The False Prince (audiobook review)

February 26, 2013 Uncategorized 0

The False Prince

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: April 1, 2012
Pages: 342 
Series: The Ascendance Trilogy, book one 
Source: ARC for review, borrowed digital audio from my library
Read By: Charlie McWade
Audiobook Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Length: 8 hours, 14 minutes

About the Book: The False Prince is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end.

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. But Sage’s rivals have their own agendas as well.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner’s sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

An extraordinary adventure filled with danger and action, lies and deadly truths that will have readers clinging to the edge of their seats. (goodreads)

My Thoughts: Oy. Again with the kicking myself for not reading a book sooner! I received a copy of The False Prince in November of 2011 and was told that it was the book to read. But did I? No! I failed! I totally should have listened to the reps that gave it to me. They were so right! I loved this story so much!!! (All the !!!!!!!!!!!!!) 

The False Prince is told by Sage, an orphan who is not too thrilled to be competing to pretend to be the long lost prince. He is quite the character. His take on life and the situation he finds himself is fresh and clever and oh so fun to read. I enjoyed seeing Conner and the other boys through Sage’s eyes. 

As it mentions in the description above, there are many layers to this story. I won’t give too much detail, since I want you to discover everything for yourself, but I will say I was so proud of myself for figuring a few of the main questions out! 

The audiobook was pleasant to listen to. I liked the narration and the pacing. I feel The False Prince lends itself well to being read aloud. If you’re an audiobook fan check this one out!

Fans of middle grade should not miss The False Prince. Action and adventure, castles and kingdoms, deceit and danger, it’s got it all! 

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