The Eagle of the Ninth by English author Rosemary Sutcliffe is a tale for young adults that takes place in in an era when Britain was under Roman rule. It's a hefty read, but is definitely worth the while.
Centurion Marcus has decided to clear his father's name, solve a two-decade old mystery and get back what rightfully belongs to the Ninth Legion: Find out why four thousand legion members marched into the mists in the north of Britain, led by Marcus's father, never to return, and what happened to the bronze eagle, their legion's symbol, when the legion was lost?
Marcus and his freed-slave Esca set out on a months-long journey to discover the truth about the Ninth Legion, and to take back what was lost. As these two characters are from very different lives, you'd wonder how they could ever be successful in their quest, but after a while, you find that they really aren't so different after all.
If gladiators and Romans fascinate you, I'm quite certain you'd enjoy The Eagle of the Ninth. There's blood, injury, betrayal, and gladiator fights to the death. It's not fact, however, the novel is historical fiction, and you can tell that Sutcliffe had done her research.
I must confess though, that I originally had a hard time getting into this book because it was such a heavy read (like Tolkien heavy, but without the stupidity and boredom). I had the intention of just finding a summary online, and leaving well enough alone. That plan backfired, and made me want to finish the book. And I can say that I'm honestly glad I did. If you like historical fiction, or appreciate a solid novel overall, I doubt you'd be disappointed reading The Eagle of the Ninth. You just have to muddle through the first chapter, and a few pages into the second one, and then you'll be on a roll.
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