Rise of the Wolf (Mark of the Thief, Book 2)
#2 of 3 in Mark of the Thief Series
on Goodreads (6,525)
What’s inside...
NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen brings a new dose of adventure and thrills to ancient Rome in the second book of her magical Mark of the Thief trilogy! Nic may have escaped enslavement in the mines outside of Rome, but his troubles are far from over. The Praetor War -- the battle to destroy Rome from within -- is in full force, and Nic is caught in the crossfire. The secretive Praetors are determined to unlock a powerful amulet -- one sure to bring the empire to its knees. Worse, the Praetors believe Nic holds the key to finding this amulet, and they will stop at nothing to steal it, even if that means harming the people Nic holds most dear. When the Praetors capture Nic's mother, Nic knows he must do anything to save her. He challenges the Praetors to a chariot race. If he wins, they will release his mother. But if he loses, he must hand over a magic that will certainly bring about the end of Rome -- as well as his own life. Can Nic once again harness his magic and gather the strength to defeat his enemies? Or will he lose his mother and bear witness to Rome's destruction? Find out in this New York Times bestseller!
Character compass
Nicolas Calva
Crispus
Livia
Aurelia
General Radulf
Discussion points
How do Nic's actions reflect his internal values and beliefs?
What did you learn about trust and betrayal from the interactions between the characters?
How does the setting influence the events in the book?
In what ways do the characters show resilience in challenging situations?
What role do you think friendship plays throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on a particular scene or character to spark your child’s interest. Encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts about the book, ensuring they understand it's a safe space for open discussion. Link discussions to real-life scenarios, which can help your child connect with the book on a deeper level. Ask follow-up questions based on their responses to delve deeper into their perspectives. Highlight the importance of themes like leadership and courage, discussing how they can apply these in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: In 'Rise of the Wolf', the protagonist, Nic, consistently chooses to be honest and do the right thing, despite facing numerous challenges and temptations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of maintaining integrity and honesty in difficult situations, helping them build strong moral character and trustworthiness.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nic faces dangers and adversaries bravely, teaching readers that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.
Real-World Application: This promotes the idea that facing fears and standing up for what’s right is crucial, encouraging children to take brave actions in their own lives, such as standing up against bullying or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and leadership
Explanation: Nic assumes a leadership role and makes difficult decisions, understanding the impact of his choices on others around him.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and the role of leadership in influencing others positively.
Example Lesson: Friendship and loyalty
Explanation: The book portrays strong friendships that are built on trust and mutual respect, showing how Nic and his allies work together and support each other.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding the importance of loyalty and teamwork in accomplishing shared goals.
Example Lesson: Perseverance against adversity
Explanation: Nic's journey is fraught with setbacks. His persistence in overcoming these challenges is a central theme of the book.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying despite difficulties, teaching them resilience and the value of perseverance in achieving their goals.