Sol Invictus

==> Gold Recipient, Mom's Choice Awards Honoring Excellence

==> Gold Medal in Children's 4th-6th, 2021 International Readers' Favorite Awards

==> 1st Place, Gertrude Warner Middle Grade Fiction Award

Siblings John and Sarah barely made it home last time, but in their next time traveling adventure the challenge really heats up. Surrounded by clashing cultures on the ancient Roman frontier, they must fulfill their quest to unite the emperor with his enemy, an Alemanni barbarian, or risk being stuck in time forever. 

An action-packed fantasy full of sword fights, chariot chases, fearsome wild animals, and high mountain survival. For graduates of the Magic Tree House looking for a thrilling middle grade page-turner, read Sol Invictus, book two of The Eye of Ra series!

*****

"Once again, Gartner deftly weaves real-life history into a compelling adventure, offering high-stakes, realistic danger and vivid scene-setting."

-Kirkus Reviews

*****

"Gartner has a knack for action and creating compelling historical personalities . . . Middle [grade] readers who treasure ancient history with a side of adventure will welcome this fantasy story."
-BookLife Reviews by Publishers Weekly

*****

"Must read. Middle grade readers with a love of adventure and history are sure to connect with John and Sarah in this dynamic story...Diligently researched, Sol Invictus recounts historical events in a way that is captivating and engaging while simultaneously educating readers of all ages."
-Reedsy Discovery

*****

"Fans of Ben Gartner's first book will gobble this up!"
-Caroline Lawrence, author of 17-book series The Roman Mysteries

*****

"I was so excited to read this second book in the Eye of Ra series and was not disappointed! With tons of action, humor, excellent character development, and historical details that will make you feel like you've been swept back in time too, this is sure to be a winner for middle grade readers."
-Sam Subity, author of The Last Shadow Warrior

*****

"Sol Invictus by Ben Gartner is a fantastic follow-up that delivers! Keeping true to the spirit of the first book and its lovable heroes, this sequel to Eye of Ra ramps up the action, character growth, and overall stakes. Sol Invictus delivers a fun, page-turning adventure with sword fights, wolf pups, narrow escapes, and even ancient cheesecake! A fun time-traveling sibling adventure story with heart and heart-pounding action."
-Kerelyn Smith, author of Mulrox and the Malcognitos

*****

"Ben Gartner does it again in this second book! Readers will be turning pages quickly to find out where John and Sarah's adventure takes them in ancient Rome. The story was full of action, mystery and great historical information! My middle grade readers are going to be waiting for a turn to read this!"
-Stacy A., 5th grade teacher

*****

"Gartner's narrative voice complements the book's brisk pacing and heightens its unending action…The book echoes the same adventure-driven narrative of Percy Jackson and the Olympians but with its own Roman twist. However, Gartner skillfully embellishes a narrow glimpse of history that is typically studied for its grander narrative."

-BookLife Prize, 2021

*****