This engaging tale is woven with historical details relating to Celtic and gladiator life. After a slow start and some predictable plot developments, the story gains momentum and continues in the dynamic style of the author’s previous books. As she deals with her new status and the expectation that she will fight (and possibly kill) as a form of entertainment for others, Fallon confronts her feelings about what it means to be a slave and a warrior. Fallon, the younger daughter of a Celtic king, sets out on a revenge mission the night of her 17th birthday and is captured by slavers, who sell her to a training academy for female gladiators. Livingston shifts genres from fantasy set in modern New York City, as in the “Wondrous Strange” trilogy, to historical fiction set in ancient Rome.
VERDICT This will likely appeal to fans of Livingston’s earlier novels and to those who enjoy history-based adventures, especially those set during this time period, which is not well represented in YA literature.- Judy Poyer, Odenton Regional Library, MD The ending is sudden and leaves a side plot unexplained, but this may be resolved in the planned sequel. With the exception of Decurion Caius Varro, who seems to fall instantly in love with Fallon, the characters and relationships are well developed.
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