Book Review: Attack at the Arena

I was thrilled to get the chance to review Attack at the Arena by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker.  Even more thrilled when I got it.  This is a new series of Imagination Station books, and they are fabulous.

From the publisher:

Patrick and Beth learn that Mr. Whittaker’s fancy ring can be seen inside the Imagination Station but not outside of the machine. A mysterious letter leads the cousins to fifth-century Rome in search of a special cup that belongs to a monk. If found, the cup could keep the mysterious Albert out of prison. 

At the Roman Colosseum, Emperor Honorius is hosting a gladiator battle in celebration of a war victory. Beth attends the event as the emperor’s slave; Patrick attends as a monk’s apprentice but is taken prisoner and sent to fight in the arena. During their adventure, the cousins meet Telemachus (a true historical figure), a monk who believes that fighting is wrong. Telemachus is willing to risk everything—even his life—to stop the killing. When the cousins return with the cup, they find that a third letter has been sent with more information about Albert’s fate.

I had my reluctant reader son, William, read this aloud to me.  It has been great.  It is basically a beginning chapter book, and it includes a fair amount of historical information and is definitely coming from a Biblical perspective.

I have looked and looked and looked for a Christian beginning chapter book series that has some "boy appeal."  There really is not much out there.  Until now.  And the best part is that it isn't "just" for boys, it is also interesting for girls, I think.  The main characters include a boy and a girl, which is great. 

We have already purchased the first book in the series, and I will be continuing to get more of them.  William likes the connection to Adventures in Odyssey, and he loves Roman history.  "Action.  Adventure.  Traveling back in time.  What's not to love?"

Disclaimer:   I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers.  No other compensation was received.  The fact that I received a complimentary product does not guarantee a favorable review.