About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the complicated emotions of missing a loved one or searching for answers about their own family history. While it is a high-stakes adventure set in the Roman Empire of AD 80, the heart of the story is Lupus, a boy who cannot speak, attempting to find his long-lost mother and fulfill an uncle's dying wish. It is an excellent choice for middle-schoolers who enjoy fast-paced mysteries but are also ready to engage with themes of loyalty, the definition of family, and the courage required to face past traumas. The story takes the four young friends to the island of Rhodes, where they must navigate a dangerous criminal underworld while standing in the shadow of the ancient Colossus. Parents will appreciate the historical detail and the way Lawrence handles the protagonists' different backgrounds with nuance. It is a thrilling way to explore history while reinforcing the value of supportive friendships in the face of uncertainty.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: There is a scene involving a slave market and the threat of being sold into slavery, which may be distressing for younger or more sensitive readers given the lack of agency the characters have. There are also moments of physical peril, including a kidnapping and a character being threatened with a knife. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the historical reality of slavery in the Roman Empire. The book depicts it accurately, which can lead to questions about why people were treated as property.
Ideal Reader
A 10-to-12-year-old who loves Percy Jackson but is looking for something grounded in real history. It is perfect for a child who enjoys 'cracking codes' and following complex clues.
Parent Prep
Read the historical note at the end first to help answer questions about what parts of the Rhodes setting are real. You may also want to discuss Roman religious beliefs and the cultural significance of the "evil eye" as a point of historical interest. The moment Lupus realizes the truth about his mother's disappearance and the vulnerability he feels as a child without a protector.
Age Experience
Younger readers (9-10) will focus on the 'detective' aspect and the cool factor of the Colossus. Older readers (12-13) will likely pick up on the more subtle social hierarchies, the emotional weight of Lupus's non-verbal communication, and the context of ancient superstitions.
What Makes It Special
The story is driven by Lupus’s sharp observations and non-verbal communication, offering a central, empowered perspective that never treats his muteness as a tragedy to be fixed.
Read plot summary
In the ninth installment of the Roman Mysteries, Lupus leads his friends Flavia, Nubia, and Jonathan to the island of Rhodes. His goal is two-fold: to discover if his mother is still alive and to follow the cryptic instructions left by his late uncle. The journey is fraught with danger as they encounter a ruthless criminal known as the 'Silver Fox' and navigate the ruins of the Colossus of Rhodes. The plot balances a high-stakes heist-style mystery with the deeply personal emotional quest of an orphaned boy seeking his roots.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Lupus cannot speak, yet he is the leader of this journey. How does he communicate his needs and feelings to his friends without words?
2
The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. How did the author use the setting to make the mystery feel more exciting?
3
Lupus's friends risk a lot to help him find his mother. What does this tell you about their definition of loyalty?
4
If you were in Flavia's position, would you have followed Lupus to Rhodes even if it meant facing a dangerous criminal?
