• Age: 10 to 18
• Grade: 5 to 12

Anyone who thinks ancient history is dry will think again after dipping into these ocean blues. Here, political corruption, intrigue, high-seas adventure, romance, and comedy are all presented in abundance by the likable Marcus Oppius Sabinus, a teenager with a very contemporary attitude. Marcus is unwittingly involved by his cousin in “promoting” the ambitious young Julius Caesar in an upcoming Roman election. When Marcus proves to be even better at bribery than his cousin had hoped, he is assigned a difficult and dangerous mission. He must spy on, and undermine, those who would support Cicero’s control of Rome, so that Julius Caesar can continue his power grab. The mission carries its rewards and risks. If Marcus succeeds, he will be on the inner circles of Rome’s elite. If he fails, he faces exile — or worse. Given very little choice but to accept his assignment, Marcus travels to Greece, but not before he is sidelined by shipwreck, enslavement, and pirate attack. Oh, yes, and the beginnings of love.

Beautifully researched and fast-paced, The Ancient Ocean Blues is a solid story that is sure to stand the test of time and put historical fiction in a whole new light for today’s young adults.

Jack Mitchell's profile page

Tundra author Jack Mitchell was born in New Brunswick and grew up in Ottawa, Ontario. At the age of fourteen, his admiration for J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings prompted him to take Latin in high school. He has been interested in Roman history ever since. He studied Classics at McGill University and holds a Ph.D. in Classics from Stanford University, where he wrote his first novel, The Roman Conspiracy. Jack Mitchell lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Praise for The Roman Conspiracy:
“Mitchell’s classical adventure rivals Caroline Lawrence’s “The Roman Mysteries” or Jane Yolen’s “Young Heroes” series . . . Fast-paced action, an authentic setting, and realistic characterization all work together to make this an exciting journey to the ancient world.” — School Library Journal

“. . . a marvelous tale with the forward drive of a chariot . . . The Roman Conspiracy should find a place alongside books by such esteemed writers as Rosemary Sutcliff and Geoffrey Trease.” — Bill Richardson, CBC Radio

“The Roman Conspiracy is a good strong adventure story . . . with lots of action, [and] a likable hero . . .” — Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

The Ancient Ocean Blues

Using a combination of historical figures and his own characters, Jack Mitchell has created this romp – rife with humour and authentic detail – through the heyday of Roman power.

Marcus, in Rome to complete his education, doesn’t fit in with the party set. Paulla, the young woman he is to marry, doesn’t like their arranged engagement any more than he does. She’s in love with the hero of the hour, Aulus Lucinus Spurinna. And Gauis, the cousin with whom Marcus is staying, is neck-deep in political intrigue on behalf of a young Julius Caesar.

Marcus is dragged into Gaius’ plots and sent in haste to Athens with a secret message. He sails on the Star of Carthage, and is shocked when he opens his trunk on board ship to find that Paulla has stowed away in it – with all her romantic novels – to follow Spurinna to Athens.

Author Jack Mitchell takes Marcus, Paulla and their travelling companions through a series of escapades to rival those of the most heroic of romantic heroes. Through shipwreck and capture, flight and battle, Marcus and Paulla both grow out of their sheltered lives and come to realize their own abilities as adults.

The Ancient Ocean Blues

Anyone who thinks ancient history is dry will think again after dipping into this book. Corruption, comedy, intrigue, a shipwreck and pirate battles all start when Marcus, a likeable teenager, is unwittingly involved in “promoting” the young Julius Caesar in a Roman election.