September 04, 2012

Book Review: DANTE'S GIRL by Courtney Cole


Book:  Dante’s Girl
Author:  Courtney Cole
Publisher:  Lakehouse Press
Category:  YA Romance Fiction

“….I love you.  Everyone can see it.  Everyone knows that.”- Dante
“I really want to believe you.  But believing you isn’t even the problem anymore…You and I… we aren’t a match.  Let’s just lay it out there.  I’m a farm girl from Kansas.  You are a VIP with an even more important father.  We are not going to work.  We’re just not.”- Reece

Book Description via Goodreads:

I have spent every summer since I was ten years old with my father in London. Every summer, since I was ten years old, has been uneventful and boring. 
Until this year.
 

And this year, after a freak volcanic eruption strands me far from home, I have learned these things:

1. I can make do with one outfit for three days before I buy new clothes.
 

2. If I hear the phrase, “You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” even one more time, I might become a homicidal maniac.

3. I am horribly and embarrassingly allergic to jellyfish.

4. I am in love with Dante Giliberti, who just happens to be the beautiful, sophisticated son of the Prime Minister of a Mediterranean paradise.
 

5. See number four above. Because it brings with it a whole slew of problems and I’ve learned something from every one of them.

Let’s start with the fact that Dante’s world is five light-years away from mine. He goes to black-tie functions and knows the Prime Minister of England on a first name basis. I was born and raised on a farm in Kansas and wear cut-off jeans paired with cowboy boots. See the difference?
 

But hearts don’t care about differences. Hearts want what they want. And mine just wants to be Dante’s girl.
 


My heart just might be crazy

Heroines with a good sense of humor are always sure to keep me interested in a book and that’s exactly what I got here with Reece.  She is funny as she is sweet with a bit of innocence about her looks and insecurity with her social status, specifically because of Dante Giliberti.

They literally bump into each other at the airport waiting for a flight to London and luckily are on the same flight when airports all over Europe are shut down due to a nearby volcanic eruption.  Dante, along with his bodyguards, was allowed to leave the plane being the VIP that he is and took Reece along with him back to his home in Greece, a tiny place called Caberra, where his father is not only a multi Billionare but is also the Prime Minister.

To the citizens of Caberra, Dante is a celebrity and a prince and as such, all eyes are on him, which means he has to be on his best behavior at all times.  Much is expected from the only son of a very important father.  So falling in love with someone who is not of their status is not exactly welcome.
But fall in love they do, despite Dante trying (not very hard mind you) to control himself around Reece, and despite Reece knowing that someone else claims Dante as hers.  That someone else is beautiful Elena, Dante’s childhood friend, sometimes girlfriend, fellow billionaire and the daughter of his father’s political ally. 

To say theirs is a complicated relationship would be an understatement. Can happily ever after be achieved by two very different people whose paths lead in two different directions?

I can’t tell you the answer to that, however I can tell you that reading this book was fun.  It is a lighthearted read that would tickle your imagination.  Many of us have had fantasies about meeting someone like Prince Harry (swoon...) who would sweep us off our feet, and that he would have and be everything: gorgeous, kind, loving, sweet, generous…in other words, Perfect.  That is what Dante Giliberti is.

He makes girls swoon, but his love is only for one.  Reece is also a lovable sweetheart, a girl’s girl whom you want to root for.  So in terms of characters, this book is a winner.
Though this book is geared towards teens, older women would still appreciate the good read this will provide.  Courtney Cole’s writing is smooth and the plot is good.  I also like the romantic, albeit, dramatic ending.

Overall, this is a good book. I recommend this to those who want to end the day with a smile… because that’s exactly what you’ll have by the last page of Dante’s Girl.

August 25, 2012

Book Review: THE LOST PRINCE by Julie Kagawa


Book:  The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten)
Author:  Julie Kagawa
Publisher:  Harlequin TEEN
Category:  YA Paranormal Romance
Due Out:  October 30, 2012

Book Description:

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’s dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myths and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

My name is Ethan Chase. And I may not live to see my eighteenth birthday

Back cover of The Lost Prince
Those who loved and followed the story of Meghan Chase through The Iron Fey series will be happy to know that Ethan, the one whose kidnapping in the book THE IRON KING triggered the whole series, is back.  And this is HIS story.

Ethan has never been normal, or at least not since he was taken from his home at a young age and brought into the land of the fey, the Nevernever.  He was rescued by his half sister and taken back home, but only by sacrificing herself.  In the end she became the Iron Queen and has had to live and rule in her own kingdom.  Ethan hasn’t seen her in 12 years.

Feeling abandoned by his sister and still haunted constantly by the mischievous fey, Ethan has chosen to close himself off to the world, having no friends, no social life.  His only “fun” is his sport, Kali, a Filipino martial art using sticks taught by his sole friend and mentor Guro (teacher) Javier.
Author Julie Kagawa

Expelled from several schools, he has to start over at a new one where he meets Kenzie, who writes for the school newspaper and has zeroed in on Ethan as her latest subject.  On the same first school day, Ethan unwillingly helps out a half breed (half fey, half human) named Todd who was being manhandled in school.  Todd forces himself into Ethan’s life and home, fearing that his life is in danger.

 Soon after, Todd disappears and Ethan goes off to find him.  Kenzie accidentally gets involved and both end up in the Nevernever where finally, after many years, Ethan faces his sister again.  They later learn that half breeds and exiles are disappearing all over the world, and another fey, The Forgotten, have re-emerged.  Ethan needs to save Todd and leave the kingdom, with the help of a boy he never knew existed, a boy whose connection to him may mean the future or the end of one.

Though I would love to tell you more, I can’t for I do not want to ruin the many surprises Julie Kagawa has for her readers.  All I can say is that those who are looking for their favorite characters in The Iron Fey will not be disappointed.  An all star cast this book has.
coming out soon!

As a whole, THE LOST PRINCE is a stand alone book.  If you haven’t read the Iron Fey series1, you can start with this (though I still say begin with THE IRON KING, purely for the amazing story and romance). 

Ethan is a strong character, much like his sister.  I like Kenzie too although she didn’t hold my interest the way Meghan did.  Same with Annwyl (one of the exiles).  But Keirran, oh that boy, I can already see him breaking everyone’s hearts.  He is frustrating as he is interesting. 

It is no secret that I am a huge Julie Kagawa fan from her very first book and The Lost Prince is another proof of why this is.  Suspending disbelief and entering a make believe world is so easy with Kagawa.  She makes you want to live in her books.

Another plus factor for me, a very personal one, is her choice of Ethan’s sport.  KALI is a proudly Filipino sport.  Kali, otherwise called Arnis or Eskrima is a traditional Filipino martial art where one uses rattan sticks.  Bruce Lee was known to have practiced this art himself.  I tried this years ago and I must say going home black and blue, especially on the arms, is not uncommon nor unwelcome.   I was never any good at it but I still wish to be. It is a sport that I hope will spread further worldwide.

You may visit the Author's site at:
http://www.juliekagawa.com/
http://juliekagawa.blogspot.com/

August 03, 2012

Book Review: WHERE WE BELONG by Emily Giffin


Book:  Where We Belong
Author:  Emily Giffin
Publisher:  St. Martin’s Press
Category: Contemporary Fiction

I could have chosen to remain anonymous so I’m not really sure what made me do it.  Maybe it was strictly to alleviate guilt…maybe part of me was waiting for the assurance that she was okay…But maybe on some deep down level, I wanted her to return to me. Maybe I wanted to see and touch her again-  Marian

Marian Caldwell is a thirty-six year old television producer, living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and satisfying relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had sealed off forever. From the moment Kirby appears on her doorstep, Marian’s perfectly constructed world—and her very identity—will be shaken to its core, resurrecting ghosts and memories of a passionate young love affair that threaten everything that has come to define her.
 
For the precocious and determined Kirby, the encounter will spur a process of discovery that ushers her across the threshold of adulthood, forcing her to re-evaluate her family and future in a wise and bittersweet light. As the two women embark on a journey to find the one thing missing in their lives, each will come to recognize that where we belong is often where we least expect to find ourselves—a place that we may have willed ourselves to forget, but that the heart remembers forever.

Author Emily Giffin
I have always loved Emily Giffin.  Her novels Something Borrowed, Something Blue and Love the One You’re With are books I’ve read and reread many times over.  Her writing is flawless, and always of stories that pinches the heart. 

Marian never thought she would see her again, the daughter she gave up 18 years prior, from a pregnancy she kept secret from everyone, including the baby’s father.  But one night Kirby shows up, not asking for anything except to meet her mother and to know the identity of her father.   Reluctantly, Marian and Kirby start a relationship that unravels what Marian thought was the life she wanted.  To answer Kirby’s curiosity about her father as well as her own, Marian searches and finds Conrad, the boy she never forgot.  In seeing them together, Marian sees the life she gave up, what could have been, and perhaps what could still be.

Though much assured of Kirby and Marian’s developing relationship, the ending between Conrad and Marian left me wanting more.  Yes there are subtle signs of reconciliation, but I am a sucker for happy endings and this one deserves a sequel. 

All the characters in this book are likable, including Peter, Marian’s boss and boyfriend.  I especially like Marian’s dad for being an example of how understanding fathers can be.  And Conrad…he deserves a book of his own, that’s how lovable his character is. 

Alternating between Marian and Kirby’s points of view, it’s easy to get pulled into the story.  As a reader I felt and understood the emotions of both main characters.  In the end you can’t help but root for them to become the mother and daughter they were meant to be. 

Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it to those who love a good story.  Also pick up other Emily Giffin books, they are so worth your time. 

You may visit the Author’s site at:
www.emilygiffin.com

You can run, but you can’t hide.”- Conrad
“Who’s running? And what are you doing at a party like this?”- Marian
“Lookin for you.”- Conrad
“Well.  Looks like you found me.”- Marian

July 21, 2012

Book Review: DIE FOR ME and UNTIL I DIE by Amy Plum

Books:  Die For Me and Until I Die
Author:  Amy Plum
Publisher:  HarperTEEN
Category:  YA Paranormal Romance


2 books in 2 days.. That's how fast i went through Amy Plum's Die For Me and Until I Die.  Here are the official book descriptions:

DIE FOR ME

".........thank you for being here, my beauty. Mon ange..."- Vince

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

UNTIL I DIE

"Kate, I've spent a lifetime waiting for you. Before i saw you, I hadn't cared for anyone for the good part of a century and it felt like my heart had been permanently disconnected.  I wasn't even looking anymore.  And without expecting anything...without any hope at all, suddenly you were here.....I don't know what i'd do if i lost you now.  i love you too much."- Vince

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

Via Wikipedia:  A revenant is a visible ghost or animated corpse that was believed to return from the grave to terrorize the living. The word "revenant" is derived from the Latin word, revenans, "returning"

***********SPOILER ALErt ***********SPOILER ALERT************

This is refreshing in that Amy plum created another world, a different creature from the usual vampires, ghosts and werewolves that have become so popular this past decade.  

Author Amy Plum
In her book, Revenants are former human beings who die trying to save other people.  They reanimate after three days and can live forever as long as their bodies do not get consumed by fire.  These revenants live like normal people in that they look alive, they are able to eat real food and do everything else except to sleep.  They also age like normal people, however once they sacrifice themselves for another (which is often since they get strong urges to do so), no matter how old they have gotten, they reanimate the same age as when they first died. In between sacrifices, they lie dormant for three days every month. And so goes the cycle.

In Die For Me, Kate is devastated and depressed.  She just lost her parents in a car accident and has moved to Paris, France with her sister Georgia to stay with their grandparents.  

In one of her few sojourns outside their apartment, she sees a gorgeous young man with whom she feels an immediate connection. He is Vincent Delacroix, a revenant.
Vincent and Kate fall in love and she learns all about his life...or lack thereof since technically, he is an undead.  Despite his monthly "death", Kate forges on simply because she loves Him.  Though Kate is supposedly plainly human, they find out that she can hear Vincent when he is Volant or a roving spirit while his body is in the process of reanimation.

On one of his dormant nights, Lucien, the head of the Numa (the revenants’ ancient enemy), Forcibly enters the home of the revenants by using Georgia as bait. He attempts to destroy both Kate and Vincent's still dead body.  But Vincent's volant enters Kate's body as host and destroys Lucien.

(2nd book, Until I Die)
Months later, Vince is in search of a miracle.  Something that will stop, or at least control, his natural urge to die for humans, thereby letting him go through a natural aging process and in effect, he will be with Kate for as long as she is alive looking the same as her.  

Kate is also searching on her own for hope.  And she finds it in the healer whose existence the Numa did not know until Kate. 

Meanwhile two very old revenants, Arthur and Violette, have transferred to Vince’s group after Lucien’s attack. Though Violette goes out of her way to be friendly with Kate, Arthur is the exact opposite. 

Kate finds out about an old prophecy that says one among the revenants will become The Champion who will spell the end for the Numa.  However if killed, his power will be transferred to his murderer.  And it is believed among them that Vince is the champion since he can communicate with Kate and is stronger than the average revenant. And his life is in danger.

I like the way the book was written.  It did not drag nor get too sappy with declarations of undying love. The pace was just right with enough action to kick it back up after the “love” parts.

Kate and Vince are fine characters with just the right amount of sweetness between them.  Among the supporting characters, the one that stood out for me was Jules, Vince’s friend and fellow revenant.  His quips and non-stop flirting with Kate are funny.  It’s like a subtle love triangle that isn’t. I also like Georgia for her loyalty and willingness to support Kate no matter what.

Amy Plum has a winner in this trilogy.  The last book is supposed to come out early next year and that’s months too long.  The suspense, the cliffhanger, particularly at the end of Until I Die is an absolute killer.  So if you’re into YA romances, you will definitely like this. Read it! 

July 08, 2012

Book Review: FIFTY SHADES TRILOGY by E.L. James


Book: Fifty Shades Trilogy
Author:  EL James
Publisher:  The Writer’s Coffee Shop
Category:  Erotic Fiction

I finished reading all three books a few days back but have been procrastinating in writing a review.  Mostly because I am torn.  I don’t know if I like, love or hate this trilogy.  But that’s what I appreciate about Fifty Shades, it brings out a gamut of emotions that you can’t help but read them again for clarification.  I know millions have read these and more are considering to.  So before you do, read this review.  To start, here are the book descriptions:

Fifty Shades of Grey

“Anastasia, you should steer clear of me.  I’m not the man for you.”-Christian Grey

“I have rules and I want you to comply with them.  They are for your benefit and for my pleasure.  If you follow these rules to my satisfaction, I shall reward you.  if you don’t, I shall punish you and you will learn.”- Christian Grey

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.
 
Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Fifty Shades Darker

 “This is me Ana. All of me and I’m all yours.  what do I have to do to make you realize that? To make you see that I want you any way I can get you.  that I love you.”- Christian Grey

“You are so precious to me Ana. I was serious about marrying you. we can get to know each other then. I can look after you. you can look after me. We can have kids if you want. I will lay my world at your feet, Anastasia. I want you, body and soul, forever.”- Christian Grey

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. 
 
But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades.
 
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

Fifty Shades Freed

“I want everyone to know that you’re mine.”- Christian
“I am yours. look.”- Anastasia
“It’s not enough.”-Christian
“What do you mean?”- Anastasia
“I want your world to begin and end with me.”- Christian

When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees.
 
Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past.
 
Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality.



**********SPOILER ALERT**********SPOILER ALERT**********

I have heard Fifty Shades of Grey being called Mommy Porn and even Twilight with BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadism and Masochism).  Both are very apt descriptions as the book and its 2 sequels are full of kinky sex.  In fact every few pages have the two protagonists Anastasia and Christian going at it like rabbits.  Reading it, I felt like a kid peeking through my fingers while watching a horror movie. The sex scenes in these books are such that an ordinary person will either be fascinated or disgusted. 

Of the three, Fifty Shades of Grey was the hardest to read.  it took me a total of 3 days to finish the book.  It’s not that the writing was bad.  On the contrary, E.L. James’ reference to different books and use of uncommon words (hoplophobe, priapic…) shows that she is well read and highly informed. Her descriptions though border on repetitive: nose touching, Christian’s hard body, his happy trail blah blah blah… it does get ridiculous, especially since these are recurrent in all three books.
 
Author E.L. James
Another point I didn’t like are Anastasia’s Inner Goddess and Subconscious.  They are referred to so many times it seems like they are the 3rd and 4th main characters in the story and It made Ana look like she had multiple personalities. it was disturbing.

The characters of Christian and Anastasia are so similar to Twilight’s Edward and Bella in everything except for the BDSM.  Both Christian and Edward are over protective, jealous, possessive, rich and extremely gorgeous. Ana and Bella are both awkward, from a middle class family, insecure, hard headed and constantly in awe of being the object of the irresistible man’s affections.  Sometimes I just want to bang her head against the wall for being so weak….or both of them.

Now, on to the positive.
Yes there is a reason why these have become a phenomenon with millions of copies sold all over the world.
Believe it or not, it is surprisingly sweet. 

In trying to assess my reaction to both Twilight and Fifty Shades, I see that it’s not just the characters that are similar.  It is its core, which is TRUE LOVE against all odds.  In both series, the protagonists are very open and vocal about their emotions.  I can’t even count how many times “I love you so much, you are my life…” and the like are scattered all over the books.  So naturally women swoon because it is every woman’s fantasy (or at least the majority) for a man such as Christian (without the kinky stuff) to be in love with her.  He is almost the perfect man.  And to be the object of such intense protectiveness and love just doesn’t happen in real life.  So yes this tickles women’s imagination. Plus it grips on women’s natural inclination to help and heal those who are wounded and needy, which is exactly what Christian is. Add to that the very graphic description of their sex life. WOW.  Most of the time I didn’t know if I was supposed to close my eyes or just skip the “good” part. Fifty Shades is like Twilight on steroids.

This is a Feel-good trilogy (double meaning? Um…yeah!) because every single thing just works out in the end.  Including the other characters’ lives like Kate (Ana’s Best friend) with Elliot (Christian’s brother), also Mia (Christian’s sister) and Ethan (Kate’s brother).  Plus the ending of Fifty Shades Freed has complete closure so no questions need be asked. Everyone is happy and healed.  Again, this touches on women’s need for a happy ending, or at least my wish for it.

So do I recommend Fifty Shades?  Depends.  If you have the stomach for Kinky F*****y, why not.  Once you survive the first book, chances are you will be desensitized enough to like and even appreciate Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.  But do beware, read this at your own risk…. And away from kids. You REALLY do not want them to peek into the world of Ana and Christian.

The Fifty Shades trilogy is an assault on your senses so think hard and deep (pardon the pun) before buying. Fair Point Well Made? Yes Sir Christian, I think so.
Laters baby....


June 27, 2012

Book Review: THE FALSE PRINCE by Jennifer A. Nielsen


Book:  The False Prince (The Ascendance Trilogy: Book 1)
Author:  Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher:  Scholastic Press
Category:  Young Adult Fantasy

“Will you not look at me?”- Princess Amarinda
“No, my lady.  If I can not look at you as an equal, I will not look at all.”- Sage
“Remember this moment then Sage, when someone of my status offered a kindness to someone of yours.  Because next time we meet, If Darius is dead, I will no longer be anyone of importance.”- Princess Amarinda

Description Via Goodreads:

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

Having just put down the book I am still in a state of shock.  The book is just THAT good.  Honestly I wasn’t expecting much when I started reading because though I like historical fiction, I’m not one for those with much political intrigue.  This has an abundance of that, but it offers so much more.

Author Jennifer A. Nielsen
Sage, Latamer, Roden and Tobias are orphans bought by Conner to compete within two weeks, at the end of which one will be chosen as replacement for the lost Prince Jaron while the rest are killed.  Sage is forced to learn and train with the others, knowing that one of them may very well murder him. But time is of the essence.  The Royal Family, including crowned Prince Darius, have been murdered.  And the only way to save the kingdom of Carthya from an imminent attack is to find the lost prince.

 Both Roden and Tobias have an edge over Sage: Roden is good with the sword while Tobias is educated.  Sage is neither.  What he has though is an iron backbone, quick wit and a sharp tongue which he uses on everyone at anytime, despite threats of extreme physical punishment.  He endures with the help of a mute servant named Imogen and Conner’s own man Mott. 

I can not say much more about the plot as one slip can give all away but do know that this is a must read book for all ages filled with very strong characters and perfectly crafted layers.

Fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson will find a new hero in Sage. 
I highly recommend THE FALSE PRINCE

This is the first of three books under the Ascendance trilogy.  The 2nd book titled THE RUNAWAY KING is slated to come out Spring of 2013.

You may visit the author’s sites at:
http://www.jennielsen.com/index.php

The False Prince is available at National Book Store branches nationwide.