Apr 6, 2011

Book Review: Attack at the Arena by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker

Excerpt: Patrick and Beth blinked. A bright light replaced the darkness of the Imagination Station. It was the sun. They felt a breeze move against their faces. Their feet settled on warm sand.

The Imagination Station slowly faded out of sight.

The cousins looked around. They were in a huge empty arena.

"It's as big as a pro baseball stadium," Patrick said.

"It's amazing," said Beth. "The walls are beautiful."

Rrrowl.


The sound came from behind them.

The cousins spun around.

They were suddenly looking at a black-and-orange tiger. The two froze with fear. The tiger was only twenty yards away. It gazed at them and growled again. Attack at the Arena, pg 15-16.

Back Cover: Cousins Patrick and Beth are off on their second Imagination Station adventure. Mr. Whittaker's mysterious invention takes them to ancient Rome where they must find a special silver cup. Near the city gate, the cousins are separated when Beth is enslaved to the emperor and Patrick meets a wise monk named Telemachus. All three end up in the famous Roman arena. Telemachus wants to share and important message with the emperor. Beth wants to know who to get the cup. And Patrick just wants to escape with his life!

My Review: Having just returned from their adventure with the vikings, Patrick and Beth are on their way to ancient Rome. I love the way that this story shares the history of the era, as well as the sights and sounds of the arena. Children will enjoy this adventure, I know I did, and be left wanting to read what else happens to these daring cousins in their future adventures with the Imagination Station.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to parents of young readers.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)


I'm giving away a copy of this book over on my writing blog (click here). Stop by and leave a comment to enter.

8 comments:

  1. Ohhh, this one sounds more exciting than the other! Even if Andrew doesn't win them I will go to the library and see if they have them.

    Dawn

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  2. Enjoyed reading your review. Sights and sounds of an arena with tigers!

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  3. I love the sounds that the tiger was making in the arena. It makes you feel like you are right there in the arena!!! I can not wait to see what else goes on with these cousins. I also like how they use not only friends but family as a team dynamic. Love it!

    Theresa
    adamntheresa2096@comcast.net

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  4. I know my son will love this one more than the other. He likes gladiators and the like. We've been trying to teach him about ancient Rome and the role it played in Christianity, so I think this book will fit perfectly.

    Stephanie

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  5. WOW!!! sounds like another great book!!! This sounds like something that Zachary would enjoy reading aloud to William.

    Jessica
    gunish1@gmail.com

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  6. Sounds like it would be a great read for fun as well as the historical aspects. Great home school reading, too!
    muschfarm@yahoo.com

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  7. I love historical adventure books like this one and I would definitely want to read it to my son someday.

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  8. This sounds like an awesome book. I think I need them for me!!!
    usarmy24@gmail.com

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