Circus Maximus, the greatest sporting stage of the ancient Roman world, where the best horses and charioteers compete in a race to the death, and one girl dreams of glory. Ben Hur meets National Velvet, in the ultimate 9-12 adventure story by debut children's author, Annelise Gray.

Circus Maximus, the greatest sporting stage of the ancient Roman world, where the best horses and charioteers compete in a race to the death, and one girl dreams of glory. Ben Hur meets National Velvet in the ultimate 9-12 adventure story by debut children's author, Annelise Gray. Twelve-year-old Dido dreams of becoming the first female charioteer at the great Circus Maximus. She's lost her heart to Porcellus, a wild, tempestuous horse she longs to train and race. But such ambitions are forbidden to girls and she must be content with helping her father Antonius – the trainer of Rome's most popular racing team, The Greens – and teaching the rules of racing to Justus, the handsome young nephew of the Greens' wealthy owner. When her father is brutally murdered, she is forced to seek refuge with an unlikely ally. But what of her dream of Circus triumphs and being reunited with the beloved horse she left behind in Rome? And the threat to her life isn't over as she faces a powerful and terrifying new enemy... the emperor Caligula. '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

"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" - Armadillo Magazine

"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" - Sunday Times

"A gripping novel set in ancient Rome, centred on the world of chariot racing... The story wears the historical detail lightly but very convincingly. 8+ but really just as exciting for teens'" - Five Books

"Younger readers will be obsessed" - Stylist

"A cracking, page-turner of an historical adventure" - BookTrust