The False Prince

Summary
In a faraway land, civil war is brewing. To unify the kingdom's divided people, a nobleman named Conner devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him on the throne. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant and clever 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. His rivals will be devising their own plots as well, so Sage must trust no one and keep his thoughts hidden.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfolds, until finally, a truth is revealed that that may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

Afterthoughts
I LOVED this book. Every character is written strongly and brilliantly. The book, written from Sage's perspective, quickly and easily slips readers into Sage's skin and projects his feelings and thoughts into them.
The story was well-written and devious. I thought I had figured out the twist just a few chapters in, but I was soon second-guessing my deductions. By the end, I had no idea about what was going to happen and the ending was surprising and perfect. I recommend this book to anyone interested and I cannot wait to read the sequel!

Warnings
None.

Extras

Jennifer A. Nielsen's Blog

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25

Summary

To everyone at Meridian High School, fourteen-year-old Michael Vey is nothing special, just the kid who has Tourette’s syndrome. But in truth, Michael is extremely special—he has electric powers. Michael thinks he is unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor has the same mysterious powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up with their abilities, and their investigation soon brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric teens—and through them, the world.

(Summary taken from the book.)

Afterthoughts

I was drawn into this book very quickly and stayed interested through the end. The characters are well developed and, for science fiction, it was fairly believable. I really enjoyed Michael's character and identified with his desire to protect his family at all costs.

I didn't like the convenience that accompanied nearly every dangerous situation. Solutions and coincidences were abundant and the characters were able to escape from almost every danger, which diminished its believability. Other than that, it was a very enjoyable book.

Warnings

None.

Extras

Rogue Crew

Summary

Redwall Abbey has never seen a creature more evil or more hideous than Razzid Wearat. Captain of the Greenshroud, a ship with wheels that can sail through water as well as the forest, this beast is a terror of both land and sea, traveling Mossflower Country, killing nearly everything-and everyone- in his path. And his goal? To conquer Redwall Abbey.

From Salamandastron to the High North Coast, the brave hares of the Long Patrol team up with the fearless sea otters of the Rogue Crew to form a pack so tough, so rough, only they can defend the abbey and defeat Razzid Wearat once and for all.
(Summary taken from the book.)


Afterthoughts
The Redwall series has fascinated me since I was a child. For those who haven't read any, Redwall books are categorized as animal fantasy. The characters are all talking and clothed animals who live in Mossflower wood and usually have adventures that involve protecting Redwall Abbey from vermin. So, for those who find this strange, be fore-warned but don't completely write the books off. They are really good.
Back to the book.
I was excited to read the book because the 'featured animals' in the book are otters. Otters have always been my favorite characters in these books. Unfortunately, they were not featured as much as I wanted, which was disappointing. The pace was fast and there was plenty of adventure and heartbreak, but the plot was very similar to other Redwall books and predictable.
Rogue Crew was the last book written by Jacques before his death last year. I am glad I read it, but I was disappointed overall. It's worth a read, especially if you haven't read any others, but not one I will probably read again.

Warnings
Some violence, but nothing explicit or gory.

Extras
Fun activities for Redwallers