518RZOKVa2L._SL500_Synopsis: “Dido is the only girl ever to have raced to victory at the Circus Maximus, Rome’s greatest sporting arena. Now she and her beloved horse, Porcellus, are in hiding, and Emperor Caligula has put a price on their heads.

Can she outwit the emperor and his bounty hunters? And will a shocking family secret stop her in her tracks, or spur her on to make a daring return, helped by a one-eyed mare with a heart as brave as her own?

Horses, history, mystery, thrilling entertainment and sensational storytelling race neck and neck through the second pulse-pounding adventure in Annelise Gray’s 9 + series set in Ancient Rome.“

My Review

I loved this second book in the Circus Maximus trilogy, that follows Dido a young teen in the Roman Empire when Caligula is the Emperor.

This was a brilliant follow up to the first book in which Dido continues to follow her charioteer dreams. It was full of thrills and drama, twists and turns, just like the first book.

Dido is still a great character, she wasn’t annoying or stroppy like some teenagers can be, but was realistic and just as focussed on who she wanted to be in a very male world. I loved following her journey in this next book where she learns more about her family, whilst still having to be extremely careful to avoid certain people from the first book.

Bronwen Pricer’s narration was superb, she really brought all the characters to life. I particularly liked her portrayal of Dido, Scorpus, Parmenion, Ismene and Muttumbaal!

If you love horses, mysteries and all things Roman you’ll definitely enjoy this book, especially on audio!