The 1st Ancient Greek Mystery
MARK OF THE CYCLOPS, Winner of the North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award for Fiction
When Thrax and Nico travel to a wedding with their master, a valuable vase is broken and Thrax’s special detective skills might just come in useful. The bride’s slave girl, Gaia is getting the blame, but it’s a mystery who the real culprit is. A secret mark in the decoration of the pottery may hold the clue. The boys set out to prove Gaia’s innocence, but on the way they uncover a ring of fraudsters, all operating under the mark of the cyclops. It will take all their cunning and powers of observation to outwit the fraudsters and keep themselves out of danger.
As well as immersing the reader in the rich detail of everyday life in Ancient Greece, these books also poignantly demonstrate the difference between being a slave and being an employee. Although Thrax and Nico do everything together, Thrax who is a slave, longs to be able to afford to buy his freedom, whereas Nico could leave their master at any time.
“Saviour Pirotta’s wonderful gift for storytelling has turned many often dry or complex stories into ripping yarns that read aloud beautifully. This is no exception, but in the form of an attractively illustrated novel. This story takes elements of legendary tales and weaves them into the lives of two very clever young people – Nico and Thrax.
Their everyday lives in Ancient Greece are the backdrop for a mystery that only they can solve. Their unique skills will help them prove their friend’s innocence. The characters are instantly likeable, and this makes for a very enjoyable read.” Dawn Finch of Awfully Big Reviews
