Who would win in a fight, a knight or a Zulu warrior? This action-filled book—a sort of historical version of Mortal Kombat
—aims to find out. Ten warriors, including a Spartan, a male and a female gladiator, and a samurai, are pitted against each other in one-on-one battles. Gatefolds open, revealing digital images of each of the contests. Readers can take part by “choosing” the warriors’ moves and weapons, and can consult sidebars, which advise about food and fighting tactics; additional historical background on the combatants follows, after one is declared the winner. The flashy cyber-inspired graphics and fun premise will likely charge readers’ imaginations. Ages 10–up. (Nov.)