobleman Crassus. Morituri also delivers blood, though much of it comes in the form of nightmares and gladiators having crazed episodes in their stable. Regarding sex, there is sex aplenty with an orgy scene and Batiatus availing himself of his slaves, but it never comes into play as a tool for love or power. It just serves as part of the tawdry Roman background.
Morituri is not epic but does provide a glimpse of Capua at its depraved worst with its citizenry vying for wealth and power on the backs of slaves, gladiators included. Pages abound with the machinations of Batiatus and his rivals, and although there are only two major gladiator tournaments, the story grips readers in a different way by besetting the city’s fiercest fighters with an enemy they cannot cut or even pinpoint.
The Review
Spartacus: Morituri is based off the Starz TV series, but familiarity with the show is not necessary to read the novel. I haven’t watched any TV episodes, but the bits of backstory in the narrative were sufficient for me to grasp the larger Spartacus arc. What did trip me up was some of the terminology and dialogue. It being a Roman period piece, Morris uses Roman terms for everything from rooms to gladiator weapons. While this should please enthusiasts of that era, not all the terms can be figured out from context, and the book provides no glossary. In addition, the characters speak in a kind of dialect. For example, this interchange takes place before a party between Lucretia and Ilithyia:
“Gods smile upon husband this day. He responds with raised voice in gratitude.”
“Spirits raise to hear the gods show generous heart,” Ilithyia said with a tinkling laugh. “But such bleating calls to mind sacrificial pig awaiting slaughter!”
I assume their speech is meant to reflect Latin sentence structure, but it does take some getting used to.
As to Morituri’s plot, it’s not so much an epic adventure as it is a tale of intrigue. The novel begins shortly after Spartacus has defeated Theokoles and become Champion of Capua and Batiatus’ ludus. But the focus, especially for the first half of the novel, is not so much on Spartacus and his fighting prowess, but the wheelings and dealings of his owner Batiatus, whose household is sliding into debt. The new lanista Hieronymus has come to Capua to debut his gladiators, the Morituri, and once Batiatus learns Hieronymus’ patron is the wealthy Roman nobleman Crassus, he’s desperate to curry Crassus’ favor. Batiatus comes off as a vulgar politician as he kisses up to his betters (often with little finesse); treats his lessers with contempt; and spews profanity within his home.
The intrigue ramps up once Batiatus and Hieronymus agree to a match with Batiatus’ fortunes weighing in the balance. A strange malaise falls upon Batiatus’ gladiators, affecting not only their bodies, but their minds. Nightmares afflict them, and the stable scenes are less about men training (though there are a couple passages about Spartacus perfecting his new two-sword technique) and more about the discord caused by their hallucinations. Making things worse is Mantilus, Hieronymus’ gladiator trainer, who exudes a demonic aura. With the ludus in disarray and the Morituri’s white-eyed, tattooed overseer lurking around, rumors of witchcraft run rampant, terrifying gladiators and Batiatus’ household alike.
Spartacus, though, is the notable exception. Despite his own eerie visions and sapped strength, he refuses to believe Mantilus possesses magic powers, with seemingly superhuman stubbornness. Therefore, it is not surprising that he is the one with enough presence of mind to figure out the truth behind Mantilus and the plague affecting the ludus.
Once the mystery is solved, what follows is a predictable plot for revenge. It is interesting though to see Solonius, Batiatus, Oenamus, and Spartacus working together, the lanistae to crush the one who’d nearly ruined them and the gladiators to avenge their fallen brethren. The three-way match in which they exact retribution turns the spotlight on the gladiator arena with intense, if harrowingly graphic, fight descriptions. For those wanting to read about blood on the sand, they will find it in those pages.
By the way, the cover blurb advertises Morituri as a “tale of blood, sex and politics.” There’s definitely politics with all of Capua trying to cozy up to nobleman Crassus. Morituri also delivers blood, though much of it comes in the form of nightmares and gladiators having crazed episodes in their stable. Regarding sex, there is sex aplenty with an orgy scene and Batiatus availing himself of his slaves, but it never comes into play as a tool for love or power. It just serves as part of the tawdry Roman background.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2017
Now you walk into any bookstore and you can most likely find half a dozen books, fiction and non-fiction alike, that focus on the historical figure of Spartacus. But this particular series is actually based on the Starz television series of the same name.
Here in the second installment, we are once again introduced to the whole motley crew that lives in the ludus of a Roman named Batiatus, and things are not well in this house.
A new, important merchant arrives in their hometown of Capua, accompanied by a dark, twisted little man many believe to be a sorcerer. And once the merchant announces plans of founding his own ludus in the city, backed by the money of a important Roman general, all the other gladiators in the other ludus' of Capua start becoming ill. They are inexplicably weak, have nightmares, hallucinations, and all other sorts of things. And of course everyone blames sorcery and the dark, strange little man they believe is behind it all.
But as with most things in Rome, the supernatural can be explained naturally, and it is Spartacus himself that figures out the puzzle and saves the day. Lives are won, revenge is had, and in the end everyone still alive is very, very happy.
I love the television series. Its bloody, fun, gritty, and dirty. And we all need that once in a while. Its full of half naked men, Roman gladiators all, fighting each other to the death, living, learning- and in some cases loving -in a ludus of ancient Rome. Totally not PG this series.
So imagine this series. All the blood, guts, cursing and sex that goes on in it. Now try imagining what it would be like in book form. Basically, you get 300+ pages of script set in book form, which I think is what I enjoy most about the series. The events that happen in the books take place in and around the cannon of the series, but you can easily imagine them dedicating an episode or two to this particular story. The descriptions are vivid, the characters are transferred through the mediums very well, and overall its a wonderful series for any fans of the show.
Here in the second installment, we are once again introduced to the whole motley crew that lives in the ludus of a Roman named Batiatus, and things are not well in this house.
A new, important merchant arrives in their hometown of Capua, accompanied by a dark, twisted little man many believe to be a sorcerer. And once the merchant announces plans of founding his own ludus in the city, backed by the money of a important Roman general, all the other gladiators in the other ludus' of Capua start becoming ill. They are inexplicably weak, have nightmares, hallucinations, and all other sorts of things. And of course everyone blames sorcery and the dark, strange little man they believe is behind it all.
But as with most things in Rome, the supernatural can be explained naturally, and it is Spartacus himself that figures out the puzzle and saves the day. Lives are won, revenge is had, and in the end everyone still alive is very, very happy.
I love the television series. Its bloody, fun, gritty, and dirty. And we all need that once in a while. Its full of half naked men, Roman gladiators all, fighting each other to the death, living, learning- and in some cases loving -in a ludus of ancient Rome. Totally not PG this series.
So imagine this series. All the blood, guts, cursing and sex that goes on in it. Now try imagining what it would be like in book form. Basically, you get 300+ pages of script set in book form, which I think is what I enjoy most about the series. The events that happen in the books take place in and around the cannon of the series, but you can easily imagine them dedicating an episode or two to this particular story. The descriptions are vivid, the characters are transferred through the mediums very well, and overall its a wonderful series for any fans of the show.
August 14, 2012
“Spartacus Morituri” by Mark Morris, published by Titan Books.
Category – Historical Fiction
This book is more fiction than history but gives a fairly accurate look into life during the height of the Roman Empire. Spartacus, now a Gladiator, is fighting in the stable of Batiatus.
Gladiators when entering an arena for a fight until death looked up at the nobility and proclaimed, “Morituri Te Salutamus”, “We Who Are About To Die Salute You”.
Batiatus who lives in Capua has the best stable of Gladiators that is anchored by Spartacus. A Greek, Hieronymus, has come into Capua and set up his own stable of Gladiators to rival Batiatus. Hieronymus convinces Solonius, who has the second best stable in Capua, to pit his Gladiators against his. Although Solonius’s men should win hands down, they are sluggish and uncoordinated and lose all matches. Hieronymus then convinces both Solonius and Batiatus to a three way match and if Hieronymus wins Batiatus will forfeit everything he has to Hieronymus.
Batiatus and Spartacus must find a way to defeat Hieronymus, and this includes finding out why the Gladiators opposing Hieronymus seem to be lethargic at best.
A good story for those interested in this period of time, and for those who like Gladiator stories. Kudos to Mark Morris for using terminology that was prevalent during this time. Readers should be cautioned that the book contains strong sexual content and language.
Category – Historical Fiction
This book is more fiction than history but gives a fairly accurate look into life during the height of the Roman Empire. Spartacus, now a Gladiator, is fighting in the stable of Batiatus.
Gladiators when entering an arena for a fight until death looked up at the nobility and proclaimed, “Morituri Te Salutamus”, “We Who Are About To Die Salute You”.
Batiatus who lives in Capua has the best stable of Gladiators that is anchored by Spartacus. A Greek, Hieronymus, has come into Capua and set up his own stable of Gladiators to rival Batiatus. Hieronymus convinces Solonius, who has the second best stable in Capua, to pit his Gladiators against his. Although Solonius’s men should win hands down, they are sluggish and uncoordinated and lose all matches. Hieronymus then convinces both Solonius and Batiatus to a three way match and if Hieronymus wins Batiatus will forfeit everything he has to Hieronymus.
Batiatus and Spartacus must find a way to defeat Hieronymus, and this includes finding out why the Gladiators opposing Hieronymus seem to be lethargic at best.
A good story for those interested in this period of time, and for those who like Gladiator stories. Kudos to Mark Morris for using terminology that was prevalent during this time. Readers should be cautioned that the book contains strong sexual content and language.
March 8, 2017
This story is set at the same time of the other Spartacus tie in novel - Sword and Ashes by J.M.Clements. Spartacus and Crixus have defeated Theokolus and Crixus is in the medicus recovering from his wounds.
Batiatus and Spartacus, the bringer of rain, faces a new challenge from a Greek merchant wishing to create his own ludus and win the games using underhand measures.
If you like the TV series you will get a kick out of this stand alone story. All your favourite characters from the TV series are in the story and Crassus himself makes an early appearance which is fine given he does not actually interact with Spartacus much, so no spoilers with War Of The Damned series.
This novel is lot more fun than Sword and Ashes and has some great dialogue and fight scenes. I enjoyed it as much as any episode from the TV series and if you looking for more Spartacus fun and classic Batiatus phrases than look no further.
The book states Book 1 of Spartacus so hopefully there will be more.
Batiatus and Spartacus, the bringer of rain, faces a new challenge from a Greek merchant wishing to create his own ludus and win the games using underhand measures.
If you like the TV series you will get a kick out of this stand alone story. All your favourite characters from the TV series are in the story and Crassus himself makes an early appearance which is fine given he does not actually interact with Spartacus much, so no spoilers with War Of The Damned series.
This novel is lot more fun than Sword and Ashes and has some great dialogue and fight scenes. I enjoyed it as much as any episode from the TV series and if you looking for more Spartacus fun and classic Batiatus phrases than look no further.
The book states Book 1 of Spartacus so hopefully there will be more.
November 21, 2017
The Good
This book is set around season 1
•Seeing stuff from season 1 that does not exist past that season
•Captures the characters voice and their motivations well- which is what you want from a novelization. Seeing words that I could see coming out of the characters mouth made me ultimately decide to buy this book.
•Diverse cast: just like the show
•Hits on the important povs: most of the people who have a point of view in the show make an appearance
•Intrigue- like the show
•Roman mythology
The Bad
•Repetitive- feels like the story got stuck in a loop for a large amount of the novel and only got out of it in the last 100 or so pages.
The Meh
I question if the sexual violence shown in the book was handled well. Then again does the show handle sexual violence well?
(also did a novelization tbr on my blog https://themollyweather.wordpress.com...)
This book is set around season 1
•Seeing stuff from season 1 that does not exist past that season
•Captures the characters voice and their motivations well- which is what you want from a novelization. Seeing words that I could see coming out of the characters mouth made me ultimately decide to buy this book.
•Diverse cast: just like the show
•Hits on the important povs: most of the people who have a point of view in the show make an appearance
•Intrigue- like the show
•Roman mythology
The Bad
•Repetitive- feels like the story got stuck in a loop for a large amount of the novel and only got out of it in the last 100 or so pages.
The Meh
I question if the sexual violence shown in the book was handled well. Then again does the show handle sexual violence well?
(also did a novelization tbr on my blog https://themollyweather.wordpress.com...)
July 12, 2013
it was an extremely well written book and was really enjoyable read. The author did a great job of capturing the essence of the language used and the way that the all the familiar character's did as if I was actually watching an episode of Spartacus, and was glad and a little sad as I envisioned Spartacus as Andy Whitfield who brought the character to life and will be greatly missed.
August 19, 2012
Oh, “Spartacus”, how I love to read you. This wonderful written world spawned by the STARZ original series of the same name is just as vile and ill-spirited. If you know the series, then you know that is a compliment... more here ==> http://dnmmagazine.com/2012/08/19/new...
July 18, 2013
This was a quick and fun summer read. The plot is predictable but entertaining and Morris does an excellent job of capturing the language and style of the TV series. At present, this is the second of two Spartacus tie-in novels but I would read more if they appeared.
May 4, 2013
This is exactly what I expected and wanted from a Spartacus novel. A very quick escapist read!
June 5, 2014
I like spending more time with the characters from one of my fav shows, even if the plot is like a Hardy Boys novel with added orgies and dismemberment.
March 13, 2015
Pretty predictable.
May 31, 2016
Another original novel written in the voice of the series. Almost historical, the gladiators spring forth from the pages. It somewhat resembled a mystery novel.
November 16, 2019
The second in the series; neatly placed between one episode of the series and another; giving it space and breadth to spin its own tale. A good, enjoyable read.
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August 21, 2017Love
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