Arrow

Spartacus returns home after serving with the Roman Legions for a decade to discover that his father has been murdered!

He falls out with the king who sells him and Adiadne
a Dionysias priestess to a slave trader.

One of the main reasons I enjoyed this book is
the meticulous historical detail.I was fascinated by gladiatorial combat and the way they were trained each gladiator had at least two weapons which were used for different tactics to kill their opponent in a most horrifying way.

As such as this isn't really an autobiography but not that's not what I was expecting. The book is filled with anecdotes looking at Kermode's enthusiasm with film and how it shaped his life. They are frequently amusing and you will enjoy this book if you have an interest in cinema/film even if you don't always agree with Kermode. The stories rub shoulders with his thoughts and opinions on his favourite films and genres.

Is this a series ? It felt as though I had come in halfway through, being the continuing adventures of former hit man Toby O'Dare, accompanied by his guardian angel, being set tasks to gain redemption for the evil he has done.

Didn't like it at all, definitely a book of two halves and neither terribly interesting. The second part, set in medieval times could have been good, without the religious overload, but the first part, detailing Toby's life to date and his struggle with the emptiness of his spiritual and emotional state was, I'm sorry to say, boring and repetitive.

A rollercoaster of a book - even more remarkable as it's based on cold, rock hard fact. Andy Kirkpatrick, daredevil and ace climber extraordinaire, lived, breathed; wept and cursed the worlds toughest mountain faces and has survived, in conditions that would make Ray Mears stay at home wrapped up in bed!

This is an entertaining and breathtaking read, as it marries Andy's childhood growing up in Hull with his tackling one of the most challenging mountains in California, El Capitan.

This is a work of fiction, and because of that I think it's able to give the most detailed and comprehensive account on what "could" have happened in the events leading up to the assassination of Kennedy. As we'll never know what happened during those fateful months prior to the President being shot dead (and as the Warren Report was such a sham document) this is probably the next best thing.

This was such a deeply satisfying read and resonated at such a level; it's a very spiritual book. It's a wonderful allegory on how society has tried to crush paganism but also how it will never succeed; and it uses the character of Mandrake to illustrate how dictators come into power.

Marvellous ! A fascinating insight into tudor life and politics with the tragic life of Lady Jane Grey, the nine day queen.

Written mainly in the first person by Jane but with contributions from the other characters involved, this could have misfired but manages to convey the various viewpoints without missing a beat. Beautifully written, and hard to put down.

It had me flying to my books and computer to find out more about what happened to remaining sisters and to other people mentioned - that's surely the measure of a very good book !

A Dog called Christmas is such a lovely story for Christmas Time, especially as Todd manages to get the community behind him to all take dogs from the animal shelter.

Forget the boys - Lois Pryce has made her mark with 'Lois on the Loose' about her motorbike travels in the Americas. Going from Alaska through Central America and down to the southern most tip in South America.