Rise of the Wolf (Mark of the Thief, Book 2)

Jennifer A. Nielsen

Jan 2016 · Sold by Scholastic Inc.

About this ebook

NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen brings a new dose of adventure and thrills to ancient Rome in the second book of her magical Mark of the Thief trilogy!

Nic may have escaped enslavement in the mines outside of Rome, but his troubles are far from over. The Praetor War -- the battle to destroy Rome from within -- is in full force, and Nic is caught in the crossfire. The secretive Praetors are determined to unlock a powerful amulet -- one sure to bring the empire to its knees. Worse, the Praetors believe Nic holds the key to finding this amulet, and they will stop at nothing to steal it, even if that means harming the people Nic holds most dear. When the Praetors capture Nic's mother, Nic knows he must do anything to save her. He challenges the Praetors to a chariot race. If he wins, they will release his mother. But if he loses, he must hand over a magic that will certainly bring about the end of Rome as well as his own life. Can Nic once again harness his magic and gather the strength to defeat his enemies? Or will he lose his mother and bear witness to Rome's destruction?

Ratings and reviews

Jennifer A. Nielsen’s Rise of the Wolf is another amazing book in the Mark of the Thief Series. The story takes place two months after book one, Mark of the Thief. This historical fiction/fantasy novel takes place during the Roman Empire three hundred years after Julius Caesar’s death. The story is suitable for young adults. Rise of the Wolf starts out with Nicolas Calva learning how to race chariots and living with his grandfather, Radulf, and sister, Livia. Nic has a new group of adversaries, the Preators, the judges and governors of Rome. They are headed by Decimas Brutus, a descendant of Marcus Brutus. The Preators are a dangerous group that can stop magic with a touch. They worship the goddess Diana and want to destroy Rome. To do this, they want to use Nic by having him retrieve the Malice of Mars, a powerful amulet that gives the owner victory in battle. Nic is a great character. He is strong, courageous, clever, and noble. Being a former slave, his ultimate goal is to have freedom. He has grown tremendously throughout this series. I felt he was much wiser than his older grandfather. I also like Aurelia. She has become a good friend to Nic. She is loyal and brave. She cares for the greater good. I loved the introduction of Callistus the unicorn that Radulf gives to Nic. I also respected that Nic feels that the unicorn should be free. My favorite quote in the novel was from the vestalis, “Victory comes in protecting those you love, not destroying those you hate,” very wise words. Jennifer A. Nielsen does a fantastic job with her descriptions in this story. I was especially impressed with how she explains the feel of the different types of magic. I loved the plot. It was well executed and thrilling. There was a great use of foreshadowing. There were unexpected plot twists. Nothing ever seemed to go as planned for Nic because his friends or family seemed to always unintentionally mess up his strategies. The ending was intense leaving me anticipating the next book. I think people that enjoy Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and The Heroes of Olympus Series would enjoy the Mark of the Thief Series. I am very certain my thirteen-year-old son, and his friends would love this book and suggested they read it. The Mark of the Thief Series would make an excellent movie. Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. Jennifer A. Nielsen has truly out done herself with this true manuscript of Anchient Roman culture and belief in the gods. The continuos character development as well as that ongoing suspicion of guilt and agony about certain characters. It's a truly breathtaking book filled with fantasy, magic, and devotion to ones family. I recommend this book for everyone and also Jennifer A. Nielsons's other New York bestseller, the Acsendence or False Prince Trilogy. Truly the best (or second to best behind the third book in the Acsendence Trilogy, The Shadow Throne) book yet. I hope Jennifer A. Nielsen continues to write such great book In the years to come.

(heavy spoilers) it was perfect this book was all i wanted except for knowing what happens when you wield all of the amulets at once and if he died at the end

About the author

Jennifer A. Nielsen is the acclaimed author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Ascendance Series: The False Prince, The Runaway King, The Shadow Throne, The Captive Kingdom, and The Shattered Castle. She also wrote the New York Times bestseller The Traitor's Game and its sequels,The Deceiver's Heart, and The Warrior's Curse; the New York Times bestselling Mark of the Thief trilogy: Mark of the Thief, Rise of the Wolf, and Wrath of the Storm; the standalone fantasy The Scourge; and the critically acclaimed historical thrillers A Night Divided, Resistance, Words on Fire, Rescue, Lines of Courage, Iceberg, and Uprising. Jennifer collects old books, loves good theater, and thinks that a quiet afternoon in the mountains makes for a nearly perfect moment. She lives in northern Utah with her family, and is probably sneaking in a bite of dark chocolate right now. You can visit her online at jennielsen.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @nielsenwriter.