Mark of the Thief

I have never read this author's prior series. I picked up this book for my nephews thinking they would enjoy it. I had a good time reading it. I had to check it out to make sure it was right for them. While there is danger with blood spilling, it was mind and not gory. So my nephews who are 10 and 11 years old will be fine with this. There is a lot of action packed into this book. This is a really good thing as I was not bored and my nephews will not be either. I like the way the author really brought to life the story of Rome, the legend of Caesar, and Nic. A fun way to learn a little about history although maybe not all true while at the same time reading a good book.

For an audience of young adults, this is the first book of a series; a captivating piece of fantasy and historical fiction about Nic, a young slave whose chief concern is to keep his sister safe, who is forced to enter a sealed mine to retrieve Cesar’s treasures but, due to difficulties beyond his control that involve a menacing griffin and a collapsing cave, finds himself escaping with, rather than returning with, Cesar’s coveted bulla. We read on in hopes that Nic avoids recapture and figures out who to trust and how to use his newly discovered powers to keep his sister . . . and Rome, safe. (Well-read by MacLeod Andrews)

Meh. I think our kids will enjoy this series. It's super fast paced, has lots of battles, magic, and betrayals, with a solid cast of characters. Definitely a good readalike for Percy Jackson fans or kids who might want a page turner. For me, I didn't love the way the girls in the story only really had actions as they related to motivating the main character (a boy). It all fell a bit too neatly into tropes of protecting your sister's virtue, rescuing the love interest who trusted the wrong person, etc. Easy choice for a booktalk though, and it helps that multiple books in the series are out.

A fantasy novel set in a mythical Rome, Mark of the Thief, is about trust and betrayal.

Nic is a slave who works in the mines. He dreams of being free, being his own person, but he can’t run until he can do so safety with his sister, the only person he loves. Unfortunately, destiny has a different course for him. Forced to explore a cave where Julius Caesar’s lost treasure is supposed to be, Nic finds a griffin he must fight in order to get a medallion, called a bulla. The head general, Radulf, plainly states that he isn’t to put it on. Nic has to because he needs his hands. Magic immediately begins coursing through him and the griffin comes to him.

Life is now changed. Nic is taken to Rome, a place full of politics--everyone wants show more the power that Nic has. Who does he trust? Can he trust anyone? Nic’s life is constantly in danger as he runs, fights, learns magic, and meets the leaders of Roman. The gods can back him and give him more magic or the magic can be taken from him. Someone has Nic’s sister, but he doesn’t know who, so he has to stay and fight. Every character’s motives must be questioned so that Nic can save Rome and his family.

This novel is a solid middle school novel. The novel is well-paced and full of intrigue. You never know who you can trust or what will happen next. The ending leaves Nic in a precarious situation, so you’ll have to wait for book two to see what happens. You’ll like the book if you like magic, adventure, betrayal, and good vs. evil. show less

The main character reminds the reader of the Sage in the author's False Prince series -- same voice, same attitudes. The magic elements remind the reader of the author's Traitor's Game series, though this one is set in a real historical period rather than a fantasy world. Like all of Nielsen's books, it's fast-paced and full of twists and turns and impossible situations and choices. The audiobook was excellently narrated by McLeod Andrews. If there is a word for "better than excellent," I would use it.

Content considerations: magic is a very strong element in this story, as is the mythology of the Roman gods.

Jennifer A. Nielsen’s Mark of the Thief is an excellent start to the series. This historical fiction/fantasy novel takes place during the Roman Empire three hundred years after Julius Caesar’s death. Mine slave, Nicolas Calva, discovers the Bulla of Julius Caesar in a sealed cavern. The amulet gives him magical abilities allowing him to talk to animals and added strength. All he wants is his freedom, but he finds himself trying to stop a plot to destroy Rome.

I loved this story that is suitable for young adults. Jennifer A. Nielsen does a fantastic job with the historical aspect and plot of this novel. I like Nic. He is hard working, brave, and devoted to his sister Livia. I enjoyed his relationship with Caela, the Griffin. I loved show more Nic’s appreciation for food, and all the things that a free person would take for granted. Nic undergoes a lot in this story. He has no idea who he can trust. Radulf is a worthy opponent. The Roman General will do anything in his power to crush the empire. I found his connection to Nic interesting.

Mark of the Thief is a great new historical fiction/fantasy. This book kept me mesmerized and was hard to put down. I would love to see this book turned into a movie.

Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review. show less

In the beginning the main character ,Nic is stuck in the mines of Rome as slave. His master is called Sal and he treats Nic worse then dirt. When Radulf arrives at the mines he sends Nic into a cave that is rumored to hold Ceaser's bulla. This bulla is known to hold legendary powers that only some people can wield. After being lowered down into the cave Nic finds more gold than he could ever imagine- and a griffin. The griffin scratches Nic as he tries to get the bulla. The scratch turns into the Divine Star witch allows Nic to harness the powers of the bulla. Nic flies away on the grifin and soon most of Rome is after him to try and get the bulla back.

I enjoyed this book because it combined mythology and it showed you how slaves were show more treated in Rome. It also showed some culture of the Romans and the Gauls. This book was as informing as a history book and was as entertaining as a sci-fi book. I gave the book this rating because anyone could read it and most people would like it. Also because the mythology was interesting and taught me some things I didn't know. show less