Mark of the Thief: Book 1 by Jennifer A. Nielsen
2015; Johns Hopkins University Press; Volume: 68; Issue: 8 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1353/bcc.2015.0305
ISSN1558-6766
Autores Tópico(s)Cultural, Linguistic, Economic Studies
ResumoReviewed by: Mark of the Thief: Book 1 by Jennifer A. Nielsen April Spisak Nielsen, Jennifer A. Mark of the Thief: Book 1. Scholastic, 2015 [352p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-545-56154-9 $17.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-545-56203-4 $17.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 8-10 Nic has never bowed to his role as a Roman slave: he pretty much only follows the orders that seem logical to him unless his little sister is at risk. This defiance turns out to be a lucky trait when Nic is ordered to find an amulet that belonged to Julius Caesar and give it to a power-hungry general. He does find it, and a frightening griffin guarding it, but decides to try to keep the treasure for himself. Though his determination to save his sister trumps other goals, even he can see that the magical amulet and his own new supernatural powers are highly desired by various political factions and may make him either a pawn or a game-changer. The Imperial Roman setting is impeccably conveyed throughout the book; Nielsen wisely sprinkles historical details in subtle ways so that readers will be able to imagine the context without ever feeling overtly educated about an era. Their attention will be on Nic, who is often foolish and abrasive but who always has noble intentions. There are several other engaging key characters, including Nic’s opportunistic frenemy, Aurelia, who began as his guard, sold him out, and then experienced one of her greatest losses with Nic. Nielsen fans and historical fiction buffs who don’t mind a dose of fantasy mixed in will appreciate this promising start to a new series. [End Page 414] Copyright © 2015 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
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