Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Second in fantasy series keeps the action going strong.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Everyone believes Nic has the key to unlocking a magical amulet called the Malice of Mars. A secretive and deadly faction called the Praetors want to use the Malice's powers to bring about the collapse of the Roman government from within and will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. They capture Nic's mother, threatening to kill her if Nic doesn't hand over the key. The only trouble is, Nic doesn't actually have the key. Can he harness his own magic and abilities enough to save his mother, and with the RISE OF THE WOLF can he prevent an all-out war?
Is It Any Good?
This second installment of a fantasy series set in ancient Rome keeps up the fast-paced action and excitement as it picks up where Mark of the Thief left off. Fantasy fans will enjoy the blend of Roman mythology and magic, especially magical creatures such as unicorns, dragons, and griffins. A couple of minor inconsistencies with characters' actions or motives and clunky dialogue heavy on the melodrama will easily be forgiven by readers who love action -- the chariot race is especially exciting -- as the pages keep turning. Another cliffhanger ending will leave kids eager for the third volume.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why fantasy books are so popular. Why do we love them so much?
Did you read Mark of the Thief? Do you like the second installment of the story as well, or better, than the first?
Nic has two kinds of magic, from the mark on his shoulder and from the bulla he carries. If you could have only one kind of magic, which would it be?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Press
- Publication date : January 26, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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