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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
I was hoping to start another new series with this, but the first book didn't really grab me enough. I would say that the reveal might surprise some first-timers, but I think every kid who picks up this book will figure out what the twist will be. It's a pretty recently-published book, too, so it doesn't even have the excuse of age.
I guess the best thing about this book is that it would introduce kids to the concept of an unreliable narrator. I kept thinking why Sage was unreliable as a narrator, and thought maybe he played this part for so long it was just habit to think this way, or maybe he had to in order to keep his cover.
I usually love court intrigue, but the narrative doesn't spend a lot of time in the court. I would assume that's what the sequel is for, but none of the characters gripped me and I don't see any reason why the sequel needs to exist. The ending wrapped everything up pretty well, I thought. The book was fine but it also feels complete as it is. And even if it didn't, nothing about the characters or world stood out enough for me to want to keep going.
I guess the best thing about this book is that it would introduce kids to the concept of an unreliable narrator. I kept thinking why Sage was unreliable as a narrator, and thought maybe he played this part for so long it was just habit to think this way, or maybe he had to in order to keep his cover.
I usually love court intrigue, but the narrative doesn't spend a lot of time in the court. I would assume that's what the sequel is for, but none of the characters gripped me and I don't see any reason why the sequel needs to exist. The ending wrapped everything up pretty well, I thought. The book was fine but it also feels complete as it is. And even if it didn't, nothing about the characters or world stood out enough for me to want to keep going.
I really was not sure if I would like this book when I first started reading it. Now as I finish reading it at 12:48 am, I have come to love it. The ending I did not see coming. I look forward to reading the rest of the series soon.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think I like this more now as an adult. Teenage me was confused by throne/kingdom books. I like that this is a cast of boys (less common). Sage is a little annoying but I do plan on reading the others!
Being 100% transparent, I did not expect to enjoy this book. I am not much of a king-queen-kingdom kind of reader. Why then did I read this book? First, my students who are fans need more options for suggestions from me and I trust other student readers who told me this book is great. Second, I love Nielsen's historical fiction books.
This book well exceeded my expectations. The characters were so realistic, true to who they were and believable. The twists and turns were so unexpected yet believable.
I've already put book two on hold. (And y'all know I rarely read an entire trilogy!)
This book well exceeded my expectations. The characters were so realistic, true to who they were and believable. The twists and turns were so unexpected yet believable.
I've already put book two on hold. (And y'all know I rarely read an entire trilogy!)
More reviews can be seen on Boricuan Bookworms
In a divided and discontent kingdom, the only hope is to find the long-lost prince Jaron, the only heir to the throne. When a nobleman of the court takes three orphans from their “homes” and plans to make one of them into the Prince, he recruits a cunning and defiant boy named Sage. Sage is the boy who least has a shot in to be the Prince, but he knows that if he doesn’t get chosen, he will most certainly be killed. In comes a dangerous game where every day could be his last, where secrets and conspiracies are hiding beneath the surface. Sage must use his cunning skills to his advantage, if he doesn’t want to lose the game… and his life.
This story is one of the most wonderfully written stories I’ve read in a long time! It has a wonderful “slow-burn” kind of pace, but it’s wonderful.
The book is set in Carthya, a rundown kingdom whose enemies are slowly closing in. The world-building was completely believable! I could totally imagine myself in that place and in that time.
What I really loved the most was Sage. Sage was like the Sherlock Holmes of the story. He was always one-upping everyone. You thought you had him figured out, and then BAM! He surprised you again. I am totally in love with Sage. (Is it wrong to be swooning over a 14 year old when I’m 18? sigh) This mainly has to do with the fact that I “read” the audiobook, and Sage’s narrator was AH-MAY-ZING. He sounded so mature, but at the same time had a hint of mischief and innocence. I loved that about him. Sage is one of the most wonderful heroes I’ve read about in a long time.
This book also has some sweet, yet subtle romance. When I say subtle, I mean about a 3% romance, but what romance there is, it’s absolutely smile inducing and reinforces the general swoon over Sage. I’m glad that the romance doesn’t overtake the plot, because this plot is so complex.
This book teaches us that the most courageous heroes arise from the most unusual situations. It teaches us how important we are, regardless of our status or education.
You think that the book is going in one direction, but suddenly there’s this twist that you weren’t expecting and it takes you somewhere else. This book is classified as middle grade, but I guarantee you that this is appropriate for adults as well. There’s action around every corner, lies, deceit, romance, suspense, mystery… this book has it all.
Overall, if you want a story that basically has it all, with wonderful characters and an amazing storyline, then you should definitely pick this one up.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
In a divided and discontent kingdom, the only hope is to find the long-lost prince Jaron, the only heir to the throne. When a nobleman of the court takes three orphans from their “homes” and plans to make one of them into the Prince, he recruits a cunning and defiant boy named Sage. Sage is the boy who least has a shot in to be the Prince, but he knows that if he doesn’t get chosen, he will most certainly be killed. In comes a dangerous game where every day could be his last, where secrets and conspiracies are hiding beneath the surface. Sage must use his cunning skills to his advantage, if he doesn’t want to lose the game… and his life.
This story is one of the most wonderfully written stories I’ve read in a long time! It has a wonderful “slow-burn” kind of pace, but it’s wonderful.
The book is set in Carthya, a rundown kingdom whose enemies are slowly closing in. The world-building was completely believable! I could totally imagine myself in that place and in that time.
What I really loved the most was Sage. Sage was like the Sherlock Holmes of the story. He was always one-upping everyone. You thought you had him figured out, and then BAM! He surprised you again. I am totally in love with Sage. (Is it wrong to be swooning over a 14 year old when I’m 18? sigh) This mainly has to do with the fact that I “read” the audiobook, and Sage’s narrator was AH-MAY-ZING. He sounded so mature, but at the same time had a hint of mischief and innocence. I loved that about him. Sage is one of the most wonderful heroes I’ve read about in a long time.
This book also has some sweet, yet subtle romance. When I say subtle, I mean about a 3% romance, but what romance there is, it’s absolutely smile inducing and reinforces the general swoon over Sage. I’m glad that the romance doesn’t overtake the plot, because this plot is so complex.
This book teaches us that the most courageous heroes arise from the most unusual situations. It teaches us how important we are, regardless of our status or education.
“A person can be educated and still be stupid, and a wise man can have no education at all.”
― Jennifer A. Nielsen, The False Prince
You think that the book is going in one direction, but suddenly there’s this twist that you weren’t expecting and it takes you somewhere else. This book is classified as middle grade, but I guarantee you that this is appropriate for adults as well. There’s action around every corner, lies, deceit, romance, suspense, mystery… this book has it all.
Overall, if you want a story that basically has it all, with wonderful characters and an amazing storyline, then you should definitely pick this one up.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
bruh it's been 7 years since I first read this book and wow I'm really glad I reread it
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No