Mark of the Thief

I absolutely loved Jennifer Nielsen's other series, The Shadow Throne. This series takes place in ancient Rome. Nic is a slave toiling in the mines. But he has the heart of a free person. When he has the chance to escape with a cursed bulla filled with magic, he takes it. On the back of a mythical griffin. But Nic has made a promise to protect his sister and he has seriously ticked off General Radul, who wants what Nic has stolen.Then again, everyone wants what Nic has stolen because the magic it possesses will enable the holder to conquer and rule all of Rome. This is a nice book for a younger student or less savvy reader. I liked it enough to finish it, but don't think I would recommend it to most of my 8th graders. I think a sixth grader who likes the Percy Jackson books would enjoy spending some time with Nic and friends. It's always nice to have a male main character in YA books, they are few and far between. With that, I just received my box with A Torch Against the Night in it, so I'm off to get started on this much awaited sequel. And then it's back to Aelin, Rowan, and Dorian and the heartbreak I'm sure Sarah Maas will cause. Happy reading my friends!

Kiss of Deception

I wasn't expecting this one! A student returned this book and when I took a closer look, I realized this one was made for me. This is Lia's story. She is a princess being forced to marry a prince she has never met. As all damsel's do, she decides to run and hide. But little does she know that two people have been sent to find her. One the prince she has scorned and the other an assassin sent to end her. Surprise, surprise,  they both find her unlike what they expected. Karen and Rafe are enchanted by this princess who has taken to life as a tavern maid. And she is take with both of them. Of course, they are all lying about who they are and this will cause quite the dilemma. As feelings grow, some returned and others not, the trio will face the ultimate test. One must kidnap her and return her to his boss, which might be deadly considering he never killed her. The other must find a way to save her, even at risk to his own life. When a life changing incident happens on the trip, Lia is changed for good. And now even if the one she loves can save her, she may be passed saving. This is a tricky little book in the beginning. Who is the prince and who is the assassin and who will Lia fall for. I'm not usually surprised, but this one got me. I love all the characters, no one is beyond redemption yet, but as in all love triangles, someone's heart will be broken. Since I came to this book so late, the next two in the series are already out- yay! But the sequels in the near future- An Ember in the Ashes and the next Sarah Maas book are coming soon, so this series may have to wait a little while. If you love a good princess/assassin story, this one is for you. Love. love. loved it!  Happy reading my friends!