If you love the danger and sword-fighting of MERLIN, you'll like this! 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. As Sage's journey continues, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally a truth is revealed that proves more dangerous than all of the lies put together.
The False Prince (Ascendancy Trilogy)
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The False Prince is a new jewel in the crown... Not since Megan Whalen Turner s hero in The Thief has an underdog been such fun to follow. --The Times
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Doha
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This is probably a good time to admit that I'm a bit of a Merlin fangirl, and I only needed to see 'if you love Merlin' (I DO. I LOVE MERLIN VERY MUCH) to pick this book up. Although its actual similarity to Merlin would be little more than a quasi-mediaeval setting and a coming-of-age element, the real similarities lies in their shared light spirit and humour.
[ALTHOUGH, I also have to add that in my head, Conner had Charles Dance's face (the Witchfinder in Merlin; Vetinari in Going Postal). He has that scary look.]
Sage is scraping by at an orphanage at the edge of Carthya, far from important events and people. When a King's Regent, Bevin Conner, scouts him out because of a resemblance to the lost (presumed dead) prince of Carthya, Sage is thrown into a competition against three other orphans. They, too, have been chosen for their resemblance to the lost prince. Conner plans to pull off a crazy coup to prevent a civil war - a civil war which will destroy Carthya, as its bordering countries take advantage of their weakness and annexe them.
There are only two weeks before the regents convene to discuss the succession - only two weeks to turn the ragged orphans into princes, and pick the most likely among them for the job. But for the boys, being chosen to impersonate the prince becomes a matter of life and death. Tobias is bookish and clever but physically a bit of a wimp; Latamer is sickly and unwilling, Roden is strong and fast, but his wits are slow and he is easily led. Sage is not led at all, and is dragged into the contest kicking and screaming - the only one, apparently, who can see the plan for the madness it is.
Jennifer Nielson's writing style is pleasantly spare and direct, which makes it wonderfully readable. She doesn't faff around with highfalutin language, and plot and pace are perfectly timed. Sage, our narrator, is amusing and aggravating in equal measure, much like Gen from Megan Whalen Turner's 'The Thief'. In a welcome turn, the plot itself is the vehicle for revealing Sage's character and personality, with very little need for explicit exposition, which in turn means that the pace doesn't fall off.
The False Prince is a bit Hunger Games, a bit Merlin, a bit John Flanagan, a bit Megan Whalen Turner, and then very much *itself*. They are writers who have a simplicity and sympathy in their work that make it compelling to read. It's the kind of elegance that comes from very good editing, a cracking story, and an authentic narrator. Sage's voice is wry and engaging, and The False Prince had me by the first chapter.
I'd (very strongly) recommend it to fans of BBC's Merlin, John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice; Brotherband) and Megan Whalen Turner (Queen's Thief books), for ages 9+ (but easily enjoyed by adults, i.e. me).
Now I have to wait for the next book. Why. -_-
[ALTHOUGH, I also have to add that in my head, Conner had Charles Dance's face (the Witchfinder in Merlin; Vetinari in Going Postal). He has that scary look.]
Sage is scraping by at an orphanage at the edge of Carthya, far from important events and people. When a King's Regent, Bevin Conner, scouts him out because of a resemblance to the lost (presumed dead) prince of Carthya, Sage is thrown into a competition against three other orphans. They, too, have been chosen for their resemblance to the lost prince. Conner plans to pull off a crazy coup to prevent a civil war - a civil war which will destroy Carthya, as its bordering countries take advantage of their weakness and annexe them.
There are only two weeks before the regents convene to discuss the succession - only two weeks to turn the ragged orphans into princes, and pick the most likely among them for the job. But for the boys, being chosen to impersonate the prince becomes a matter of life and death. Tobias is bookish and clever but physically a bit of a wimp; Latamer is sickly and unwilling, Roden is strong and fast, but his wits are slow and he is easily led. Sage is not led at all, and is dragged into the contest kicking and screaming - the only one, apparently, who can see the plan for the madness it is.
Jennifer Nielson's writing style is pleasantly spare and direct, which makes it wonderfully readable. She doesn't faff around with highfalutin language, and plot and pace are perfectly timed. Sage, our narrator, is amusing and aggravating in equal measure, much like Gen from Megan Whalen Turner's 'The Thief'. In a welcome turn, the plot itself is the vehicle for revealing Sage's character and personality, with very little need for explicit exposition, which in turn means that the pace doesn't fall off.
The False Prince is a bit Hunger Games, a bit Merlin, a bit John Flanagan, a bit Megan Whalen Turner, and then very much *itself*. They are writers who have a simplicity and sympathy in their work that make it compelling to read. It's the kind of elegance that comes from very good editing, a cracking story, and an authentic narrator. Sage's voice is wry and engaging, and The False Prince had me by the first chapter.
I'd (very strongly) recommend it to fans of BBC's Merlin, John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice; Brotherband) and Megan Whalen Turner (Queen's Thief books), for ages 9+ (but easily enjoyed by adults, i.e. me).
Now I have to wait for the next book. Why. -_-
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Sussman Pro
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
The Overview
The False Prince is an action filled narrative. In every chapter Sage is getting into trouble, and also getting out of trouble, or going on some dangerous adventure. This book is never sluggish. After a few chapters, you discover that you understand the characters well. Not because you've been told that their personality is this that or the other, but because you've been shown in the narrative. Ms Nielsen actually achieves this goal without a show and tell, which so few authors seem to do today.
Our main protagonist Sage is self-confident. Or where he's not, he easily fakes it. He is not a person to be big-headed, conceited, irresponsible, or patronizing. He has a strong underpinning of decorum. He is an exceptional judge of character - sensing who is fundamentally good or bad. He does not suffer fools easily. Sage is a candidate prince alongside Roden and Tobias. The dynamic between them is fascinating. When they need to be they are comrades in arms, united against the same "enemy." However, they are also rivals - in a game where the stakes are as high as they get. All three need and want to win. In their own way, each works to undermine the other two. The three act as a team sometimes, while two gain up against one at others. Each was capable of desperate cruelty.
First Impressions
This book has universal appeal. This does not contain any swear words or romance, it doesn't feel juvenile. It does have a surprisingly amount of violence and cruelty, although I believe it is appropriate given the plot, and is never graphic.
My only slight critique is that late in to the book there is a shift in the narrative from first person to third person, which I found disconcerting. In summation then Prince stands out for its fabulous dialogue, enchanting protagonist, and well developed plot.
The False Prince is an action filled narrative. In every chapter Sage is getting into trouble, and also getting out of trouble, or going on some dangerous adventure. This book is never sluggish. After a few chapters, you discover that you understand the characters well. Not because you've been told that their personality is this that or the other, but because you've been shown in the narrative. Ms Nielsen actually achieves this goal without a show and tell, which so few authors seem to do today.
Our main protagonist Sage is self-confident. Or where he's not, he easily fakes it. He is not a person to be big-headed, conceited, irresponsible, or patronizing. He has a strong underpinning of decorum. He is an exceptional judge of character - sensing who is fundamentally good or bad. He does not suffer fools easily. Sage is a candidate prince alongside Roden and Tobias. The dynamic between them is fascinating. When they need to be they are comrades in arms, united against the same "enemy." However, they are also rivals - in a game where the stakes are as high as they get. All three need and want to win. In their own way, each works to undermine the other two. The three act as a team sometimes, while two gain up against one at others. Each was capable of desperate cruelty.
First Impressions
This book has universal appeal. This does not contain any swear words or romance, it doesn't feel juvenile. It does have a surprisingly amount of violence and cruelty, although I believe it is appropriate given the plot, and is never graphic.
My only slight critique is that late in to the book there is a shift in the narrative from first person to third person, which I found disconcerting. In summation then Prince stands out for its fabulous dialogue, enchanting protagonist, and well developed plot.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Narrator is Sage, fourteen year old orphan with attitude - one of four possibilities selected by ruthless Regent Bevin Conner to pose as Carthya's long missing, presumed dead, Prince Jaron. Two weeks of rigorous training may produce a winner, the prize being allowed to survive - at least for a while.
Here is a tale where cunning is all - treachery rife, the foe formidable. Teenage readers may readily identify with Sage, he impressively streetwise and skilled at staying alive.
Some may regard the plot as old fashioned - mythical kingdom, the absurd concept that a fortnight can transform an urchin into a convincing royal. (Variations were tackled in such time-honoured classics as "The Prisoner of Zenda", ""The Man in the Iron Mask", etc.) Some may also feel uneasy about awkwardnesses in the final stages, with Sage twice temporarily no longer narrating.
The ultimate test, though, is whether the novel was enjoyed. Despite reservations, it certainly was by me - devoured in one sitting, as Sage ingeniously strives to outwit those who plot on all sides.
Recommended - full of excitement, twists and warmth.
Here is a tale where cunning is all - treachery rife, the foe formidable. Teenage readers may readily identify with Sage, he impressively streetwise and skilled at staying alive.
Some may regard the plot as old fashioned - mythical kingdom, the absurd concept that a fortnight can transform an urchin into a convincing royal. (Variations were tackled in such time-honoured classics as "The Prisoner of Zenda", ""The Man in the Iron Mask", etc.) Some may also feel uneasy about awkwardnesses in the final stages, with Sage twice temporarily no longer narrating.
The ultimate test, though, is whether the novel was enjoyed. Despite reservations, it certainly was by me - devoured in one sitting, as Sage ingeniously strives to outwit those who plot on all sides.
Recommended - full of excitement, twists and warmth.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Strong story telling
If you like your fantasy to include false princes, corruption, illusion, with a bit of torture thrown in - you'll love this. Good story line with interesting characters. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Julie Sheldon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unputdownable for a 10 year old
My son disappeared into this book and couldnt be raised until he had finished it and then the first thing he said was "I would like the sequal please!" It is fabulous.
Published 1 month ago by Jervie
4.0 out of 5 stars
a great fantasy read.
As an adult i often find some of my favorite reads are that of children's literature. My brothers 10 and he raved about this book so on a quiet sunday evening i picked this... Read more
Published 2 months ago by K. D. Squire
4.0 out of 5 stars
To Play the King?
The False Prince is an entertaining if unremarkable story aimed at ten year-olds. Though set in an imagined world, this is not really a fantasy novel. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Quicksilver
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved this! Exciting tale with twists that keep you guessing
I read this book with my "parent" hat on - my sons are both very good readers, but are young so I feel that I have to read books before them to make sure that the content is... Read more
Published 3 months ago by A. Milne
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read
I really enjoyed this book again had a twist that was very unexpected. Would recommend it as a quick read.
Published 4 months ago by Kirkland
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good yarn.
I enjoyrd this book. A little predictable at times but a good read nonetheless. It is worth giving it a try.
Published 4 months ago by Happy Shopper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Present
This was a present for a friend, I have not read it myself yet but will after her Thank you
Published 4 months ago by Mrs M M Gladden
5.0 out of 5 stars
the false prince is fab :):):):):)
I love this book it is very well written and hooks you in i would recommend this book for people aged 10 - 13 years
Published 5 months ago by Annie
5.0 out of 5 stars
loved it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I devour books easily and it has been a while since I've looked forward to going to bed just so I can carry on reading! Read more
Published 6 months ago by Ruby Lou
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