The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

The False Prince (Ascendance Trilogy, #1)

by Jennifer A. Nielsen

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.

Reviewed by cherryblossommj on

5 of 5 stars

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I discovered this one when it was set to be republished in paperback format, but was blessed enough to get my hands on a copy of the hardcover. I dove right in and started reading and was enjoying it right for the start and then it was a free audiobook for one week during the Sync Summer Reading promotion and I was delighted to snatch it right up and have been listening to it on my computer narrated by Charlie McWade and it is excellent! This first book in the Ascendance Trilogy has definitely made it to my favorites list and you can count on my desire to read the rest of the series as it becomes available. Note on the narration, great choice in the voice of Charlie McWade, he definitely portrays Sage quite well.

Last year you may recall that I read a middle grades book about a boy named [b:Jinx|15818254|Jinx|Sage Blackwood|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1349997100s/15818254.jpg|19258981], he had a promising start followed by tragic events and became rather incredible, and now I'm reading the second book in his series to continue his story where interestingly enough he has crossed paths with a missing/presumed dead prince of a kingdom on the verge of war (in [b:Jinx's Magic|18085456|Jinx's Magic|Sage Blackwood|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1373660623s/18085456.jpg|25337566] ), but the point is that is an incredible read and it has been a good long while since I've had an incredible read and [b:The False Prince|12432220|The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy, #1)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1333227435s/12432220.jpg|16221764] for me will sit right up there as an incredible read.

Sage is an amazing character to watch grow through out the book. He is witty and fun, he is humorous and entertaining and has a great flow. This book is a bit of a mystery and while I could perhaps see what might have come to pass as I read along I was entirely entertained while doing so. The cast of characters is really good with the elements of innocence, evil, redemption and forgiveness all thrown in. I was truly dreading stopping reading to go on with life and delighted when I got to get back to the book again.

Jennifer A. Nielsen is a new author to me and not one I will likely forget. I'm definitely adding her to my lists to watch. Hopefully I can get my hands on [b:The Runaway King|15703770|The Runaway King (The Ascendance Trilogy, #2)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1351133357s/15703770.jpg|21365340] and find out what happens next!

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 30 October, 2013: Finished reading
  • 30 October, 2013: Reviewed