Released from the Arctic ice after two millennia, a former Roman gladiator must contend with his haunted memories while trying to make sense of a strange new world While conducting exploration in the frozen Arctic, Texan Lew McCardle, a geologist working for the Houghton Oil company, discovers something remarkable: a body encased in the ice. More remarkable still, the skills of Russian … skills of Russian researcher Semyon Petrovitch bring the man miraculously back to life. This strange visitor from the distant past has an amazing story to tell. Translated from his native Latin by Nordic nun Olava, Lucius Aurelius Eugenianus reveals that in the era of Domitian he was a champion in the Roman Coliseum, a gladiator known far and wide as the greatest of all time. But now the warrior Eugeni must readjust to this new world, with its bizarre customs, hidden traps, and geopolitical and moral complexities, as he struggles to come to terms with painful memories of loves and glories lost, the bloodthirsty politics and heartbreaking betrayals that ultimately led him to this time and place.
An ingenious amalgam of science fiction, fantasy, and history, Richard Ben Sapir’s The Far Arena is a breathtaking work of literary invention, at once thrilling, poignant, and thought-provoking. A classic tale of strange destiny and miraculous reawakening populated by a rich cast of unforgettable characters, past and present, that will live long in the reader’s memory.
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Great story, especially for anyone who appreciates history of our culture and language.
Great writer , older publication
Haven’t finished yet but I enjoy the action
I really like historical plots
I read this book years ago, and I enjoyed reading it again. I like reading about the gladiator, his times, juxtaposed with ours. And, I studied Latin in High School, so the idea of hearing it spoken appealed to me, just as it did to characters in the book. I have recommended it to friends.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Crowds still want to be entertained.
An original idea, as a Roman gladiator is brought back to life. The story alternates between the 20th century and ancient Rome, and it does a wonderful job of conveying what life was like in ancient times. In some ways, the past is another world, and the author breathes life into this long-gone world. This is not a new book, but the wonderful thing about ebooks is, they are never out of print!
The best book I’ve ever read – period! And I’ve read thousands, in every genre.
Completely original.
I loved this book and the wonderful characters within, particularly the gladiator telling his story. He felt himself cursed to see the time when the games were gone, even though he was betrayed. He awakes to tell a nun who is pagan to him about his Christian wife and how the had been married by a man named Peter…
It was historically fascinating and a truly wonderful story that came to life in two different centuries. I will read this one again.
Fascinating take on “What if a Roman gladiator found his way into the 21st century?” Of course it takes a stretch of imagination and pseudo science to make it happen, but still a good story.
Too darn slow!