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Mark of the Thief #2
Rise of the Wolf
New York Times 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 destroy Rome and end 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?
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 destroy Rome and end 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?
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2016
344 people are currently reading
5357 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer A. Nielsen
53 books9,590 followersJennifer lives at the base of a very tall mountain in Northern Utah with her husband, three children, and a naughty puppy. She loves the smell of rainy days, hot chocolate, and old books, preferably all at once. She is a former speech teacher, theater director, and enjoyed a brief but disastrous career as a door-to-door pollster. In her spare time, Jennifer tends to panic, wondering what she has forgotten to do that has allowed her any spare time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
January 25, 2016
So we'll get the most obvious thing out of the way first - of course I'm biased! But I honestly am so proud of this book - I sincerely hope you will all enjoy it. Be sure to read book 1 first, MARK OF THE THIEF. And when you finish, you will have so many questions - what happens to Nic now? What about his friendship with Aurelia and Crispus? What will happen to Nic's relationship with Radulf? Will Nic go after more amulets? All of them are answered in this book, although he is in so much trouble, it may just bring up brand new questions!
Also, if you decide to read this or any of my books, please know how grateful I am to you. There are hundreds of amazing books released each year. I am honored that one of mine might catch your attention. Thank you for reading. As long as you do, I will continue to write.
Also, if you decide to read this or any of my books, please know how grateful I am to you. There are hundreds of amazing books released each year. I am honored that one of mine might catch your attention. Thank you for reading. As long as you do, I will continue to write.
July 6, 2016
PERFECT SEQUEL! Action-packed, twists, and romance. A lot of romance for me, I'm so pleased. This one is so much better than the first one, I can tell! The first one kinda introduce the world-building, history, and stuff. But man, the main story just come full in this one. I even LOVE the characters so much more in this book. Nick my boy is just so strong, and sassy, and misrable ( Why all the heros of this authur have to gone through shit life? Ugh! ) But he is a fighter!!!
Aurelia is just awesome, so awesome. Love when she go through this shit beside Nick, she help him. ( This is the heroine I want for my boy ) Their romance ( amoung action ) is my fave I love when they fight each other, but beneath their bickering 'there is her caring feelings for him' which made me rooting for them so hard!!!! This book is unputdownable! I just want to read, read, read, and READ.. and the climax scene is just soooo excting, I was hold my seat tightly. Where is the next book? GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!!!!
Aurelia is just awesome, so awesome. Love when she go through this shit beside Nick, she help him. ( This is the heroine I want for my boy ) Their romance ( amoung action ) is my fave I love when they fight each other, but beneath their bickering 'there is her caring feelings for him' which made me rooting for them so hard!!!! This book is unputdownable! I just want to read, read, read, and READ.. and the climax scene is just soooo excting, I was hold my seat tightly. Where is the next book? GIVE IT TO ME NOW!!!!!!
April 4, 2018
A little darker than "Mark of the Thief" which came before it, I quite enjoyed "Rise of the Wolf". Nic develops as a character, and the story gains greater depth. I am very glad I already have the next book, because it ends on a cliff-hanger that would leave me quite frustrated if I had to wait a year. An enjoyable series so far, I look forward to see how it concludes!
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
Find more reviews and bookish fun at http://www.princessandpen.com
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February 24, 2017The chariot race was so vivid, I felt like I was there. I really like the twist of magic and fantasy creatures layered over ancient Rome.
June 17, 2016
How to explain this book?
Imagine a handful of grains. And throw them on the floor. Now slowly discover each of them is getting connected. Then as you are nearing to end the final connections, it abruptly ends (in a cliffhanger)!
So this book was indeed a 5 star read. So much ups and downs. I could guess and guess again and guess again, while they match to some extent, they weren't exactly so by the end. Thats why I was very happy with many outcomes.
There is many many twists and turns and ever single thing (I repeat) EVERY GODDAMN SINGLE THING will come to play their part. Nothing is trivial. Lines are linked up to the end and even possibly to the next book. And this is why I like Jennifer's writing. She is witty, claver dialogs, turning relationships around, mistreated love with multiple probability keeps hanging throughout, and always so much at stake. All these mixed so well and so nice you got to like her writing.
Specially this book had chariot races, magic and so much action! In this one, Neilsen has outdone herself.
I have only one complain (and its serious)... this book ends on a cliffhanger. There wasn't any need, no need at all. I feel bad and sad at the same time. But since I have enjoyed most of the book I will not hold back one or two stars and disgrace the hard work the author has done to entertain me. Yes I did like the book, very very much.
Go read this one, but not without reading the first book of the series. And better read it after the third book comes out (hopefully next year!)
Imagine a handful of grains. And throw them on the floor. Now slowly discover each of them is getting connected. Then as you are nearing to end the final connections, it abruptly ends (in a cliffhanger)!
So this book was indeed a 5 star read. So much ups and downs. I could guess and guess again and guess again, while they match to some extent, they weren't exactly so by the end. Thats why I was very happy with many outcomes.
There is many many twists and turns and ever single thing (I repeat) EVERY GODDAMN SINGLE THING will come to play their part. Nothing is trivial. Lines are linked up to the end and even possibly to the next book. And this is why I like Jennifer's writing. She is witty, claver dialogs, turning relationships around, mistreated love with multiple probability keeps hanging throughout, and always so much at stake. All these mixed so well and so nice you got to like her writing.
Specially this book had chariot races, magic and so much action! In this one, Neilsen has outdone herself.
I have only one complain (and its serious)... this book ends on a cliffhanger. There wasn't any need, no need at all. I feel bad and sad at the same time. But since I have enjoyed most of the book I will not hold back one or two stars and disgrace the hard work the author has done to entertain me. Yes I did like the book, very very much.
Go read this one, but not without reading the first book of the series. And better read it after the third book comes out (hopefully next year!)
August 15, 2017
4.5 stars
An excellent middle book in the series. I cannot say enough about how much the narrator, MacLeod Andrews, added to experience of listening to the audiobook. He did a great job with accents, voices, and just overall emotive reading of the story.
The story itself was very well paced and, although there weren't any real surprises, it was thoroughly enjoyable. I listened to this with my kids (9 and 12) and they absolutely loved it.
An excellent middle book in the series. I cannot say enough about how much the narrator, MacLeod Andrews, added to experience of listening to the audiobook. He did a great job with accents, voices, and just overall emotive reading of the story.
The story itself was very well paced and, although there weren't any real surprises, it was thoroughly enjoyable. I listened to this with my kids (9 and 12) and they absolutely loved it.
February 20, 2016
First things first: I love Jennifer A Nielsen's writing. But this book was just not good. The romance is really weird and super awkward. The plot just had to many twists, and got tiresome. And Nic really was just a wannabe Sage(who is the main character in her other series. It is phenomenal, I highly recommend reading it) All the snarky comments or daring things he did were all things that I could totally see Jaron doing, but on Jaron it was super awesome and on Nic it was just stupid.
April 18, 2025
"My life no longer made sense. At least, not according to the usual rules of logic. But the absence of logic didn't bother me. A strange feeling of peace had come over me once I accepted that the only person I could trust in this world was also trying to kill me."
✏️ Review ✏️
Further deepening the high-stakes action presented in book one of the Mark of the Thief trilogy, Rise of the Wolf brings continued development and intrigue to this series. Normally the word dark doesn't come to mind when thinking about Jennifer A. Nielsen's books; but, woah, the latter half of Rise of the Wolf got kind of dark and intense.
But I liked and didn't like this story at the same time. What I didn't like was the whole mythology thing with Atroxia — that was just waaaaay too weird for me! 🙃 (For those who've read the book, you know what I'm talking about.) So, yeah, some of the mythological aspects went a bit too far for my tastes.
I did like most of this story though. I do have to say that the characters fit this story well. (Nic reminds me so much of Sage from The False Prince: "'I'm not hungry.' That wasn't entirely true — I was always hungry. What I should've said was that at the moment, I wasn't starving." That reminds me of Sage's wit. 😄) As I had hoped, this sequel brings continued development to the characters. *throws confetti in the air*
And the plot is excellently paced: lot's of action and suspense with just the right amount of slow moments — a combination that really kept me hooked. And, like, that ending??!! Yes! I love cliffhanger endings (thankfully I have the last book already out of the library so I don't have to wait several days to find out what happens ☺️). To be concluded in the finale — Wrath of the Storm.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The plot — just the right amount of suspense and intrigue.
• The writing style — it's easy to follow and flows smoothly.
• The characters — a fitting cast for this story.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Some of the mythological elements — just waaaay too weird.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes*
— To whom? To those who have read and enjoyed the first book —Mark of the Thief — of this trilogy.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 4/5
— 📝 Writing: 3.5/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• A few scenes of action-adventure violence.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: Magic continues to be a major player in the plot of this second book in the Mark of the Thief trilogy. For a detailed content discussion of this, please see my review of the first book of the series, Mark of the Thief.
Side note: There seems to be a more apparent presence of hints relating to magic as being something unfit for humans to possess; and it seems that the MMC is starting to see more and more his magic's negativity: "I wear different chains now.... Mine is [an object]... that does magic." So perhaps this is an important theme that will come to fruition in the last book? I will have to find out.
• Mythology content: In a nutshell: This series presents the history of ancient Rome as if mythology were real. So in this book, the Roman gods are depicted as real beings and occasionally communicate to the characters through an animal medium. And be aware that the last half of Rise of the Wolf contains some major mythological aspects (I have to keep it vague to avoid spoilers). There are also many references and discussions about mythology in general.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• "Freedom never comes to those who avoid their problems." (p. 171)
• "[V]ictory comes in protecting those you love, not destroying those you hate." (p. 173)
• "I might ask what it's like to care for nobody but yourself. Is your world cold? Your heart nothing but a crusty rock and your soul a bitter wind?" (p. 291)
✏️ Review ✏️
Further deepening the high-stakes action presented in book one of the Mark of the Thief trilogy, Rise of the Wolf brings continued development and intrigue to this series. Normally the word dark doesn't come to mind when thinking about Jennifer A. Nielsen's books; but, woah, the latter half of Rise of the Wolf got kind of dark and intense.
But I liked and didn't like this story at the same time. What I didn't like was the whole mythology thing with Atroxia — that was just waaaaay too weird for me! 🙃 (For those who've read the book, you know what I'm talking about.) So, yeah, some of the mythological aspects went a bit too far for my tastes.
I did like most of this story though. I do have to say that the characters fit this story well. (Nic reminds me so much of Sage from The False Prince: "'I'm not hungry.' That wasn't entirely true — I was always hungry. What I should've said was that at the moment, I wasn't starving." That reminds me of Sage's wit. 😄) As I had hoped, this sequel brings continued development to the characters. *throws confetti in the air*
And the plot is excellently paced: lot's of action and suspense with just the right amount of slow moments — a combination that really kept me hooked. And, like, that ending??!! Yes! I love cliffhanger endings (thankfully I have the last book already out of the library so I don't have to wait several days to find out what happens ☺️). To be concluded in the finale — Wrath of the Storm.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The plot — just the right amount of suspense and intrigue.
• The writing style — it's easy to follow and flows smoothly.
• The characters — a fitting cast for this story.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Some of the mythological elements — just waaaay too weird.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Yes*
— To whom? To those who have read and enjoyed the first book —Mark of the Thief — of this trilogy.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 3/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 4/5
— 📝 Writing: 3.5/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 0/5
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
• A few scenes of action-adventure violence.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• Magic content: Magic continues to be a major player in the plot of this second book in the Mark of the Thief trilogy. For a detailed content discussion of this, please see my review of the first book of the series, Mark of the Thief.
Side note: There seems to be a more apparent presence of hints relating to magic as being something unfit for humans to possess; and it seems that the MMC is starting to see more and more his magic's negativity: "I wear different chains now.... Mine is [an object]... that does magic." So perhaps this is an important theme that will come to fruition in the last book? I will have to find out.
• Mythology content: In a nutshell: This series presents the history of ancient Rome as if mythology were real. So in this book, the Roman gods are depicted as real beings and occasionally communicate to the characters through an animal medium. And be aware that the last half of Rise of the Wolf contains some major mythological aspects (I have to keep it vague to avoid spoilers). There are also many references and discussions about mythology in general.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• "Freedom never comes to those who avoid their problems." (p. 171)
• "[V]ictory comes in protecting those you love, not destroying those you hate." (p. 173)
• "I might ask what it's like to care for nobody but yourself. Is your world cold? Your heart nothing but a crusty rock and your soul a bitter wind?" (p. 291)
October 21, 2018
I'll first state that I'm not the target audience for this book. Its aim is for middle-graders.
I didn't care for this one. I liked it even less than the first one in this series. I'm willing to give it two stars only because it was age appropriate.
On the first day of a creative writing class back in high school, we played a game. It was the "Yes, but..." or "Yes, then...." game. You had to play off whatever the person said before you. It was fun once we all got the hang of it. This book felt like that only much longer and not as much fun. Even the dialogue was practically smack on that same theme. So many times the MC used those words.
The plot went in lots of circles because the characters always landed back to where they were. There wasn't much progress. The MC was also always angry sounding. That was the only setting on his dial. It got old....fast.
I didn't care for this one. I liked it even less than the first one in this series. I'm willing to give it two stars only because it was age appropriate.
On the first day of a creative writing class back in high school, we played a game. It was the "Yes, but..." or "Yes, then...." game. You had to play off whatever the person said before you. It was fun once we all got the hang of it. This book felt like that only much longer and not as much fun. Even the dialogue was practically smack on that same theme. So many times the MC used those words.
The plot went in lots of circles because the characters always landed back to where they were. There wasn't much progress. The MC was also always angry sounding. That was the only setting on his dial. It got old....fast.
October 10, 2019
WHAT. AN. ENDING.
February 25, 2023
**4.5 stars**
"To get what you want, you must walk through the fire."
I loved this book so much. I mean, what is there not to love? Nic is just the ultimate protagonist; witty, clever, slick, and of course, so dang sarcastic, something I, personally, love in characters. We live laugh love Nic's sassitude <3Yes, I did just say 'sassitude.' Don't judge XP
I highly recommend the series! It starts with: Mark of the Thief. Jennifer A. Nielsen is an amazing author, and some of her other works I've read include the Ascendace series, (Book #1: The False Prince), and The Traitor's Game series (Book #1: The Traitor's Game). Overall, she's just an amazing author. Slayy, Jennifer <33
Thoughts About the Book:
- I love Aurelia; her persistent, stubborn attitude just defines the amazing character she is. What a queen. Pop off girll! 💖 (Also, I just love her name <3
- Again, I love Nic. He reminds me so much of Jaron from the Ascendance series, and always outsmarts everyone. Yuss, dude B)
- Crispus... fascinating name, in my opinion, XD. It reminds me chips... yumm XD
- The ending- WJFSDFK- WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!-
- Radulf: I have mixed feelings about him. One second he's trying to use Nic for his own selfish plans, and the next he's admitting how much he loves his grandson. Like- talk to me when you've sorted through your feelings, dude.
-----------------------------
Quotes I Saved:
------------------------------------
But the book as a whole was utterly fabulous! A true work of art. Or writing... *scratches head* I guess writing is technically a form of art?? ANYWAYSSSSSS- I'm off to read my next book because my GR goal is mocking me T^T
"To get what you want, you must walk through the fire."
I loved this book so much. I mean, what is there not to love? Nic is just the ultimate protagonist; witty, clever, slick, and of course, so dang sarcastic, something I, personally, love in characters. We live laugh love Nic's sassitude <3
I highly recommend the series! It starts with: Mark of the Thief. Jennifer A. Nielsen is an amazing author, and some of her other works I've read include the Ascendace series, (Book #1: The False Prince), and The Traitor's Game series (Book #1: The Traitor's Game). Overall, she's just an amazing author. Slayy, Jennifer <33
Thoughts About the Book:
- I love Aurelia; her persistent, stubborn attitude just defines the amazing character she is. What a queen. Pop off girll! 💖 (Also, I just love her name <3
- Again, I love Nic. He reminds me so much of Jaron from the Ascendance series, and always outsmarts everyone. Yuss, dude B)
- Crispus... fascinating name, in my opinion, XD. It reminds me chips... yumm XD
- The ending- WJFSDFK- WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!-
- Radulf: I have mixed feelings about him. One second he's trying to use Nic for his own selfish plans, and the next he's admitting how much he loves his grandson. Like- talk to me when you've sorted through your feelings, dude.
-----------------------------
Quotes I Saved:
------------------------------------
But the book as a whole was utterly fabulous! A true work of art. Or writing... *scratches head* I guess writing is technically a form of art?? ANYWAYSSSSSS- I'm off to read my next book because my GR goal is mocking me T^T
March 23, 2016
A pretty disappointed 3 stars. :( The first half of the book was so clunky, so cluttered, I felt like I was reading a rough draft. Nic ran here and there, from one person's house to the next, escaping from one place only to end up right back where he was. What's the point of that for the reader? It all seemed to be a misshapen set up for the chariot race, as if the author knew she wanted a chariot race and so had to force everything in the book to lead to it even though I could not think of one logical reason why this chariot race would happen.
His relationships with Aurelia, Crispus, Livia, and his grandfather were disappointing too, because they never actually happened.. You know what I mean? He talked about them. - I love Livia, my grandfather might actually care about me, I feel sorry for Crispus, etc. - but we never got to see these relationships.
I really liked Aurelia in the first book. She had a purpose. Now no one seems to have a purpose in the story except for Nic. Everyone else is just a dead weight. Really annoying dead weights. Aurelia keeps appearing randomly in the bushes with a bow....only to get captured or bargained over.
The second half of the book - the chariot race and tomb-excavation - was much better. It was exciting. The tomb part was maybe a little disjointed but that was okay. I understood why the author wanted a chariot race, but that didn't cancel out the fact that it didn't fit in the story. :\
His relationships with Aurelia, Crispus, Livia, and his grandfather were disappointing too, because they never actually happened.. You know what I mean? He talked about them. - I love Livia, my grandfather might actually care about me, I feel sorry for Crispus, etc. - but we never got to see these relationships.
I really liked Aurelia in the first book. She had a purpose. Now no one seems to have a purpose in the story except for Nic. Everyone else is just a dead weight. Really annoying dead weights. Aurelia keeps appearing randomly in the bushes with a bow....only to get captured or bargained over.
The second half of the book - the chariot race and tomb-excavation - was much better. It was exciting. The tomb part was maybe a little disjointed but that was okay. I understood why the author wanted a chariot race, but that didn't cancel out the fact that it didn't fit in the story. :\
March 28, 2022
*4.5 stars*
Wow. That was a cruel cliffhanger. This book was full of so many plot twists, it had me gasping at every turn.
I’m emotionally involved now so my heart is pounding like crazy 😅. Way better than the first book.
Again, the only thing that bothers me is the whole thing gods and stuff. It was /really/ emphasized in this book and the gods themselves and curses and such were involved too. I really don’t dig stuff like this but the series is written too well to stop now lol. I’m trying to be objective with my rating, otherwise I would have rated it lower just because of that.
Excited for book 3!
Wow. That was a cruel cliffhanger. This book was full of so many plot twists, it had me gasping at every turn.
I’m emotionally involved now so my heart is pounding like crazy 😅. Way better than the first book.
Again, the only thing that bothers me is the whole thing gods and stuff. It was /really/ emphasized in this book and the gods themselves and curses and such were involved too. I really don’t dig stuff like this but the series is written too well to stop now lol. I’m trying to be objective with my rating, otherwise I would have rated it lower just because of that.
Excited for book 3!
January 1, 2024
3.5 stars – it was pretty good but just shy of really good. Nic tries to escape and get away several times but never gets anywhere. By the end of the book, he is pretty much in the same situation he was in the beginning. While he does progress as a character, he doesn’t really get anywhere. I think that is what holds the story back.
It’s still a fun book, with lots of adventure and magic. There is a lot of chariot racing in this one.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Some hand-to-hand fighting with weapons and magic; injuries and occasional death; not graphic
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
It’s still a fun book, with lots of adventure and magic. There is a lot of chariot racing in this one.
Language: Clean
Sexual Content: None
Violence/Gore: Some hand-to-hand fighting with weapons and magic; injuries and occasional death; not graphic
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
February 19, 2017
I read this book a little slower than Mark of the Thief, but it is just as intense--if not more--than the first book.
Not to give away much, but the basis around this installment is a chariot race, which reminded me a lot of Ben Hur; though I haven't seen the original all the way through, nor the reboot that came out a few months ago. Chariot races, in Ancient Rome, were about as intense as a boxing match or a football game, and you feel the tension throughout the novel.
As the second book in a trilogy, this book does take the time to build up the characters more, but it's not the bulk of the novel, and you see a lot of it between Nic and Radulf. Nic is still struggling with being "Public Enemy #1", all while just trying to get freedom for him and his family that he thought were long gone; Radulf, I thought, would be the antagonist throughout the series, but with the twist you find at the end of the first book, he begins to understand the toll Nic's misadventures and torture(even at his hands) take.
**I may have come to the point of my review where I cannot, coherently, write it to the extent of other reviewers, but I believe you can translate what I am trying to say: READ this book series!**
Not to give away much, but the basis around this installment is a chariot race, which reminded me a lot of Ben Hur; though I haven't seen the original all the way through, nor the reboot that came out a few months ago. Chariot races, in Ancient Rome, were about as intense as a boxing match or a football game, and you feel the tension throughout the novel.
As the second book in a trilogy, this book does take the time to build up the characters more, but it's not the bulk of the novel, and you see a lot of it between Nic and Radulf. Nic is still struggling with being "Public Enemy #1", all while just trying to get freedom for him and his family that he thought were long gone; Radulf, I thought, would be the antagonist throughout the series, but with the twist you find at the end of the first book, he begins to understand the toll Nic's misadventures and torture(even at his hands) take.
**I may have come to the point of my review where I cannot, coherently, write it to the extent of other reviewers, but I believe you can translate what I am trying to say: READ this book series!**
August 19, 2016
Ahhhhh! Why?! Why do I always start trilogies before all the books are out?
After Mark of the Thief I said I didn't like this series as much as I liked The False Prince, but this one might have changed my opinion. It was AMAZING. Poor Nic is still fighting to save his family and Rome, and every time you think he's close...something horrible happens. (The story kind of reminds me of a tamer Red Rising that takes place in the past instead of in space.)
More action, more twists...just really cool. I've been listening to the audio books, which are fabulous--but I don't think I'll be able to wait for the third audio book. I'll probably be getting it as soon as it comes out in hardcover!
After Mark of the Thief I said I didn't like this series as much as I liked The False Prince, but this one might have changed my opinion. It was AMAZING. Poor Nic is still fighting to save his family and Rome, and every time you think he's close...something horrible happens. (The story kind of reminds me of a tamer Red Rising that takes place in the past instead of in space.)
More action, more twists...just really cool. I've been listening to the audio books, which are fabulous--but I don't think I'll be able to wait for the third audio book. I'll probably be getting it as soon as it comes out in hardcover!
November 25, 2016
I liked the first book and mostly understood what was going on, but this second book in the trilogy alternately either bored or confused the heck out of me. The whole book finds Nic constantly engaging in battle after battle with either the Praetors, Decimas Brutus, or chariot riders hired to make him lose the race by any means possible. And Nic's reaction is always to shoot out magic, think about shooting out magic, or be prevented from shooting out magic by the Praetors, who can stop magic with their touch. Made my head hurt.
Don't even get me started on all the magical powers of the bulla, Jupiter stone, or Malice of Mars because I couldn't keep them all straight, or remember what each of them did or why, or how they were used to do something that in all reality made no sense to me. I thought after reading both the entire Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan that I would understand this one. Um, no. Those series made sense and were highly entertaining. I know I'm in the minority here with this review, but this series is not turning out to be the exciting series I hoped it would be.
Don't even get me started on all the magical powers of the bulla, Jupiter stone, or Malice of Mars because I couldn't keep them all straight, or remember what each of them did or why, or how they were used to do something that in all reality made no sense to me. I thought after reading both the entire Percy Jackson and Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan that I would understand this one. Um, no. Those series made sense and were highly entertaining. I know I'm in the minority here with this review, but this series is not turning out to be the exciting series I hoped it would be.
March 9, 2016
Much like the first book, only more so. Cool ideas again, but the plot is twisted and crude in terms of its crafting. There is WAY too much "I hate you!" "It doesn't matter, you need me anyway" and "I _have_ to do this!". The main character refuses to stoop to the level of everyone else, but he sure doesn't make it look like a good option. He keeps making stupid choices, capitulating to whoever is threatening him, and then working himself into a worse situation. So it's not really fun to read.
One of the advantages of the first book was its exposure to ancient Roman culture. This book describes a bit more, particularly how chariot races work, but there's not as much to appreciate in this one. In addition, the plot doesn't move a whole lot, and the main character refuses to shape up to the point where it's almost comical how much he won't express his feelings to Aurelia even when every single reason to avoid it is systematically stripped away.
One of the advantages of the first book was its exposure to ancient Roman culture. This book describes a bit more, particularly how chariot races work, but there's not as much to appreciate in this one. In addition, the plot doesn't move a whole lot, and the main character refuses to shape up to the point where it's almost comical how much he won't express his feelings to Aurelia even when every single reason to avoid it is systematically stripped away.
October 30, 2019
I spent a month slowly audiobooking this one. :)
It’s about on par with book 1, Mark of the Thief, except Auralia and Crispus have improved and Radolf is cooler. (No spoilers, but... he was one of my favorite things about the book.)
Nic spends an annoying amount of time in the beginning repeating, “I DON’T HAVE THE KEY,” when it’s obvious to the reader that he does—he just doesn’t know it.
But aside from that, this was a fun Roman adventure involving a budding Praetor war, a unicorn, another magical item from the gods, an intense chariot race (!!!), and a twisty ending where the stakes kept shifting!
The audiobook also had a cool little short story at the end, which may or may not be in the physical version?
Anyway, 4 stars!
It’s about on par with book 1, Mark of the Thief, except Auralia and Crispus have improved and Radolf is cooler. (No spoilers, but... he was one of my favorite things about the book.)
Nic spends an annoying amount of time in the beginning repeating, “I DON’T HAVE THE KEY,” when it’s obvious to the reader that he does—he just doesn’t know it.
But aside from that, this was a fun Roman adventure involving a budding Praetor war, a unicorn, another magical item from the gods, an intense chariot race (!!!), and a twisty ending where the stakes kept shifting!
The audiobook also had a cool little short story at the end, which may or may not be in the physical version?
Anyway, 4 stars!
September 3, 2018
#1) Mark of the Thief ★★☆☆☆
#3) Wrath of the Storm ★★☆☆☆
3.5 stars
Rise of the Wolf completely stepped up the mark from the first book. It was entertaining and fast-paced. The plotline completely swept me up. I was engaged by the scavenger hunt-like adventure. I did think that the characterisation was still lacking and Nic made rash, impulsive decisions that irritated me. But as a whole? It was much more cohesive and enjoyable.
January 1, 2020
*no spoilers*
Got this book for Christmas and started the 29th, then finished New Year’s Day. Great start to the new year. I’m so glad I don’t have to wait for book 3 cuz I also got it for Christmas! The cliffhanger had me squealing. The entire book had my heart breaking. The plot had me covering the next page with my hand so my eyes wouldn’t glance over to read ahead (even though I did way too many times). Loved it. That’s all I can say. It was amazing.
*spoilers*
When I got this, I immediately started rereading book 1 since it had been a year since I read it. I was very glad I did because there were a lot of things I forgot. From the very beginning of Rise of the Wolf, I knew the key to the Malice was “from heaven to the center of the earth.” I knew not because it was predictable, but because it was exactly the opposite. It was so perfectly woven into the story and hinted at that I even doubted that it truly was the key several times.
Aside from that, I loved every single bit of this book. Aurelia and Nic’s relationship throughout it was so beautiful and before reading this, I didn’t think anything could too Jaron and Imogen from the Ascendance Tril-, SERIES. But they did. The part when Aurelia meets Livia and they talk about how Nic described her... I laughed so hard.
The chariot race and everything leading up to it was incredible. When Nic found out Aurelia was racing and said he had a plan, I at first thought he was going to ride directly next to her across the finish line so they would tie, but I was so far off! That whole race was so well written and I was reading it with my mom sitting near me and when Nic said only one chariot could cross the line... ours, I squealed and she looked at me like I was crazy.
There are so many other things I could talk about in this review, but I really want to read book 3... so I’m done...for now😂
Got this book for Christmas and started the 29th, then finished New Year’s Day. Great start to the new year. I’m so glad I don’t have to wait for book 3 cuz I also got it for Christmas! The cliffhanger had me squealing. The entire book had my heart breaking. The plot had me covering the next page with my hand so my eyes wouldn’t glance over to read ahead (even though I did way too many times). Loved it. That’s all I can say. It was amazing.
*spoilers*
When I got this, I immediately started rereading book 1 since it had been a year since I read it. I was very glad I did because there were a lot of things I forgot. From the very beginning of Rise of the Wolf, I knew the key to the Malice was “from heaven to the center of the earth.” I knew not because it was predictable, but because it was exactly the opposite. It was so perfectly woven into the story and hinted at that I even doubted that it truly was the key several times.
Aside from that, I loved every single bit of this book. Aurelia and Nic’s relationship throughout it was so beautiful and before reading this, I didn’t think anything could too Jaron and Imogen from the Ascendance Tril-, SERIES. But they did. The part when Aurelia meets Livia and they talk about how Nic described her... I laughed so hard.
The chariot race and everything leading up to it was incredible. When Nic found out Aurelia was racing and said he had a plan, I at first thought he was going to ride directly next to her across the finish line so they would tie, but I was so far off! That whole race was so well written and I was reading it with my mom sitting near me and when Nic said only one chariot could cross the line... ours, I squealed and she looked at me like I was crazy.
There are so many other things I could talk about in this review, but I really want to read book 3... so I’m done...for now😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2019
The adventure continues with Nic as he tries to save the people he loves most in the world, keep his magic contained, and figure out how to stop the incoming evil war.
Note to the discerning reader & parents: Magic is a very big part of the story. There is much talk throughout the book of the Roman gods (since, of course, the magic derives from these gods). And there is also the idea of marriage thrown in there for Nic, which is kept low-key and suitable for young readers.
Note to the discerning reader & parents: Magic is a very big part of the story. There is much talk throughout the book of the Roman gods (since, of course, the magic derives from these gods). And there is also the idea of marriage thrown in there for Nic, which is kept low-key and suitable for young readers.
May 3, 2016
I really liked this book, and I'm looking forward to the next book. I still liked the main characters, and I have even started to like Nic's grandfather. I hope Aurelia and Nic are married by the end of the series. If they aren't at least a couple, I will be upset. The setting and the magic are still interesting, and I liked the chariot races.
November 8, 2019
kalau dibandingkan dengan seri False Prince, seri ini bisa dibilang cukup kebanting sih.
Ceritanya kurang luwes walaupun sebenarnya menarik. Entah apakah karena terjemahannya atau memang gaya penulisannya seperti itu.
Terlepas dari semua itu, setting romawi dan kepercayaan akan dewa-dewinya cukup menarik. Masih penasaran memabca buku ini sampai akhir.
Ceritanya kurang luwes walaupun sebenarnya menarik. Entah apakah karena terjemahannya atau memang gaya penulisannya seperti itu.
Terlepas dari semua itu, setting romawi dan kepercayaan akan dewa-dewinya cukup menarik. Masih penasaran memabca buku ini sampai akhir.
August 16, 2025
What. An. Ending. Jennifer Nielsen is amazing, As always!!
September 8, 2025
even better than the first!
January 7, 2022
Pretty good not the greatest 2nd book in a series left off on a cliffhanger but it was ok
February 25, 2016
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.
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.
June 27, 2016
SPOILERS!
Now I am pretty much the biggest Fangirl EVER for The False Prince, and I mean Literally the BIGGEST! I read Mark of the Thief and it gave me excitement but not too much... And this one I almost feel like it's ruining the False Prince for me! but I know that feeling will go away, it's just that I just finished reading it and am really really disappointed :(
I felt she was trying to make Nic too much like Jaron but of course not as good... Aurelia had this good personality in the first book and in the beginning of this one but then she kinda lost that I felt...I feistiness.
Her writing was also very over used and I felt like she was trying to re-create the awesome surprise factor and excitement as in the false prince, but she didn't really pull it off.
The ending was just strange! A dragon??? What? And I guess I get that Nic is a bad lier but nobody is bad enough to say. "Oh No, not the Malice." <---That line was really cheesy! I couldn't stand it, it all seemed soooo fake. And then Livia, she got in the way a LOT! this book would be better without her she's just like a dead weight.
And after the Fantastic ending of the first book, that cliff hanger I expected more. But no he just goes into a dead ladies temple and recharges his magic...whaaat?
And then Aurelia and Crispus...yes the love triangle. I have confirmed that at the beginning it was an isosceles triangle, and then at the end its an upside down one, with Nic being on the bottom. It baffles me how blind and stupid Nic could be like he wonders, Oh wow I love Aurelia but I'm not quite sure how she feels about me RIGHT AFTER SHE PRETTY MUCH ASKED YOU TO OFFER TO MARRY HER!!! Come on dumb dumb!
Well if you did like the first book then I suggest reading it, I just kinda got tired of the writing style which was over used... But Definitely read the False Prince!
Now I am pretty much the biggest Fangirl EVER for The False Prince, and I mean Literally the BIGGEST! I read Mark of the Thief and it gave me excitement but not too much... And this one I almost feel like it's ruining the False Prince for me! but I know that feeling will go away, it's just that I just finished reading it and am really really disappointed :(
I felt she was trying to make Nic too much like Jaron but of course not as good... Aurelia had this good personality in the first book and in the beginning of this one but then she kinda lost that I felt...I feistiness.
Her writing was also very over used and I felt like she was trying to re-create the awesome surprise factor and excitement as in the false prince, but she didn't really pull it off.
The ending was just strange! A dragon??? What? And I guess I get that Nic is a bad lier but nobody is bad enough to say. "Oh No, not the Malice." <---That line was really cheesy! I couldn't stand it, it all seemed soooo fake. And then Livia, she got in the way a LOT! this book would be better without her she's just like a dead weight.
And after the Fantastic ending of the first book, that cliff hanger I expected more. But no he just goes into a dead ladies temple and recharges his magic...whaaat?
And then Aurelia and Crispus...yes the love triangle. I have confirmed that at the beginning it was an isosceles triangle, and then at the end its an upside down one, with Nic being on the bottom. It baffles me how blind and stupid Nic could be like he wonders, Oh wow I love Aurelia but I'm not quite sure how she feels about me RIGHT AFTER SHE PRETTY MUCH ASKED YOU TO OFFER TO MARRY HER!!! Come on dumb dumb!
Well if you did like the first book then I suggest reading it, I just kinda got tired of the writing style which was over used... But Definitely read the False Prince!
February 25, 2016
Rise of the Wolf by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Mark of the Thief, #2
Scholastic Press
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Rating: 4 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of Rise of the Wolf for an honest review.
Rise of the Wolf is even better than the first! With all the twists and surprises at the end of the first book, this sequel was something your just itching to jump into. It already has a developed base, if you read the first book you don’t feel lost. I was so excited for this adventure to continue and see if Nic can conquer his enemies, while saving him and his sister.
FULL REVIEW GO TO: http://takemeawaytoagreatread.com/201...
Mark of the Thief, #2
Scholastic Press
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Rating: 4 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of Rise of the Wolf for an honest review.
Rise of the Wolf is even better than the first! With all the twists and surprises at the end of the first book, this sequel was something your just itching to jump into. It already has a developed base, if you read the first book you don’t feel lost. I was so excited for this adventure to continue and see if Nic can conquer his enemies, while saving him and his sister.
FULL REVIEW GO TO: http://takemeawaytoagreatread.com/201...
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