Dido is a brave young woman of Roman times, who loves horses and racing in chariots. She has trained hard and disguised herself as a boy in order to compete. By the time of RIDER OF THE STORM, she has survived two books’ worth of breakneck adventures in the Circus Maximus series. She has retired with her black stallion, Porcellus, to a training farm owned by relatives.

All of Rome is in turmoil as the mad emperor Caligula has taken control by force. The chariot races he enjoys have been bought and fixed, by his purchasing the best horses for his preferred team, and bribing drivers to come over to that faction. Dido learns that her cousin, Abibaal, has been bribed by Caligula. She needs to visit Rome, a place of some potential danger to her, in order to tell Abibaal news about his father. The Coliseum and Circus Maximus are the main sources of entertainment thrown by the emperor, and it’s likely Dido will find herself watching races. But she’s disguised this time as a horse trick-rider, not handling the reins to a chariot drawn by four fast horses. That’s the intention, anyway.

Annelise Gray writes a splendid book for YA horse lovers. Historical record tells us that Caligula was indeed a horse lover too, and appointed a favourite stallion as a Senator. But he wasn’t just bonkers, he was, as we see, a real villain who went into a rage if he could not control everything, and had no scruples about how he got his way. Buying up the best horses and drivers seems extremely likely, although the crowd who wanted honest amusements suffered. Drivers who didn’t perform well enough – who knows what would happen? We get the interesting use of the word shipwreck to describe a chariot accident, and readers will learn other terms about living in Roman times. There’s a great deal of history parcelled up in one book, which is told at a breathtaking pace.

RIDER OF THE STORM is a splendid read, full of historical detail but never forgetting it serves a young readership. Teens will get the most from the read, and both boys and girls from twelve up will be enthralled. Dido comes into her own with this adventure, and Caligula (with his long-suffering relatives, including the stuttering Claudius) represents a dictator drunk on ambition and power, not too far removed from the modern day. I’ll be looking out for more from author Annelise Gray, and not just for the horses.

I really enjoyed the third instalment in the Circus Maximus series - the best yet! It’s a great bit of historical fiction, full of exciting action, adventure and, of course, horses. So much happens in this book that it’s hard to sum it up but I really hope there will be another one to come.

This Book is the Creme dela Creme of the Circus Maximus series, Highly Recommended!
(Thanks to Net Galley for this Book).

I have been completely swept away by Dido's next adventure. Full of hopes, dreams and her never-ending search for truth, Rider of the Storm tells the story of an unforgettable heroine who doesn't let anything stand in her way. History is brought to life on the pages as readers are completely immersed in Roman culture. The gorgeous horses are key characters themselves. Dido's relationship with them is as powerful as her relationship with any human and shows how gifted she is.
The Circus Maximus series shows children how important it is to be true to themselves and not hide behind any disguise. Dido learns that life is too short to hide in the shadows.

I loved this third installment in the 'Circus Maximus' series! For any child or teen who enjoys historical fiction - especially that set in Ancient Rome - or who loves horses - these books are a treat; well written, with characters the reader grows to care about, and a story that grips you and drags you in right from the start.

The plot explores loyalty, family, and what bravery and compassion look like through the protagonist, Dido. It also, through Abibaal's rebellion and then return to his family, shows the power of forgiveness in a beautiful way not often exemplified in YA fiction. And, of course, as with the best historical fiction, while I was absorbed in the story, I learnt a lot about Rome at the time of Calligula along the way!

I couldn't refuse the chance to see what Dido might get up to in this next adventure. She is a brave young lady who wants to go to Rome to save her cousin from the clutches of the Emperor Caligula. Being a firm fan of Roman history I was keen to read this book. And it didn't disappoint.

Another entertaining and fast paced story in this series. Dido is a great characters and was glad to catch up with her.
Well plotted, compelling.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

RIDER OF THE STORM is the thrilling finale to this MG historical series about chariot racing in the Ancient Roman world.

I really liked that we ended this series back in the Circus Maximus, having started there. And Caligula is back and heavily present. It really felt like coming full circle to where we began, allowing for closure and also personal victories and validation for Dido in facing down her arch nemesis (and meeting heroes.)

By having Caligula in stark focus, rather than a villain looming foggy in the background, this book had the chance to really explore what he was like. The tyranny. The madness. The changeable nature and childishness made dangerous by vindictiveness and too much power. I really enjoyed getting to see him the person interrogated as well as his childhood.

RIDE OF THE STORM also looks at legacy and the desire to be known. The use of Achilles as a contrast and example was really effective as Dido struggles to leave the life and glory of racing behind, constantly feeling a pull back to that life despite the danger.

Helvina is back too! I loved seeing her again. She's confident and powerful and clever, completely shattering the oft-touted (and so very wrong) view that women in historical periods were powerless. Plus a familiar face is always nice!

While I am sad to see this series finish, I loved the way it ended and I am looking forwards to whatever Anneliese writes next.