The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The goodreads book description says...

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.

I grabbed this book because the main character is male. I wanted a change. Even though my shelves are filled with heroines who change their world.The False Prince is now on my top ten list for great YA books. Jennifer Nielsen grabs your attention with mystery and adventure surrounded by three boys. Each characters have qualities that you believe will make a great king, but you can't help to wonder who is the false king and who is the true king.

View all my reviews

The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The orphan has found his family. The boy has become a man. A Prince has become a King. The Runaway King is the second book in the False Prince series by Jennifer Nielson. In the first installment, the male protagonist, Sage, an orphan and thief is bought by a Noble to join other boys his age and learn how to become a Prince. With many obstacles and lies, Sage finds truth and friendship leading him to the throne of his ancestors becoming King Jaron.

The Runaway King is the continuation of Jaron's story and his journey to becoming a friend, man, and a King. King Jaron must look beyond his advisors to find a traitor who would send his former friend and now greatest enemy, Roden to assassinate him. This quest for truth leads the reader through a tale filled with adventure, pirates, thieves, sword fights, and friendship. Not only does Jaron learn what he is capable of to fight for the country he loves, he learns to see his friends beyond his enemies.

I enjoyed this story as much as the first and I am looking forward to the nest and final adventure. As I read I enjoyed Jaron's quick wit and barborous comments; at times I would even giggle. The characters have depth and I find myself looking rooting for certain battles to be won or romances to start. Jennifer Nielson has captured my heart with these stories and I would recommend them to any of my students, friends and family.

View all my reviews

The Shadow Throne

The Shadow Throne by Jennifer A. Nielsen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Through laughter, tears, and sitting on the edge of my seat excitement, King Jaron and his crew captivated me. I truly enjoyed reading and getting to know these characters and found myself wanting to never put the books down. As a librarian, I plan to recommend this series for many years to come. This was an exciting series for both male and female readers who love lots of adventure, betrayal, witty dialogue, and a pinch of romance in a story. This is a winner. Thank you NetGalley for letting me read all three ARC books.

View all my reviews