The False Princess

Title ~ The False Princess
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Eilis O’Neal
Release Date ~ January 25, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Egmont USA
Source ~ The Teen {Book} Scene

Goodreads Summary

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when it's revealed, just after her sixteenth birthday, that she is a false princess, a stand-in for the real Nalia, who has been hidden away for her protection. Cast out with little more than the clothes on her back, the girl now called Sinda must leave behind the city of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.

Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.

Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever.
A dazzling first novel, The False Princess is an engrossing fantasy full of mystery, action, and romance.

Review

Prepare for some seriously gushy book love.

The False Princess is the perfect storm. It delivers magic, secret identities, hidden truths, and a bit of romance in one incredible story. I am in LOVE with this book!

The intricate story-line is perfectly laid out. It is not at all confusing, but it is most certainly compelling. Let’s just say that Eilis O’Neal is an expert at building suspense and I did not want to stop reading for even a minute. With moments that will make you cry, scream, laugh, and gasp – this plot delivers!

Sinda was a fascinating main character. Instead of slipping into a depression when she learned that her first sixteen years were a lie, Sinda grew stronger. When she found that she possessed dangerous magical powers, she did not cower away. Instead, Sinda fought hard to harness those powers.

The other characters were great too. There was Sinda’s best friend Keirnan. He was loyal, sweet, and a bit of a prankster. Then there was the especially sweet Nalia, who Sinda stood in for. Oh, and don’t forget the wizard that Sinda worked for. She was scatter-brained and CrAzY funny!

The False Princess belongs on your to-read list because it offers a cleverly crafted story with awesome characters.

Rating

5 Loved

Cover Comments

I just love that the cover is simple and mysterious. I THINK the girl is Sinda and the picture is Nalia – but I don’t know for sure. I really like the rich purple wallpaper in the back ground too.