<p><b>Dido gallops headlong into her third adventure, following her escapades in the riveting and action-packed <i>Race to the Death</i> and <i>Rivals on the Track</i>.</b></p><p>Dido is reconciled to leaving the racing track and staying at home to train horses with Scorpus and Parmenion. But a storm is brewing. It brings with it a fiery black stallion, uncannily like Dido's beloved Porcellus.</p><p>Word arrives from Rome that her cousin, Abibaal, a talented young charioteer, has been recruited to compete for the evil emperor, Caligula. To save Abibaal, Dido must return to the great Circus Maximus track where she once drove to glory herself, confront her enemy Caligula, and face the toughest, most dangerous race of her life. For 9+.</p><p>'Rich in period detail, with a few real historical characters – its principal invention the idea that a woman might have been a charioteer – this is an involving, well characterised tale that feels original' <br /><i>Sunday Times</i>, Children's Book of the Week, on <i>Race to the Death</i></p>
<p>Third in the Circus Maximus adventure series. When word comes from Rome that her charioteer cousin has disappeared. Dido is determined to help her Uncle Scorpus discover Abibaal's fate.</p>
<b>PRAISE FOR THE CIRCUS MAXIMUS SERIES</b>: <br />
'<i>Rivals on the Track</i> is as heart-poundingly thrilling as the races in its pages. I adored it. Buckle up for the ride of your life' Lauren St John, author of <i>The One Dollar Horse</i>. <br />
'I loved this adventure – full of brilliant horses, and a determined heroine following her dreams against all the odds. Looking forward to discovering what's in store for them next' Pippa Funnell, MBE, three-time Equestrian Olympic medalist. <br />
'Lovers of history, horses and heart-stopping adventure will be gripped by this action-packed and fast-paced read which will sweep you off your feet, leave you breathless and wanting to know more of the history behind the fiction' <i>Armadillo</i>. <br />
'Fantastic new historical novel that I'm reading to my daughter. She's loving it... We are hoping there's a sequel!' Dan Snow. <br />
'This thrilling debut is the first in a new historical series full of dazzling action, rich detail, fabulous horses and an unforgettable heroine'
Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
<p>Book 1 Branford Boase Prize longlisted and <i>Sunday Times</i> Children's Book of the Week, Book 2 festival invitation to Hay and Chalke Valley and double the number of hbs sold.</p>
<p>Ancient Rome is on the curriculum. Perfect for horse lovers, history lovers, children, teachers and parents. Classicist author trained under Mary Beard and has appeared on TV and radio.</p>
<p>Series sales presenter available.</p>
<p>For 9+ readers.</p>
<p>MARKET: Caroline Lawrence's Roman Mysteries series; Rosemary Sutcliffe's <i>The Eagle of the Ninth</i>; Lauren St John's One Dollar Horse series; Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series; Hannah Gold; Natasha Farrant.</p>