Mundie Moms

Monday, March 26, 2012

Book Review: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

I featured The False Prince today over on Mundie Kids via the Marvelous Middle Grade Monday post as well as in my Must Have MG Reads, but I seriously love this book and wanted to give it's own post here on MM's. This is one of those MG books that I feel some YA readers and adults will enjoy as well. The writing, the characters and the fantasy element in this story is awesome. This book will definitely be featured one my top ten favorite MG reads for this year list in December.


Published by: Scholastic
To Be Released on: April 1st, 2012
Source: book from publisher, ARC from ALA Midwinter
Ages: 10 & up
5 stars: I LOVED IT!
Pre-Order from: Scholastic | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Series: Book #1 in The Ascendance Trilogy


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 -quoted from Goodreads

I absolutely love it when I can get completely swept away in a well written middle grade fantasy. That was the case with The False Prince. What an amazing fantasy adventure. The characters, the setting, the story, everything came together perfectly and was so well written. I still can't get over that shocking twist and that fabulous ending! This is one of those books that left me wanting so much more after I read it! I can't wait to see what awaits the characters in the next book. This particular story is centered on Sage, a young orphan who was bought than trained to possibly become an impersonator for King's long lost son. I loved this character. He's relatable, he's real, and he's sympathetic to those around him. I of course also loved that he's feisty, brave, cunning, smart and he knows how to stay ahead of the game. He kind of reminds me of a younger version of one of my favorite YA characters who's first name starts with a J.

Sage is one of those characters who made me laugh, made me cringe with some of the situations he got himself into and had me cheering for him the whole time. He's definitely a stubborn character, but that's one of the things I came to admire about him. He refused to bend toward his master, Conner's will. He wanted to be his own person, and though he takes some brutal punishments for it, I didn't want him to give up, which he doesn't. He's truly a character who will wiggle his way into your heart and leave you wanting him so much more for him and from him. Every hero has a villain and unfortunately for Sage that person is Conner, his owner if you will. He is one of those clever villain's who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. He's one of those guys few ever have the courage to stand up to and walk away from doing so. He's a guy I'd fear, but for Sage he's someone he refuses to fear.

There's more to this story than just Sage. Sure, he's the main character and someone you'll quickly fall in love with, but there's a cast of fascinating secondary characters around him, a Kingdom to rule, it's rich history to learn about, and a mystery to solve surrounding the lost Prince. This is a book that once you start reading it you won't be able to stop. It's rich in fantasy, adventure, and twists! Did I mention it also ends on a happy note? Don't be fooled by the ending though, there's so much more to this story that's yet to be told, and I can't wait to read it! Let me just say, this book will be a hit with even the most reluctant reader. Boys will love it. Girls will love it, and parents will enjoy it! I'm parent and I LOVED it! I HIGHLY recommend picking this book up when it's out next week. This is a must have for every book shelf!   

10 comments:

  1. I LOVED, LOVED this book too. It really reminded me of Megan Whalen Turner's series too. I'm so glad you spotlighted this here as well as on your other blog. I'm interviewing Jenniferon 4/9 and giving away a copy of her book.

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    1. I am so happy to hear you loved it too! Seriously, this is a fabulous read and I hope it gets a lot of attention for it's release!

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  2. Oh my goodness I just LOVE an absorbing middle grade fantasy book. Like, that was my bread and butter in the fall. And The False Prince totally sounds like a book I'd be down to read based on your review.

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    1. You have to read this book! I think it's one you'll absolutely love. *crosses fingers you do* It has everything I love in a fantasy and the writing is solid.

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  3. I'm definitely adding this one to my list, I love a great MG fantasy book. This one sounds great!

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    1. I'd be really surprised if you didn't love this one! It's soo good.

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  4. I've seen this book around on the net. Sounds good. Love the cover!

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    1. The cover is great and a perfect match for the story. I hope you enjoy it!

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  5. on my list, I wait for Released in jakarta

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