The False Prince (The Ascendance Series, Book 1)

First, at the risk of sounding like a gushing manic, let me say that this book is amazing and wonderful. Seriously, it is on my list of absolute favorite reads ever. And I read a lot. Anyway, with that out of the way, I'll get on to the plot. The story takes place in Carthya, a kingdom with a problem. A rather large one. The King, Queen, and Crown Prince have been murdered, leaving the country both kingless and heirless. This basically leaves the throne open for anyone with the strength to take it, and there is more than one noble who believes that he has that power; or at least who would like to try anyway. And that means that civil war is all but certain. Nor will the kingdoms at Carthya's borders let such an opportunity, such a weakness, pass them by. Because of this and various other reasons, the news has so far been kept from the general populace, but it's only a matter of time before it all comes to a head. Enter Lord Bevin Conner, a self-proclaimed patriot with a plan to avoid all of this. You see, although the King, Queen, and Crown Prince are dead, there was, once, a younger prince. Several years ago, his ship was attacked and sunk by pirates. There were no survivors. However, although everyone knows that the young prince must have died in that attack, his body never washed ashore, so there is, technically, the slight possibility that he lived. At least, there is no one to say that he didn't. Conner's plan is simple: Find a boy to pretend to be the prince and put him on the throne. In aid of this, he scours the kingdom's orphanages for boys of the right age and appearance, brings them to live with him, and begins to train them. In two weeks, he will choose the one he believes most capable of becoming, well, the false prince. The others, the ones that don't get chosen? Well, they are too dangerous, they know too much... One of the boys pulled into this scheme is Sage, the main character. Ok, sure, he's been accused (not without cause) of making his way through theft and lies, but underneath all of that, he isn't actually a bad person. He has absolutely no desire for a throne and has every intention of fighting Conner to the end. For while Conner and the other boys seem to be able to convince themselves that 'desperate times call for desperate measures' and all that (of course, it doesn't hurt that they all see something to gain through it, too), Sage sees it for the treason it is. But what choice does he have? If he refuses to go along with it, if he doesn't get chosen, then he will die. And if there's one thing Sage learnt on the streets and in the orphanage, it was to survive. Can he do it? Can he win? Without completely giving in to Conner and his plan? Personally, I think the plot alone is enough to hold anyone's interest. It is well-paced and action-packed. Yes, the whole 'competition that only one can survive' thing smacks of The Hunger Games, but that is the only resemblance. Since the 'competition' doesn't consist of the boys actually killing one another, although death is a definite possibility, the story is less dark. True, Sage has a knack for getting into trouble and accumulates multiple, mostly minor, non-accidental injuries over the course of the book, but I don't think those scenes, although tense, will unduly trouble more than the youngest readers. But, it's Sage who makes the story. He had me hooked from the first paragraph. Running away from a knife-wielding butcher, a stolen roast under one arm, is funny enough, perhaps because it is such an unexpected thing for someone to do. But then to comment that it is harder than it looks, "More slippery than I'd anticipated...I vowed to get it wrapped next time. Then steal it." That is just flat-out hilarious. Sage is clever, witty, and delightfully antagonistic. Not to mention stubborn. He doesn't exactly get dragged into the scheme kicking and screaming, but he certainly ensures that it is neither easy nor pleasant for those forcing him along. If his quick comebacks and asides don't make you laugh more than once, there is something seriously wrong with you. Sage is a complex and intriguing character, with a very interesting way of telling the story. And I loved how his fight isn't just external, but includes internal turmoil as well. This book is simply written enough to appeal to younger readers, yet it is also complex and contains enough twists and turns to appeal to adults (I ought to know. I am one). I would highly recommend reading this book. It's clever, intriguing, fast-paced, and funny; what more could anyone ask for? For those interested, I've also listened to the audiobook. The narrator does an amazing job.

Man, I love this book so much. I wish I'd found it when it first came out. I read this a few years ago when I did find it, and have gone back to reread the trilogy now that there is a fourth book *cue dance party*!!! It's just as much fun the second time around, let me tell you!I heard about this book from different sources for a while. Finally, I decided to pick it up. And, I quite enjoyed it. It may be because I am quite a bit older than what I suspect is the intended audience, but I kinda saw the big plot twist a mile away. That didn't stop me from enjoying the ride, though, because there were a few moments of self-doubt and because it really is a very well-written story.Sage has got to be one of my absolute favorite characters of all time. I thoroughly enjoyed many of the characters, but Sage stole the show. I loved his attitude, his spunk, his wit, and his adventurous spirit. He had such interesting ways to look at things too. It was so exciting to see him climbing out windows and sneaking around like a thief in the night. Though the other characters had there moments, Sage definitely made this story for me! Mott is a favorite, too, and Imogen, of course. I love her quiet strength and quick wit. She can match Sage stride for stride, and I like that. I also found the triangle with Tobias and Roden fascinating. I love how distinct each character is. They round out the story with a very vivid cast.The plot drew me in, too. I loved the idea and Conner's plan was certainly unique, I thought. Even though, as I said, I guessed the big twist, I still didn't know how everything would unfold or how characters would react to everything. There are elements of mystery woven into the plot that I just love! And reading it a second time is even more wonderful because you can find hidden gems and double entendres and figure out a whole new context for some of the events and dialogue. I love the mix of adventure, cunning, intrigue, and nobility. This book is just one of my favorites!The book was well-written, technically speaking, and the writing style appealed to me. I loved the humor! The setting was simple, for the most part, but that didn't necessarily detract from the story. I really liked having the map to reference. All in all, I'd certainly recommend the book and I definitely plan to continue to book two!Also, I did listen to the audio book, and very much enjoyed the narrator! Well done, Sir!For parents, the book is perfectly acceptable for middle-schoolers. No language, no romance, and very little violence (there is a scene with mild torture, but it was very well done and not graphic.)

It arrived quickly and was in good shape. Not tears or creases.

For some reason i sanata expecting much from, this book, but I was surprised: i sassi exceptional. 100% world recommend

4.5 out 5 stars !!Gosh I can't even begin to describe the beauty of this book .. Absolutely loved it!The writing was amazing and easy to understand nothing too poetic and full of beautiful prose like the going trend of YA fantasy these days.I loved how the plot went even though you can sorta guess the plot twist, it's one of those twists that you are completely satisfied and thrilled that it happened. I loved how even though it was high fantasy it didn't have ANY any hint of magical elements. It was independent and fantastic enough to survive without that.The story revolves around the kingdom of Carthya where the royal family has been murdered. With no heir left,the only hope is the missing younger prince,who disappeared after a pirate attack and was presumed dead years ago.So you can guess what happens. A lord named Conner decides to take in four boys all resembling Jaron (the lost prince ) to pick one out of them as the false lost prince and put him on the throne while the other three would be killed.Sort of like the hunger gamesOur hero is Sage who is u can guess quite unruly and a brat but let me remind he is one hell of a kind and sarcastic brat.I just loved the character of the books , I loved( especially Sage) their development throughout the entire series .. It's wonderful cast of characters that leave you wanting for more every time you read about them.You know it's a good book when even after you have stopped reading it . You can't help but keep thinking about it and keep wanting more every.single.time.I would definitely recommend this to those people who want to read fantasy and are just testing out its waters Or want to read sometime free of magical elements.Beleive me,it won't disappoint.Also if you want a quick not so lengthy read , try it . It's deeply satisfying and a natural page turner.The book came in great condition even though the binding of papers makes it less flexible and hard to turn.

probibly one of the best books ever cant wait to read the next few i couldnt stop reading its just amazing and awesome :D its just amazing im going to write a nuber of how good highest is best 999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999996999999999999999999999996999999999999999999guys can you find the 2 6s in this also its such a good book its under priced for a book this good!!! 10/10 Its so good i cant stop saying how good and amazing it is also the first reviewer spelt AWESOME wrong he mist the E at the end of awesome amazing book cant wait to see more!!!!! Thanks For The Wonderful book :) so good u should bye it…………!!

I bought this book for my nine year old son but read it myself one quiet afternoon. Great story, loved the characters, loads of suspence. I will certainly be reading the next two books.