THE FALSE PRINCE is the thrilling first book in a brand-new trilogy filled with danger and deceit and hidden identities that will have readers rushing breathlessly to the end. 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.

Jennifer A. Nielsen is an author that captivates her readers right from the very first page. I enjoyed the numerous twists and turns in the plot, and was awed by Nielsen's grab of expression and dialogue. Nielsen has everything I like in a fantasy – witty characters, scheme, murder, treachery, loyalty, and a conceited princess. It was astounding! As you delve further into this exciting story, the side effects are nails biting, jaw dropping, nervousness, wincing, cheering, shooting death glares and worry for Sage. It was worth it! Sage is the life of this masterpiece and I would highly recommend this book to everyone who likes a well-told story with plethora of adventure and political conspiracy. I can’t wait for the sequel!!!

A great fantasy novel, based on an old time where carriages were pulled by horses, servants paid of their debts by being housemaids and peasants dare not look upon a lady unless spoken too directly.

We follow Sage an orphan who is a good thief, liar, and manipulator from the testaments of most adults around him. His life is turned upside down when an nobleman named Conner bought him from the orphanage and took him on a wild adventure. In this adventure three other boys from various orphanages join Sage.

When Conner finally reveals his true intentions Sage is faced with tough choices - to choose between country, life and death. He is actually in for a fight for his life. The boys face arduous training and tests, which can only birth one victor. Who will be the chosen in the end? An adventurous story with great twists that will have you hooked to the end.

Title: The Runaway King

Author: Jennifer A. Nielson

Series:  The Ascendance Trilogy # 2

Hardcover: 352

Genre: Genre: Children's Books, YA, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: March 1st 2012

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!