Monday, May 14, 2012

A Real Winner -- and a False Prince

First, I need to announce the winner of the SIGNED hardcover copy of JAKE AND LILY by Jerry Spinelli (please note that I have the book, but it will be signed on May 22 at Chester County Book & Music Company):

GINA C.

Congratulations!  Expect an email from me asking for your signing preferences and your mailing address.
And for those who didn't win, don't forget my other giveaway for an ARC of DEVINE INTERVENTION by Martha Brockenbrough.  You still have a few more days to enter at THIS POST.

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Today's MMGM:



The False Prince (Book One in the Ascendance Trilogy) by Jennifer Nielsen (Scholastic, 9780545284134, April 1, 2012, for ages 8 to 14)

Source:  advanced reading copy from publisher

Synopsis (from Indiebound): 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.

Why I liked it:  What's not to like? Adventure, intrigue, false identities, exciting swordplay: this book has it all!   The publisher says it's for 8 to 14, but I'd call this upper middle grade -- there is some violence, so be forewarned if you're thinking of giving this to an 8-year-old.   I love the character of Sage, who narrates the tale. I love his sarcasm and street smarts -- and that cool trick he does with the coin.

It's hard to talk about this book without giving away the secret, so I won't say more other than I really loved the story.  It pulled me in and made me forget the contemporary world existed.

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday is the brainchild of Shannon Messenger.  For other MMGM bloggers, see my new bloglist over on the right!

20 comments:

  1. I just read this over the weekend! It was such a fun read. I really enjoyed it.

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    1. Yay for False Prince! So glad you enjoyed it too.

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  2. Great choice Joanne. I so love this book that I kept my copy and bought the winner of my giveaway a copy.

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    1. That was generous of you, Natalie! And I totally understand why you wanted to keep one for yourself.

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  3. I have seen a few positive reviews of this story recently. It is on my "to read" list. Hoping it will be at my local library soon :) Thanks for this recommendation.

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    1. Sorry you have to wait for a library copy, but hope you get to read it soon.

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  4. Gah! I have heard this book mentioned a NUMBER of times already this year and I still haven't gotten around to reading it. I love a good royalty-based story. I think they're always so much fun. Thanks for the review!

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    1. Welcome, TL. Oh yes, royalty is always entertaining!

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  5. I can't wait to read this one! I'm not sure I added it to my list yet, so I'm doing that now...

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    1. Hope you get a chance to read it someday, Barbara!

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  6. I've heard really good things about this one and put it on my GR ToRead list last week.

    Arghh - too many new good books out this year! Stop the presses so I can catch up.

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    1. There certainly are a lot of really good new books! No one could ever read them all. Doesn't stop me from trying. :)

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  7. I have this one and am DYING to read it! :)

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  8. Lots of love for this one--thanks for reminding me about it, Joanne. (And congratulations, Gina C., you lucky duck!)

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  9. weee! thanks for the opportunity to read this book, and i AM a lucky duck! will get in touch via twitter, joanne.

    the false prince looks terrific- hadn't heard of that one yet.

    -gina

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    1. Got your message and sent you an email, Gina. Hope it didn't land in your spam folder.

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  10. I keep hearing about this one. Library doesn't have it yet, and I'm beginning to be tempted to wander into a bookstore. Just to see if they have it. And to read the back cover and the front flap. And maybe the first page, to see if I like it . . .

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    1. Ah, that's what bookstores are for, Kim! Then, of course, after you read the jacket flap and the first page or two, we'd love it if you BUY the book from us, instead of from Amazon, for instance.

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