Spartacus: The Gladiator by Ben Kane
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Goodreads Synopsis: Long the stuff of legends, Spartacus is known to most modern readers through the classic
Kubrick film version of Howard Fast’s novel. Now bestselling historical
novelist Ben Kane returns to the source material and presents a lively
and compelling new vision of the man who was Spartacus—Roman army
auxillary, slave, gladiator and ultimately the leader of an army of
slaves who nearly brought Rome to its knees. Ben Kane’s brilliant novel
begins in the Thracian village to which Spartacus has returned after
escaping from life as an auxiliary in the R oman army. Jealous of his
attachment to Ariadne, a Dionysian priestess, the Thracian king betrays
Spartacus to the Romans who take him, along with Ariadne, into captivity
and to the school of gladiators at Capua. Against the background of the
unbelievable brutality of gladiatorial life, Spartacus and Crixus the
Gaul plan the audacious overthrow of their Roman masters. They escape
and flee to Vesuvius, where they recruit and train an army of escaped
slaves that will have to face the conquerors of the known world, the
most successful deadly army in all of history in a battle that will set
in motion the legend that is Spartacus.
I have to say that although I like historical fiction, I've read very few novels like Spartacus: The Gladiator. Ben Kane combines extensive knowledge about the period with a fast-paced, daring writing style, a strong, fierce hero and a powerful plot. You can tell he's an experienced writer with his confident writing - the action scenes could be easily understood, the romance was short and sweet and the characterization remained constant. I loved how Ben Kane took the widely known facts about Spartacus a step further by adding all these details that truly make the story believable and worthwhile.
Spartacus' arrogant attitude but caring personality shines through in every word Kane writes - from the first killing of the thieves to saving the priestess Ariadne from the kings' guards even though he could have been kiled in the process. I didn't always like Spartacus because of his brashness and unemotional nature but nevertheless, he was a very well-rounded and well-developed character.
All in all, this novel was a very entertaining read and I can't wait to see more of Spartacus. Although I may not have read much in this genre, I can say with confidence that Ben Kane can be counted among the famous authors in literary merit. When it comes to historical fiction, Kane is a master!
P.S. I also recommend watching the TV show Spartacus along with this book and its sequel (not out yet).
Word of Warning: This novel is for people interested in historical fiction, especially about Spartacus. At 480 pages, it is definitely not an easy, fast read. There are violent scenes (though not at all unnecessary or gross) and rape scenes and profanity is prevalent throughout, so you should know what you're getting into if you read this book.
Still Skeptical? Read an excerpt at Goodreads
Visit all the stops in this tour
Find Ben Kane online:
Visit his website
Become a fan on Facebook
Follow him on Twitter
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Publishing Date: June 5, 2012
Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction, Action
Series: Spartacus #1 (out of 2-book series, Spartacus: Rebellion
Others by this Author: Forgotten Legion Chronicles (#1-3), Hannibal: Enemy of Rome
Received: Free for review as part of blog tourSeries: Spartacus #1 (out of 2-book series, Spartacus: Rebellion
Others by this Author: Forgotten Legion Chronicles (#1-3), Hannibal: Enemy of Rome
Goodreads Synopsis: Long the stuff of legends, Spartacus is known to most modern readers through the classic
Kubrick film version of Howard Fast’s novel. Now bestselling historical
novelist Ben Kane returns to the source material and presents a lively
and compelling new vision of the man who was Spartacus—Roman army
auxillary, slave, gladiator and ultimately the leader of an army of
slaves who nearly brought Rome to its knees. Ben Kane’s brilliant novel
begins in the Thracian village to which Spartacus has returned after
escaping from life as an auxiliary in the R oman army. Jealous of his
attachment to Ariadne, a Dionysian priestess, the Thracian king betrays
Spartacus to the Romans who take him, along with Ariadne, into captivity
and to the school of gladiators at Capua. Against the background of the
unbelievable brutality of gladiatorial life, Spartacus and Crixus the
Gaul plan the audacious overthrow of their Roman masters. They escape
and flee to Vesuvius, where they recruit and train an army of escaped
slaves that will have to face the conquerors of the known world, the
most successful deadly army in all of history in a battle that will set
in motion the legend that is Spartacus.I have to say that although I like historical fiction, I've read very few novels like Spartacus: The Gladiator. Ben Kane combines extensive knowledge about the period with a fast-paced, daring writing style, a strong, fierce hero and a powerful plot. You can tell he's an experienced writer with his confident writing - the action scenes could be easily understood, the romance was short and sweet and the characterization remained constant. I loved how Ben Kane took the widely known facts about Spartacus a step further by adding all these details that truly make the story believable and worthwhile.
Spartacus' arrogant attitude but caring personality shines through in every word Kane writes - from the first killing of the thieves to saving the priestess Ariadne from the kings' guards even though he could have been kiled in the process. I didn't always like Spartacus because of his brashness and unemotional nature but nevertheless, he was a very well-rounded and well-developed character.
All in all, this novel was a very entertaining read and I can't wait to see more of Spartacus. Although I may not have read much in this genre, I can say with confidence that Ben Kane can be counted among the famous authors in literary merit. When it comes to historical fiction, Kane is a master!
P.S. I also recommend watching the TV show Spartacus along with this book and its sequel (not out yet).
Word of Warning: This novel is for people interested in historical fiction, especially about Spartacus. At 480 pages, it is definitely not an easy, fast read. There are violent scenes (though not at all unnecessary or gross) and rape scenes and profanity is prevalent throughout, so you should know what you're getting into if you read this book.
Still Skeptical? Read an excerpt at Goodreads
Visit all the stops in this tour
Find Ben Kane online:
Visit his website
Become a fan on Facebook
Follow him on Twitter
Posted in: 4 stars,action,adult,historical,review
4 comments:
Thanks so much for taking part in the tour. I'm glad you enjoyed the book.
Historical fiction isn't my number one choice but I've read a couple of great ones that I now look at the genre more often. This one sounds like one to check out
I don't know, I mean I loved the movie the Gladiator, but Spartacus, doesn't sound as interesting
Thanks for your review, I think I would like to read this book. It sounds a little bit like the Gladiator and I really like that film!
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