Rise of the wolf

Though Nic is no longer a slave, he still feels powerless. His grandfather, General Radulf, controls almost every move he makes, at least until the Praetors an opposition group to the Roman government make themselves known. They have captured Nic's mother and are threatening to kill her unless he agrees to use his powerful bulla talisman to create a Jupiter Stone. But Nic knows they intend to destroy all of Rome with the stone, so how can he possibly win? The novel's Roman mythology connections, along with strong characters who are shrewd, if somewhat predictable, will have great appeal for fans of Rick Riordan. Heavily plot-driven with a movie-script feel, the novel suffers as Nielsen struggles with pacing for the first two-thirds, but those who persevere will be rewarded with a stellar climax. Familiarity with its predecessor, Mark of the Thief (2015), is a must, so be sure to read this series in order.--Moore, Melissa Copyright 2015 Booklist

Former slave Nic is caught between his grandfather and the Praetors, both of whom want him to find a magical amulet that would destroy the city. Nic tries to outwit them by proposing a chariot race, but his plans put people he loves in danger. Nielsen keeps the stakes high and the plot moving in this historical fantasy set in ancient Rome. (c) Copyright 2016. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Nic enjoys training as a charioteernot that he has a choicefor his grandfather, Radulf, but the uneasy family dtente is shattered when Nic learns the Praetors have taken his mother hostage in Volume 2 of this series set in Imperial Rome's turbulent third century. Believing Nic has the key to finding a magical amulet, the Malice of Mars, the Praetors use his mother as leverage to force him to turn it over to them, thereby giving an edge to their candidate, Diana, in a celestial civil war. Radulf insists Nic help him acquire the amulet to ensure the destruction of Rome. Nic just wants to free his mother and reunite his family, albeit on his own non-negotiable terms: he won't sacrifice the people and city he loves. Nic is certain he doesn't have the key; or does he? He has loyal alliesyounger sister Livia, love interest Aurelia, friend Crispus, and the unicorn Callistusbut his opponents number just about every power broker in Imperial Rome. Nic is equally appealing this time around: cheerfully set on his goals yet brutally realistic about the poor odds of success. If Nic's "act first-think later" M.O. gets him in trouble, it also gets him out of ittemporarily, anyway. Fast-moving fun with broad audience appeal, especially recommended for reluctant readers, Rick Riordan fans, and pedal-to-the-metal adventure aficionados. (Historical fantasy. 10-14) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

From Rise of the Wolf Still shouting insults, the white-cloaked charioteer tried to force my team against the wall. I calmed the horses with a wave of my hand and urged them even faster, earning some cheers from the audience. I turned to thank the crowd, and then someone caught my attention. My younger sister, Livia, was in the stands, behind the senators' box. Her golden curls always stood out in a crowd, and they did now, as bright as ever. Still, I was surprised to see her here. Since we had come to Radulf's house two months ago, she and I had never been allowed outside at the same time. Radulf thought it would make us more likely to run. I hadn't gotten far in arguing that with him, mostly because we both knew that's exactly what I'd do. So why was Livia here now, and on her own? As my chariot came closer, she turned to speak to a woman next to her and I realized it wasn't Livia after all. But for the difference in their ages, it was someone who could have been her twin. My heart lurched into my throat. Only one other person could look so much like Livia. That was my mother, I was sure of it. Excerpted from Rise of the Wolf by Jennifer A. Nielsen All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.