Eilis O'Neal

Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia has led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when she learns, 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, her best friend, Kiernan, and the only life she's ever known. Sent to live with her only surviving relative—a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece—Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. Then she discovers that magic runs through her veins—long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control—and she realizes that she will never learn to be just a simple village girl. Sinda returns to the city to seek answers. Instead, she rediscovers the boy who refused to forsake her, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history forever. An intricately plotted and completely satisfying adventure, The False Princess is both an engaging tale in the tradition of great fantasy novels and a story never before told that will enchant—and surprise—its readers.

The False Princess

For sixteen years, Nalia has been raised as the princess of Thorvaldor, but one day she learns that her real name is Sinda and that she is part of a complicated plot that would change the future of her country forever.

Manda

So, I have to admit, when I finished the last page of this book, I sighed. OUT LOUD! It was that perfect of an ending.

I loved this book all the way from the beginning. It was such an interesting storyline and had so many interesting features. I was enthralled through the whole thing.

To be honest, I wasn’t sure how I was going to like this one. I actually put off reading it for quiet a while. I’ve had a hard time with books not set in modern times lately and I also didn’t really want to read a princess story. This is NOT a typical renaissance period princess and kingdom book. There is princesses and there is kingdoms, but it was so much more than that. Without giving anything away, you will be shocked by the twists and turns this book takes. I actually found myself yelling and gasping at certain points.

I adored Sinda, the false princess. She is a very strong character, though she doesn’t always believe it, and her personality is just amazing. I was humored by her and felt connected to her the whole time. There is romance mixed in too, but it isn’t overwhelming and will keep you very satisfied.

I loved the mystery in this too. I love that Eilis O’Neal wrote so many themes into this story that will draw in many types of readers. I was very pleased with this one and actually regret waiting so long to read it. Definitely Squee worthy!

Hope Brockway

So I pretty much guessed about 97% of what happened in this book before it actually happened. (view spoiler)[Except for the main plot twist so that's good, but pretty much everything else. Like I figured out how Sinda was a wizard like 7 chapters before she found out. Or how Kiernan was head over heels in love with her (though I guess no one can figure out that kind of stuff in books *shrugs*). Or how that the prophecy was fake. (hide spoiler)] In other words, it's pretty predictable. Which is kinda why this was in my dnf pile for a bit but I decided to give it a second chance. And I'm glad I did.

I mean, it was fun and somewhat adventurous but just . . . lacked something. Maybe it was the reused descriptions, or how Sinda reminded you of things that happened three chapters before (like I don't have that bad a memory), or how I never really connected with any of the characters (except maybe Kiernan but anyway). Or maybe it was that nothing really happened until the last third of the book. I mean, there were lots of descriptions of Sinda getting used to her new life--which was mildly interesting--but not a whole lot of action. I mean, if you like slow adventure (would that be the right word?? or maybe low key action??) then I guess this is for you, friend. 

This book is pretty clean except for three kisses (one a bit detailed) and references to magic (if you're opposed to that sort of thing).

The False Princess

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