This first book in Jennifer Nielsen's Ascendance trilogy grabbed me in a way few books have in quite a while! The main character, Sage, and three other orphan boys are recruited by Connor, a nobleman, to vie for a role in a dangerous and potentially treasonous scheme. The characters are rich and believable-- readers will rally to Sage's quick wit, sharp tongue, and overall desire to do what's right. The setting is elaborately depicted so that the reader feels the tension in the time and place of the events. The storyline moves quickly, with twists and turns that catch the reader off-guard, and then have you hurtling off in a new direction until you find the final twist-- of THIS book! I can't wait to read the next two! 
 This book is a good cross-over book between children's and YA lit suitable for kids beginning in late 4th or early 5th grade. Readers who love adventure, mystery, and strong characterization should love The False Prince !