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Gladiator #3
Gladiator: Son of Spartacus
Eleven-year-old Marcus Cornelius Primus has been torn from his idyllic childhood and recruited as a gladiator, facing a life of intense training governed by strict rules. As he learns what it takes to become an elite warrior, Marcus makes new friends and masters valuable skills, though he also makes a dangerous enemy who will stop at nothing to make Marcus's life miserable.
But Marcus has no intention of staying in gladiator school forever. He is determined to find his father's old commander to right the wrongs that have been done to Marcus's family. Escape won't be easy, with the threat of punishment and battle in the arena looming large. Yet, unbeknownst to Marcus, he carries a secret that might hold the key to his freedom and that of all of the Empire's slaves. And if the Romans discover it, there will be no escape.
Internationally bestselling author Simon Scarrow brings his considerable talents to the younger audience in this suspenseful, thrilling, and action-packed journey through Ancient Rome.
But Marcus has no intention of staying in gladiator school forever. He is determined to find his father's old commander to right the wrongs that have been done to Marcus's family. Escape won't be easy, with the threat of punishment and battle in the arena looming large. Yet, unbeknownst to Marcus, he carries a secret that might hold the key to his freedom and that of all of the Empire's slaves. And if the Romans discover it, there will be no escape.
Internationally bestselling author Simon Scarrow brings his considerable talents to the younger audience in this suspenseful, thrilling, and action-packed journey through Ancient Rome.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
39 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Simon Scarrow
172 books2,164 followersSimon Scarrow is a UK-based author, born in Nigeria, and now living in Norfolk. He completed a master's degree at the University of East Anglia, and, after working at the Inland Revenue, went into teaching as a lecturer at City College, Norwich.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
He is best known for his "Eagle" series. This is Roman empire military fiction, starting with the second invasion of Britain, and continuing with subsequent adventures in every corner of the empire. The stories are told through the eyes of two centurions, Macro and Cato. To date there are eighteen books in the series.
Scarrow has also written a series of four novels on the Napoleonic wars, focusing on the lives of Wellington and Napoleon.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 7, 2017
A good read but not as satisfying as the previous two books in the series.
So Marcus wants to continue the search for his mother but Caesar has other plans. Caesar has been tasked by the Senate to find and destroy a rebel group led by Marcus' old friend Brixus. Brixus would like nothing better than to have Marcus join the rebellion as the Son of Spartacus. So does Marcus side with Caesar so he can keep his help to find his mother or follow the legacy of his father and lead the slaves to freedom?
As with the other books in the series, the action begins right from the beginning and continues throughout the book. Unfortunately, there isn't a satisfying climax in this book. It builds quite nicely but then just fizzles at the end. I mean I get why it had to end the way it did it just wasn't very climactic. Read it you'll get what I mean.
I still love the characters. Marcus is great. He's put into impossible situations for only being twelve and he manages to figure his way out of them in a way that I think a twelve-year-old would. At least a twelve-year-old that's been through what he's been through would. The supporting characters are great too. Caesar is a character you just love to hate. He helps Marcus but at times treats him as property.
Even though this was a bit of a disappointment, I'm still excited to read the fourth and final book in the series.
January 4, 2022
Read this book in 2013, and its the 3rd volume of the superb "Gladiator" series.
In this tale Marcus is free from slavery, and determined to find his kidnapped mother.
But Julius Caesar have other ideas for Marcus, in that Caesar wants Marcus to destroy a band of slave rebels that is lead by Marcus's old ally, Brixus, who wants to reunite a slave army and resurrect the cause of Spartacus.
Torn between his friend and master, he must find a way to help his friend Brixus and at the same time keep Julius Caesar happy with his efforts.
What is to follow is an amazing YA Roman adventure, that is told by the author in a very understandable fashion for a YA reader, and that should be enjoyed by an YA reader.
Highly recommended, for this is another great YA Roman tale to this sublime YA series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant YA Roman Read"!
In this tale Marcus is free from slavery, and determined to find his kidnapped mother.
But Julius Caesar have other ideas for Marcus, in that Caesar wants Marcus to destroy a band of slave rebels that is lead by Marcus's old ally, Brixus, who wants to reunite a slave army and resurrect the cause of Spartacus.
Torn between his friend and master, he must find a way to help his friend Brixus and at the same time keep Julius Caesar happy with his efforts.
What is to follow is an amazing YA Roman adventure, that is told by the author in a very understandable fashion for a YA reader, and that should be enjoyed by an YA reader.
Highly recommended, for this is another great YA Roman tale to this sublime YA series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Brilliant YA Roman Read"!
October 3, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It wasn't what I usually read however, I realised that perhaps I never branched out with the genres I read enough. I learnt so much about nobility and doing what's right from the book. It was set during the Roman era; Julius Caesar was the ruler who had a mission to end the slave rebellion. He succeed but only because Marcus made a deal with him as well as Brixus to end the suffering. Marcus's mother was taken away from him as a child and he was sent to gladiator school while she was left to be a slave and work a farm - the owner of the farm, one of Marcus's biggest enemies, having a crush on her and desperate to have her/own her. Marcus happens to be the son of Spartacus, the leader of the slave rebellion who died in the last battle. Marcus is supposed to continue his legacy but because Caesar essentially raised him and gave him hospitality, after Marcus rescued Caesar's niece, Portia, in a battle, he isn't sure which side to take and wishes there wouldn't be a war in the first place. Portia is a couple years older than him and has a crush on him even though she is engaged (arranged to get Caesar more allies), and he has a crush on her - but they obviously can't be together. The only part I couldn't quite get my head around when I started reading the book, was the fact that Marcus was only twelve years old when his mentality and skill seemed like a young strong man, quick and steady. Eventually however, you forget the fact that he is so young and come to terms with the fact that during this period of time, boys were supposed to act like fully grown men and fight like warriors. They married young and were raised brutally from youth because in their mind you were a man at such a young age as I'm assuming life expectancy was short during this time meaning the current ages we have now were shorter and shifted back.
November 6, 2014
So this book has a plenty of parts when Marcus has conflicting personalities that are just like "the rebellion is doomed to fail or if I join I can end slavery" which gives the book some more suspense that makes wonder like "Is Marcus gonna join the rebellion or is he gonna fight the rebellion. Another thing this book has is strong images like when the riders encounter Mandracus and the author explains what Mandracus looks like when he wears the wolfskin like a cloak. Overall I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes books with action and suspense in them.
August 14, 2015
Marcus had his orders to destroy the rebels but as soon as he knew that his good friend Brixus was the leader of the rebels he tried to convince him that it was not the time for a deadly attack against the Romans.
March 5, 2024
"Son of Spartacus” (Gladiator 3) keeps up the suspenseful story and heart-pounding action that fans of Simon Scarrow's series have become accustomed to. This installment follows up smoothly where the previous book, Street Fighter, left off, making it ideal for young readers aged 10 to 14 as well as even older audiences looking for an exciting journey. Our tenacious main character, Marcus, is still firmly positioned within Caesar's inner circle and is going on another dangerous expedition with the emperor. Scarrow skillfully combines aspects of thrilling action, historical drama, and deep character development to create a story that draws readers in from the first page. The stakes rise with each turn and twist, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the dramatic conclusion. While Son of Spartacus is a compelling read on its own, starting with the series at the beginning allows readers to fully immerse themselves in Marcus's adventure and enhances the reading experience. In summary, Son of Spartacus is a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars because of its intense action, compelling narrative, and vibrant cast of characters. Readers who enjoy historical fiction and adventure should not miss this book since it takes them on an incredible journey that will have them eagerly awaiting the next installment.
February 2, 2025
I'm aware this story is for teens but I picked it up from the library for 10p without paying much attention other than the author's name.
Full disclosure: I haven't read books 1 or 2.
In the main I enjoyed this story. The rebels and Marcus' moral dilemma made for an interesting read but I sometimes think the author forgot the age of his protagonist.
Marcus's ability to beat grown men in a fight due to his inate ability seemed unlikely, no matter that he is the son of Spartacus.
And his relationship with Portia should have been sweet but he kept thinking of her 'in that way' (his words not mine) and it made me uncomfortable. He's 12. I don't know how old Portia is, but she's married so I'm hoping she's older than 12. That whole storyline just made me cringe, and it really wasn't necessary.
Yes, I know that it was legal for a girl to marry at 12 in Ancient Rome. But there's a fine line between being historically accurate and the message you send to the reader, especially when that reader is an impressionable teen who might look up to the hero of the book. Especially when it wasn’t really necessary for the progression of the plot.
Full disclosure: I haven't read books 1 or 2.
In the main I enjoyed this story. The rebels and Marcus' moral dilemma made for an interesting read but I sometimes think the author forgot the age of his protagonist.
Marcus's ability to beat grown men in a fight due to his inate ability seemed unlikely, no matter that he is the son of Spartacus.
And his relationship with Portia should have been sweet but he kept thinking of her 'in that way' (his words not mine) and it made me uncomfortable. He's 12. I don't know how old Portia is, but she's married so I'm hoping she's older than 12. That whole storyline just made me cringe, and it really wasn't necessary.
Yes, I know that it was legal for a girl to marry at 12 in Ancient Rome. But there's a fine line between being historically accurate and the message you send to the reader, especially when that reader is an impressionable teen who might look up to the hero of the book. Especially when it wasn’t really necessary for the progression of the plot.
August 29, 2022
In book 3 of this series, Marcus is still looking for his mother. He had been training to become a gladiator and had Julius Caesar's niece. This earned him his freedom and a promise from Caesar to help him find his mother. Caesar is finishing his term as proconsul of Rome and is eager to get started on this campaign in Gaul. However, another slave rebellion is brewing in the Apenneses Mountains in Italy and he has promised to crush it. Some Marcus and Caesar are off to crush this new slave rebellion without Caesar knowing Marcus is the true son of Spartacus. Brixus, the new leader of the slave rebellion wants to recruit Marcus to fight with him, so more slaves will join the rebellion. So into these dilemmas, Marcus is thrown to figure out how he can save his mother and whether to serve Caesar or serve with Brixus. The story is a little hard to believe given what we know about Roman history, but it is a good tale and worth the read. It is easy to read and as always lots of action and intrigue since is is a book by Simon Scarrow.
October 25, 2018
Gladiator 3: Zoon van Spartacus is het 3e boek uit de serie gladiator. Het is een zeer goed boek, gevuld met politiek, geschiedenis, actie, avontuur en spanning. De vorige boeken waren iets beter dan dit boek, maar het is alsnog een schitterend boek. Het gaat vooral over politiek: Caesar en de senaat. Caesar wil Gallië gaan veroveren, maar daarvoor moet hij eerst een leger opstandelingen, losgebroken slaven met de grond gelijkmaken. Het verhaal bevat ook geschiedenis, hoe ‘Italia’ er uitzag rond de periode van Caesar, hoe een Romeins leger opgesteld stond, de onderdelen van een Romeinse soldatenuniform en de bekende senatoren van toen: Crassus, Cato, Caesar en uiteraard hoe het er in die tijd aan toe ging: slaven, gladiatorengevechten etc. Het boek is natuurlijk ook spannend, aangezien Marcus Caesar moet helpen de opstandelingen uit te roeien terwijl je weet dat hij een band heeft met slaven (die in opstand komen) en vooral een verleden met hun leider. Er zijn minder gevechten dan de vorige 2 boeken, maar uiteraard zijn er wel gevechten, anders zou het boek de naam ‘Gladiator’ niet hebben. Doorheen het verhaal zijn er naar mijn mening soms te voorspelbare gebeurtenissen of te voorspelbare reacties op de omgeving/gebeurtenissen. Hier en daar zou ik er een andere draai aan gegeven hebben bv. het boek spannender maken door een onverwachte gebeurtenis vroeg in het verhaal, zodat de lezer zeker verder wil lezen. I.p.v. het boek spannender te maken naargelang het boek eindigt. In het algemeen is het een geweldig boek, als je even doorleest wil je het gehele boek in 1 keer lezen. Als dit boek je genre is zou ik het je zeker aanraden deze serie te lezen. Ik ben alvast op zoek naar boek 4!
December 2, 2025
I really enjoyed the first two novels in this YA series (that is quite violent for that genre), so I wasted little time in diving into book #3. Unfortunately the returns here are... diminishing.
The biggest problem with this third chapter is that it seems to be spinning its wheels narratively speaking. There's nothing really fresh here, and only at the end do we finally end up on the doorstep of the organic next step in our hero's journey.
I'm a little fatigued at this point and will likely have to take a break before I pick back up with the adventures of Marcus, son of Spartacus.
The biggest problem with this third chapter is that it seems to be spinning its wheels narratively speaking. There's nothing really fresh here, and only at the end do we finally end up on the doorstep of the organic next step in our hero's journey.
I'm a little fatigued at this point and will likely have to take a break before I pick back up with the adventures of Marcus, son of Spartacus.
September 2, 2017
Marcus forma parte del equipo de Julio César. Por intrigas políticas, encargarán a César acabar con la segunda revuelta de esclavos antes de ir a la Galia. Marcus estará entre la espada y la pared, con sus lealtades divididas, mientras Portia mostrará que su matrimonio no es un éxito.
June 12, 2020
Toujours aussi plaisant à lire. Par contre bien que le titre nous laissait présager voir des combats de gladiateur dans l'arène, il n'en ait rien et c'est dommage. Toutefois la lecture reste abordable et facile à lire.
May 26, 2017
really good story showing marcus and co.
August 4, 2017
The third book is just as exhilarating as the second one, though not as much as the first one in the series Gladiator. Still, it is a great sequel of a sequel.
February 9, 2022
While this is a fun read, it should not be taken too seriously. The main character Marcus is 12 years old, yet is able to best adults in fighting, thinking and persuading. It's just too unbelievable.
June 17, 2025
Simplemente excepcional. No quieres parar de leer
March 22, 2016
Increasingly, writers of adult fiction are supplementing their income by producing shorter and simpler outings for the juvenile market. This should be seen as a good thing as when great authors write books for kids, they can be fantastic offerings. Simon Scarrow is a great author at his best, but ‘Gladiator: Son of Spartacus’ is perhaps not that. Book three sees young Marcus in somewhat of a quandary, does he side with his former slave allies in rebellion, or help the man he is indebted to – a man who happens to be none other than Caesar. This leads to quite a bit of handwringing and angst.
It is here that the book feels untrue; Marcus is obviously written for the tween market and has the mentality of a teen, but perhaps of one from the 2010s and not the time of the Romans. Young people can be quite idealistic, but I feel this is a relatively modern phenomena that has been lucked into by the past few generations who no longer had to go to work by age 5. Marcus’ attitudes do no chime that well with the time in which he lives, they all feel a little soft and naïve.
This is even more noticeable when the history itself is well written. Scarrow has perfected his knowledge of the era and the story of the post-Spartacus slave tribes feels realistic, it is just Marcus’ role in them that smacks untrue. Also having someone as prominent as Caesar close to the centre does not help as his relationship with Marcus also feels unnatural. To end it all, the final action sequence is a damp squib, which is again unfortunate as there are a few solid action sequences leading up to it. Perhaps it needed to be extended to have a better finale and feel like a whole book.
For a 10-14 year old who likes action, ‘Gladiator: Son of Spartacus’ is a solid outing and they may relate to the character of Marcus, but even they will think that the ending is a little odd.
It is here that the book feels untrue; Marcus is obviously written for the tween market and has the mentality of a teen, but perhaps of one from the 2010s and not the time of the Romans. Young people can be quite idealistic, but I feel this is a relatively modern phenomena that has been lucked into by the past few generations who no longer had to go to work by age 5. Marcus’ attitudes do no chime that well with the time in which he lives, they all feel a little soft and naïve.
This is even more noticeable when the history itself is well written. Scarrow has perfected his knowledge of the era and the story of the post-Spartacus slave tribes feels realistic, it is just Marcus’ role in them that smacks untrue. Also having someone as prominent as Caesar close to the centre does not help as his relationship with Marcus also feels unnatural. To end it all, the final action sequence is a damp squib, which is again unfortunate as there are a few solid action sequences leading up to it. Perhaps it needed to be extended to have a better finale and feel like a whole book.
For a 10-14 year old who likes action, ‘Gladiator: Son of Spartacus’ is a solid outing and they may relate to the character of Marcus, but even they will think that the ending is a little odd.
July 11, 2014
Simon Scarrow- Son of Spartacus [Gladiator #3] Läsutmaning 3
Plot.
Oh crap, I've forgotten to write a review for this one.. I finished this for some time ago so I'm going to do my best.
Since I really liked the second book in the series I thought I would love this, it got so great reviews at goodreads, but unfortunately I didn't like it very much. The pacing was so slow and I feel like nothing happened. They just rode around on their horses, going to war.
Something that bugged me so hard was the fact that the rebellion in this books that are supposed to be the good guys are as horrible as the bad guys. Uuugh, I'm on no ones side here, well except for Marcus of course.
Though, I feel like the ending was good cause it created a chance for a different plot in the next book.
Characters.
Marcus was great at everything as usual and he's very lucky. He doesn't understand that he is going to be such a great leader for the rebellion. Their current leader is an ass just like Caesar himself.
Summary.
So yes, slow book with nothing much happening, but the next one has potential. I feel like the series it so long but at the same time I understand since this war could take a while...^^
#lasutmaning3 läs en bok där titeln består av 3 ord.
Plot.
Oh crap, I've forgotten to write a review for this one.. I finished this for some time ago so I'm going to do my best.
Since I really liked the second book in the series I thought I would love this, it got so great reviews at goodreads, but unfortunately I didn't like it very much. The pacing was so slow and I feel like nothing happened. They just rode around on their horses, going to war.
Something that bugged me so hard was the fact that the rebellion in this books that are supposed to be the good guys are as horrible as the bad guys. Uuugh, I'm on no ones side here, well except for Marcus of course.
Though, I feel like the ending was good cause it created a chance for a different plot in the next book.
Characters.
Marcus was great at everything as usual and he's very lucky. He doesn't understand that he is going to be such a great leader for the rebellion. Their current leader is an ass just like Caesar himself.
Summary.
So yes, slow book with nothing much happening, but the next one has potential. I feel like the series it so long but at the same time I understand since this war could take a while...^^
#lasutmaning3 läs en bok där titeln består av 3 ord.
February 4, 2019
I never had a special feeling with this series. I read the first two books two years ago when i was 12. Already then I didn´t thought it was a fantastic series. It was OK.
The problems I had also back then was the main character Marcus. He was 11-12 years old in the first two books and I really thought that he acted not like his age. He acted too mature. He won almost every fight. Also against really strong grown up opponents. Wich sounded very unrealistic.
But on the other hand the fight scenes in the books (the man vs man) where actually verry good. Verry detailed fights and they just sounded very cool.
In this book the fights scenes were a little bit disappointed. There were much more battles between two "Armies" then there was between two man. And those battles were not that good.
Overall the series is just fine and I will try to finish the fourth book as soon as possible.
This book gets an 6.5/10
The problems I had also back then was the main character Marcus. He was 11-12 years old in the first two books and I really thought that he acted not like his age. He acted too mature. He won almost every fight. Also against really strong grown up opponents. Wich sounded very unrealistic.
But on the other hand the fight scenes in the books (the man vs man) where actually verry good. Verry detailed fights and they just sounded very cool.
In this book the fights scenes were a little bit disappointed. There were much more battles between two "Armies" then there was between two man. And those battles were not that good.
Overall the series is just fine and I will try to finish the fourth book as soon as possible.
This book gets an 6.5/10
October 29, 2015
A new rebellion against slavery breaks out. Young twelve year old Marcus must choose a side and convince them to stop before millions of deaths are on his conscience. Should Marcus side with the bloodthirsty Romans, and Caesar, who has looked after him for nearly a year? Or should he side with the ruthless rebel slaves, fighting for their freedom, their leader being a man he was friends with during gladiator training? Marcus finds himself in a scrape - one that must be sorted before the rebels and Caesar meet.
Marcus's intense adventures are exciting and realistic, as if you're travelling back to the Roman Era in a time machine!
Marcus's intense adventures are exciting and realistic, as if you're travelling back to the Roman Era in a time machine!
April 26, 2013
Wow...just...wow
November 3, 2013
Worlds worst ending, but one of the best books I've ever read!
May 11, 2014
Quite an entertaining series which I am reading in one go.
October 22, 2014
3.5 stars. I liked the other two books better, and this one had a quite anti climatic ending, unlike the first two who pretty much both ended with a cliffhanger.
It was still a fun read though.
It was still a fun read though.
May 8, 2020
7/10 VFM 23%. surprisingly engaging tale about battling the Romans, book probably meant for teenagers - would be good on TV. Won’t read again
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews