Title: The Gladiator: Book II
Author: Tony Carangi
Publisher:Author’s Note 360
ISBN: 1689031492
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 51
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington

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Told in the first person, the tale in The Gladiator: Book II takes the reader on an adventure with a soldier who seems to have seen it all. The narrator is obviously knowledgeable in the subjects he is talking about. One can, however, detect pride, a show-off and egotism in the tone that the narrator uses. He takes us through different events, having flashbacks and even talking about his childhood. Even with a condescending tone, one still wants to follow what the narrator is talking about. Some of the things he says sound like ramblings. It is funny that the more the narrator rants, the more you want to hear about the tirades.

Captain Jack Ballard is approached by two men who seem to be interested in his services. The conversation that ensues is not only fascinating but also oddly satisfying. How the two men casually approach the captain, and how the captain responds to the questions they have; I enjoyed this bit of the book as the uncertainty was heightened. How a soldier transitioned to a full-blown hitman, having blood on his hands was some thrilling stuff. It is enthralling to read about all the action military generals partake. You will appreciate following the story more if you fancy tales about the military that range from snipers, heavy machinery and following of protocol. For readers with these likings, The Gladiator: Book II is an ideal book.

The most compelling thing about reading Tony Carangi’s book is the rollercoaster of emotions that you go through as you get to follow the main story. We see the Gladiator as he narrates the events of two individuals whose encounter forms the basis of the most part of the story. Things get a little puzzling as the reader tries to grasp the tale. A promise was made way before the events took place. It happens that one of the two men was a gladiator whose eccentric life came to make sense at the end. How can one stay in a space which is full of air that smells of arrogance and conceit? Readers are not prepared for what the gladiator will engage in, as his actions remain a mystery up until they occur.

The Gladiator: Book II is a short yet stimulating book. The events and the characters can be confusing for the reader, but one soon catches up with what is happening. What I liked most were the conversations in the book. The discussions sometimes appear peculiar and foreign but the reader feels as if they are part of what is being discussed. The characters are solid and have a great grasp of things. I like the confidence Captain Jack Ballard. Through the characters, you see how trivial some things can seem to people who have had a close encounter with death. The themes in the book are cold, unusual, hilariously eccentric and grave. The author takes you to a different world where the language known is grim and stern.