Inside, the helmet was dark and stuffy. I couldn't see a thing. The sounds of the waves and the sea breeze had suddenly stopped. I got this weird feeling, like the air was bending around me. Like the ground was shifting under my feet.


You find an old helmet on the beach. It's rusty and looks as if it's been there for years. You slip it over your head to see how it feels.


When you take it off again, you're inside a dark tunnel. Someone hands you a sword. You're a gladiator. And the crowd outside is baying for your blood.


*Help Key Stage 3 students move from Level 3b to Level 3a in reading.
*Support comprehension with the exciting, age-appropriate illustrations.
*Help readers explore the world of Roman gladiators and Roman soldiers using the lively non-fiction section.
*Encourage shared and guided reading using the ready-made tasks and discussion points on the activity pages at the back of the book.

Series edited by: Natalie Packer
Illustrated by: Matt Timson