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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
This review can also be found on Reading Between Classes
Cover Impressions: The cover doesn't stand out as much as I would like. It is simple and clean and I do like the gold crown and lettering on a blue background.
The Gist: As an orphan running the streets of Carchar, Sage has learned to depend on his quick wits and quicker mouth to survive. When he finds himself one of four boys bought by a wealthy nobleman with a dastardly plan to gain control of the throne, Sage must use every trick at his disposal to outmaneuver the other boys and convince the kingdom that he is fit to rule.
Review: The False Prince is the first book in The Ascendance Trilogy, and when I finished this book I was incredibly thankful that there are more to come while, at the same time, lamenting that I did not have the next installment NOW. This novel manages to invoke the same sense of intrigue and danger that Game of Thrones does, but presents it in a manner that is appropriate for a young audience. At the end I found myself warring contradicting emotions as half of me wanted to finish quickly so that I could find out what happens while the other half wanted to slow down a savor each word.
The voice of Sage, hooked me from the very first page. He is clever, witty and self-deprecating. He interjects a wonderful sense humor into the most serious of situations and is able to manipulate the other characters into playing along in his grand master plan. His antics left me laughing, shaking my head or asking "why can you not keep your mouth shut!" (and sometimes all three) in the most wonderful of ways. Sage is the type of character that is impossible not to root for and I truly feel that he will appeal to both male and female readers, a feat that seems difficult to accomplish in most YA novels.
The plot unfurls slowly but steadily, with secrets and betrayals around every corner. There was not a single moment when I was bored or wishing for more action. This is one of those books in which seemingly insignificant details will later be revealed as integral to the plot. I adore novels where all the puzzle pieces seem to fall into place, creating a finished piece that is full of detail and leaves the reader reflecting on all of the moments that brought us to this place.
The False Prince is easily the best book I have read this year and I am especially excited because this is a book that I can hand both my male and female students knowing that they will return begging for the next in the series. This is a wonderful addition to any classroom library, kid's bookshelf or adult's to-be-read pile.
Teaching/Parental Notes:
Age: 12 and up
Gender: Both - Boys will LOVE this book!
Sex: None
Violence: Shooting with an arrow, swordplay, stabbing
Inappropriate Language: None
Substance Abuse: None
Sage, a teenaged orphan is one of four orphans chosen by a nobleman of the court to learn how to impersonate the kingdom’s long lost prince. As their lessons begin, they quickly realize they are in a contest not only for the throne, but for their lives. Sage is defiant and street-smart and is suspicious of everyone. Full of action and political intrigue, this is fun series opener perfect for fans of The Ranger’s Apprentice.
A good read, and I can see why this is appealing to younger readers, but I didn't feel compelled to read the rest of the series.
I have to admit... I read this book because my mom told me it was good. It did start slow, but it definitely kept my interest! Great historical thriller full of plot twists and intrigue. I'm looking forward to recommending this one to my kids!
Great book for my 5th graders! I listened to the audio book, which was well done!
The False Prince has been on my GR TBR or awhile and I finally decided to read it and am so glad I did because it is amazing and definitely more people should read it.
In this book there is a nobleman who recruits four orphans to potentially pretend the king's long lost child Prince Jaron. In a way they have to compete for the role. The main character Sage is one of the boys that Conner chooses and he follow his point of view.
Sage is a character that in a way is reckless. He speaks his mind constantly not thinking before he speaks and acts and definitely not thinking about the consequences and I actually enjoyed that about him although sometimes I find myself annoyed at him too.
I enjoyed the story line of the book and the way it was executed. I thought this is a very solid first book in a trilogy and the other books have lots of potential. The first 60 pages were very boring and I wanted to DNF it but I pushed myself and I am glad I did. I understand in a fantasy book, especially the first one, to develop the world and in some books, a magic system. Sorry no magic in this book.
I enjoyed the writing style. The writing flowed well and worked for the story, not being over descriptive while giving you enough information to visualize the setting and the characters.
The False Prince is a short fantasy, about 350 pages. It was nice to read a short fantasy book since so many of them *cough*ACOMAF, QoS, The Name of the Wind*cough* are so long. It was refreshing.
I am the type of person when reading who tries to predict what is going to happen in books. When I just started getting into reading, I sucked. Now I am predicting the ending of lots of books and sometimes it is not a bad thing. I did find the ending of this book predictable and I did predict the ending towards the beginning of the story but I still love this book.
If you are a reader that usually reads fantasy books you probably be able to predict things that happen but I still would recommend this book. Definitely a read that makes it to my under hyped recommendations list.
In this book there is a nobleman who recruits four orphans to potentially pretend the king's long lost child Prince Jaron. In a way they have to compete for the role. The main character Sage is one of the boys that Conner chooses and he follow his point of view.
Sage is a character that in a way is reckless. He speaks his mind constantly not thinking before he speaks and acts and definitely not thinking about the consequences and I actually enjoyed that about him although sometimes I find myself annoyed at him too.
I enjoyed the story line of the book and the way it was executed. I thought this is a very solid first book in a trilogy and the other books have lots of potential. The first 60 pages were very boring and I wanted to DNF it but I pushed myself and I am glad I did. I understand in a fantasy book, especially the first one, to develop the world and in some books, a magic system. Sorry no magic in this book.
I enjoyed the writing style. The writing flowed well and worked for the story, not being over descriptive while giving you enough information to visualize the setting and the characters.
The False Prince is a short fantasy, about 350 pages. It was nice to read a short fantasy book since so many of them *cough*ACOMAF, QoS, The Name of the Wind*cough* are so long. It was refreshing.
I am the type of person when reading who tries to predict what is going to happen in books. When I just started getting into reading, I sucked. Now I am predicting the ending of lots of books and sometimes it is not a bad thing. I did find the ending of this book predictable and I did predict the ending towards the beginning of the story but I still love this book.
If you are a reader that usually reads fantasy books you probably be able to predict things that happen but I still would recommend this book. Definitely a read that makes it to my under hyped recommendations list.
Sage is used to breaking all the rules, just to scrape by. But when a powerful noble appears at his orphanage and rounds him up as a contestant to pretend to be the long-lost prince, he will have to summon all of his wit and skills to be chosen-because not being chosen means not making it out alive.
4.5 stars. Sage, along with 3 other orphan boys his age, are recruited by a nobleman named Conner who plans to pass one of the boys off as the long lost prince. The rest of the noble family was murdered, and Conner hopes to install a puppet on the throne before the country goes to war. Connor begins to train the boys in the ways of the prince, but he doesn't tell the boys everything and troublemaker Sage questions his motives. Full of excitement and twists and turns, this should keep adventure lovers turning the page. Highly recommended for grades 5+.
I really enjoyed this book! Very easy to root for the main character Sage. (It's YA Liz!)