The False Prince

The king of Carthya is dead, along with the queen and the crown prince -- but the people of Carthya don't know it yet. Since the king's younger son, Prince Jaron, was lost in a shipwreck and presumed dead several years before, the country is without a ruler, and is, therefore, undoubtedly on the brink of civil war. The Council of Regents are attempting to decide the fate of the country, but many of its members have plans of their own. Connor, one of the minor regents, is scouring orphanages for likely boys to put in Prince Jaron's place. It's a bold plan, and if it succeeds, Connor will be the power behind the throne. He finds four teens of the right age and appearance, including Sage, a brash young thief.

Sage is actually the narrator show more and main character of this story. From the first, it's obvious that he's one of those unreliable narrators your mother warned you about. Of the boys recruited by Connor, Sage may be the least likely to succeed at imitating the prince -- but Connor makes it clear from the beginning that the boys who do not succeed are unlikely to live to see their rival on the throne. Can Sage and the other boys learn everything they need to impersonate a prince in the space of just a few weeks? And just what is Sage hiding? He's not the sort to humbly submit to Connor's plan. . . .

This book inevitably reminded me of a certain other book with an unreliable Thief as its narrator, though it came up a bit short in comparison. Sage is no Eugenides -- he has all of the attitude, but lacks some of the charm. I also guessed Sage's secret about halfway through the book -- not that that's a problem, really, as I still enjoyed reading about how it all played out. I did think the ending felt a bit rushed. Also, there were some hints of romance that never played out, though since this is the first book of a trilogy, I imagine those will be more fully explored in the coming volumes. I didn't love this book, but I liked it enough that I will probably read the rest of the series when it is available. show less

Sage is an orphan boy with a quick hand and a quicker tongue. The witty hero of The False Prince finds himself in a bind that he can’t escape. Bought from the orphanage he has been living in, he and three other boys must train to become the lost prince, Prince Jaron - who is assumed to have died at sea - and only one of them will survive game that Lord Conner seems to be playing.

I’m not a fan of labeling books “the next (insert famous book here)” but, Jennifer Nielsen’s novel will appeal to the hearts of the adventure loving masses - especially those who love the famous green-eyed-boy-wizard books.[1] It is packed with excitement and intrigue - what happened to Jared? Why is Lord Conner trying to influence the throne? What show more happened to the rest of the royal family?

Nielsen lays a complex mystery, littering bread crumbs along the way, but can the reader trust the narrator? There were two spots towards the end of the novel where the narrative switched from first person to third, and they cast enough doubt on Sage’s reliability as a narrator, that, even after the story ended, I couldn’t be certain that my assumptions were true, and … I loved it!

There was never a dull moment, yet, it did not feel rushed. Even though this book had a clean ending, I’m most certainly looking forward to the next installments. Though it’s geared towards a younger audience, I think The False Prince is one of those books both kids and adults can appreciate. I’m trying my best not to spoil the story, so, I’ll end it here by saying - go out and read it!

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[1] Hmmm …. what book could that be? show less

This series is definitely going to be in my top 10 for this year!! I read each book twice in three days. And then I wanted to go back and start the whole series over again. Now this is the kind of story I've been looking for! This story was so well-written! Everything that those other books I abandoned were not: complex, multi-faceted characters who struggle and grow throughout the series, witty dialog, vivid and memorable scenes, and more plot twists and turns than a snake with an itch! Did I mention I read each book twice in three days? Yes, it's that good! There were conversations and scenes and quips that stayed with me for days, as I turned them over and over in my mind -- trying to figure out exactly what they meant, why the show more characters did or said what they did, or just laughing at the humorous interactions between characters.

My 17- and 15-year-olds read them as fast as I could give them to them. I borrowed them from the library, but then I purchased the whole set to keep. This grabbed my attention and imagination as much as The Wingfeather Saga, The Wilderking Trilogy, and the series by Given Hoffman that starts with The Tournament's Price. I'd say it's more like Hoffman's books as far as setting: fictional country, but medieval type of time frame (swords and daggers, horses and carriages, no unusual fantasy creatures as in Wingfeather.)

I'd recommend for teens and up.
Some content considerations:
1) There is violence and murderous plots and battles, but I did not think it was overly graphic or gory. The main character gets threatened and beaten and injured a lot.
2) The main character curses a lot, but no actual curse words are used. It just says things like, "I cursed under my breath," or "I let out a string of curses." I did not have a problem with this, but some might.
3) When bad things happen, sometimes the main character makes statements such as "the devils must be playing a joke on me" and other such references to "the devils." I didn't find this offensive; I figured it's just the way he sees his life.
3) There are some sweet romances -- deep relationships based on friendships and forged through adversity. Some kissing, but I did not find it offensive or overdone (or "mushy"). show less

When I first started reading this book, my initial thought was 'this is super predictable, why do I even bother?'. Actually, when I first saw the title I got that thought. Because, come on, we all know the main character will turn out to be the real lost prince and he'll be crowned king. Yippee. Happy Ending. You can't tell me that's not foreseeable.
But never let the book title lead you astray. I don't think I've ever read a book like this one before.The beginning was slippery and my attention wavered for a bit until I fully settled. The main character was incredibly easy to understand and I didn't find him all that interesting.
But as it turns out, I've been tricked.
Sage (main character) is a perfect example of an unreliable narrator. show more Actually, every character in this book (or most of them) are not who they seem or say they are. Friends are enemies. Enemies are friends. Those who stand-by are really closer than you think. And those who seem important are just a distraction so you overlook the real ones. There is some serious deceiving in this book.
The story is told in Sage's POV. He's the poor orphan, the thief, and the undeniably clever trickster. I loved that mischievous gleam he gave everything. It was refreshing for me to read a book from a boy's POV (especially since he was about fourteen years old). Sage was super haughty and stubborn as a mule. No one, and I repeat no one, could change that boy's mind. He's a quick thinker and a fast learner, but a fool at the same time. He did things his way and allowed others to think that he was bending to their will. When things sort of took the wrong turn, I was surprised at how rapidly he improvised. And this guy led me to believe everything he said, I trusted him. I feel like a fool now.
Sage's competitors, Tobias and Roden, are two characters you have to keep a look out for. While Tobias is smart and educated, Roden is strong and skilled in sword fighting. Tobias is the guy no one ever likes and no one ever will. Which is why I was so shocked at the end. The guy was a big know-it-all throughout the book, and I wanted to beat him up so badly. I don't know what to think of him now.
Roden starts off on the wrong foot, but he gradually grows humble as he learns his way through the tasks.
His personality is hard to tell. After reading so much about him, he still feels like a stranger to me. Even more so in the end.
The rest of the characters had me thinking one thought throughout the book. The same thing that popped up in my head the second I saw the title. Predictable.
I learned a valuable lesson today. Or maybe I was reminded of it.
Nothing is what it seems.
Sooooo true.
The book starts off on a roll (a bumpy one), but it's impressively easy to emerge yourself in the story once you get a sample of Sage's sassiness. It's addicting and hilarious. You think teenagers are rebellious and defiant? Sage is about twice as much. Get ready to enter the roller coaster of a lifetime. One with sudden sharp turns.
The plot is fast-paced and buttery smooth. There was about a zero chance of me putting this book down. It was glued to my fingers and eyes. There's not much romance (almost none at all), but some seeds were planted here. Maybe the second book will have more of this. There was lots of action, but this is more of a thriller/mystery (sword fights included). The settings were beautiful and easily imaginable. I love this new world Nielsen created. It's smart and well planned.
Overall, I adored everything about this book, even the part where I find out I've been tricked.
The False Prince is one story that should top every Must-Read list. It certainly earned it's place on my 2012's Best Reads. show less

(First of 3 Ascendance trilogy. Fantasy, YA)
Re-read

A minor nobleman of Carthya, Bevan Conner, searches through the orphanages of Carthya collecting fourteen year old boys; his mission, to save the kingdom by grooming one of them to impersonate the long-lost Prince Jaron to take the throne and avoid impending war. The four boys he chooses are Latamer, Roden, Tobias and Sage. The story is told in the first person from Sage's point of view; he is rather a rebel and resists conforming to Conner’s plan. And though Sage constantly bucks against Conner's control, he is always ready with a clever answer.

I snorted. Conner turned to me. "You don't believe it's possible?"
"Just because it's possible doesn't mean it's wise."
With arched eyebrows,

show more

Conner said, "And you claim to have this wisdom?"
"I claim to have nothing, sir."

Four years ago at age ten, Prince Jaron was sent overseas to strengthen ties between the kingdoms of Carthya and Bymar. His ship was attacked by pirates and all on board were lost at sea. However, his body was never found and Conner plans to use this fact to pretend that he has found Jaron now. He has two weeks to groom the boys to find the best fit for the missing prince.

Nicely written and tightly plotted with an unexpected twist at the end. Actually I confess; this was a re-read for me. The book still read well both ways, even knowing the ending; in fact I could appreciate it from a different perspective.

I like this book; I first read it as a library book and consequently bought the series for my own shelves. It might not be earth-shattering but it is very enjoyable and stands up well to re-reading. I didn’t understand some of Sage’s motives in pushing Conner to his limits, as much as the teenager admitted that he himself didn’t either - but haven’t we all been there?

"Why didn't you tell Conner you'd lie for him, Sage? He stood right there and said he'd make you his prince. All you had to do was say you would lie."
I set my jaw forward, but said nothing. Even if I were inclined to explain myself, which I wasn't, I had no answer to give him.

I appreciated the boys, who are about the same age as my two currently are (though the characters behave a bit older) but that also made the twist a bit heartbreaking. Similarly, I liked the detail about the relationship between the brothers Darius and Jaron.

It never occurred to Jaron that Darius loved him. Protected him so that he could have the life Darius never could.

Adventure, suspense and a touch of heartbreak. Worth reading. And re-reading.

4.5 ****** show less

4.3 / 5

you know what. i really didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as i did. YA is fine, it’s occasionally fabulous but more often it’s boring and cringey. this was something different however. it’s a very different style than my usual fantasy novels, much more direct, less prose-y. incredibly simple, and yet… highly effective.

sage is an orphan living rough in the discontent kingdom of carthya - suddenly, he’s purchased and hauled off by a nobleman with a sinister plan to coup the whole kingdom. a few years ago, one of the princes went missing. now, this skeezy nobleman is trying to pass an orphan off as the missing prince. sage has to compete with two other boys to become worthy of being called king, and this book show more basically details his journey through that process.

i love sage. i think he’s whip smart, courageous, and mischievous in such an endearing way. he’s a lil sassy! but he has a good heart, protects those who cannot protect themselves, and speaks hella truth to power. you gotta love it.

i did not see that twist coming somehow. in hindsight, it makes perfect sense and i should have anticipated it. but the build was so natural, i honestly didn’t notice when it started leading up to the reveal. and usually i’m really good at guessing these things. one thing i will say: the name sage suits the character so much better than jaron. i’m truly hoping we just decide to call him sage canonically.

the side characters were fairly interesting, the plot was intriguing, and sage stole my heart. for a “pilot” (what do you call the first book in a series?) this book does an amazing job of bringing you into a world without overwhelming you. there could definitely be more worldbuilding, i wouldn’t be mad at that, but i also appreciate the bits and pieces i’ve picked up slowly as the story unfolds. the one thing i’m missing here is ✨romance✨ but i am hoping that will kick in later in the series.

it’s pretty good guys. i’m fairly picky about fantasy, especially YA, but this? this rocks. it absolutely shines. i’m surprised this series isn’t more popular?! 4.3 / 5 and you KNOW i will be reviewing the next 3 installments with gusto. show less

“A person can be educated and still be stupid, and a wise man can have no education at all.”

Amazing. I read this one by audio. As soon as the story began, I was riveted! The reader did a great job of really having a distinguished voice for each character. Pulled in almost from the beginning, this story was absolutely amazing. I held my breath during the tough parts, gasp with outrage or shock at all the appropriate parts and absolutely loved Sage! Imogen, Tobias, Roden, Conner and Mott - there was so much to each of them that I feel like their personalities were pretty well flushed out (enough that I knew who they were).

But, of course, Sage was my favorite. Sly and sassy, he was a master thief. I loved that he was an inconsistent show more narrator. You get the feeling, once the "rock" goes missing, that he isn't telling you everything he does at night and isn't telling all he knows, even to us - the person reading along.
I loved the twists and turns. I only called one of them, not all. Amazing, I will definitely keep reading! show less