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Description
In the fourth book of the series, twelve-year-old ghost Riley finally gets a more challenging Soul Catch when the Council assigns her to the Roman gladiator Theocoles. To enter his ancient world, she lets Messalina transform her into a fully-grown teen a change that blurs the line between her ghostly existence and a tempting, more adult life. As she faces the violent arena and navigates moments of sexual tension, Riley must decide whether the allure of her new identity is worth leaving her old self behind.
Quick Summary
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be a ghost assigned to help a Roman gladiator, this series is for you. Riley, the twelve-year-old ghost protagonist, brings humor and heart to some pretty wild ancient world adventures, and the transformation twist adds an interesting layer of friendship and identity. Kids who love history mixed with supernatural elements, or anyone who enjoyed the "Middle School" series by James Patterson, will find plenty to love here. Parents should know that while the violence is period-typical of gladiator life and handled somewhat lightly, there are some mature references that make this better suited for older middle graders. The friendships Riley forms along the way feel surprisingly real for a ghost story, and the ancient Rome setting comes alive without feeling like a textbook. Book #4 in the series works as a standalone if you're willing to jump in, though starting from the beginning gives you more context for Riley's character arc.