Mark of the Thief

This is my first book by Nielson, and I must say that I’ve already bought the Asendence series because her writing is wonderful. I felt like the characters were easy to identify with, and the story’s setting was magical. Nic is a slave who works in the mines, when he’s thrust into finding a treasure that was Julius Caesar’s. It’s said to have magical powers beyond belief, but when Nic gets it, it brings him nothing but trouble! With a magical creature by his side, and a fiercely independent, yet beautiful girl, Nic will do whatever it takes to save Rome. To say I enjoyed this is an understatement. I adored everything about Mark of the Thief. The action was great, there were hints of romance, and I even enjoyed the villain. The setting and tone of the book were perfect; it made me want to go to Rome. I have no doubt that teens and adults will enjoy this story about an underdog who fights his way to the top.