This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.I have been reading/loving Nielsen's Ascendance Trilogy books for a couple of years now (click here to read my review of the first book in that series, The False Prince). When the last book, The Shadow Throne, was coming out I participated desperately in every giveaway the author offered but didn't win. Not one to let failure stop me, I ordered it from Amazon instead and read it within twenty-four hours of its release.This is why I find it particularly cool that I won a giveaway of Mark of the Thief, the first book in a new series by Nielsen. Not only do I now have her autograph (squeal!), I got to read her new book two months before its release date.And let me just say, how amazing it was to be able to read this wonderful book early! I went into it with a large amount of hope for the new series but not a little fear as well - what if it wasn't any good? What if it was just a cliche rehash of other books I've read? I was worried, because The False Prince borrowed a lot in terms of plot from other books/series. While Nielsen totally pulled it off then, and I adore the book to pieces, I was worried she would wind up pulling from the same bag of tricks for this series. And in the first few chapters, I thought my fears were confirmed: Nic seemed like a rehash of the cocky-but-brilliant Sage (but where Sage was witty and fantastic, Nic seemed to just have an inflated ego for a slave). I sensed some sort of family secret a long way off, and the insta-hate between Nic and Aurelia just screamed "romance."However, as I was sucked farther and farther into the complicated world of deceit, treason, and mixed motives that was Ancient Rome, the more I realized what a different story Nielsen had created. While Nic may have shared similarities with Sage on the surface, once the book gets going it's clear to see that he has a different personality than Sage. This is most clear when you compare the ways Sage was always planning three steps ahead and laying out elaborate plots to get people to do what he wanted. Nic is not a plotter and a planner like Sage was; his brainpower is used attempt to figure out who is on his side and how he can manage not to be killed.As for the family secret and the insta-hate with Aurelia (by the way, love the name!), at the risk of spoilers all I can say is that the "family secret" aspect plays a rather minimal role in the book and isn't really that huge of a shock (especially when compared with The False Prince). It has potential to make the next book pretty interesting, though. And the insta-hate/inevitable-romance thread actually straightens itself out very nicely. Aurelia is probably already more fleshed out than Amarinda ever was, and I'm looking forward to watching what she does next - both with Nic, and on her own. She's a complex, interesting character instead of the cliche "two-dimensional warrior girl with some sort of grudge against the main character" that I thought she was the first time I saw her. I can't wait to see her in the next book!The setting is phenomenal, the plot complicated (Who are the bad guys here? Who wants Nic dead?) but never convoluted or confusing, and the characterization solid with lots of room for additions later. While I still love The False Prince better (let's be honest, I don't think anything can surpass that book on my favorites list!), I still spent several enjoyable hours reading this book and look forward to reading it again. If you think it looks at all interesting, or are a fan of the author because of the Ascendance trilogy, then by all means read this book! For those of you who are interested in getting it from the library or buying it, it comes out February 24. And if you do read it, please post below to tell me what you think!Disclaimer: I won a copy of this book through a giveaway offered by the author. She did not ask me to review it, and the opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Cool action!BEAUTIFUL COVER!Again, Jennifer Nielsen wrote an amusing, full of action and witty book just like The False Prince. I wouldn’t say that The Mark of the Thief was very similar to the other books the author had written. On one point, this book wasn’t as humorous as False Prince nor had a too cunning character and surprising turn of events. However, The Mark of the Thief is very creative, exciting and interesting.The story was set in at the time of the Roman Empire. At what BC or AD, I’m not sure (I just know it’s after Julius Caesar and Nero, haha). It was very compelling how the author wrote facts and interesting story about Rome. There were also Roman gods mentioned and of course, magic. And you can't forget the gladiators.While reading this book, I was urged to do some readings about the Roman Empire because the book was too interesting that I wanted to know more about some facts. Now I think about it, I didn’t appreciate much of Rome until I knew that they contributed lot of things especially on running a government.That just show how interesting this book is.Back to the story: So there was Nic, Nicolas Calva, a slave who unfortunately found magic. Magic endangered his life. It saved him many times. Was it a curse? A blessing? But one thing for sure, he must fight for his freedom. It is undeniable that he had acted pathetically many times, had been naïve but also very persistent and unyielding. It’s part of his allure and character. No, my freedom would not come at any price. Even saving Rome would not happen if it meant I had to blur the shades of right and wrong. And there was also Aurelia. A plebeian who in many ways, had helped Nic. She was stubborn, formidable, and yeah, kick-ass. She often disagreed with Nic but of course, she was the only one who could be Nic’s friend. However, they had lots of trust issue going on. “Tell me if I can trust you. Please, make me believe that I can, because every time I try, I think of our bargain, and I remember that all you care about is the reward you’ll get from Horatio.” And you can't just miss a great animal like the griffin!I’m excited for the next instalment and I’m looking forward to how Nic would turn out on the next!
What do You think about Mark Of The Thief (2015)?
This author's Ascendance Trilogy beginning with The False Prince is a favorite of mine - loved all three books and thus I bought this newly released book. I wanted to love it but just did not. It was an action packed interesting take on Roman times post Caesar with a fiction twist thrown in - Magic! Nic is a young slave in the mines, and this is his story. It's a story of escape, court intrigue, and one escapade after another as he finds him self with a mark on his shoulder and an ancient Bulla (amulet) that belonged to Caesar and the two things together give him magical powers. Powers that he has no idea how to use. The mark on his shoulder came from an encounter with a Griffin he later names Caela. Caela was guarding Caesar's treasure when Nic took the bulla but somehow that seems to have bound her to him.I think the relationship between Nic and Caela fell apart for me and was one reason I did not really get into this book. I never understood it as she came and went throughout the book, but it never really made sense. For some reason the characters in the book never really became real to me and I didn't care about them in the way I wanted to. I guess the "magic" of the writing in the Ascendance Trilogy wasn't there for me this time. I'm not sure if I will read the next book or not. There is a lot of action in the book and it probably would be a good read for a young boy. The previously mentioned trilogy also seemed to me idea for a young boy but since I am a grandmother, I don't fit that reader description and LOVED The False Prince and those that followed.
—Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms)
OverviewNic is a slave in Ancient Rome and on a mission to raid Julius Caesar’s tomb, he finds Caeser’s bulla. After he puts the bulla around his neck, he gains world ending powers that are coveted by the good and the bad.Dang, That Was Good•Neilsen’s writing style is similar to the Ascendence Trilogy. ◾Strong, quick witted male protagonist.◾Underdogs◾Non-stop action◾Just enough middle grade appropriate sexual tension.◾Unpredictable plot twists•It’s set in Ancient Rome and it’s pretty historical accurate as far as the geography, the architecture, mythology, and politics. I think it’s a good introduction to Ancient Rome for middle and high school students.That’s Too Bad, Dang!•Although there are some great things about Neilsen’s writing, there are some issues I have with it. ◾You can’t trust anyone in her books except the protagonist. ◦I hate this. As you are reading, you are always second guessing each character and it doesn’t make for a pleasant reading experience.(view spoiler)[I hate that thing in books where a character goes, “I’m actually your mom.” and “Surprise, I’m your brother.” One time is a shocker, more than that is UGH! (hide spoiler)]
—Dawn Abron
Come into Roman Empire and watch the fighting of gladiators. No, they don't fight by using spears, they uses magic.Nick is a young slave in the mine outside of Rome. He is forced to steal Julius Caesar's bulla *the one you saw on the cover*, the ancient powerful bulla which contain the magic from a Goddess and give it to a General of Roman Empire. Finally, Nick winds up keep it himself instead and then the adventure begins.I haven't read much of YA book in Roman period so it's quite interesting to me, to begin with. However, I think the first book is kinda introduction to the world of this series. Nothing much happen in the first half, but you will get to know a lot of interesting information about Roman hist, Caesar, or many things about world building. Anyway, it will get better and better *action packed* and I LOVE the climax scene!Nick, J A.N's style of protagonist.. Strong, sarcastic, quick-wit, and stubborn. If anyone have ever read her another series "The Ascendance Trilogy", you will see the similarities between the two male leads, *Nick minus arrogant and tricky* But for anyone who never read it? I highly recemmend! Though, judge only book 1, I still prefer The Ascendance Trilogy, but if you like reading book about Roman world setting more, this is the better option and you should give it a try! No insta-love and annoying love triangle, man! I also love the female lead: Aurelia, she is strong and feisty. Her tension with Nick is my fave! I even wanna beg for more. After I finished it, I had feelings the next book will be exciting even more and I cannot wait for it! Nick and Aurelia's moments still linger in my head! <3 <3 <3
—Pang
