Notes

207 p. : ill., map Summary: Lucius finds his privileged life suddenly turned upside down when his father is accused of being a ruthless government informer, the 'Spectre', and disappears. Shamed and desperate, Lucius's brother Quintus takes the dreaded Blood Oath and vows to become a gladiator. But Lucius must fight for their survival behind the scenes, plunging himself into danger and mystery. Where has their father gone? Why has he abandoned everything he once stood for? And what is the meaning of the coded messages that Lucius has been receiving? Can Lucius save his family from the grasping hands of his uncle, Ravilla? And can Quintus survive long enough in the arena to live another day? Gladiator school bk. 1