Following the successful The False Prince (2012) and its sequels, Nielsen launches a new series, set this time in ancient Rome and featuring another orphan boy with a family mystery. Nic is a slave working in the mines until he is sent down into Julius Caesar's sealed cavern of treasures to retrieve a magical relic, the bulla. There he finds the bulla but tangles with a protective griffin that is guarding the treasures. So the adventure begins, and in ensuing chapters, Nic is either on the run from or being held captive by those who want both the bulla and Nic's untapped magic in order to fight for control of Rome. The dialogue, character development, and plotting are not as sure in this outing as in Nielsen's previous series titles, but the humor remains solid, and the finale includes a memorable showdown. There are two more magical relics to unearth in the coming sequels, while the future of Rome and family relations are decided. Fans of Jaron, Percy, Harry, and Eugenides may be excited by this offering. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Nielsen's Ascendance trilogy spent considerable time on the New York Times best-seller list, so the start of a new series is big news for her many fans.

Gr 6-9 A fantastical alternate history set in ancient Rome. Nicolas Calva and his sister are slaves in the mines outside of Rome. When Nic is forced to retrieve treasure from Julius Caesar's cave, he assumes he is going to his death. But inside the cave he finds a bulla, a magical amulet thought to have given Caesar great power, and takes it for himself. Suddenly, Nic is the most wanted fugitive in Rome. The emperor and a powerful general are after the amulet and they will kill Nic to get it. His only help is Aurelia, a plebian girl who is searching for her own family. With no one to trust and nowhere to hide, the protagonist must decide how he is going to save his sister and get out with his life. He doesn't want the bulla or the responsibility of the magic it contains, but if the magical object gets into the wrong hands, Rome will be at war and Nic will be at the center of it all. Fans of Nielsen's "Ascendance" trilogy (Scholastic) will be clamoring for this new series. This genre mash-up of history, fantasy, and action/adventure is fast-paced and explores themes such as class struggles, familial ties, and the immorality of slavery. Readers will have lots to digest as they quickly flip through the pages to see how Nic will escape his enemies to become a free man. Kimberly Garnick Giarratano, Rockaway Township Public Library, NJ

Nicholas Calva is a slave in the mines of ancient Rome. The quick-witted, sharp-tongued boy makes no friends, especially with his master. Nic is foolishly brave and attempts an escape to save himself and his sister, Livia, but is quickly caught and faces a terrible punishment. Though the penalty for such a crime is getting branded, to ensure that he will never have free will, Nic is instead sent on an errand: to retrieve a bulla that belonged to Caesar from the depths of the haunted mines. Little does Nic realize that the task will change his life forever. Nic finds the bulla, a griffin, and magic in Caesar's cavemagic that he did not know he possessed. With this action-packed beginning, Nic ends up in the city with a new destructive magic that he has difficulty controlling, as well as a chance at being free.Readers of Neilsen's The False Prince (Scholastic, 2012/VOYAáFebruary 2012) will love the equally cunning and brave Nic, who grows with his magic and learns to fight for freedom over the life he has always known as a slave. The action moves the story well, often in surprising ways, and the background of ancient Rome provides a peek into a history that may surprise readers for its brutality toward both humans and animals.Stacy Holbrook.Mark of the Thief is a captivating novel that will grab readers' attention through its fast-paced plot and historical insight. Nic is a believable character with his constant determination, plus he guides readers through the marvels and horrors of a Roman empire laced with magic. At times, the dialogue seems forced, but for the most part, the writing smoothly moves the story along. Young adults in junior high who appreciate history and fantasy will be eager to read this engaging novel. 4Q, 4P.Victoria Quint, Teen Reviewer.