The False Prince
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: April 1st, 2012
Genre: Middle Grade
ISBN: 978-0-545-43347-1
FTC FYI: Received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda
Goodreads Summary
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.
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.
Mindy’s Review
I knew I was going to love this book right from the first page. Jennifer has created some great characters in this book. Sage is the perfect smart-alec that you will be cheering for throughout the book. Sage is almost too clever for his own good, and he’s always a step ahead of everyone. My favorite character was, of course, Sage. But Mott was a close second. Sage is a mystery. Sometimes you want to slap him, but you truly wonder what he is up to.
I loved everything about this book. The writing is flawless and page turning. I also enjoyed how the author kept secrets from the reader, and how she subtly revealed key moments, which turn out to be HUGE! I really can’t summarize this book without giving anything away, but know that this is one of the best books I have read all year.
Since I am not going to summarize the book, I wanted to give you a sample of what is in store for you when you read this.
If I had to do it all over again, I would not have chosen this life. Then again, I’m not sure I ever had a choice.
These were my thoughts as I raced away from the market, with a stolen roast under my arm.
I’d never attempted roast thievery before, and I was already regretting it. It happens to be very difficult to hold a chunk of raw meat while running. More slippery than I’d anticipated. If the butcher didn’t catch me with his cleaver first, and literally cut off my future plans, I vowed to remember to get the meat wrapped next time. Then steal it. (The False Prince, page 1)
5 of out 5 stars. This is an amazing book that cannot be missed. I loved it and it can be enjoyed by young readers and adults.
The False Prince has also been nominated for 2012 Whitney Award. Congratulations Jennifer.
Shanda’s Review
I knew that I would be giving The False Prince five stars within the first three paragraphs. I loved everything about this book. I devoured it in one day, savoring every word on every page. After I finished reading it I carried the book around with me, not quite ready to let go of the story yet.
So many times I thought I understood who did what and where the story was going, but I was wrong. I loved Mott and hated Conner. I laughed out loud and fumed with anger. I experienced disgust and disappointment and loyalty and triumph.
Sage is the most clever, infuriating, stubborn, independent, and contradicting character I’ve read in a long time. Maybe ever. He’s a talented thief, a protector and respecter of women, an orphaned young man with nothing to lose and no allies. When he finds himself swept up in a plot to place an impostor prince on the throne, he faces a simple choice: be the one Conner chooses as prince or die.
It is difficult to discuss in detail all of the reasons why I loved this book without giving things away. I look forward to re-reading The False Prince just as much as I do reading the next book in the series. I almost started reading it again as soon as I had finished my first time through.
I have heard so many good things about The False Prince in the months since its release earlier this year. My only regret is that I didn’t read it sooner. I eagerly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story and give The False Prince an enthusiastic 5 stars.
FTC FYI: Received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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