This is an inspirational handbook for personal achievement and positive living. THE GLADIATOR MINDSET will inspire you to find and develop your talent and have the confidence to believe in yourself. So the author had to confront the problem of a "truthful" ending that comported with both history, that is, continued Roman domination, and at least this reader's sympathy with the slaves and feelings of revulsion for the Nazis. He manages this pretty well in a cliffhanger last couple of chapters. He also lays the ground for more books! I've said it before and I'll say it again. Cato and Macro have one of the best fictional relationships I've ever come across. They are great characters and even though I should feel sorry for the slaves, as their lives are terrible, well not Ajax -he deserves it, because they are against them I just want them to lose. There is lots of drama and excitment in this one as Macro and Julia are taken captive. Cato gets underestimated more than normal in this book which I didn't like, I think he's proved himself by now!

Non-royal protagonists tend to be in the minority in historical fiction, especially in the more violent periods of British history. Vita is therefore a welcome addition to the genre, with her strength lying in her intellect rather than her physicality. One of my fave films of all times, one i have watched countless times. Near the beginning in the forests was filmed near my relatives too and I've been. Simply breathtaking scope and settings and the music hits your soul.In 81 AD, a Christian (Pelonia Valeria) is sold into slavery by her evil uncle after her family and servants are killed by marauders on their way to her cousin’s wedding. Ex-gladiator, Caros Viriathos, who is now a gladiator trainer, buys Pelonia as a slave. He is attracted to her, and once he hears her story, he is compassionate. In the past he was also sold into slavery and forced to fight in the arena, or die. He won his freedom, eventually, after doing so well in the ring. Pelonia wants to be set free, but how can Caros let her go when he is falling for her? The fights staged in Gladiator are masterful set pieces; stylized and captured gloriously. However, the fighting in Gladiator is not unrealistic; it's graphic and bloody. The warriors who battle each other are not super-men, they are normal men, real fighters, who get bashed and beat up at every turn. These soldiers combat in a truly gritty way, they are warriors who need to smell and rub their hands in the earth they battle upon. Chief amongst these mortal combatants is Russell Crowe's, a hero of mythological stance, whose raw aggression on the battlefront, coupled with his powerful expressions (combating and not combating, his silent moments from his execution to his first brawl in the arena are his best) and compelling heroics earned him a well earned Oscar. A tale of redemption of a man fighting for good. A cause bigger than himself and to overthrow a tyrant obstructing the birth a republic. Revel in the violence, behold it's beauty and magnificence, wasn't a doubt in my mind that Ridley Scott would reap the rewards of his efforts and win awards galore. People who criticize this film are the same people that ridiculed Blade Runner, Alien, and my message to them is to get stuffed, thats as polite as i can put it.

What comes as an unexpected and pleasant addition is that we have an enemy who we had left behind long ago, emerge. One that gives us plausible cause to believe he is not only present at the recovering Crete, but his actions will and do impact the story. Wow, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was so good! I loved the unique storyline and the setting, in ancient Rome. The story had great descriptions and atmosphere. There was the horror and tension of the Christian slaves being murdered in the arena. Caros, trying to understand Pelonia’s devotion to Christ. The building trust and love between Pelonia and Caros. I also liked the secondary characters, some who have their own stories in other books in this series, which I look forward to reading.The novel is widely assumed to have been an inspiration for Superman due to similarities between Danner and the earliest versions of Superman who debuted in 1938, [1] [2] though no confirmation exists that Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were directly influenced by Wylie's work. [3] Publication history [ edit ] Feeley, Gregory (March 2005). "When World-views Collide: Philip Wylie in the Twenty-first Century". Science Fiction Studies. 32 (95). ISSN 0091-7729 . Retrieved 2006-12-06. The lesson of the book (the theme) is based on Romans 8:28, which the author stated in her "Dear Reader" after the end of the story. All Christians likely know this verse by heart: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Pelonia's trial, her darkest days, witnessed to a man who did eventually turn his life around to serve God just as Pelonia did. The script was being written and re-written as the filming was going on, yet it doesn't show that the actors had no idea how the movie was going to end when they began filming. The acting is terrific. Russell Crowe is wonderfully cast as Maximus. Many reviewers agree that he is now officially a star. Joaquin Phoenix also proves his mettle as the emotionally troubled Commodus, whose behavior and emotion toward his sister could give anyone the creeps. Connie Nielsen makes you believe that, as Lucilla, she really is torn between natural loyalty to her brother and doing what she knows is right. Oliver Reed, in his last performance, is memorable in his role of Proximo, the former gladiator who is the owner of Maximus and brings him to Rome. In short, the actors were brilliant in their roles, not over-acting, but giving subtle, strong performances. Many of the island's troops are either dead or wounded by the earthquake, the local Governor of the Province call on Cato and Macro for their help in suppressing this revolt.

Vita and the Gladiator is rich in detail, with the descriptions of Roman food, clothing and entertainment helping to bring to life this turning point in British history. Readers who are keen to move on from the Horrible Histories series will find a lot to enjoy in this book, with its skilful blend of historical insight and personal drama. The historical notes at the end provide a fascinating additional insight into Roman Britain.This was a romance and so much more. Carla brings us to 81 AD when to be a Christian was a lot more than just a phrase. It was life and death. It was unique to visit this Roman era.