There’s something irresistible about a story that begins as a holiday and descends into mystery. The Time Keys series has done such a wonderful job of showing us various places around the globe and, as an Italy superfan, I am absolutely buzzing that the third instalment takes place in Rome! M.G. Leonard’s ability to really capture the magic of a city and make the reader feel like they’re there is exceptional and that continues to be the case with The Impossible Gladiator.

The stakes for Sim, Nelson and Jeopardy are certainly higher than the first two books, which is always a joy to see. By the third book in the series, there’s always that fear that there may be a lull or matching of the previous book stakes, but The Impossible Gladiator has heightened things. I won’t say how in the spirit of keeping things spoiler-free, but I will say that I found myself unable to stop reading even when I needed to as I needed to know what happened next.

The Council of Keys as a threat continue to be the evasive enigma they’ve been throughout the series so far. Their actions and motivations play into the larger puzzle that M.G. Leonard is planning with the Time Keys series, and the mystery of who they are, why they do what they do, and why they’re so focused on Sim and his comrades intrigues me greatly. M.G. Leonard has got me wrapped around her little finger with this series as I’m desperate to see what their big grand plan is.

As with every new Time Keys novel, there are plenty new fruitful characters for readers to enjoy, but what I will say (and it’s not a spoiler as one is included on the cover) is that I ADORED animals coming into play more in The Impossible Gladiator. There is no quicker way to my heart than with an animal I can fall in love with on the page (and really in real life too). But what I adored most was it wasn’t just a friendly dog or a guiding cat… and that’s where I’ll leave that for readers to enjoy for themselves.

I’m forever grateful for Macmillan for picking up this series as, not only does it marry up with KS2 curriculum here in the UK, but it’s a truly intergenerational series I feel the whole family can enjoy. These are books the kids will adore for the action and the well-woven history lessons throughout, but also there’s plenty for adult to learn too. This is the PERFECT springtime read for anyone aged 7+ and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Sim and the gang. Now I’m off to try and see if I can sense any time doors and while I do, I think you should get preordering…

My first Time Keys book, but certainly not my last!

What starts off as a fun holiday in Rome, quickly turns into a dangerous adventure for Sim, Jeopardy and Nelson, as they travel back to 80 CE to rescue an abducted magician.

"The Impossible Gladiator" by MG Leonard is an action-packed time-travel adventure set in ancient Rome, filled with lovely, atmospheric illustrations by Manuel Šumberac. Leonard really manages to bring the historical setting to life and sneakily teaches us a thing or two!

As a kid, I absolutely would have loved the cool protagonists who can travel through time, know every language and can do cool action moves! Who am I kidding, I still love it now!

An absolute first class read. I don't know how MG Leonard does it, but each installment in the Time Keys series is just so utterly brilliantly engaging.
In this exciting and suspenseful installment we are transported to Ancient Rome and the time of the Emperor Hadrian before being transported to the time of the Emperor Titus where Sim, his mum, his Uncle, his cousin Jeopardy and his best-friend Nelson, enter the gladiatorial ring to complete a daring rescue ....
The depth to the characters and the mysteries within make this such a compelling read. I also love how MG Leonard has peeled away another layer of the secrecy around one of the main characters Kane Wolfe. My reader mind is blown by the relevations and what is so brilliant is the unsuspecting way they are shared. Wasn't expecting the revelations at all. As with the first two in the series, this is a suspenseful, thrilling and brilliant piece of storytelling. Perfectly crafted, this story is a fabulous read aloud.
This is not just any mystery adventure story, this is a MG Leonard mystery adventure story which also brings history vividly to life.
Utterly compelling, engaging, informative and hugely, hugely entertaining read and I cannot wait for Book 4.
Enormous and heartfelt thanks to publishers for this early read via NetGalley.