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Head of Zeus
Circus Maximus: Rider of the Storm
02 Mar 2023 * EBOOK * £6.99 * 9781803281049

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.

Fiction / YFC (Children’s Fiction)
Extent: 368 pages
Exclusive: GB AU NZ IN ZA SG   Not for sale: CA US
Circus Maximus: Race to the Death
Circus Maximus: Rivals on the Track
Also in Circus Maximus series
Circus Maximus: Rider of the StormCircus Maximus, 3by Annelise Gray

Dido gallops headlong into her third adventure, following her escapades in the riveting and action-packed Race to the Death and Rivals on the Track.

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.

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+.

'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, Children's Book of the Week, on Race to the Death

Annelise Gray was born in Bermuda and moved to the UK as a child. She grew up riding horses and dreaming of becoming a writer. After gaining a PhD in Classics from Cambridge, she worked as a researcher for authors and TV companies on topics as varied as Helen of Troy, Russian princesses and the history of labradors. She's previously published a history of the women of the Roman Empire and a crime novel set in the Roman Republic. Annelise's debut children's novel, Circus Maximus: Race to the Death, was published by Zephyr in 2021 and Rivals on the Track in 2022. Annelise lives with her husband in Dorset where she teaches Latin. annelisegray.co.uk Twitter: @AnneliseGray

Book 1 Branford Boase Prize longlisted and Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week, Book 2 festival invitation to Hay and Chalke Valley and double the number of hbs sold.

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.

Series sales presenter available.

For 9+ readers.

MARKET: Caroline Lawrence's Roman Mysteries series; Rosemary Sutcliffe's The Eagle of the Ninth; Lauren St John's One Dollar Horse series; Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series; Hannah Gold; Natasha Farrant.


PRAISE FOR THE CIRCUS MAXIMUS SERIES:
'Rivals on the Track 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 The One Dollar Horse.
'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.
'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.
'Fantastic new historical novel that I'm reading to my daughter. She's loving it... We are hoping there's a sequel!' Dan Snow.
'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

FOR MORE INFORMATION
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