Contender from Delos is historical fiction which takes place in Greece and Rome in the second century AD. Born in Greece but raised in a poor Roman neighborhood during the reign of emperor Marcus Aurelius, Alexander dreams of being a champion wrestler. Winning many perilous informal bouts, Alexander is in danger of falling in with the local gang leader. His father gains Alexander the opportunity to train at an elite palestra, athletic training facility, run by Gaius by agreeing to go back into the Navy. However, his father dies at sea and Alexander is expelled from the school. His mother Elena moves them back to live with her wealthy brother on Delos, the island which was the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. He begins to train again with Gaius’s rival Demetrius and helps to rebuild the palestra on Delos. There he is befriended by Leon and falls in love with his sister Zoe, all while training against Zoe’s former boyfriend Dario. Because of his talent and integrity Alexander quickly rises in the ranks of elite wrestlers, but Elena harbors a dangerous secret which forced her to leave Delos when Alexander was born. Those who know the secret try to manipulate Alexander’s promising wrestling career. The historic authenticity of the novel adds to the sympathetic characters and engaging plot.

This was a very interesting and enjoyable novel. The young protagonist Alexander aspires to become a successful wrestler and the story follows his ups and downs as he pursues his dream. I loved the setting and the vivid depictions of Ancient Rome and Delos, I felt like I was transported back in time. The fight scenes were really exciting and I was invested in all of the characters.