Mark of the Thief
#1 of 3 in Mark of the Thief Series
on Goodreads (13,518)
What’s inside...
When Nic, a slave in the mines outside of Rome, discovers an ancient amulet with magical powers, he finds himself entangled in a conspiracy to overthrow the emperor and destroy Rome. With the magic of the amulet, Nic must navigate a world of traitors and spies, and harness the power within to save Rome and secure his freedom. Jennifer A. Nielsen crafts a tale of greed, power, magic, and destiny, with a courageous young boy at the center of it all.
Character compass
Nic Calva
Aurelia
Crispus
Radulf
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Nic to take the bulla in the story? How would you have handled the situation?
How do the relationships between characters change throughout the book? Which relationships do you find most interesting or surprising?
How do the themes of power and corruption influence the characters' actions and the plot? Can you think of any real-world examples that are similar?
What would you do if you had the powers granted by the bulla? How would you use these powers differently from Nic?
How does Nic's understanding of freedom and slavery affect his decisions? How does this relate to his idea of right and wrong?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended responses to foster critical thinking and personal connection to the story. Avoid yes or no questions.
Discuss the historical and mythological elements of the story. Relate them to modern-day scenarios to make them more relatable.
Highlight the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Ask your child what they would do in similar situations, promoting empathy and ethical thinking.
Explore the growth of characters throughout the book. Discuss with your child how people can change over time, influencing and being influenced by others.
Use the themes of the book to connect with current events or personal experiences, making the discussion both topical and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist demonstrates bravery as he navigates through dangerous and challenging situations to protect something valuable.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing challenges head-on, developing resilience and standing up for what they believe is right, even in difficult circumstances.
Example Lesson: The value of integrity
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist is faced with choices that test his moral compass, emphasizing the importance of honesty and doing the right thing.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the significance of being truthful and maintaining strong ethical principles in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book often must collaborate to overcome obstacles, highlighting how working together can achieve greater success than working alone.
Real-World Application: Children learn that cooperation and valuing every team member's contribution is essential in accomplishing shared goals at school, in sports, or any group activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience through setbacks
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous setbacks and failures but continues to persevere, teaching the importance of grit and persistence.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to understand that setbacks are a part of life and that persistence is key to overcoming them.