The False Prince by Jennifer A. Neilsen
Ascendance Trilogy: book #1. Unabridged audiobook on 7 compact discs, 8 hours, 14 minutes. Read by Charlie McWade. Scholastic Audio, April, 2012. 9780545391665. (Borrowed from the public library.)
This story is narrated by a snarky, sarcastic fourteen-year-old orphan named Sage. We meet him as he is purchased from his orphanage by a nobleman named Conner. Sage is not interested in being part of this transaction; he mouths off and attempts escape many times. It turns out he is not the only orphan purchased by Conner, three other boys are more or less more willing purchases. They all take an instant dislike to Sage.
When one of the boys is brutally murdered, the remaining boys, including Sage, are cowed into submission. Once they arrive at Conner's castle, they learn that the royal family of the kingdom of Carthya have been poisoned but this news has been suppressed. Conner hopes to train the boys to impersonate Prince Jaron. They all bear some resemblance to him. Jaron was the youngest child who disappeared four years earlier and, while presumed dead, his body was recovered. Sage claims this is treason, Conner claims he's saving Carthya. Sage feels equal parts revulsion and intrigue over Conner's plans. He has no wish to be chosen to impersonate the prince yet he chooses not to attempt escape, though he does escape his room nightly to roam the castle discovering its nooks and crannies and secret passages.
I'm tempted to call this action-packed book #1 of a planned trilogy a fantasy, but that's not quite right. There's no magic or magical creatures involved. It has a medieval feel, yet it's not historical fiction as there's no such place as Carthya. The world-building is well constructed and the characters are well-developed. I initially resisted reading this one as the impersonation angle held no appeal. Several fifth graders have recommended it and I'm thankful. There's some predictability, but a few twists near the end are delightfully surprising. Sage's voice is fresh and engaging. The narrator does a terrific job of conveying Sage's vulnerable side. I'm eagerly awaiting the publication of book #2, The Runaway King, due March 1, 2013.
The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen. Book 2 of The Ascendance Trilogy. Scholastic, Inc. 9780545284158.
Publisher synopsis: A kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Find out in the highly anticipated sequel to Jennifer A. Nielsen's blockbuster THE FALSE PRINCE!
Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?
The stunning second installment of The Ascendance Trilogy takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of treason and murder, thrills and peril, as they journey with the Runaway King!
Click here to view the book trailer. Click here to visit the author's website.
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