Gladiator School: Blood Oath

Gr 5–7—When Lucius's father, a prominent Roman senator, is accused of treason and flees from Rome to escape arrest, Lucius and the rest of his family are left shamed and destitute. While he believes in his father's innocence, the rest of his family does not, especially his older brother Quintus, who decides to join their uncle Ravilla's gladiator school in the hopes of earning money and honor for his family. Fearing for his brother's life, Lucius becomes an errand boy at the school to keep an eye on Quintus. He soon begins to suspect Ravilla of having malevolent intentions. The first in a series, this novel is suspenseful and intense. Scott does not shy away from the harsh realities of gladiator life or ancient times, including violence, death, and slavery, which brings a grim, raw authenticity to the story. Several footnotes are included, providing useful definitions for the various Roman and gladiator terminology scattered throughout. While the reveal of Ravilla as the primary villain is somewhat predictable, his cruelty and cunning elevate him to a truly threatening antagonist for Lucius. Little is resolved by the novel's end, but readers will more likely be eager to read the next installment than disappointed over the loose ends.