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Ben Kane

Spartacus: The Gladiator: (Spartacus 1) Hardcover – 15 February 2012

by Ben Kane (Author)

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"Historically very little is known about Spartacus. We know that he came from Thrace, a land north of Greece, that he once fought in the Roman legions and that, during two fateful years, he led a slave army which nearly brought Rome to its knees. In Ben Kane's brilliant novel, we meet Spartacus as he returns to Thrace, ready to settle down after a decade away. But a new king has usurped the throne. Treacherous and violent, he immediately seizes Spartacus and sells him to a Roman slave trader looking for new gladiators. The odyssey has begun which will see Spartacus become one of the greatest legends of history, the hero of revolutionaries from Karl Marx to Che Guevara, immortalised on screen, and now brought to life in Ben Kane's great bestseller - a novel which takes the story to its halfway point and is continued in Spartacus- Rebellion."

Print length

448 pages
Language

English
Publisher

PREFACE
Publication date

15 February 2012
Dimensions

15.93 x 3.91 x 24.05 cm
ISBN-10

1848093403
ISBN-13

978-1848093409
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Review

"Gritty, passionate and violent, this thrilling book is a real page-turner and a damn good read. It brings Spartacus - and ancient Rome - to vivid, colourful life" (Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire)

"Ben Kane manages to bring a freshness to the saga ... Told with Kane's usual panache and historical knowledge, this book is highly recommended" (Kathy Stevenson, Daily Mail)

"Eyes are merciless, blows are wicked and screams are piercing, but this is a compulsive if relentless story, vividly recounted in muscular prose. Definitely one for the boys" (Daily Telegraph, 4 stars)

"If you want to become familiar with the lanista and the rudus, to know your scutum from your licium, then Kane's your man ... plenty of action" (Independent)

"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" (Sunday Times)

Book Description

"The first of two epic novels which tell the story of one of the most charismatic heroes history has ever known - Spartacus, the gladiator slave who took on and nearly defeated the might of Rome, during the years 73-71 BC."

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ PREFACE; 1st edition (15 February 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1848093403
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1848093409
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.93 x 3.91 x 24.05 cm

Customer Reviews:
376 ratings

About the authors

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Ben Kane
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'History is more than facts on a pages. It's the sounds, the smells, the people, the passion. History should make you think: "I was there."
My books are born from my obsession with Roman history. I've followed Spartacus' trail across Italy. I've stood at Cannae and imagined Hannibal's army meeting the massed legions of Rome. I've watched the sea lapping against the fortifications of Syracuse, which were besieged by the Romans for almost two years. I've walked Hadrian's Wall in full Roman military dress, including hobnailed boots.
Immerse yourself in these incredible stories and - like me - remind yourself why the legend of Rome endures.' - Ben Kane
'Who is the rising star of historical fiction? I say Ben Kane.' - WILBUR SMITH
To find out more about Ben Kane, his world and his novels visit: www.benkane.net
Twitter @BenKaneAuthor
Facebook.com/benkanebooks
The main picture of Ben in Roman kit, on Hadrian's Wall, was taken by North News & Pictures.
Yes, that IS Ian McKellen in the second pic - he was generous enough to do the voice over the movie that we had made of our second charity walk, in 2014, during which we raised over $40,000 for charity.
The third picture is of me and my co-Roman authors and walkers, Anthony Riches and Russell Whitfield, on Hadrian's Wall in 2013. Taken by Dr Mike Bishop.
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Ben Kane
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Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs, and more
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A fantastic retelling of Spartacus.

Reviewed in Australia on 19 June 2019

Ben Kane's Spartacus series is an amazing read and Book One "The Gladiator" is arguably one of Kane's finest. I loved this take on Spartacus and could not stop myself from turning page after page. This book is a bloody good read! Gates of Fire author Steven Pressfield says it all in his view on the book: "Gritty, passionate and violent, this thrilling book is a real page-turner and a damn good read. It brings Spartacus - and ancient Rome - to vivid, colourful life"
Consisting of only two parts, Spartacus is the best place to get into Ben Kane, if you are a fan of Historic Fiction and/ or Ancient Rome his books are a must. and I highly recommend him as an author.

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I. Jones

A new Spartacus

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2019

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This book has been around a few years – since 2012 – but had passed me by as I was busy reading other books by Ben Kane. I think one reason I avoided it was because I’ve seen the Stanley Kubrick film umpteen times (and I’d watch it again tonight if I had it) and I kind of assumed that that is the last word on the Spartacus story. However, I was wrong, as Ben has created a new Spartacus, historically believable and very different from the Kirk Douglas character. We also have a Crassus who is not a Laurence Olivier clone, but is entirely Ben’s creation though based closely on what we know of the historical Crassus (a man with a vast amount of wealth and a private fire brigade). I won’t go into the plot. You may think you know the story, but Ben certainly doesn’t follow the novel and although you may know how it all ends, it is worth reading this novel for the journey rather than the destination.
As usual Ben creates a host of credible supporting characters, and the ones who need three dimensions generally get them). These include a partner for Spartacus, Ariadne, a priestess of Dionysus, and an assortment of Romans, Thracians, Gauls, Scythians. Ben’s meticulous research means he gets the facts right about a wide range of national/ethnic groups in terms of dress, weaponry, customs and religions.
Warning: this edition closes with an excerpt from the sequel, so don’t dip into it if you’ve already decided you want to read the follow-up. I’m going to.

3 people found this helpful

Clemens A. Schoonderwoert

A Spectacular Spartacus Start!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2021

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Read this book in 2012, and its the 1st volume of a two-part series about Spartacus, from the author, Ben Kane.

This story starts in 74 BC, and we find Spartacus, originally from Thrace, after having fought for a decade in the Roman Legions, he's ready to settle down in his native Thrace, but due to a new treacherous and violent King, Spartacus is seized and sold to a Roman slave trader.

And so Spartacus is on his way back again to Rome to enter the arena and becoming a gladiator, fighting for life and death.

During his time in the arena his hate for Rome will increase, and little by little he's looking out for an opportunity to start a rebellion for freedom.

What is to follow is a thrilling and captivating Roman adventure, in which the legendary Spartacus come very much alive in this Roman Republic world of corruption and cruelty, and which is brought to us by the author in a most fantastic and believable fashion.

Highly recommended, for this is a great first episode of this wonderful two-part series, and that's why I like to call this tale: "A Spectacular Spartacus Start"!

Luke

great story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 July 2016

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I love the characters and action in this book by Ben Kane. This book starts with a story of betrayal by Spartacus's own people of Thrace; he returns to his home wishing to settle down after serving time in the Roman Legionnaires only to find that a new King has usurped the throne and is keen to get rid of anyone loyal to the last King. He is sold into slavery and ends up as a gladiator in the biggest gladiator school in Rome. There he discovers that his only role in life is to now survive in the Arena by giving a spectacular show of strength against other slaves or animals. If he doesn't fight he dies, if he doesn't make a show of it he doesn't eat; it's as simple as that. Life in the school is not always easy either as there are other gladiators who don't like newcomers and will kill him at any opportunity; he must quickly take control.

Eventually he makes many friends in the school and persuades them to join him in escaping their prison and fates when he learns of a plot for the entire school to be put forward as fodder for an extravaganza Arena match whereby in all likelihood all will perish. He exposes this to the others and starts a rebellion that gains him his freedom from the gladiator school, however, he cannot rest easy as he knows from his experience in the legionnaires that the Romans will not tolerate slaves of Rome escaping and killing their masters, they will try to catch them and make an example. This book shows how with only his wits and a plan of action he grows one of the most powerful armies ever seen and not only defies the Roman armies but conquers and annihilates them in battle. He must fight for his life and that of his family.

There are lots of in depth descriptions and details throughout the book and the flow of the story is not only gripping but keeps the reader absorbed in the story. A must read for any Ben Kane fans.

C. J. Moon

Superb story-telling from the master of Roman fiction.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 July 2016

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When looking for Roman historical fiction, then you need look no further than Ben Kane. Spartacus is another book of the highest degree from a truly gifted author.
The book starts with his return from serving with Rome's legions to his home where he is subsequently betrayed and sold into slavery. We then follow him back to Italy where he is forced to fight in the arena for the amusement of others. We are not left in any doubt about the barbarity of this 'sport'. From here, it is totally understandable where the hatred Spartacus and the other slaves feel for their Roman masters originates. He is joined by some fascinating characters, both from the Ludus and following their escape which all bring new dimensions to the story. Most of them are loyal, others would gladly see Spartacus dead with a knife in his back. This helps increase the tension further as you are never sure when the next act of treachery or in-fighting will erupt next. You become aware how precarious Spartacus' position was for most of the time and therefore how even more magnificent his story is, I suspect we all had this image of Spartacus leading his slave army and everyone gladly following him. The battle scenes, as is typical with Ben's books, are detailed, authentic accounts of what we do know of them. The sacks of towns captured by the slaves for me were the hardest parts to read. Ben brilliantly describes what occurred without being overly gratuitous, you are certainly not misled about these events being glorified or romanticized. Revenge takes on a new meaning.
I can not recommend this book highly enough. It is supremely well researched, very detailed throughout and nigh on impossible to forget about in a hurry. Once more, Ben Kane has set the mark for how to write books very high indeed.

One person found this helpful

SJATurney

No.... I'M Spartacus

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 September 2012

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I've waited until I finished the second book to review these two, since I read them back to back and a 2-part series is relatively rare. Given that, I will not be writing a separate review for each book. This review is for both Spartacus the Gladiator and Spartacus: Rebellion.

I've been a fan of Ben's writing from the start. His Forgotten Legion series was groundbreaking in a number of ways and quite astounding as a debut. I was then fairly stunned by Hannibal, which I consider to be one of the finest pieces of ancient Historical fiction written. Despite the high quality of FL, Hannibal showed a new maturity in writing and more depth of character and soul.

So on to Spartacus. I won't say, for the record, that this series is better than Ben's Hannibal (and its future sequels.) It is as good as Hannibal, and that's just dandy by me. I wouldn't have wanted Ben's style to change after Hannibal, as that book hit the spot just right for me. What I will say about these books is that there has been a slight change in conventions that I found refreshing and excellent (more of that shortly).

I won't say much about the plot, to be honest. Anyone who follows any review I write knows that I don't like to risk spoilers. But, that being said, the general tale of Spartacus is a matter of record that most people will have at least a basic knowledge of. So, bear in mind that you sort of know how this saga is going to end. I mean, there's only a certain amount of license a writer can realistically get away with (and Ben Kane seems to be very sparing with artistic license anyway) and to have the books end with Spartacus riding off into the sunset would be a little hard to swallow.

So prepare yourself. I spoke to Ben at the History In the Court event a few days ago and he wondered whether I'd cry at the end, given that apparently a lot of others had. Well, Ben, I have to admit to a few sneaky tears there, but to be honest there had been eye moistening for at least two chapters in anticipation...

One thing I find I have to say and it's the only thing that could be construed as criticism, I suspect, is that in both books, I actually wished they were slightly longer, despite that they were long anyway! The reasoning behind this is that the time spent in the ludus at Capua has some of the most important plot buildup of the whole story, but I felt that I would have liked to see more of the non-plot-important gladiatorial contests during that time (some are reminisced about or alluded to that I'd have liked to have read directly.) It is possible, of course, that this is my own problem fuelled by having recently watched the Spartacus series and craving such fights - bear in mind that it's almost impossible to read Spartacus without drawing certain comparisons if you've watched the series, but I'm confident these books will come out of the comparison favourably. Similarly, in the second book, a number of the smaller battles or skirmishes that are not critical are referenced only in reminiscence or conversation, and I kind of missed seeing them myself. Again, perhaps just my bloodthirsty tendencies showing through.

But on with reviewing: One thing that I particularly loved that was, if memory serves me correctly, a new convention in Ben's writing, is the regular inclusion of an `inner dialogue' for the major characters. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about this, but as the books progressed, I decided I really liked it and loved the effect it had on conversation. Often two characters will converse, but their private thoughts have a secondary conversation above them. This really gives a boost to the understanding of the motives and desires of the characters.

Another big win for me was the character of Carbo. Clearly a fictional creation, Carbo is the Yin to Spartacus's Yang in many ways and provides a counterpoint to the main star. I will say that he is in no way a sidekick or comedy relief. He is a strong protagonist in his own right, but helps to balance Spartacus. Well done for Carbo, Ben. Not only is he an important character, a plot foil, a companion and so much more, he is also the main chance the book has for any sort of positivity in the outcome.

Similarly, I loved Navio, and the portrayal of the young Caesar. On the Roman side, it is interesting to see Caesar and Crassus at this stage in their development, giving an insight into what creates the men who will exist and are portrayed in the Forgotten Legion.
Incidentally, as well as the sadness of the inevitable conclusion, there is one scene in the first book (a death scene) that I actually found worse. It was for me a harrowing read with all the soul-crushing skill of a Guy Gavriel Kay work. Fabulous in its awfulness.

In an echo of the plot construction of the Forgotten Legion, there is an overriding element of the mystical and the divine in this work which goes deeper than simply describing the attitudes of the people in the setting, but actually provides foretellings, insights, and even explanations as to the reasons for the events of the Third Servile War. One day I may well go back through these books and read them with a different mindset, going in to them with the idea that the whole string of events is somewhat defined and informed by prophecy and divine whim, rather than the straight historical viewpoint I attacked them with this time.

All in all, these two books create the deepest, most realistic and yet refreshingly different telling of the Spartacus rebellion yet. Forget Blood and Sand and Kirk Douglas. The characters here are authentic feeling and very much sympathetic, even on the Roman side. The fights and battles are up to the very high standard that fans of Ben Kane's work will have come to expect. The undertones of divine influence are subtle and yet powerful. As always, Ben appears to have meticulously researched everything and the historical accuracy of the books is as strong as I can believe it could get. There is never a let up in the story's pace or the action, and you will genuinely be as sad at the conclusion that you have no more to read as you are at the storyline itself.

It's a win on many levels. It's so sad that there's nowhere to go and the series has to end there. There could always be the possibility of a prequel, of course, since sequels are unrealistic. But anyone who watches Ben on twitter will be able to heave a sigh of relief knowing that he's working on the next Hannibal book now.

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