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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
★★★★★ omg omg omg- okay so I put off reading this book for months. Worst choice ever. I had read the first 2 or 3 pages, and wasn’t impressed. It seemed really middle school and not very fascinating. I brought it along on a weekend I was visiting my aunt, and when I finished a different book, I decided to give this one another try. And oh. my. gosh. I flew through this book, so wrapped up in Sage’s mind and story and voice. I rarely get super attached to characters like Sage, but I did immediately. I never saw the plot twist coming (although my sister guessed it before she even read the book, so I’m probably just slow lol) and it shocked me. If you’re wondering if you should read this book- please do. Give it a chance, and I hope you love it like I did.
Listened to this on audio and was immediately intrigued by the premise. Soon, Sage started getting on my nerves b/c he was SO contrary. Every step he had to buck.
But I stuck with it knowing it was YA and hoped the ending would keep me hooked. But soon, Sage started growing on me. The story was surprising at times and the ending was perfect and left me satisfied. Downloaded the 2nd book from my library and hope Sage's story keeps as adventurous and fun.
Also, this book had no language, romance or anything I thought was inappropriate for young readers. One of the more fun YA books I've read in awhile.
But I stuck with it knowing it was YA and hoped the ending would keep me hooked. But soon, Sage started growing on me. The story was surprising at times and the ending was perfect and left me satisfied. Downloaded the 2nd book from my library and hope Sage's story keeps as adventurous and fun.
Also, this book had no language, romance or anything I thought was inappropriate for young readers. One of the more fun YA books I've read in awhile.
Even before I started reading the book I had already guessed that the protagonist is the real prince. I had the copy for a while yet I didn't read it cause I felt I've read it before.
But in all honestly, Nielsen creates a very likable character. Sage is spunky and bad-boyish enough for me to root for him. His antics and mouthing off is actually a entertaining.
The level of villainy is low, minimal gore and action more on politics.
There is not much world building that is needed for the story. It feels like you can just imagine your typical English Country estate and typical castle for the locations and you've got it.
The nice thing about this book is that it almost got the confusion or conflict of growing up (cause who can properly explain). On how to let go of the person you have been for several years and take steps to assume the person you should be.
Actual rating 3.9/5
But in all honestly, Nielsen creates a very likable character. Sage is spunky and bad-boyish enough for me to root for him. His antics and mouthing off is actually a entertaining.
The level of villainy is low, minimal gore and action more on politics.
There is not much world building that is needed for the story. It feels like you can just imagine your typical English Country estate and typical castle for the locations and you've got it.
The nice thing about this book is that it almost got the confusion or conflict of growing up (cause who can properly explain). On how to let go of the person you have been for several years and take steps to assume the person you should be.
Actual rating 3.9/5
It's easy to love main character Sage, who is sly-witted, impulsive, and two steps ahead of everyone else. I enjoyed the intrigue and the mix of characters who become his friends. I'll be interested to read the rest of the trilogy.
This was actually pretty good. And that ending! WOW. I may or may not pick up the sequel - this read like a standalone book to me, so who knows?
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
SO GOOD! I loved it so, so much. It was simply magical!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent
A Prince and the Pauper tale with an interesting twist at the end which sets up the rest of the series, but for me it was just okay. I didn't feel the characters, the dialogue was stilted, not much depth to the story (although the author may be holding back layers for books 2 and 3.) Meh.
This is a book that took a while for me to invest in and most of it centers on the main character. Sage is actively hard to like for the first half of the book, coming across as impetuous, invidious and refusing to improve himself even when given so many opportunities to do and failing so much. What kept me reading was the expectation, and somewhat hope, of the twist. And when that twist occurs, despite being fairly predictable to most experienced readers, it is still immensely satisfying. Also, regardless of its predictability, that twist was both well hidden and well prepared throughout the story.
The twist is the story, the moments and the interplay with the twist preceding and ensuing it. It takes an unlikable character, justifies and elevates them, and then lets them continue in full glory.
The characters are good in their complexity, behavior and in how they evolve or change as the plot and moments demand. The prose is solid, albeit still restricted by its intended younger audience.
The twist is the story, the moments and the interplay with the twist preceding and ensuing it. It takes an unlikable character, justifies and elevates them, and then lets them continue in full glory.
The characters are good in their complexity, behavior and in how they evolve or change as the plot and moments demand. The prose is solid, albeit still restricted by its intended younger audience.
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes