rekadnug's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to the audio with my 10 year old son. He loved it and we both enjoyed it. Similar to Rick Riordan.
suzannedix's review against another edition
4.0
As always with Nielsen, I love her twists and turns. This is an interesting historical adventure (Ancient Rome) but the fantasy element was just weird to me. Maybe it will make more sense in the sequel?
For fans of Rick Riordan, this is a great read.
Grades 6 and up.
For fans of Rick Riordan, this is a great read.
Grades 6 and up.
lostinausten's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A young slave during Roman times ends up stealing jewels from Caesar's vault and gaining magical powers. He goes on a journey to defeat evil and save Rome.
I love this author so much, but this isn't one of her best. The story was definitely an easy read and fast paced, but I never really cared about the characters or where the story was going. I felt like I was just on auto pilot as I was reading. There were some plot twists that were pretty expected as well. This could be enjoyable for kids since it is an easy to follow story. Overall, a lack luster and fairly boring story from a usually amazing author.
I love this author so much, but this isn't one of her best. The story was definitely an easy read and fast paced, but I never really cared about the characters or where the story was going. I felt like I was just on auto pilot as I was reading. There were some plot twists that were pretty expected as well. This could be enjoyable for kids since it is an easy to follow story. Overall, a lack luster and fairly boring story from a usually amazing author.
jbojkov's review against another edition
3.0
I read this after one of the kids on my advisory board highly recommended it. I had tried to listen to The False Prince a few weeks before, but gave up because the narrator was terrible and the story reminded me too much of The Prince and the Pauper. (I could not get the Wishbone rendition out of my head! I was visualizing all the characters as dogs!!). Anyway, I can see the appeal of this one- especially to readers of Rick Riordan. I just felt like the writing was inconsistent and there were some parts of the story that did not make sense- but maybe I'm being too picky?! I mean, I like the X Files and that frequently has holes in the storyline and doesn't make much sense either. :)
alouette's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
readingthroughtheages's review against another edition
4.0
With a new, yet exciting setting, Jennifer Nielsen gives us a new series with a new cast of characters to enjoy. Great middle grade series coming our way!
wordsareweapons's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun read! I really liked the combination of ancient Rome and mythology. The magic is fun. The villains are many and you can't trust anyone. The only thing I'm not super thrilled about is the romance because it seems forced and honestly doesn't add anything to the story.
suey's review against another edition
4.0
Fun romp through ancient Rome with a boy who was a slave, but now he's not, he's a super human!