THE FALSE PRINCE, by Jennifer Nielson, released on April 1, 2012, and I love it so much that I've given it as a birthday present twice. It reminds me of THE WHIPPING BOY, by Sid Fleischman, and of THE THIEF, by Megan Whalen Turner.
The blurb on Goodreads tells the stakes without giving away too much information about Sage and Conner:
"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."
I highly recommend this one (for about fourth grade on up) to anyone who enjoys adventure mixed with intrigue. I'd place it in the top three books I've read this year, along with THREE TIMES LUCKY (which is available now) and KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES.
If you're looking for more middle-grade, Shannon Messenger has the links. Have a Marvelous Monday!
The blurb on Goodreads tells the stakes without giving away too much information about Sage and Conner:
"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."
I highly recommend this one (for about fourth grade on up) to anyone who enjoys adventure mixed with intrigue. I'd place it in the top three books I've read this year, along with THREE TIMES LUCKY (which is available now) and KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES.
If you're looking for more middle-grade, Shannon Messenger has the links. Have a Marvelous Monday!
So agree with your recommendation Myrna. I loved this.
ReplyDeleteI've got to read this. I keep seeing it everywhere.
ReplyDeleteLoved this book! Hoping to do a post on it soon.
ReplyDeleteShelley
Been waiting to read this one for awhile but haven't gotten my hands on it yet. Hearing you put it up there with THREE TIMES LUCKY (which I also *adored*) and Shannon's book lets me know I need to get to it soon.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a compliment that you would give this as a present twice! This sounds wonderful! :)
ReplyDeleteI have not read this one- but from your review it is a must read! I like the cover and your description. I am curious to know more about the book. I love that you have given it as a present- twice. That says a lot. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete~Jess
http://thesecretdmsfilesoffairdaymorrow.blogspot.com/
This one would drive me crazy. I can't stand books where some injustice is done at the beginning that takes the whole book to work out.
ReplyDeleteI have no patience for the battle to set things right again. Same goes for movies. Can't stand watching anything that is screwed up at the beginning and needs to be fixed.
I guess life offers me enough of those things...
;)