From the back of the book: "Forty thousand spectators watch each footstep, every movement of your sword as you close upon your opponent. The life of a gladiator is one of servitude and slavery but with every victory comes the howl of the mob, driving you ever more to succeed. You are one of the greatest combatants every to have walked onto the sands of death and your name is known across the land. Fame, fortune and eventual freedom are yours for the taking if you can only survive as a gladiator."