The False Prince
Book 1 of the Ascendance Trilogy
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4.7 • 526 Ratings
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This highly enjoyable medieval fantasy from Nielsen (the Underworld Chronicles), set in the medieval kingdom of Carthya, centers on 15-year-old Sage, an angry and pugnacious orphan, who is unexpectedly purchased by Conner, one of the king's regents. The entire royal family king, queen, and heir has recently died under mysterious circumstances, and to prevent civil war, Conner is collecting orphans who might believably be substituted for the dead king's younger son, who was reported lost at sea years earlier. Sage is soon engaged in a deadly, winner-take-all contest with two other boys to earn the right to impersonate Prince Jaron. Sage is deftly characterized through humorous first-person narration, quickly establishing himself as a beguiling antihero: "I'd never attempted roast thievery before, and I was already regretting it," he says when readers first meet him. "It happens to be very difficult to hold a chunk of raw meat while running." Secondary characters are equally fleshed-out. First in the Ascendancy Trilogy, this is an impressive, promising story with some expertly executed twists. Ages 8 14.
Customer Reviews
Amazing!
This is one of the best books I've ever read, and since I spend most of my time reading, that's saying something. It's clever, fun, mysterious, and beautiful. With a hidden identity, a confusing touch of romance, and a LOT of lies, this book is well worth the read.
So so good! Read it in about 2 days!!
I love fantasies and I wished for the Ascendance Series for Christmas, and I was SO happy when I got it! I loved the 1st book, the False Prince, so much!! It was so much fun! I love Sage, and his personality is super funny. He makes me laugh a lot and I think it’s amusing how he tries to get under everyone’s skin. The book moves very fast, which I think I like. It definitely keeps you entertained at all times and there’s never a dull moment. I love how Sage’s mind works and how he’s a fighter, a sort of goofball, but very clever and even caring a lot for others; even if he doesn’t admit it. I love how he sympathizes with Imogen and keeps digging for the answers when he’s being held for them. He’s not a coward, and definitely not scared of others. Especially Bevin Conner. I really like Tobias and Roden and I even liked Latamer. I love Mott and Errol. They were fun contributions. Such a great book! (SPOILER) I loved how it all came together in the end and I love the truth of Prince Jaron. I’m sad that the Royal family rlly IS dead. I wished they weren’t. Thank you Jennifer A. Neilsen, it was a grand adventure. I can’t wait to read more. I highly recommend, along with books The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson, and the Blackthorn Key Series by Kevin Sands. Those are grand adventures just like this one and you won’t regret reading. Read it. And enjoy.
Great start to a story!
Loved it!