False Prince, The

When a king and his family die, the kingdom is close to civil war, and a new heir must be crowned. A nobleman, Connor, chooses three orphans and schools them about the royal family, hoping to pass one of them off as the King’s long-lost youngest son. Sage, one of the orphans, resents this situation but knows he must play along or die. Many plot twists occur and the ending brings a surprise for Sage and Connor. This exciting novel, for grades 6-12, is full of surprises, adventure, and secrecy, will engage readers, and could launch discussion of monarchies, power, morality, and good vs. evil. Suitable for literature circles, independent study, or silent reading.