‘A complete triumph of imagination . . . readers are goingto fall in love with this brilliant series’ A. F. Steadman, bestsellingauthor ofSkandar

‘A captivating adventure loaded with history and intrigue’ Abi Elphinstone

”A cracking series with stunning illustrations’ Christopher Edge,bestselling author ofEscape Room

The action adventure ofGladiatormeets the time travelofDoctor Whoin the third title of this epic series bybestselling award-winner M. G. Leonard. Perfect for 8 to 12-year-old fans ofAdventures on Trains. Supports the curriculum. Illustrated throughout in blackand white by Manuel umberac.

Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson are enjoying an amazing holiday in Rome, until theythey are swept up in the mysterious disappearance of world-famous illusionistKinetic. He vanished during a live broadcast from the Colosseum, but he neverreappeared. When Kinetics sister finds a strange description in a history bookof a gladiator who sounds uncannily like her brother, the friends aredetermined to help.

They travel through secret time doors to the spectacular and deadly Colosseum in Ancient Rome, but can the brave trio survive long enough to findKinetic and bring him home?

The Impossible Gladiatorcan be read as a stand-alone novel, orenjoyed as part of the thrilling Time Keys series written by M. G. Leonard.Follow Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson’s adventures in Ancient Egypt,Hunt forthe Golden Scarab,and Viking Norway inThe Legend of VikingThunder.

Praise for the Time Keys series:

Classic and fresh a breathtaking adventure – Eoin Colfer, author ofArtemisFowl

Fabulous, fast-paced and thrilling – Jonathan Stroud, author of theLockwood& Co.series

A thrilling time-travel adventure –The Guardian

Fast, dramatic, exciting – Hannah Gold

Thrilling adventure packed with history, mystery and action –TheWeek Junior

About the Author

M. G. Leonard has made up stories since she was alittle girl, but back then adults called them lies or tall tales and she didntwrite them down. As a grown up, she has written stories about fantasticalbeetles, beautiful birds and thrilling train rides. Her books have beentranslated into over forty languages and won many awards. She is the vicepresident of the insect charity Buglife, and a founding author ofAuthors4Oceans. She lives in England, by the sea, with her husband, two sons, adog called Nell, and a variety of exotic beetles. She is the bestselling writerof childrens books such as The Time Keys series, The Ice Children, Beetle Boy,theAdventures on Trains series and The Twitchersbooks.

Manuel umberacis a Croatian based illustrator and animator. Hegraduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb where he was drawn towardsthe fascinating world of illustration. His work has been published andrecognized in numerous book illustrations and covers, including The Time Keysseries, The Dalemark Quartet, Orphans of the Tide, The Night Before Christmasand Steampunk Frankenstein, among many others. Manuel creates his illustrationsusing digital techniques combined with traditional media.