Recent Read: The False Prince

Sage, a spunky orphan, is enjoying his life of thievery, dirt, and avoiding punishment, when a nobleman named Conner plucks him out of his hardscrabble life, along with three other orphans. The cunning Conner reveals that the orphans are in a competition to impersonate the long-lost prince of Carthya. But while Sage isn't sure he wants to give up his freedom or risk committing treason, he might lose his life if he is not chosen.

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen was so good. To start, the premise is an interesting and exciting one that pulls the reader in right away. Even though it has a competing-for-your-life set up (complete with training) that's so overdone in a post-Hunger Games publishing world, I didn't realize it until now. In other words, this story comes off as original and interesting (instead of tired). I loved the characters--Sage is wonderfully defiant, clever and charming, with a strong character (despite his sometimes questionable morals). The plot and politics, as well as the relationships are complex and intriguing. This is a smart, fast-paced read I'd recommend to all readers, but especially reluctant ones.