Arena: Barbarian (Part One of the Roman Arena Series)

Simon Scarrow · T. J. Andrews

Oct 2012 · Roman Arena Book 1 · Hachette UK

About this ebook

The first in a series of action-packed novellas set in Ancient Rome introducing Pavo, a novice gladiator, and featuring Simon Scarrow's ongoing soldier character Optio Macro.


It is AD 41. The savage Gaul Britomaris has defeated the best of the Roman gladiators in the arena. Now a young volunteer, Marcus Valerius Pavo, the son of a murdered general, has been given a month to prepare to face Britomaris in a fight which only one man can survive. He is to be trained by veteran soldier Macro, who fears for his young trainee's chances. But Pavo is motivated by more than a simple desire for victory or survival, and Britomaris may yet be facing his most dangerous opponent...

Ratings and reviews

Stumbled on this as a sample and made the purchase, very addictive stories, it's was a challenge to put this one down. Fortunately I could get my next fix straight away buying it online.... Top Tip though, you will want to read them all, so buy the Arena book that contains all five!

The title says it all - fans of Scarrow's earlier novels will be disappointed with this latest offering, which feels as though it was written purely as a quick money-grabbing scheme.

Another great read from this author, where does he get them all from.Keep's you riveted from start to finish,can't wait for the next installment.

About the author

Simon Scarrow's passion for writing began at an early age. After a childhood spent travelling the world he pursued his great love of history as a teacher, before becoming a full-time writer. His Roman soldier heroes Cato and Macro first stormed the book shops in UNDER THE EAGLE, and have subsequently appeared in a number of bestsellers. He lives outside Norwich with his family.