What do you think?
Rate this book
Circus Maximus #1
Race to the Death
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.
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.
347 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
7 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 11, 2024
Dit was echt zo leuk!
April 22, 2021
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus publishing for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review. I really appreciate it.
I really liked this book! I love historical fiction, especially when it’s set in the Roman times and I’m also very interested with chariot racing. So when I first heard about this book, I was very excited.
This story follows the main character, Dido, who’s dream is to race at the Circus Maximus, however she knows that she’s probably never going to achieve that as girls aren’t allowed to race. It tells the story of her trying to achieve her dream.
When I tell you this book was amazing, I mean it. The writing style was excellent and it was really gripping. I couldn’t put it down! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I seem to have some kind of problem with giving books five stars, but I probably should. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or Roman times or fans of authors such as Caroline Lawrence, Rosemary Sutcliffe, Lauren St John and Clare Balding.
I really liked this book! I love historical fiction, especially when it’s set in the Roman times and I’m also very interested with chariot racing. So when I first heard about this book, I was very excited.
This story follows the main character, Dido, who’s dream is to race at the Circus Maximus, however she knows that she’s probably never going to achieve that as girls aren’t allowed to race. It tells the story of her trying to achieve her dream.
When I tell you this book was amazing, I mean it. The writing style was excellent and it was really gripping. I couldn’t put it down! The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I seem to have some kind of problem with giving books five stars, but I probably should. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or Roman times or fans of authors such as Caroline Lawrence, Rosemary Sutcliffe, Lauren St John and Clare Balding.
March 2, 2021
Circus Maximus: Race to the Death by Annelise Gray
I read this book at the perfect time, I had just watched Black Beauty and was in the mood for a book with horses as the main focus. It definitely didn’t disappoint. Race to the Death is a fascinating historical fiction set in Rome, where chariot racing is all the rage, it’s dangerous and equally exhilarating. Dido a 12-year-old girl dreams of becoming a chariot racer at the Circus Maximus, she has the knowledge and skill to do it, the only problem is, she’s a girl. Girls do not participate in such deadly activities. But that doesn’t put her off, she’s determined and will stop at nothing to get where she wants to be. Even if it kills her.
I really loved this book. I read it in a day. It was such an exciting book that inspires people to go live their dream, whatever obstacles are in your way you can still achieve anything. Dido proves this.
If you like fast-paced books, with adventure and great characters, then this is the book for you. It’s marketed for 9–12-year-olds but I loved it as an adult.
I read this book at the perfect time, I had just watched Black Beauty and was in the mood for a book with horses as the main focus. It definitely didn’t disappoint. Race to the Death is a fascinating historical fiction set in Rome, where chariot racing is all the rage, it’s dangerous and equally exhilarating. Dido a 12-year-old girl dreams of becoming a chariot racer at the Circus Maximus, she has the knowledge and skill to do it, the only problem is, she’s a girl. Girls do not participate in such deadly activities. But that doesn’t put her off, she’s determined and will stop at nothing to get where she wants to be. Even if it kills her.
I really loved this book. I read it in a day. It was such an exciting book that inspires people to go live their dream, whatever obstacles are in your way you can still achieve anything. Dido proves this.
If you like fast-paced books, with adventure and great characters, then this is the book for you. It’s marketed for 9–12-year-olds but I loved it as an adult.
February 16, 2021
✨‘Don’t lose your heart to that horse, my girl. He’s a Fury.’✨
— Annelise Gray, Circus Maximus: Race to the Death
🌷It seems the book that I’ve been missing all my life is set in Ancient Rome, featuring a young girl who dreams of being a chariot racer in the Circus Maximus.
To say I was surprised by this book is a total understatement! I was completely enthralled! Honestly, I wasn’t able to put this book down- and that hasn’t happened to me for a while!
This book was an emotional rollercoaster! Dido is our protagonist and she is so strong willed and has such a thirst for greatness. It is her motivation to go forth. To overcome ever horror life throws at her.
I need more Dido in my life!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! I’ll shout my love for it from the rooftops!
Thank you so much @Netgallery and @HeadofZeus for giving me this free copy! I 100% LOVED IT!
Read. Be happy. Stay safe.
— Annelise Gray, Circus Maximus: Race to the Death
🌷It seems the book that I’ve been missing all my life is set in Ancient Rome, featuring a young girl who dreams of being a chariot racer in the Circus Maximus.
To say I was surprised by this book is a total understatement! I was completely enthralled! Honestly, I wasn’t able to put this book down- and that hasn’t happened to me for a while!
This book was an emotional rollercoaster! Dido is our protagonist and she is so strong willed and has such a thirst for greatness. It is her motivation to go forth. To overcome ever horror life throws at her.
I need more Dido in my life!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! I’ll shout my love for it from the rooftops!
Thank you so much @Netgallery and @HeadofZeus for giving me this free copy! I 100% LOVED IT!
Read. Be happy. Stay safe.
April 21, 2024
Wat een lekker, spannend leesvoer. Over een meisje, de twaalfjarige Dido, in het Romeinse Rijk die meer wil zijn dan haar tijd haar toelaat. Thema's als wraak en verraad en de snoeiharde paardenraces zorgen voor een razend boek van begin tot eind. Goed geschreven, ik verwacht dat menig lezer (jong of volwassen) zich hier prima mee zal vermaken. Ik in ieder geval wel.
June 28, 2022
When I was younger, I was obsessed with Caroline Lawrence's series, The Roman Mysteries, which is a middle grade book series set in Ancient Rome. While I highly recommend those books, this one brought back all the memories in the best way possible. Annelise Gray is such a talented writer and the way she weaved the history of the Emperor Claudius and the Circus was so immaculate! Especially in a middle grade book this is such an important thing to nail because it makes the story that much more accessible to anyone who might want to pick it up and doesn't necessarily leave it to those who already know the history.
Additionally, I loved the down-to-earth feel that the story had. This is something else I love to see in a middle grade book. Ancient Rome was a dark place and I really appreciated how the author didn't try to sugar coat it but instead told it how it was and in doing so retained an authenticity that only comes when you aren't afraid to dive into the "nitty gritty". It also helps to gain a wider audience because it's written in a way that makes it great for kids but also leaves the door open for teens and adults to enjoy it as well.
While reading, I was also surprised to find that this book holds a very modern feel for being set in ancient times. I can't really explain it but I enjoyed how it didn't feel like a stretch to place myself inside the story even though the events that take place had happened near a thousand years ago! I'm so happy that my library already has copies of the sequel available and you can count on me reading that one very soon! Happy Reading :)
Additionally, I loved the down-to-earth feel that the story had. This is something else I love to see in a middle grade book. Ancient Rome was a dark place and I really appreciated how the author didn't try to sugar coat it but instead told it how it was and in doing so retained an authenticity that only comes when you aren't afraid to dive into the "nitty gritty". It also helps to gain a wider audience because it's written in a way that makes it great for kids but also leaves the door open for teens and adults to enjoy it as well.
While reading, I was also surprised to find that this book holds a very modern feel for being set in ancient times. I can't really explain it but I enjoyed how it didn't feel like a stretch to place myself inside the story even though the events that take place had happened near a thousand years ago! I'm so happy that my library already has copies of the sequel available and you can count on me reading that one very soon! Happy Reading :)
November 21, 2022
Incontournable Juillet 2022
On a rarement des histoires qui prennent place en Rome Antique pour notre jeunesse, alors ça me fait bien plaisir d'en découvrir un qui soit passionnant et crédible. L'autrice a fait beaucoup de recherches, elle nous en cite les sources à la fin.On a donc aucun mal à être immergé dans ce Rome du premier siècle. Ici, on s'intéresse aux courses de chars, l'équivalent de la Formule 1 de la Rome antique, sous le règne de Caligula, 3e empereur romain.
Didon aura connu de près les courses de chars toute sa vie, puisque son père est l'entraineur des Verts, l'une des quatre factions qui s'affrontent au Cirque Maxime, le plus grand stade de course de l'Empire. Elle aspire à devenir aurige ( conductrice de chars), mais en tant que fille, ça s'annonce pratiquement impossible. Ça ne l'empêche nullement de courser de temps à autre. Un jour, alors que Didon trouve une baie suspecte dans le box d'un des chevaux. Quand elle en informe son père, celui-ci comprend qu'on drogue les chevaux de la faction verte. Hélas, quand il en informe Hosidius Ruga, le directeur de la faction, qui explique que la tricherie est due au fait que les bleus sont financés par un homme outrancièrement riche, et qu'ils gagnent donc toujours, les évènements prennent une tournure dramatique. Naevius Sutorius Macro, commandant de la garde prétorienne qui protège l'Empereur, assassine Antonius, le père de Didon. Alors qu'Atticus, l'assistant de ce dernier , donne une chance à Didon de sauver sa peau, la jeune adolescente de 12 ans s'enfuit. Après un périple en bateau la menant à Carthage, ville d'enfance de sa mère, Didon réussira à trouver de l'aide en la personne de Scorpus, le grand rival de son père du temps de leur carrière d'aurige, et l'un des meilleurs auriges que Rome ait connu. À la mort de l'empereur Tibère, Caligula lui succède et comme il a un parti prit pour la "faction du peuple", les Verts, la faction bleue connait alors des difficultés. Deux ans passent, Didon, devenue Léon, se révèle une grande aurige. Son unique souhait: retourner à Rome pour retrouver son cheval, Porcellus, laissé derrière, et, pourquoi pas, courser dans le célèbre Cirque Maxime, pour retrouver la gloire perdue de la faction bleue. Mais ce ne sera pas simple: Porcellus est en réalité Incitatus, le cheval préféré de l'empereur et ce dernier soutient les Verts. Toutes les bassesses sont permises, du moment que l'Empereur est satisfait.
C'était une lecture historique passionnante, vraiment. Entre les conspirations et les coup bas en coulisse des courses, l'étrange Caligula, aussi imprévisible que passionné de course, et les secrets de famille de Didon, on ne s'ennuie pas du tout.
Il y a un formidable travail entourant les chevaux en eux-même. On aura droit aux détails sur leur santé, leur performances, leur tempérament et leur importance pour les courses. Ils sont des personnages au même titre que les humains et ont tous des noms. Une dimension équestre qui fait franchement du bien à lire, après ces innombrables romans sur l'équitation anglaise. Élever des chevaux de course est un art. Il y a aussi, évidemment, tout un langage autours du sport en lui-même, très intéressant. Il y a tellement de choses à tenir compte quand on pratique de sports, très dangereux d'ailleurs. À certains moments, on peut faire des parallèles avec la course automobile actuelle, comme les petits équipes sur le terrain, chargés de jeter de l'eau sur les roues ou s'occuper des chevaux une fois la course terminée. Il y a tout une équipe derrière un aurige, également. Et tout comme les courses actuelles, il y avait des "naufrages" qui pouvaient être d'une telle violence qu'elles pouvaient couter la vie aux auriges et aux chevaux.
À partir d'ici, il peut y avoir des divulgâches - et des péripéties surprenantes!
Didon est un personnage comme je les apprécie. Elle est vaillante, décidée, audacieuse et ne se laissera pas abattre pour des broutilles. Elle aura le concours d'une autre femme plus maligne et perspicace qu'elle en a l'air, en la personne d'Helvia, épouse d'Othon, le propriétaire des Bleus. Il y a beaucoup de personnages, avec des noms assez similaires ( tous en "us" ou presque). Heureusement, ils sont tous notés au début du roman, au besoin, placés par équipes. Mais on s'y retrouve assez bien. D'ailleurs, certains sont historiques: Caligula, l'empereur, est présent surtout dans le second volet de l'histoire. S'il a été historiquement apprécié au début de son règne, son tempérament instable et sa cruauté vont amener sur Rome un vent de révolte. En faisant mes recherches sur ce personnage réel, j'en ai lu qu'il aurait possiblement été bipolaire, ce qui semble avoir été aussi un trait dans le roman. Ce qui expliquerait, en autre, ses excès d'humeurs. La stèle en marbre, l'abreuvoir en ivoire et autres luxes démesurés pour son cheval Incitatus sont historiquement véridiques. le personnage de Cassius, garde prétorien qui éprouvait de la haine pour son empereur, a aussi existé. Vous trouverez quelques explications et sources de l'autrice à ce sujet à la fin du roman.
Le roman fait 450 pages, mais a une police un peu plus grosse que les romans ado. C'est également le premier tome d'une série. Ce sera donc le genre de roman pour les amateurs d'histoire et de sports qui auront assez de patience pour en venir à bout. C'est un roman qui se lit vraiment bien, l'action est bien qualibré avec les moments plus tranquilles, entre les courses. le volet "conspiration" et autres intrigues nous tiennent assez occupés. Si on figure assez bien que Didon sera sans doute un jour aurige, le tout est de savoir comment, et ce n'est pas si simple à prédire.
Il y a une dimension assez impitoyable dans l'histoire, on reconnait là la différence d'époque. Cassius, par exemple, fait bien comprendre à Didon qu'il n'hésitera pas à la tuer si d'aventure, elle devait perdre sa couverture de "Léon". Les verts n'hésite pas à droguer leurs chevaux, au point d'en tuer. Caligula a des réactions d'une intensité surprenante et certains coup bas des Verts contre les bleus sont consternants. Mais le degré de violence reste relatif: nous sommes dans un roman Intermédiaire après tout, conçu pour un lectorat à partir de 10 ans.
Le seul détail qui me semble un peu oublié, mais ce n'est guère important, c'est l'aspect religion. Les Romains étaient pieux envers leurs nombreuses divinités, et comme nous avons ici des sportifs, souvent remplis de superstitions, je me serais attendu à en entendre plus parler. Ce qui était également étonnant, mais là encore c'est peut-être juste le choix de l'autrice, c'est le naturel des garçons apprenti-auriges envers Didon qui m'a semblé étonnant. J'aurais pensé que des garçons auraient été plus orgueilleux avec une "fille" aurige, comme c'est historiquement très souvent le cas. le personnage de Nicias l'était, il est vrai. Petit détail qui vous amusera dans cette optique: l'autrice raconte que les romaines aussi adoraient les courses de chars, certaines ont même garder des objets liés à ce sport dans leur tombe.
C'est donc une belle découverte pour la littérature Intermédiaire anglaise que ce premier opus d'une série historique ET sportive! Un récit qui devrait servir aussi bien les lecteurs que les lectrices, avec une héroïne qui n'a pas froid aux yeux et qui a un réel don avec les chevaux.
Pour ceux et celles qui se le demande, "Didon" est le nom de la princesse phénicienne qui fonda Carthage, presque 800 ans avant cette histoire. Elle avait trois prénoms: "Elissa" en phénicien,"Dido" en latin ( "errante") et "Théiossô", en grec. Une fondatrice qui devient ensuite Reine. Voilà!
Pour un lectorat Intermédiaire, 10-12 ans, mais comme il est costaud et bien rempli, il peut très bien servir le lectorat du premier cycle secondaire, 13 ans+.
Catégorisation: Fiction historique, littérature jeunesse intermédiaire, troisième cycle primaire, 10-12 /ans+
Note: 8/10
On a rarement des histoires qui prennent place en Rome Antique pour notre jeunesse, alors ça me fait bien plaisir d'en découvrir un qui soit passionnant et crédible. L'autrice a fait beaucoup de recherches, elle nous en cite les sources à la fin.On a donc aucun mal à être immergé dans ce Rome du premier siècle. Ici, on s'intéresse aux courses de chars, l'équivalent de la Formule 1 de la Rome antique, sous le règne de Caligula, 3e empereur romain.
Didon aura connu de près les courses de chars toute sa vie, puisque son père est l'entraineur des Verts, l'une des quatre factions qui s'affrontent au Cirque Maxime, le plus grand stade de course de l'Empire. Elle aspire à devenir aurige ( conductrice de chars), mais en tant que fille, ça s'annonce pratiquement impossible. Ça ne l'empêche nullement de courser de temps à autre. Un jour, alors que Didon trouve une baie suspecte dans le box d'un des chevaux. Quand elle en informe son père, celui-ci comprend qu'on drogue les chevaux de la faction verte. Hélas, quand il en informe Hosidius Ruga, le directeur de la faction, qui explique que la tricherie est due au fait que les bleus sont financés par un homme outrancièrement riche, et qu'ils gagnent donc toujours, les évènements prennent une tournure dramatique. Naevius Sutorius Macro, commandant de la garde prétorienne qui protège l'Empereur, assassine Antonius, le père de Didon. Alors qu'Atticus, l'assistant de ce dernier , donne une chance à Didon de sauver sa peau, la jeune adolescente de 12 ans s'enfuit. Après un périple en bateau la menant à Carthage, ville d'enfance de sa mère, Didon réussira à trouver de l'aide en la personne de Scorpus, le grand rival de son père du temps de leur carrière d'aurige, et l'un des meilleurs auriges que Rome ait connu. À la mort de l'empereur Tibère, Caligula lui succède et comme il a un parti prit pour la "faction du peuple", les Verts, la faction bleue connait alors des difficultés. Deux ans passent, Didon, devenue Léon, se révèle une grande aurige. Son unique souhait: retourner à Rome pour retrouver son cheval, Porcellus, laissé derrière, et, pourquoi pas, courser dans le célèbre Cirque Maxime, pour retrouver la gloire perdue de la faction bleue. Mais ce ne sera pas simple: Porcellus est en réalité Incitatus, le cheval préféré de l'empereur et ce dernier soutient les Verts. Toutes les bassesses sont permises, du moment que l'Empereur est satisfait.
C'était une lecture historique passionnante, vraiment. Entre les conspirations et les coup bas en coulisse des courses, l'étrange Caligula, aussi imprévisible que passionné de course, et les secrets de famille de Didon, on ne s'ennuie pas du tout.
Il y a un formidable travail entourant les chevaux en eux-même. On aura droit aux détails sur leur santé, leur performances, leur tempérament et leur importance pour les courses. Ils sont des personnages au même titre que les humains et ont tous des noms. Une dimension équestre qui fait franchement du bien à lire, après ces innombrables romans sur l'équitation anglaise. Élever des chevaux de course est un art. Il y a aussi, évidemment, tout un langage autours du sport en lui-même, très intéressant. Il y a tellement de choses à tenir compte quand on pratique de sports, très dangereux d'ailleurs. À certains moments, on peut faire des parallèles avec la course automobile actuelle, comme les petits équipes sur le terrain, chargés de jeter de l'eau sur les roues ou s'occuper des chevaux une fois la course terminée. Il y a tout une équipe derrière un aurige, également. Et tout comme les courses actuelles, il y avait des "naufrages" qui pouvaient être d'une telle violence qu'elles pouvaient couter la vie aux auriges et aux chevaux.
À partir d'ici, il peut y avoir des divulgâches - et des péripéties surprenantes!
Didon est un personnage comme je les apprécie. Elle est vaillante, décidée, audacieuse et ne se laissera pas abattre pour des broutilles. Elle aura le concours d'une autre femme plus maligne et perspicace qu'elle en a l'air, en la personne d'Helvia, épouse d'Othon, le propriétaire des Bleus. Il y a beaucoup de personnages, avec des noms assez similaires ( tous en "us" ou presque). Heureusement, ils sont tous notés au début du roman, au besoin, placés par équipes. Mais on s'y retrouve assez bien. D'ailleurs, certains sont historiques: Caligula, l'empereur, est présent surtout dans le second volet de l'histoire. S'il a été historiquement apprécié au début de son règne, son tempérament instable et sa cruauté vont amener sur Rome un vent de révolte. En faisant mes recherches sur ce personnage réel, j'en ai lu qu'il aurait possiblement été bipolaire, ce qui semble avoir été aussi un trait dans le roman. Ce qui expliquerait, en autre, ses excès d'humeurs. La stèle en marbre, l'abreuvoir en ivoire et autres luxes démesurés pour son cheval Incitatus sont historiquement véridiques. le personnage de Cassius, garde prétorien qui éprouvait de la haine pour son empereur, a aussi existé. Vous trouverez quelques explications et sources de l'autrice à ce sujet à la fin du roman.
Le roman fait 450 pages, mais a une police un peu plus grosse que les romans ado. C'est également le premier tome d'une série. Ce sera donc le genre de roman pour les amateurs d'histoire et de sports qui auront assez de patience pour en venir à bout. C'est un roman qui se lit vraiment bien, l'action est bien qualibré avec les moments plus tranquilles, entre les courses. le volet "conspiration" et autres intrigues nous tiennent assez occupés. Si on figure assez bien que Didon sera sans doute un jour aurige, le tout est de savoir comment, et ce n'est pas si simple à prédire.
Il y a une dimension assez impitoyable dans l'histoire, on reconnait là la différence d'époque. Cassius, par exemple, fait bien comprendre à Didon qu'il n'hésitera pas à la tuer si d'aventure, elle devait perdre sa couverture de "Léon". Les verts n'hésite pas à droguer leurs chevaux, au point d'en tuer. Caligula a des réactions d'une intensité surprenante et certains coup bas des Verts contre les bleus sont consternants. Mais le degré de violence reste relatif: nous sommes dans un roman Intermédiaire après tout, conçu pour un lectorat à partir de 10 ans.
Le seul détail qui me semble un peu oublié, mais ce n'est guère important, c'est l'aspect religion. Les Romains étaient pieux envers leurs nombreuses divinités, et comme nous avons ici des sportifs, souvent remplis de superstitions, je me serais attendu à en entendre plus parler. Ce qui était également étonnant, mais là encore c'est peut-être juste le choix de l'autrice, c'est le naturel des garçons apprenti-auriges envers Didon qui m'a semblé étonnant. J'aurais pensé que des garçons auraient été plus orgueilleux avec une "fille" aurige, comme c'est historiquement très souvent le cas. le personnage de Nicias l'était, il est vrai. Petit détail qui vous amusera dans cette optique: l'autrice raconte que les romaines aussi adoraient les courses de chars, certaines ont même garder des objets liés à ce sport dans leur tombe.
C'est donc une belle découverte pour la littérature Intermédiaire anglaise que ce premier opus d'une série historique ET sportive! Un récit qui devrait servir aussi bien les lecteurs que les lectrices, avec une héroïne qui n'a pas froid aux yeux et qui a un réel don avec les chevaux.
Pour ceux et celles qui se le demande, "Didon" est le nom de la princesse phénicienne qui fonda Carthage, presque 800 ans avant cette histoire. Elle avait trois prénoms: "Elissa" en phénicien,"Dido" en latin ( "errante") et "Théiossô", en grec. Une fondatrice qui devient ensuite Reine. Voilà!
Pour un lectorat Intermédiaire, 10-12 ans, mais comme il est costaud et bien rempli, il peut très bien servir le lectorat du premier cycle secondaire, 13 ans+.
Catégorisation: Fiction historique, littérature jeunesse intermédiaire, troisième cycle primaire, 10-12 /ans+
Note: 8/10
February 1, 2022
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
RACE TO THE DEATH has been on my radar since I was involved in the cover reveal back in October 2020, so I was really excited to receive an ARC in the post. Ancient Rome, chariot racing, murder, and deadly emperors - what a perfect mix!
This book did not disappoint. It was such a fast-paced read that I could not put it down (I got pins and needles in my fingers from only moving to turn pages!) Dido's story was so engrossing as she fled Rome, only to find unlikely allies in her quest to become a brilliant racing driving - and return to the first horse she trained.
The racing sections are edge-of-your-seat. Chariot Racing was the football of the day, but with much greater chance of death as factions played dirty, the crowd got involved, and a wrong turn would see your chariot smashed. On top of that was a weaving web of loyalties and old grudges making the arena even more dangerous, not to mention plenty of dirty tricks. Despite so many moving parts, the racing was easy to follow, tension ramping up and up with every lap.
The world is so vividly painted, bringing you into the sands and the heart-pounding danger of the races full of grudges and life-or-death stakes thanks to the petulant tyrant Caligula. Off the sands, the streets of Rome and the stables beyond Carthage are brought to exquisite life with so many wonderful details that show Annelise Gray's background as a Classic's student and Latin teacher.
Even though I'm not an animal lover (seriously, I do not like animals except at the aesthetic distance of a computer screen!), the book made me care deeply for the various horses Dido works and bonds with during the book. They were characters in the story as much as the humans.
It is the start of a series of historical fiction, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
RACE TO THE DEATH has been on my radar since I was involved in the cover reveal back in October 2020, so I was really excited to receive an ARC in the post. Ancient Rome, chariot racing, murder, and deadly emperors - what a perfect mix!
This book did not disappoint. It was such a fast-paced read that I could not put it down (I got pins and needles in my fingers from only moving to turn pages!) Dido's story was so engrossing as she fled Rome, only to find unlikely allies in her quest to become a brilliant racing driving - and return to the first horse she trained.
The racing sections are edge-of-your-seat. Chariot Racing was the football of the day, but with much greater chance of death as factions played dirty, the crowd got involved, and a wrong turn would see your chariot smashed. On top of that was a weaving web of loyalties and old grudges making the arena even more dangerous, not to mention plenty of dirty tricks. Despite so many moving parts, the racing was easy to follow, tension ramping up and up with every lap.
The world is so vividly painted, bringing you into the sands and the heart-pounding danger of the races full of grudges and life-or-death stakes thanks to the petulant tyrant Caligula. Off the sands, the streets of Rome and the stables beyond Carthage are brought to exquisite life with so many wonderful details that show Annelise Gray's background as a Classic's student and Latin teacher.
Even though I'm not an animal lover (seriously, I do not like animals except at the aesthetic distance of a computer screen!), the book made me care deeply for the various horses Dido works and bonds with during the book. They were characters in the story as much as the humans.
It is the start of a series of historical fiction, and I cannot wait to see what comes next!
April 8, 2025
April 2025
I enjoyed this just as much the second time around.
June 2022
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!
I enjoyed this just as much the second time around.
June 2022
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!
June 7, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. Well researched this captures the feel of ancient Rome and the spectacle that is chariot racing in the Circus Maximus. I liked the fact that this didn't gloss over the harsh brutality of the racing, the often fatal toll on both charioteers and their horses and the ever present dangers experienced which makes for an exciting, fast paced story. Added to this is a well thought out plot involving race fixing and murder that I felt worked particularly well. The characters, both human and horse, were also well rounded and interesting, Dido making a spirited and courageous hero. Overall this is a terrific debut.
My thanks to #NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC in return for an honest review.
My thanks to #NetGalley and Head of Zeus for the ARC in return for an honest review.
August 25, 2024
A great adventure story that vividly portrayed life in ancient Rome.
March 24, 2021
I read this book in two or three days, but only because I was delayed by the inconvenience of having to attend to everyday life.
Circus Maximus is the story of the daughter of the trainer of one of the Circus Maximus's chariot racing teams. The problem is that Dido, being a girl, can't race, and when her father is caught up in the middle of a plot to fix the races, Dido is forced to flee Rome. She ends up with the man her father used to race against, but the plot goes much higher into the echelons of Roman society than any of them could have imagined and Dido is forced to pretend she is dead and pass herself off as a boy. And being a boy, there's now no reason why she can't return to Rome and have her revenge from the sands of the Circus Maximus. . .
I really enjoyed this book. It's clear that the author took time to research both horses and Roman culture and as a result, the book was believable and satisfying. I appreciated that though Dido is a girl who wants to race horses, this isn't a ragingly feminist book, it's about a girl who loves horses and wants to avenge her father. She's not angsty either, she's capable but feminine and I'd happily read more books with all of these characters in them. Setting it during the time that Caligula became Emperor was a good call too, because it added a lot of tension (for me anyway), knowing how erratic and often brutal he was. It sort of added something of a wildcard to the plot (to my shame, it took me a while to remember who Cassius was in real life -_-). That said, the story was well put together and flowed very naturally. All of the characters were very distinct and engaging and I liked that there were good characters who made poor choices (or chose ignorance) as well as questionable characters who (sometimes) did the right thing. The fact that the bad characters got their comeuppance, but it wasn't Dido that did it was a nice change from having main characters consumed by revenge.
If you enjoyed the Roman mystery books and like horses, then this is a great book for you. If you aren't as bothered by horses, but love Roman history and a good bit of tension and action, then you'll also like this book a lot.
For content, be warned that there is a little violence. The Circus Maximus was no picnic and sometimes drivers in the races where hurt by other drivers or severely injured/killed when their chariots were destroyed. Also, Caligula was a real jerk (to put it mildly). The violence is present in this book, but handled in such a way that a 10+ year old won't be too upset by it. It's clear what is happening without going into too much detail.
I highly recommend this book, but it comes with the warning that you should make sure you have a large block of time to read it in, because it's really not easy to put down.
I give this book six out of seven golden dolphins.
(I received this book as a free ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, regardless of how the Emperor feels about it.)
Circus Maximus is the story of the daughter of the trainer of one of the Circus Maximus's chariot racing teams. The problem is that Dido, being a girl, can't race, and when her father is caught up in the middle of a plot to fix the races, Dido is forced to flee Rome. She ends up with the man her father used to race against, but the plot goes much higher into the echelons of Roman society than any of them could have imagined and Dido is forced to pretend she is dead and pass herself off as a boy. And being a boy, there's now no reason why she can't return to Rome and have her revenge from the sands of the Circus Maximus. . .
I really enjoyed this book. It's clear that the author took time to research both horses and Roman culture and as a result, the book was believable and satisfying. I appreciated that though Dido is a girl who wants to race horses, this isn't a ragingly feminist book, it's about a girl who loves horses and wants to avenge her father. She's not angsty either, she's capable but feminine and I'd happily read more books with all of these characters in them. Setting it during the time that Caligula became Emperor was a good call too, because it added a lot of tension (for me anyway), knowing how erratic and often brutal he was. It sort of added something of a wildcard to the plot (to my shame, it took me a while to remember who Cassius was in real life -_-). That said, the story was well put together and flowed very naturally. All of the characters were very distinct and engaging and I liked that there were good characters who made poor choices (or chose ignorance) as well as questionable characters who (sometimes) did the right thing. The fact that the bad characters got their comeuppance, but it wasn't Dido that did it was a nice change from having main characters consumed by revenge.
If you enjoyed the Roman mystery books and like horses, then this is a great book for you. If you aren't as bothered by horses, but love Roman history and a good bit of tension and action, then you'll also like this book a lot.
For content, be warned that there is a little violence. The Circus Maximus was no picnic and sometimes drivers in the races where hurt by other drivers or severely injured/killed when their chariots were destroyed. Also, Caligula was a real jerk (to put it mildly). The violence is present in this book, but handled in such a way that a 10+ year old won't be too upset by it. It's clear what is happening without going into too much detail.
I highly recommend this book, but it comes with the warning that you should make sure you have a large block of time to read it in, because it's really not easy to put down.
I give this book six out of seven golden dolphins.
(I received this book as a free ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, regardless of how the Emperor feels about it.)
September 30, 2021
Dit boek wordt beter naarmate het vordert.
In het begin vond ik alles nogal... extreem, een beetje te gekunsteld. Dido is wel heel erg jong, ze praat soms nogal raar, haar passie - hoor ik daar iemand 'obsessie' zeggen? - met Porcellus is er een beetje over.
Maar eens we verder komen, verbeteren de zaken er wel op. Dit boek speelt zich namelijk over een lange periode af - wel een jaar of drie, vier, denk ik - en er verandert veel. Dido's gedrag wordt normaler, minder extreem, en de plot ook. De opbouw, met de climaxen in het begin, voelde niet helemaal goed aan. Dit boek is een debuut, ik heb de indruk dat Annelise Gray zelf nog een beetje op zoek was naar de juiste toon. Eens ze die gevonden heeft, zo rond bladzijde honderd, is het echt wel een tof verhaal. Je merkt ook dat Dido evolueert - niet moeilijk ook, want eerst is ze nog een kind, op het einde is ze al eerder een jonge vrouw.
Is de plot realistisch? Niet echt. Meisjes die in het Oude Rome aan wagenrennen deden? Het zal wel zijn. Maar het is goed dat de auteur dat zelf ook beseft en er kort op ingaat in haar nawoord. Bovendien is de setting wel bijzonder goed gevonden, en wordt die goed en nauwkeurig uitgewerkt, met veel details over de wagenrennen en de paarden. Er zitten ook een paar ferm spannende scènes tussen.
Het was alleen een beetje jammer dat ik nooit echt voeling kreeg met de personages. Wat Dido betreft viel dat nog wel mee, maar verder kon niemand me echt erg boeien. Er had wat meer in mogen zitten. Dat is ook het algemene gevoel dat ik aan dit boek overhoud: het was zeker niet slecht, maar over een paar weken ben ik waarschijnlijk weeral vergeten wat hier juist in gebeurd is. Het is tof om even ter ontspanning te lezen, en om wat meer achtergrond te krijgen bij die wagenrennen, want dat is eens iets anders dan die gladiatoren altijd, maar daar houdt het dan ook op.
De vertaling is van Tjalling Bos (... sorry hoor, maar... wat voor rare namen geven Nederlanders hun kinderen soms toch), een naam die ik al wel vaker ben tegengekomen, maar vooral in boeken die ik niet heb uitgelezen, geloof ik. Niet omwille van zijn (of haar?) werk, gewoon omdat ze me niet aanspraken. De vertaling van De Race van de Keizer las bijzonder vlot, ik kan me niet herinneren dat ik typfouten heb gezien, en ik heb me ook niet gestoord aan te Nederlandse elementen. Mooi werk. Niet al te opvallend, maar met een boek als dit, dat ook geen al te opvallende schrijfstijl heeft, is dat ook onmogelijk natuurlijk.
7/10
In het begin vond ik alles nogal... extreem, een beetje te gekunsteld. Dido is wel heel erg jong, ze praat soms nogal raar, haar passie - hoor ik daar iemand 'obsessie' zeggen? - met Porcellus is er een beetje over.
Maar eens we verder komen, verbeteren de zaken er wel op. Dit boek speelt zich namelijk over een lange periode af - wel een jaar of drie, vier, denk ik - en er verandert veel. Dido's gedrag wordt normaler, minder extreem, en de plot ook. De opbouw, met de climaxen in het begin, voelde niet helemaal goed aan. Dit boek is een debuut, ik heb de indruk dat Annelise Gray zelf nog een beetje op zoek was naar de juiste toon. Eens ze die gevonden heeft, zo rond bladzijde honderd, is het echt wel een tof verhaal. Je merkt ook dat Dido evolueert - niet moeilijk ook, want eerst is ze nog een kind, op het einde is ze al eerder een jonge vrouw.
Is de plot realistisch? Niet echt. Meisjes die in het Oude Rome aan wagenrennen deden? Het zal wel zijn. Maar het is goed dat de auteur dat zelf ook beseft en er kort op ingaat in haar nawoord. Bovendien is de setting wel bijzonder goed gevonden, en wordt die goed en nauwkeurig uitgewerkt, met veel details over de wagenrennen en de paarden. Er zitten ook een paar ferm spannende scènes tussen.
Het was alleen een beetje jammer dat ik nooit echt voeling kreeg met de personages. Wat Dido betreft viel dat nog wel mee, maar verder kon niemand me echt erg boeien. Er had wat meer in mogen zitten. Dat is ook het algemene gevoel dat ik aan dit boek overhoud: het was zeker niet slecht, maar over een paar weken ben ik waarschijnlijk weeral vergeten wat hier juist in gebeurd is. Het is tof om even ter ontspanning te lezen, en om wat meer achtergrond te krijgen bij die wagenrennen, want dat is eens iets anders dan die gladiatoren altijd, maar daar houdt het dan ook op.
De vertaling is van Tjalling Bos (... sorry hoor, maar... wat voor rare namen geven Nederlanders hun kinderen soms toch), een naam die ik al wel vaker ben tegengekomen, maar vooral in boeken die ik niet heb uitgelezen, geloof ik. Niet omwille van zijn (of haar?) werk, gewoon omdat ze me niet aanspraken. De vertaling van De Race van de Keizer las bijzonder vlot, ik kan me niet herinneren dat ik typfouten heb gezien, en ik heb me ook niet gestoord aan te Nederlandse elementen. Mooi werk. Niet al te opvallend, maar met een boek als dit, dat ook geen al te opvallende schrijfstijl heeft, is dat ook onmogelijk natuurlijk.
7/10
November 14, 2022
I honestly think the publishers are selling themselves short by describing this as a children's book or a middle grade book. As a 34 year old adult, I absolutely adored this book and would put it on par with much of the adult fiction I've read and better than a lot of the young adult stuff. It's got a fantastic plot, characters that leap off the page at you, wonderful descriptions and a vividly imagined setting in Ancient Rome. Marketing it as a middle grade book is frankly a waste, when there is so much here for adults to love.
Dido is a character who absolutely springs off the page; energetic, charismatic and completely obsessed by the horses and chariot races of the time, her love for the horses and as a by product for the sport, shines off the page. When her father is murdered, she is forced to flee the life she knows and loves, finding refuge with an unexpected ally. But the horses are never far from her mind and she her new life offers unexpected opportunities to both follow her dream and put her father's memory to rest.
This is a really strong novel. Gray doesn't shy away from the brutality of the chariot racing scene. The way both horses and riders are treated unfairly isn't glossed over, yet the excitement Dido feels at the race still manages to shine through. The races themselves are nail-biting, the stakes often life and death for both horse and rider. Likewise, the personal struggles of Dido and those she surrounds herself with felt real and drew me into the narrative fully. The novel mixes fiction and fact well, depicting a realistic view of Ancient Rome through the eyes of a teenage girl. And the cut-throat Roman politics also play a part, making for a deeper and well-rounded story.
I also loved the way the horses themselves were depicted; anyone who has spent times with animals knows they all have their own quirks, personalities and idiosyncrasies and this is depicted stunningly well. The horses are just as important as characters as the humans, which isn't an easy thing to write.
All in all, this is a stunning novel. It's well researched, fast paced with a gripping narrative and wonderful character depictions. Don't be put off by the fact that it's officially a 'middle-grade' novel. There is a huge amount here for adults to love.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.
Dido is a character who absolutely springs off the page; energetic, charismatic and completely obsessed by the horses and chariot races of the time, her love for the horses and as a by product for the sport, shines off the page. When her father is murdered, she is forced to flee the life she knows and loves, finding refuge with an unexpected ally. But the horses are never far from her mind and she her new life offers unexpected opportunities to both follow her dream and put her father's memory to rest.
This is a really strong novel. Gray doesn't shy away from the brutality of the chariot racing scene. The way both horses and riders are treated unfairly isn't glossed over, yet the excitement Dido feels at the race still manages to shine through. The races themselves are nail-biting, the stakes often life and death for both horse and rider. Likewise, the personal struggles of Dido and those she surrounds herself with felt real and drew me into the narrative fully. The novel mixes fiction and fact well, depicting a realistic view of Ancient Rome through the eyes of a teenage girl. And the cut-throat Roman politics also play a part, making for a deeper and well-rounded story.
I also loved the way the horses themselves were depicted; anyone who has spent times with animals knows they all have their own quirks, personalities and idiosyncrasies and this is depicted stunningly well. The horses are just as important as characters as the humans, which isn't an easy thing to write.
All in all, this is a stunning novel. It's well researched, fast paced with a gripping narrative and wonderful character depictions. Don't be put off by the fact that it's officially a 'middle-grade' novel. There is a huge amount here for adults to love.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.
July 2, 2021
Dido has grown up in the world of chariot racing in ancient Rome, her father being the trainer for the famous Green faction, the most popular in Rome among the people, and with a young man called Caligula, great nephew of Emperor Tiberius. However, Dido is not content to stand back and watch, and under the reluctant tutelage of her father, she learns to handle a pair harnessed to a chariot, training her own horses, including a rather inauspicious steed called Porcellus. But disaster strikes and Dido must flee for her life, leaving behind all she knows, including Porcellus, and faces an uncertain future in north Africa, her deceased mother's home.
Annelise Gray has written a fabulous little tale for teens but one that can be read and enjoyed by anyone old enough to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. She conjures a world that focuses on the racing, a cross between Formula One and Premier League football, the same tribalism, the same hero-worship.
I do enjoy young adult novels for their plot and action - with no adult content, the plot and characters have to stand up for themselves and they do so here very well. Romance is hinted at and the reader, if they are old enough, can imagine the rest and find the romance in the story.
I can't help but think that this novel owes a lot to the success of Caroline Lawrence, following in her footsteps, but Ms Gray does it very well. The story races on but is never dull, no boring bits, with tension and conflict aplenty. The cover is emotive, certainly tells you what you are going to read about, brightly coloured that would be pleasing to younger readers.
I'm an older reader and I can't fault it.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Annelise Gray has written a fabulous little tale for teens but one that can be read and enjoyed by anyone old enough to read it. I thoroughly enjoyed it. She conjures a world that focuses on the racing, a cross between Formula One and Premier League football, the same tribalism, the same hero-worship.
I do enjoy young adult novels for their plot and action - with no adult content, the plot and characters have to stand up for themselves and they do so here very well. Romance is hinted at and the reader, if they are old enough, can imagine the rest and find the romance in the story.
I can't help but think that this novel owes a lot to the success of Caroline Lawrence, following in her footsteps, but Ms Gray does it very well. The story races on but is never dull, no boring bits, with tension and conflict aplenty. The cover is emotive, certainly tells you what you are going to read about, brightly coloured that would be pleasing to younger readers.
I'm an older reader and I can't fault it.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
February 14, 2021
Circus Maximus is the greatest sporting stage of the ancient Roman world. The best horses and charioteers compete in a race to the death. Dido, who is 12, dreams of being the first female charioteer at Circus Maximus.
She has everything she needs, Porcellus, a wild and stubborn horse, and longs to train and race. Unfortunately, such ambitions are forbidden to girls. She has to be happy with helping her father Antonius, who trains Rome’s most popular racing team, The Greens and teaching the rules to Justus, the handsome young nephew of The Green’s wealthy owner.
Her father is brutally murdered and she is forced to seek help from an unlikely ally.
She still dreams of Circus triumphs in her own right and being reunited with the horse that she had to leave behind in Rome.
Even though she has refuge, the threat to her life isn’t over and she faces a new, powerful and terrifying enemy, the emperor of Caligula.
This is a great book, very well written too. Perfect for middle grade, 9-12 years. It mixes historical fiction with adventure, suspense and mystery too.
5 stars from me.
I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for this advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
She has everything she needs, Porcellus, a wild and stubborn horse, and longs to train and race. Unfortunately, such ambitions are forbidden to girls. She has to be happy with helping her father Antonius, who trains Rome’s most popular racing team, The Greens and teaching the rules to Justus, the handsome young nephew of The Green’s wealthy owner.
Her father is brutally murdered and she is forced to seek help from an unlikely ally.
She still dreams of Circus triumphs in her own right and being reunited with the horse that she had to leave behind in Rome.
Even though she has refuge, the threat to her life isn’t over and she faces a new, powerful and terrifying enemy, the emperor of Caligula.
This is a great book, very well written too. Perfect for middle grade, 9-12 years. It mixes historical fiction with adventure, suspense and mystery too.
5 stars from me.
I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for this advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2021
For anyone who loves Horses & the Sports that they have been part of Historically & those who have a love of ancient history will thoroughly enjoy reading `Circus Maximus : Race to the Death , because although our heroine Dido is completely fictional many of the others are not, such at the Emperor Tiberius AD37 & his great nephew Caligula & some of those connected to the Praetorian Guard who did much of the Emperor's dirty work .I don't want to put in any spoilers so I highly recommend that you read this Book either by buying it or by borrowing it from your Local Library. #FB,#Instagram,#NetGalley, #Goodreads,#Amazon.co.uk , #
, #
, #
.
, #, #.
February 27, 2021
In her debut middle grade book, Annelise Grey tells the story of a girl named Dido, who lives in the time of the Ancient Roman’s and dreams of one day being able to race as a charioteer in the Circus Maximus. After tragedy strikes, she is forced to go on the run and leave her beloved horses behind in Rome, and it was really interesting seeing the story unfold because the plot was quite different to what I had anticipated going into it. I have to admit it took me a little while to get into this at first, but once the plot really started, it was quite difficult to put it down as Dido was in so much danger! My favourite part of this book was definitely Dido’s love and adoration for the horses she trains, as well as her passion and talent for racing, and her determination to follow her dream and achieve justice at the same time was brilliant. I also liked some of the secondary characters, such as Scorpus, Helvia and Justus, and I found it really interesting that some of the characters (such as Caligula and Charea) were based on real people. The ending left things in a very intriguing place, that’s definitely left me wondering what will happen in the next book of the series.
March 12, 2024
Who would have thought a children's story about chariot racing in the Roman empire would portray emperor Caligula more accurately than the Roman Empire Netflix series? I certainly didn't, but I welcomed the familiar portrayals here! The author mentions in the end notes that she referred to classical sources for her portrayals of Caligula, Macro, and Cassius Chaerea, and it definitely shows! I also very much enjoyed seeing Incitatus (Porcellus) take a leading role for once!
It would have been difficult for a horse-mad girl raised around the chariot factions to get her chance in the traces and Dido's story, while fanciful and fun, did reflect those difficulties and limitations experienced by her sex. Dido's story had plenty of intrigue intersecting with the historical timeline and I enjoyed every single character, fictional and nonfictional!
Great read for Cheltenham week - I look forward to moving through the rest of the series just as quickly!
It would have been difficult for a horse-mad girl raised around the chariot factions to get her chance in the traces and Dido's story, while fanciful and fun, did reflect those difficulties and limitations experienced by her sex. Dido's story had plenty of intrigue intersecting with the historical timeline and I enjoyed every single character, fictional and nonfictional!
Great read for Cheltenham week - I look forward to moving through the rest of the series just as quickly!
March 1, 2021
Zephyr (Head of Zeus) granted me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. A full review is available on my book blog, Bookmarked.
I was really intrigued by the mix of action, mystery and history this novel presented. I was really not disappointed, and every page kept me on the edge of my seat!
This book if chock full of historical details that I absolutely loved. The author did a really good job at picking out tiny facts and building upon them. Lots of people will love this meticulous care—I know I did!
The racing scene were gorgeous. They were full of action, movement and adrenaline. I was catapulted right in the moment and they kept me at the edge of my seat! And like with everything else, Annelise Gray managed to keep beautifully true to history. I learnt about chariot racing as I held my breath with each of Dido's chariot's turns.
I will be recommending this book to both older and younger readers!
I was really intrigued by the mix of action, mystery and history this novel presented. I was really not disappointed, and every page kept me on the edge of my seat!
This book if chock full of historical details that I absolutely loved. The author did a really good job at picking out tiny facts and building upon them. Lots of people will love this meticulous care—I know I did!
The racing scene were gorgeous. They were full of action, movement and adrenaline. I was catapulted right in the moment and they kept me at the edge of my seat! And like with everything else, Annelise Gray managed to keep beautifully true to history. I learnt about chariot racing as I held my breath with each of Dido's chariot's turns.
I will be recommending this book to both older and younger readers!
November 4, 2023
This is an excellent historical fiction for young readers, although I am a bit baffled by it being categorised as 9-12 target: there is a lot of violence and gore in it and some mature themes, so I would think 12-15 is the far more appropriate age to appreciate it (ok, tbh I read it with pleasure, as well). Ancient Rome novels for young audiences tend to be formulaic and overly didactic, so it was refreshing to dig into the world of horse races (the author obviously knows her horses!). The heroine is very likeable and her love for horses feels real and convincing. As for her dream of becoming a charioteer... well, yes, it stretches the realm of plausibility, but after all, it is fiction, not real life, so why not?
February 28, 2021
This took a little while to get into, because there were so many characters' names to get to grips with, both people and horses - and when horses seem to have the same names as people, that made it tricky to remember who was who (or what). But, I'm reading this as a senior adult and it could be that the target age group would have no problem remembering all these names!
That said, I did really enjoy this. It was fast paced and the setting so well portrayed, it made for a very interesting as well as a pacy read. I think the horrors of Caligula were very well handled and pitched perfectly for this age group. Very well researched.
That said, I did really enjoy this. It was fast paced and the setting so well portrayed, it made for a very interesting as well as a pacy read. I think the horrors of Caligula were very well handled and pitched perfectly for this age group. Very well researched.
Read
March 10, 2021This one took me a little while to get into, but once I did I was hooked. The writing is absolutely fantastic, and the author does a fantastic job of bringing to life the historical period with all the little details that breathed life into the narrative without ever getting overwhelming, and that attention to detail was exactly what I wanted. The characters were well-fleshed out and believable, and the action, especially the racing was so vivid that I was on the edge of my seat for many of them. An absolute joy to read.
June 26, 2025
All I can give is a chef's kiss. This was brilliant. I enjoyed the mix of historical fact and story. It was also well-written and kept a thrilling plot line while having great detail. The main character Dido is so fun and passionate. And I really loved the support of her cousins/family and uncle. Just wonderful.
I would totally reccommend this book for every age! But, maybe not for too young as there were some intense, heavy moments with death, poison and murder. For parents I would reccommend reading it first just in case that is a bit much for your kids.
I would totally reccommend this book for every age! But, maybe not for too young as there were some intense, heavy moments with death, poison and murder. For parents I would reccommend reading it first just in case that is a bit much for your kids.
November 5, 2023
This is not my normal reading book, but I really did get into the story. This story is for children aged around 10-15 years, and it is an easy read for all to read.
The story follows Dido, a 12 year old girl who has a love for horses and chariot racing.
This story does give you the history of chariot racing and roman times of the life between men and women.
As I said, it was not the normal book I would read, but I would really like to read the next story.
The story follows Dido, a 12 year old girl who has a love for horses and chariot racing.
This story does give you the history of chariot racing and roman times of the life between men and women.
As I said, it was not the normal book I would read, but I would really like to read the next story.
February 18, 2021
I don't often get the opportunity to review children's books so I was very pleased that I was accepted to review this one.
It tells the story of Dido who dreams of becoming a female charioteer and racing in the Circus Maximus. It does appear that fate has other ideas for her though.
I thought this a delightful read. Loved how the horses are portrayed.
It tells the story of Dido who dreams of becoming a female charioteer and racing in the Circus Maximus. It does appear that fate has other ideas for her though.
I thought this a delightful read. Loved how the horses are portrayed.
November 13, 2021
While a little far-fetched and somewhat anachronistic, this romp through the racing scene of Ancient Rome was lots of fun. A strong female lead and horses galore this meets the yearnings of the tween girl audience beautifully and was well written and sufficiently complex to be both engaging and intriguing.
January 6, 2024
Amazing book! Exciting and inspiring with well fleshed out characters you get attached to. It doesn’t feel too history focused which is nice, but is based on a lot of truth and scattered with tidbits for the history buffs. Would definitely recommend, for those interested in Ancient Rome and those that aren’t.
March 2, 2022
A really good book. I only read it because I had seen lots of people recommending it. I didn’t think it was my sort of book, but I was wrong. It was surprisingly fascinating reading about chariot racing and the horses. I loved the way real people from history were woven into the story too.
March 28, 2022
An absolutely solid children's novel in the classic mould. Brilliant plot, great characters. Circus Maximus is the first in a series about Dido and her mission to avenge her father's death by being the first girl to chariot race in the Roman arena. Gold-standard story-telling :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews