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It's finally here: the Summer Challenge! Think kids will break the world record for reading again?

Who will wear the crown? The False Prince giveaway!

Who will wear the crown? The False Prince giveaway!

By on April 26th, 2012

We’ve been pretty excited about Princess Week here at OOM. So far we’ve discussed the value of princesses and suggested some fun royal reads to help you celebrate. With all the imperial fuss we’re making over our fair maidens, I want to make sure we’re not forgetting someone very important… the prince!

Just in time for the weekend, I’m super-excited to tell you about a book you won’t want to put down—The False Prince, by Jennifer A. Nielsen. The first book in a new trilogy, The False Prince has it all—danger, adventure, and twists and turns that will leave at the edge of your seat, breathlessly turning pages until the end. BookPage has featured it as a ‘Top Pick,’ saying,“Nielsen has written a terrific story that carries readers along to the very (surprising) end and will leave them clamoring for the next book in her trilogy.” Even The Hollywood Reporter has gotten in on the action with a glowing review that says,“The False Prince is more Harry Potter (minus the magic) than Hunger Games. The lack of the supernatural allows Nielsen to keep the reader focused on the political intrigue, scheming and court conspiracies at the center of the story. Even though the novel is set in a mythical kingdom, it feels ‘real’  with authentic characters, a convincing sense of danger and a genuinely high-stakes plot…Sage is one of the strengths of the book. Often surly and reckless, he is also bold, courageous and decent. He’s a three-dimensional character and a hero worth rooting for.”

You can also check out a rave review from The Los Angeles Times and a starred review from Publishers Weekly.

So what’s it about? I’m glad you asked. In a faraway land, 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. Conner’s rules of play become quite clear after he murders one of the boys who will not compete. Suddenly winning matters very much. Sage knows that Conner’s motives are questionable at best, yet he also realizes that his life balances on a sword’s point—he must be chosen to be the prince or he will certainly be killed. But the other two boys, Sage’s rivals, have their own plans as well, and are competing as though their lives depend on it—which, they do. As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner’s sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a stunning twist raises the stakes to an even deadlier level. Nothing is sacred, nothing is predictable, and nobody can be trusted.

There’s also the awesome trailer:

Are you intrigued yet? If I’ve whet your appetite, you can check out the first chapter over at The Hollywood Reporter.

If you want to know more, you’ll have to check out the book! Don’t have a copy? Well, we can help you out…

GIVEAWAY: We have two copies of The False Prince to give away! To enter to win, leave a comment (don’t forget your email address so we can contact you!) and tell us why you’re excited to read the book. The giveaway runs from today through 5pm ET tomorrow, Friday, April 27, 2012. Read the complete legal rules here.

UPDATE: Our two lucky winners have been randomly selected! Congrats to Alma and Cristal C., and thanks everyone for participating!

53 comments

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Comments

 
Cassandra M says...

I have seen such great reviews about The False Prince and I’d LOVE the chance to read it and review it on my blog. Thanks so much for offering up two copies!! :)


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:36 am

 
Loan says...

I can’t wait to read this book because I haven’t read a book for fun since the fall. I’ll be finished with my sophomore year in college, and I just want a good book to relax with!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:36 am

 
Elizabeth Drake says...

I am a jr high teacher and I LOVE finding books that will appeal to boys, especially those reluctant readers. The False Prince seems like it is the perfect book to get them interested and keep them reading!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:37 am

 
Rosey says...

Anytime people compare a new series to Harry Potter or Hunger Games I am completely intrigued! The plot sounds interesting, and I have to admit I am a sucker for trilogies! Can’t Wait!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:37 am

 
Toby Price says...

I would like to read this because I like books that are original. This isn’t dystopian book about a Vampire who falls in love… I hope I win!

TP
MTFBWY


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:38 am

 
Kallie says...

I love everything YA and fantasy! The Lost Prince sounds exciting and intriguing!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:44 am

 
Mikayla Szarek says...

I am excited to read The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen because I will be 12 next Thursday so it would make a nice birthday gift. Also, I already finished all of the series of books that are out that are the same as this book, SO I REALLY NEED A GOOD BOOK TO READ! Please make my birthday great! Thank you for having a giveaway!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:48 am

 
Melysah says...

Oh, I love YA. And all the good buzz makes me want to read The False Prince!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 12:02 pm

 
Emily says...

I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book, and while I’ve read some great princess books, I haven’t found a good prince story to rival them since reading The Thief. Thanks for the giveaway!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 12:08 pm

 
Christina B. says...

Adventure? Danger? Possible sword fights? Count me in. It looks like a Game of Thrones for younger readers. I’m super excited to read it!

Email me: christinanbrower@gmail.com


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 12:18 pm

 
Linda says...

The premise sounds very intriguing and original.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 12:22 pm

 
Heather says...

I can’t wait to read The False Prince and pass it on to my kids. Your reviews and suggestions are always big hits at our house.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 12:23 pm

 
Truly Bookish says...

I have yet to see a bad review for this book. The summary sounds awesome and I cannot wait to read it!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 12:37 pm

 
Rachee says...

I was able to read an advance copy and love this book and was happy to see so many copies bought during the Scholastic Book Fair.
-r


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 12:48 pm

 
Jenna says...

I’m excited for this new book as it seems like a great series for kids who have loved Harry Potter and are looking for the next series to start.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 2:23 pm

 
melissa @ 1lbr says...

I’m a huge fan of thiefs in literature (but not in real life, obviously), so this one has been really calling to me. I’d love to win :)
librariansbook(at)gmail


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 2:45 pm

 
jpetroroy says...

I have heard such amazing reviews of this, and love the comparisons to The Thief!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 2:54 pm

 
Laurel L. says...

I would love to read this book because I keep hearing it is like Megan Whalen Turner’s The Thief and I LOVE that book. I’d love to have this one in the classroom for my reluctant readers.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 3:04 pm

 
Cristal C. says...

I would love to read The false Prince because I absolutely love trilogies and I need a new series to read. I absolutely love any book that has to do with fantasy and this book sounds very interesting!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 3:33 pm

 
Emily says...

I have wanted to get a copy of this for my boys and would love for them to start a new series . Good luck to all but I hope I win :)


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:19 pm

 
Alma says...

This would be great for my 5th grade son who just finished the Hunger games series and want more. He loves anything sci-fi and action. This looks like the next hottest series, great giveaway!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:22 pm

 
Beth Price says...

I’m excited @ this book,can’t wait to read it and then pass it on to my kids.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:22 pm

 
Esther R. says...

I would love to read The False Prince because I need a new series to obsess over.
I’m a huge bookaholic, so much so I can pretty much predict the endings and this one sounds like its going to be full of the unexpected. I love the first chapter so far! So yeah :)


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:26 pm

 
Joshua Diep says...

I would like to win this book because I need to finish my book log and this would be a perfect book for me to read, even though i haven’t read it before but this books seems very interesting.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:28 pm

 
jill kossar carroll says...

I want to win this book because it’s hard to find a good children’s book that can be read together and peak both our interests.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:33 pm

 
Aidan Carroll says...

I want to win because I need to add good books to my 4th quarter independent reading log for school.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:35 pm

 
Jordan C. says...

I want this book so I don’t have to wait for our library to lend it out.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:36 pm

 
Ian C. says...

This love to read and collect books!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:37 pm

 
Karen says...

I’m a librarian in a k-8 school. The best part of my job is watching a new book or series take off among the kids and having a wait list. Would love an extra copy to have in circulation!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:38 pm

 
Scott says...

I want to win so I can encourage my son to be a more proficient reader.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:38 pm

 
Janice says...

I love reading YA books! Especially when I can pass them on to my boys to read and enjoy. This one sounds really good!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:39 pm

 
Kathi says...

Always love good books. Thanks for offering a chance!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:42 pm

 
Joanna says...

I love connecting with the teenagers I work with through literature, and I’m excited about the discussions that can arise from this book!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 7:43 pm

 
Christy says...

danger, adventure, and twists and turns . . . sounds like not only a fascinating read, but the start of a great trilogy!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 8:03 pm

 
Ivana says...

It sounds like one of those books you won’t be able to put down until you’re finished reading… I really hope I win.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 8:30 pm

 
Lisa Smith says...

I am currently on the lookout for some books for our family for summer reading. Sounds like this one might fit the bill and winning a copy would make it perfect.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 9:10 pm

 
Vanessa says...

Deceit, intrigue, daring, death…what more could you ask for in a read. This sounds like a great book to capture attention and lure us back to books.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 9:13 pm

 
Ethan says...

I’m addicted to good books. The only thing sadder than finishing a good book is reading a poor book after finishing a good book.
I would love another GREAT READ!


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 9:13 pm

 
Josie says...

As a elementary school librarian I am always looking for books the boys would want to read. This sounds like a good one and better yet it’s a trilogy they’ll want to read more.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 9:52 pm

 
Ann says...

I just ran the Scholastic Book Fair for my child’s school. Over and over, I watched kids gravitate to this book. They stay, read a chapter or two, and purchase the book. The book is all they’re talking about. Since, I foolishly did not set one aside for the Library, I’m hoping I’ll win so I can donate it to the school.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 10:07 pm

 
Loretta says...

I teach special education and my middle schoolers are very reluctant readers. This seems like an intriguing story that will draw them in automatically, especially the boys. I love finding new books that my students will get lost in.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 10:57 pm

 
Dean Markis says...

I’m excited to read the book because my children want to read it, and it would be a good discussion topic around the dinner table or anywhere.

We always discuss the mutual books that we read, like about what we enjoyed, the themes in the book, what we didn’t like, our favorite characters, ETC… I’m always caught up in work for most of the day, so it’s nice to have a common hobby to enjoy with your children when you’re too busy to be completely involved in their normal interests.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:05 pm

 
Brenda says...

With a character name like Sage and comparisons to Harry Potter, I am certainly intrigued. I’ve heard wonderful things about the book as well, it would make a great summer read. Thanks for offering the giveaway.


Comment on April 26, 2012 at 11:08 pm

 
Camily says...

I love Princes, and I love False Princes even more!
Because there must be something important (Prince) and something mysterious (False!), something to tickle my fantasy (Prince), something to keep my rationality working (False!), something to smile to, something to frown at.

False. Prince. The title says it all. I want this book.


Comment on April 27, 2012 at 4:56 am

 
Tammy Quidas says...

Finding new series that will interest my students is a big plus for me! I love anything that is compared to Harry Potter. I’ve met a lot of false princes personally.


Comment on April 27, 2012 at 7:48 am

 
Kristin says...

I’m excited about this book because I don’t often see high-fantasy type books with strong male characters – they usually focus on female, and it’s hard to get my boys interested in trying them.


Comment on April 27, 2012 at 11:06 am

 
Julia Irzyk says...

I can’t wait to read The False Prince because I love a good epic adventure! And intrigue? Yes, please.


Comment on April 27, 2012 at 3:35 pm

 
Grace says...

I can’t wait to read The False Prince because it has a really intriguing plot and sounds fantastic! :D


Comment on April 27, 2012 at 5:00 pm

 
Robin Garcia says...

Would love to read this!


Comment on April 28, 2012 at 6:24 pm

 
Robin S says...

Would love to read and share this with my students and my own children. Thank you.


Comment on April 28, 2012 at 7:00 pm

 
Stephanie Jobe says...

I’ve been anticipating this one for a while. I haven’t had a good male protagonist in a while. I love mistaken and false identities.


Comment on April 30, 2012 at 11:49 am

 
Ms. Nakano says...

My students love this book and I am intrigued to get a copy for myself!


Comment on May 1, 2012 at 1:09 am

 
Kylie says...

BBE! (Best Book Ever!) I love it! I love the way Jennifer Twists and Pulls at the story, Making you want more! Great Read. I recommend you to read the daring novel.


Comment on May 2, 2012 at 2:27 pm

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