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Circus Maximus #2
Circus Maximus: Rivals On the Track: An Ancient Roman Adventure
Dido is the only girl ever to have raced to victory at the Circus Maximus, Rome's greatest sporting arena. Now she and her beloved horse, Porcellus, are in hiding, and the Emperor Caligula has put a price on their heads.Can she outwit the emperor and his bounty hunters? And will a shocking family secret stop her in her tracks, or spur her on to make a daring return, helped by a one-eyed mare with a heart as brave as her own?Horses, history, mystery, thrilling entertainment and sensational storytelling race neck and neck through the second pulse-pounding adventure in Annelise Gray's 9+ series set in Ancient Rome.
400 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 2, 2022
Rivals on the Track is the follow up to the wonderful Race to the Death and our favourite horse girl, Dido, is back in action! As you may have remembered poor Dido had been kept hostage, along with Porcellus her beautiful horse, by the emperor Caligula. She’s been hiding out at her uncle’s stable but it isn’t long before people are looking for the escaped girl and the emperor’s horse (let’s face it, Porcellus is hers but Caligula naturally owns everything and everyone in Rome). Unfortunately it’s not long before Dido and Parmenion, a charioteer at the stables, have to return to the track to earn money but with that they run the risk of Dido being discovered. It doesn’t take long for the emperor’s men to figure out she’s in hiding at with her uncle and they apprehend Dido as she wins the race to recuse her family’s stables. So will the guard drag her, and her horses, back to Rome to be a slave to Caligula, or will Dido somehow manage to escape his clutches? You’ll have to read the book yourself in order to find out!
I absolutely LOVED this sequel and devoured it very quickly. You can’t help but see that much like her namesake, the Queen of Carthage, Dido is an absolute BADASS. She’s kind, brave, loyal, determined, and isn’t afraid of hard work and getting her hands dirty. Forget Disney princesses, Princess Dido is the one you want little people to fawn over and long to be.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2022
Dit deel was, helaas, toch duidelijk een beetje minder dan het eerste boek.
Op het einde was ik eigenlijk tamelijk verrast, want ik dacht eigenlijk dat deze reeks langer ging duren, maar zo te merken zit het er na twee boeken al op. In elk geval is het een afgesloten einde, en daar ben ik wel blij mee ook, want ik was niet meer van plan om nog een derde boek te gaan lezen ook.
Al bij al zit er gewoon redelijk weinig vaart in het verhaal. Het gaat veel meer om het emotionele, familiale aspect dat bij de personages zeer sterk naar boven komt. Dat is heel aanwezig doorheen het hele boek, maar de eerste twee derde van het verhaal zit er verder gewoon ook weinig anders in dat je aandacht opeist. Ja, er gebeuren een paar dingen, maar die zijn nooit echt buitengewoon. Je blijft wat op je honger zitten, het duurde voor mij heel lang voor het wat interessanter begon te worden.
De vertaling is van Ans van der Graaff, die, zoals we dat van haar gewend zijn, mooi werk aflevert. Het enige waar ik over twijfel, is of het niet beter was geweest om 'Africa' te schrijven in plaats van 'Afrika', want bij de Romeinen was dat met een C natuurlijk. Een klein schoonheidsfoutje - in het Engels is er natuurlijk geen verschil. Maar goed. Muggenzifterij, of mierenneukerij, naargelang welk beestje je favoriet is. Verder niks op aan te merken, alles gaat even vlot, geen gekke zinnen. In orde!
Bij Boek 1 schreef ik dat ik maar weinig voeling met de personages had, en dat lijkt me hier wel beter. Nu niet dat ze allemaal even interessant zijn, maar Dido vond ik in elk geval aangenaam, en nog wel een paar anderen ook. Vooral eens ze eindelijk echt in actie schieten, valt iedereen wel op.
Een tof tussendoortje om even te lezen als je op de trein zit (en weer overal vertraging oploopt...).
6,5/10
Gemiddelde rating voor de reeks: 6,75/10
Op het einde was ik eigenlijk tamelijk verrast, want ik dacht eigenlijk dat deze reeks langer ging duren, maar zo te merken zit het er na twee boeken al op. In elk geval is het een afgesloten einde, en daar ben ik wel blij mee ook, want ik was niet meer van plan om nog een derde boek te gaan lezen ook.
Al bij al zit er gewoon redelijk weinig vaart in het verhaal. Het gaat veel meer om het emotionele, familiale aspect dat bij de personages zeer sterk naar boven komt. Dat is heel aanwezig doorheen het hele boek, maar de eerste twee derde van het verhaal zit er verder gewoon ook weinig anders in dat je aandacht opeist. Ja, er gebeuren een paar dingen, maar die zijn nooit echt buitengewoon. Je blijft wat op je honger zitten, het duurde voor mij heel lang voor het wat interessanter begon te worden.
De vertaling is van Ans van der Graaff, die, zoals we dat van haar gewend zijn, mooi werk aflevert. Het enige waar ik over twijfel, is of het niet beter was geweest om 'Africa' te schrijven in plaats van 'Afrika', want bij de Romeinen was dat met een C natuurlijk. Een klein schoonheidsfoutje - in het Engels is er natuurlijk geen verschil. Maar goed. Muggenzifterij, of mierenneukerij, naargelang welk beestje je favoriet is. Verder niks op aan te merken, alles gaat even vlot, geen gekke zinnen. In orde!
Bij Boek 1 schreef ik dat ik maar weinig voeling met de personages had, en dat lijkt me hier wel beter. Nu niet dat ze allemaal even interessant zijn, maar Dido vond ik in elk geval aangenaam, en nog wel een paar anderen ook. Vooral eens ze eindelijk echt in actie schieten, valt iedereen wel op.
Een tof tussendoortje om even te lezen als je op de trein zit (en weer overal vertraging oploopt...).
6,5/10
Gemiddelde rating voor de reeks: 6,75/10
April 10, 2025
April 2025
Just as good second time around!
April 2023
This was a brilliant follow up to the first book in which Dido continues to follow her charioteer dreams. It was full of thrills and drama, twists and turns, just like the first book.
Dido is still a great character, she wasn’t annoying or stroppy like some teenagers can be, but was realistic and just as focussed on who she wanted to be in a very male world. I loved following her journey in this next book where she learns more about her family, whilst still having to be extremely careful to avoid certain people from the first book.
Bronwen Pricer’s narration was superb, she really brought all the characters to life. I particularly liked her portrayal of Dido, Scorpus, Parmenion, Ismene and Muttumbaal!
If you love horses, mysteries and all things Roman you’ll definitely enjoy this book, especially on audio!
Just as good second time around!
April 2023
This was a brilliant follow up to the first book in which Dido continues to follow her charioteer dreams. It was full of thrills and drama, twists and turns, just like the first book.
Dido is still a great character, she wasn’t annoying or stroppy like some teenagers can be, but was realistic and just as focussed on who she wanted to be in a very male world. I loved following her journey in this next book where she learns more about her family, whilst still having to be extremely careful to avoid certain people from the first book.
Bronwen Pricer’s narration was superb, she really brought all the characters to life. I particularly liked her portrayal of Dido, Scorpus, Parmenion, Ismene and Muttumbaal!
If you love horses, mysteries and all things Roman you’ll definitely enjoy this book, especially on audio!
February 1, 2022
RIVALS ON THE TRACK is another fabulous historical middle grade adventure set in the Roman racing world. Dido has escaped the emperor, but he's sent bounty hunters after her. But trying to lie low on her uncle's stables isn't easy when old foes are stealing from them, so it's time to head onto the track once more to ensure they have enough money to continue.
The pacing is once again terrific and the depth of research done into this book if fabulous. One thing I was so excited to see was the annotated diagram of a chariot and rider at the front of the book. It's such a good way of showing what it (probably) looked like to bring the book to life even more - a picture is like a thousand words, after all! (I checked, and the first book has this too, in the finished format.)
I loved how this book tackled PTSD. Both Dido and Parmenion have scars (physical and emotional) from a big crash in the first book, which they are trying to learn to live with and heal from. Dido is afraid of getting back on the track while Parmenion has trouble with his leg.
We're seeing more and more books in adult and YA tackle this subject, but this is the first time I've seen it in MG, and I really liked the way it tackled and acknowledged it. These characters have been through a lot, and it was so nice to see them get the time to heal from that, find new ways forward.
This is also a book about family and the complicated ties within them. RIVALS ON THE TRACK takes the hints from RACE TO THE DEATH and expands on them as the rest of the family are introduced. It's been badly fractured from past events, and the grandfather and his two sons are still clinging to their grudges. Plus it's not affecting how those two sons are interacting with their sons.
I'm not sure if there's going to be another book. The ending feels pretty final, hinting at what the future might bring, but I'd like another book in this world with these characters.
The pacing is once again terrific and the depth of research done into this book if fabulous. One thing I was so excited to see was the annotated diagram of a chariot and rider at the front of the book. It's such a good way of showing what it (probably) looked like to bring the book to life even more - a picture is like a thousand words, after all! (I checked, and the first book has this too, in the finished format.)
I loved how this book tackled PTSD. Both Dido and Parmenion have scars (physical and emotional) from a big crash in the first book, which they are trying to learn to live with and heal from. Dido is afraid of getting back on the track while Parmenion has trouble with his leg.
We're seeing more and more books in adult and YA tackle this subject, but this is the first time I've seen it in MG, and I really liked the way it tackled and acknowledged it. These characters have been through a lot, and it was so nice to see them get the time to heal from that, find new ways forward.
This is also a book about family and the complicated ties within them. RIVALS ON THE TRACK takes the hints from RACE TO THE DEATH and expands on them as the rest of the family are introduced. It's been badly fractured from past events, and the grandfather and his two sons are still clinging to their grudges. Plus it's not affecting how those two sons are interacting with their sons.
I'm not sure if there's going to be another book. The ending feels pretty final, hinting at what the future might bring, but I'd like another book in this world with these characters.
March 14, 2024
I didn't know where this series could go next, but the sequel was a quick and thrilling read!
The historical characters don't make an appearance in this one, with the exception of a few drop-ins by Cassius Chaerea. Rivals on the Track takes place entirely in Carthage, where a (fictional) circus ring meant to rival Rome's Circus Maximus, has been recently constructed. The chariot racing scenes in this novel were gripping and I really enjoyed all of the track action - even the invented relay event that wouldn't have actually taken place!
The heart of this book's story lies in the characters and their gradual understanding of family. Severed bonds between relatives that look irreparable provide the main thrust of the book's tension, with the future of Scorpus's and his father's racing stables in jeopardy if the family can't pull together. 'Winning and family' - the two things that matter for a stable to triumph on the track. The narrative is a heartwarming and mature one for children to learn, and they will certainly walk away from this book with a better understanding of that moral.
I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next!
The historical characters don't make an appearance in this one, with the exception of a few drop-ins by Cassius Chaerea. Rivals on the Track takes place entirely in Carthage, where a (fictional) circus ring meant to rival Rome's Circus Maximus, has been recently constructed. The chariot racing scenes in this novel were gripping and I really enjoyed all of the track action - even the invented relay event that wouldn't have actually taken place!
The heart of this book's story lies in the characters and their gradual understanding of family. Severed bonds between relatives that look irreparable provide the main thrust of the book's tension, with the future of Scorpus's and his father's racing stables in jeopardy if the family can't pull together. 'Winning and family' - the two things that matter for a stable to triumph on the track. The narrative is a heartwarming and mature one for children to learn, and they will certainly walk away from this book with a better understanding of that moral.
I'm really enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next!
February 7, 2022
I didn't read the first book in this series but I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Dido is fleshed out characters and the I liked the plot and the vivid historical background.
The name of the horse made me laugh and I'm wondering why a horse was named "pig" (that's the translation of Porcellus from latin).
A good read and I think it can be appreciated by younger and older reader.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Dido is fleshed out characters and the I liked the plot and the vivid historical background.
The name of the horse made me laugh and I'm wondering why a horse was named "pig" (that's the translation of Porcellus from latin).
A good read and I think it can be appreciated by younger and older reader.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
January 20, 2023
This was a fantastic story that I really enjoyed. Even though this books target audience is 9 plus. I would say it's probably better suited for 10 plus. However, if you are like me , you will love this book as an adult. It's a great historical fiction story that is close enough to real roman chariot racing. It is an exciting and thrilling storyline. I am sure both boys and girls will love this series. I haven't read the first book in the series, but it worked really well as a standalone. I didn't feel like I had missed anything. I loved this ook so much, and I couldn't put it down, so I read it all in one evening. This book would definitely make a fantastic movie. The characters were great, lovable, and realistic. This story brought out some great emotions within me. It has such a wonderful sense of atmosphere. I really can't recommend this book enough. It's perfect for roman history fans and horse lovers.
Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such a wonderful and interesting story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This author is definitely one to look out for.
Only the highest of praise goes out to the author and publishers for creating such a wonderful and interesting story. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This author is definitely one to look out for.
October 23, 2022
It is a another good story set in Rome. There is lots of action and racing as before but somehow it just wasn’t as good as the first book. It took me a while to get through it. I think it may have been the characters in this one weren’t as interesting.
August 30, 2022
This duology? series? is everything I never knew I wanted: Ancient Rome Horse Girl.
And it is great.
I cried at both books. :')
And it is great.
I cried at both books. :')
June 17, 2023
A lovely follow up to the first book, with family centred at the heart of the story.
November 1, 2023
This might be neck and neck with Race to the Death, if not better by a length!
November 7, 2023
The second entry to the series was just as good as the first one. I especially appreciated how the author developed the topic of family relationships. Highly recommended!
April 29, 2025
Excellently done, not quite as good as the first, but still.
The thing was ticked it down to two stars was the ending...... 😭
The thing was ticked it down to two stars was the ending...... 😭
June 26, 2025
Another brilliant one. I can't wait to read the third.
June 5, 2022
As I mentioned in the introduction, this is the sequel to Race to the Death, which follows a girl named Dido who lives in the Ancient Roman time period. After her father is killed, she dresses as a boy to achieve her dream of being a charioteer, and events quickly spiral into chaos, meaning Dido has to go into hiding at the end to avoid being captured and potentially killed by cruel emperor Caligula.
Something I think that makes this an incredibly effective sequel that links in with book one and follows up the story arcs it began, but also stands on it’s own feet, is the fact that is both set in a different location (we travel to Scorpus’ father and brother’s stable, as a competition with amazing monetary prizes is being held nearby), and also that we get a really good mix of characters we already know, but learn more about in this new installment, and others who are completely new.
Dido’s character development continued to be so intriguing and well done, and I think although she has had to grow up prematurely, she’s a much more mature person by the end of book 2, who is sometimes still impulsive but always ends up doing the right thing.
Her relationship with her stallion Porcellus is just gorgeous, and my favourite new character was undoubtedly Jewel, who only has one eye but is a very talented chariot racing horse. I loved learning more about Scorpus and Dido’s mother’s family they grew up in as well, even though some of it was kind of heartbreaking, and I think the author’s expertise on the historical period the book is set in is very clear in the text.
I actually thought this may be a duology based on the ending and the way it kind of wraps a lot of things up quite nicely, but Annelise has since confirmed on Twitter that there will be at least one more book, so I’m really looking forward to picking that up in 2023!
Something I think that makes this an incredibly effective sequel that links in with book one and follows up the story arcs it began, but also stands on it’s own feet, is the fact that is both set in a different location (we travel to Scorpus’ father and brother’s stable, as a competition with amazing monetary prizes is being held nearby), and also that we get a really good mix of characters we already know, but learn more about in this new installment, and others who are completely new.
Dido’s character development continued to be so intriguing and well done, and I think although she has had to grow up prematurely, she’s a much more mature person by the end of book 2, who is sometimes still impulsive but always ends up doing the right thing.
Her relationship with her stallion Porcellus is just gorgeous, and my favourite new character was undoubtedly Jewel, who only has one eye but is a very talented chariot racing horse. I loved learning more about Scorpus and Dido’s mother’s family they grew up in as well, even though some of it was kind of heartbreaking, and I think the author’s expertise on the historical period the book is set in is very clear in the text.
I actually thought this may be a duology based on the ending and the way it kind of wraps a lot of things up quite nicely, but Annelise has since confirmed on Twitter that there will be at least one more book, so I’m really looking forward to picking that up in 2023!
May 18, 2025
Weer heerlijk spannend☺️
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