Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Book Review- The False Princess

By Eilis O'Neal
Published by Egmont USA
Released on January 25th, 2011
Ages- 10 & Up
Source- The Teen Book Scene Blog Tours
4.5 Stars- It's A Great Read

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 (quoted from Goodreads).

The False Princess is a wonderful debut book by Eilis O'Neal. It's a story that is part fairy tale, part adventure, mixed with magic and given a nice romantic undertone. I really enjoyed the characters, Sinda and Kiernan, though Kiernanwas by far my favorite character. He is so loyal and has this fun adventurous side to him. I really admired Sinda'sdetermination. She's a strong willed character whom I sympathized with a few times, as her world is turned completely upside down more than once.

The False Princess's characters aren't in-depth characters, which is what I enjoyed the most about them. Each of them gave an added element to this delightful story. Aside from Sinda and Kiernan, I really enjoyed getting to know the wizard Philantha and Mika. Philantha is fabulous wizard who minds her own business and I wanted to know more about her. Kiernan and Philantha added the right touch of humor to the story. I liked that Kiernan, Philantha and Mika give Sinda a sense of belonging and accepted her for who she is. When you read her story, you'll know what I'm talking about. I'd say more about them, but I can't without giving away spoilers.

Sinda is a great character who deals with a lot of unfortunate events in a short amount time, which causes her to grow up more becoming a more defiant and independent person. I'll admit, she did annoy me a few times with her questioning Kiernan's feelings for her, when it was obvious how he felt. Over all, the plot twists, the well written magic that Sinda has to learn to control, and the settle romance make this a fun, engaging, clean cut read.

I recommend picking up The False Princess, which you can now find on book store shelves. Be sure to stop by Mundie Moms today as we have an interview with Eilie O'Neal.
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~