The False Prince (Ascendance Trilogy, #1)

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

[layawaydragon]

I won a copy from Jean Book Nerd.


My previous excursions in middle grade books didn’t go well. Not just plots being obvious and stale, but the characters weren’t people, but abstract shadows. None of that is a problem in The False Prince.

In the beginning I was sure of where this was going. It felt so obvious. But as it went on, I was less sure and more confused. What I knew…I doubted. Sage threw me and I don’t know what’s going to happen next. And I can’t wait to find out.

World-building:

Sure, so far it’s not an original high fantasy. The world isn’t explored far. What we do see is the standard several contentious countries, high court in-fighting drama, and economic strife inside Carthya.

I'm not all that excited about this aspect, but it's solid.

Characters:

Sage is a fantastic protagonist. He’s mischievous clever trickster with layers.



I haven't read such a great male YA perspective in a long time. He seems able to manipulate and do it all but I'm sure we'll see more downsides now he's out of his element and seemingly clueless.

He’s unreliable, dramatic, and doesn’t back down from what he thinks is right. He psyched me and everyone else out. Even after his truth is revealed his plan isn’t. I couldn’t stop reading. I had to find out what he was going to do and how he was going to pull it off. His narration MADE this book.

The other boys aren't nearly as great, but they're no slouch in the character department either. I'm really excited actually to see how one of them turns out next.

The Villain had the same type of surprising but *facepalm* obvious reveal that I'm so impressed with. He's not so well done, being so morally repugnant but I like how it illustrates how people justify the terrible to themselves.

There aren't many women or girl characters but what I see so far is good. I'm impressed with The Servant's sneakiness and tactics. The Princess we only meet briefly but I like her fire.



Plot:

It somehow makes the obvious surprising and new. The focus is so tight in The False Prince, I honestly don't know what's coming in the next book.

And I will absolutely be continuing.