ARENA

The Sunday Times bestseller from the creator of the Eagles of Empire series. It is AD41 and the city of Rome is a dangerous place. Optio Macro of the Second Legion, recently decorated for courage on the battlefield, can't wait to leave the teeming city behind. He's dismayed when he's compelled to stay in Rome to train Marcus Valerius Pavo, a young gladiatorial recruit. Though fearless, Pavo has fought for his life before, he's a novice in the arena but a driven man, with a goal dearer than survival - to avenge his father's death at the hands of a champion gladiator. Will he live to face his nemesis? A satisfyingly blood thirsty, bawdy romp, perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. 392pp, paperback.