Review: The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy #1) by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Paperback, 342 pages

Published January 2012 by Scholastic

Source: Purchased

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.

You all know how much I love fantasy right?  Well, if not, I love fantasy!  And this book was no exception!  While it was a bit slower paced with not much travel involved, it still held my attention and my eyes glued to the pages.   And there's a map!  I love those maps!

Sage is a character that I loved from the get-go.  He's a character that totally pops off the page.  He says exactly what's on his mind and is completely fearless.  Well, most of the time... Sometimes his words come out before he thinks and it's a major mistake.  But many times it made me giggle because even if he knows he made a mistake he doesn't back down.  I was surprised that he's lived as long as he has with the way he shoots things out of his mouth!  And while we get things right from his brain he still manages to keep secrets from us and as they are revealed you will be shocked!  I have to admit that one thing I did have figured out, but the surprise wasn't ruined because there was so much  more to it that I had no idea about.

This is one that is more character driven, but I honestly really loved the plot as well.  And I really loved the surprises!  I most definitely recommend you read this book, even if it's just for Sage, cause he is one character that you don't want to miss out on knowing!