Simon Scarrow will do for boy gladiators what JK Rowling did for boy wizards.

Explores the subtle power of the imagination

The next big thing

A time travelling detective tale. There are desperate chases, hair-raising escapes . . . and more comical or eccentric secondary characters than you could shake a wand at

We’re predicting extremely big things from this new adventure series from Damian Dibben

If you've got Harry Potter withdrawal, The History Keepers is just the thing. A cocktail of time travel, secret societies, double agents and edge-of-your-seat excitement, it's sure to fill that fantasy void. The only problem? You won't be able to put it down

Dibben makes gleeful use of the timetravel aspect to bring characters from different historical periods into a contemporary setting . . . It's playful, inventive and full of delightfully nerdy jokes and asides. Perfect for fans of Horrible Histories and Percy Jackson

This is an utterly rambunctious read, full of swashbuckling adventure . . . There's a great deal of humour, too . . . The whole thing has great heart and highspiritedness

Although time-travel plays a central part in the plot, it is first and foremost a cracking adventure story that is perfect for the 9+ age group. You want your swashes buckled? Then this is the story for you. Prefer the pace of the stories you read to be on the fast side? Then jump on this bob-sleigh of a story and enjoy the ride!

A thoroughly enjoyable action-packed romp through time that will appeal to adventure-lovers

Bags of commercial potential and a great read too

There are many exciting action sequences, which are almost cinematic in their execution, villains so dastardly they practically perspire evil, and it all adds up to a very enjoyable adventure story

Harry Potter meets Doctor Who in a blockbusting new time-travel series packed with secret societies, diabolical villains and daring heroes

A wonderfully imaginative adventure thriller giving an excellent introduction to fantasy fiction

Reading it left me breathless, I don’t think I’ve ever read a faster-paced book . . . Fasten your seatbelt because you’re in for one hell of a ride!