Title: The False Prince
Author: Jennifer Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: April 1, 2012
Received From: Library
Synopsis: THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.Review:
In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.
As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.
An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats.
I listened to The False Prince on audio and I really enjoyed it! The reader was fantastic and he totally embodied not only Sage but all the other characters. I think when I read the second book it will probably be in his voice. So if you have the opportunity to listen to this one I definitely recommend it! Also it would be great for road trips with your family because it is technically middle grade.
I love fantasy books. While I really enjoy all other types of books, fantasy is my love. Though even I can admit sometimes the plots feel contrived. Not The False Prince, the idea is very similar to others. A group trying to take over a country you know the story. But how often does it happen that they try to take over the country by trying to essentially bring the Prince back from the dead. (He has been missing/presumed dead. No sorcery or necromancy here)
I loved all four boys. They were all so different and so like many other boys that I have known over the course of my life. But even with that I fell in love with Sage. He is the perfect middle grade boy character. His is a rascal, smart, and funny. Plus he has a few more tricks up his sleeve than you may think.
Jennifer Nielsen created a richly developed story with just enough twists and turns to make it interesting. Also, I loved the major plot twist. It was perfect and executed so well!
Basically if you are looking for a book to read with your kids or just plain want a good fantasy to read yourself, The False Prince is right for you. And even better the second book; The Runaway King is already out so you don't have to wait!
It is debated on whether or not The False Prince is MG or YA but it does not really matter since it is really good for MG on up!
Also through the 31st The False Prince audiobook is one of the free SYNC titles so if you want to try the audio: http://www.audiobooksync.com/2013/07/25/sync-has-a-secret-identity-week-9/
LOVED this one -- and the second. Can't wait for the third to be published.
ReplyDeleteI have not yet read the second one but it is high on my TBR list!
DeleteThis one has been on my list for quite some time. I'm working my way to it though, and I can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteIt is fantastic! The audiobook is free this week via SYNC if you wanted to try the audiobook! http://www.audiobooksync.com/2013/07/25/sync-has-a-secret-identity-week-9/
DeleteI loved this one, too. I bet it would be great fun to listen to!
ReplyDeleteCindy
It really was! It is also the free download on SYNC this week http://www.audiobooksync.com/2013/07/25/sync-has-a-secret-identity-week-9/ so if you wanted to try it!
DeleteI have not read this one yet- but I enjoy audio books when they are well done and I LOVE fantasy. I look forward to listening to it. :) Great review!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Great story. There is no romance in this book although there is a friendship with a serving girl and a Princess, so who knows in the next book.
ReplyDeletePenelope
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This book was very well written. I initially began reading it to see what it was that some of my 5th grade girls were reading. I quickly became interested in the story. The plot twist was very good and I did not see it coming. I cannot wait to read the next book in the trilogy.
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