The Phantom of the Colosseum

Chrétiens des catacombes/ In the Shadows of Rome #1

by Sophie de Mullenheim, Janet Chevrier (Translator)

The Phantom of the Colosseum is the first volume of the gripping new series for 10 yr. olds and up titled In the Shadows of Rome (5 books total). Being a Christian in ancient Rome was very dangerous. To spread the faith and stay alive, you had to live in the shadows . . . Now that Blandula's master has been arrested for being a Christian, what will she do? Little does she know that she is about to meet three boys who will help her to find the answer: Maximus, the son of a senator; his slave Aghiles; and Titus, who never goes anywhere without his pet monkey. Follow their adventures as Blandula and her new companions forge priceless friendships—and discover the many secrets lurking in the shadows of the Colosseum.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Religion, Catholic, Childrens, Christian Fiction, Adventure

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting start to a new series, set during the Christian persecutions under Diocletian. The story itself was very engaging, the characters were interesting, and the plot moved quickly. I'm curious to see how the next book goes. I think this is a great title for young readers as to the lives of the early Christians. And I thought it was clever that none of the four main characters are Christians. This kept the story from feeling too preachy--the child protagonists are learning about this new religion, are somewhat confused and distrustful of it, and will hopefully by the end of the series, be converted to it. A great start.

[Natalia Vus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Класний підлітковий пригодницький роман❤️

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've wondered many times if the books from "In The Shadows of Rome" were worth buying. I have, unfortunately, found that Catholic fiction authors doesn't always impress me, and I hate spending a lot of money on books that ultimately disappoint*.

I was glad to find this first installment of the series, "The Phantom of the Colosseum", through my library's Hoopla account and I found it to be pretty well-written and interesting. I liked that our protagonists are not Christians, but are encountering them. It would have been more interesting - and probably realistic - for one of the boys to be more antagonistic towards Christianity, echoing the Roman society's view and creating conflict between the friends. Perhaps that may arise later in the series.

I will have my 6th grader check his (Catholic) school library & classroom for this book and, if not, will consider buying it for a Christmas gift, because I think he may like it as well.

*I gave it 4-stars, rounded up from 3.5 because it is a Catholic novel and I was ultimately *not* disappointed by it.

[Karen Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even though it is written for 10 years and older, I enjoyed it because it spoke the truth about the early Catholic Church and what happened to believers and the churches true teachings.
The main characters, Titus, Maximums, Aghiles, and Blandula become entangled with a Christian named Paulus and a thief named Victor. Victor is apart of gang of thieves who are living in the Colosseum. It is through a series of events that leads to the saving of a Christian and adventure for the others. You need to read the book to find out how they accomplished their deeds and what happens to the them.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting setting and plot, generally but I found the brevity of chapters and frequent cutting from scene to scene (plot to plot) somewhat jarring. Perhaps it's meant to keep the (young) reader engaged. Once I got through the exposition (about the first third) the story picked up. Pretty average on the whole although I'll be happy to get (and maybe read) more if my kids like the first one.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a christian young adult adventure story, but would be loved by anyone. I hope this is the first of many adventures for this group of young men and a young woman. It is nice to see how characters can change as their eyes are opened to the reality of other peoples lives.

[Theresa M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful Christian story about too many characters to count. It beautifully captures the act of loving a neighbor as God had intended. Not to mention, the book is historically accurate to its setting. 10/10 would recommend!

[Зоя Жук · Rating 5 out of 5]

Хороша історично-пригодницька повість для підлітків з елементами детективу. Хотілося б і продовження мати.

[Andrew Waring · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a series. It seems perfect for middle grade readers.

[Michael Guillen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Childish

The story reads as though it were meant for children. Even then the storyline is thin and the payoff greatly disappointing. Waste of time.

[Fides · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a novel for kids, it was fine. Excitement, clean language, all we could ask for from a fiction book for kids.

[Charly]

No rating. I didn't care for it, but it's possible much was lost in translation from the original French. My 5th grader likes it though.

[Kaytee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced historical fiction book for those 10 and above. Interesting concept that allows the read to unfurl the mysteries as the main characters do.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting read aloud. My kids loved it! We are now reading the next book in the series, “Lion for the Emperor.”

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and fun read.