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  • Spartacus: The Gladiator

  • Spartacus 1
  • By: Ben Kane
  • Narrated by: Michael Praed
  • Length: 17 hrs and 43 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (315 ratings)

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Spartacus: The Gladiator

By: Ben Kane
Narrated by: Michael Praed
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Summary

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
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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)

What listeners say about Spartacus: The Gladiator

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another great book from a great author.

I have loved this book, it is well written taking the listener to the action, can't wait for book two the "Rebellion"

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A slow burner but worth it.

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!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

so gorishly brilliant

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Well written and well narrated,

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!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great historical fiction with no PC agenda.

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.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Rip roaring story.

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Surprised I am a fan!

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great read, great Narration

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and having read Ben's other work I had to read the Spartacus series. Big fan of the Spartacus TV series also so I was looking forward to seeing Ben's spin on the legend and it didn't disappoint!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic story and a great listen.

A fantastic story which is well written and the narration brought the story to life brilliantly. Didn't want the book to end and can't wait for the next book in the series. Outstanding 10/10.

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