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Spartacus: The Gladiator

Spartacus 1

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Spartacus: The Gladiator

By: Ben Kane
Narrated by: Michael Praed
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About this listen

Warrior. As winter approaches in 74 BC, few travellers are abroad. But one man is making the long and weary last stage of his way home. Large parts of his homeland, Thrace, a land north of Greece, has fallen under the hated power of Rome. This Thracian has fought in the Roman legions for nearly a decade. He is skilled, hardened in battle, a sophisticated fighter. Spartacus.

Slave. But home is no longer the safe haven of his imagination. A new king sits on the throne. Treacherous and cunning, he has seized the crown by murder and he will hold onto it by violence. When a Roman slave trader comes to the village in search of men who will fight as gladiators, Spartacus is betrayed and sold. His odyssey has begun.

Hero. The legend that is Spartacus has come down to us through the centuries - the story of a man who took on the might of Rome and nearly brought her down. Now Ben Kane, the brilliant author of The Forgotten Legion and Hannibal: Enemy of Rome, brings to glorious life the first part of the Spartacus story.

©2012 Ben Kane (P)2012 Random House AudioGo Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction War & Military Warrior Rome Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

“There is much to enjoy in this saga of the downtrodden triumphing temporarily over their oppressors, and the portrait of Spartacus as charismatic leader is a vivid one.” ( The Sunday Times)
“Ben Kane is a master of blending action, storytelling, living characters and historical and military detail … highly recommended.” ( Editor’s Choice Historical Novels Review)
“Historically little is known about the real Spartacus but in the hands of Ben Kane his legend has been crafted into two fantastic novels and this is the first.” (4 stars, Daily Express)
"The vestigial knowledge we have of Spartacus’s life is cleverly woven into a well-researched realisation of Thrace and Rome in the first century BC…a tense, bloody and page-turningly good novel." ( Lynn Roberts , The Tablet)
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I have loved this book, it is well written taking the listener to the action, can't wait for book two the "Rebellion"

Another great book from a great author.

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A slow but epic story. Narrator pauses dramatically after most sentences which probably made this an hour longer than it needed to be! I enjoyed it all the same and look forward to part 2!

A slow burner but worth it.

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I loved listening to this book, if you like raw uncut descriptions of gruesome battles, 1-2-1 duels, ravaged towns etc then you'll find it all in here.

the story of Spartacus was pictured so vividly in my mind by the end of the book, I was so sad when I got to the end. I wish I could wipe my mind and listen to it all again from fresh.

so gorishly brilliant

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Initially I thought Michael Praed was a little monotone however, he soon got in to his narration and by just the change of inflection in his voice made the characters come to life. The story is well known and Ben Kane appears to have researched his subject well, thus giving Spartacus and his follower’s strong characterization. The mixing of fact and fiction is a good recipe for producing an exciting story, If Hollywood are considering remaking the movie I think Mr Kane should be considered to write the screen play!

Well written and well narrated,

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Ben Kane's Spartacus is a classic hero displaying all the great virtues of masculinity, reminding me of the honorable heroes of times past. If you like movies like Gladiator and 300 then this book is a must.

Great historical fiction with no PC agenda.

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I enjoyed this book imensely, i got thoroughly submerged in it and felt part off the action.
Micheal praid is an excellent narrator with a soothing voice, he has tone and inflection and brings the book to life.

Thoroughly enjoyable

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Cracking story, well worth the time( listening. The writer put together a work of fiction based on historical fact.

Rip roaring story.

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While I like historical novels, I thought there would be more violence in this novel than I normally would listen to. I found the story so interesting though, and the narration so excellent, that I will work my way through more of Ben Kane's books.

Surprised I am a fan!

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What made the experience of listening to Spartacus: The Gladiator the most enjoyable?

Thoroughly enjoyed all the detail,most instructive.Anyone who has seen the movie,MUSt read this book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Spartacus: The Gladiator?

too many to pick one.

Have you listened to any of Michael Praed’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This was the 1st. Look forward to the next.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended

Another great Ben Kane novel.

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Once again Ben Kane shows why he is so highly praised as one of the best historical fiction authors around. Its quite clear that he leaves no stone unturned in his research of his subject and with Spartacus he once again excells at filling in the gaps that history has forgotten!
We all know the tragic rise and fall of the Thracian slave who so very nearly toppled Rome but Ben Kane brings the legend to life and breathes new life into the fabled gladiator.

Ben Kane at his best

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