Showing posts with label eilis o'neal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eilis o'neal. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Review: The False Princess


The False Princess




Author: Eilis O'Neal
Pages: 319
Publisher: Egmont
Source: Library
Synopsis: Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia's led a privileged life at court.  But everything changes when it's revealed, 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 of Vivaskari, her best friend, Keirnan, and the only life she's ever known.


Sinda is sent to live with her only surviving relative, an aunt who is a dyer in a distant village. She is a cold, scornful woman with little patience for her newfound niece, and Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks.  But when Sinda discovers that magic runs through her veins - long-suppressed, dangerous magic that she must learn to control - she realizes that she can never learn to be a simple village girl.



Returning to Vivaskari for answers, Sinda finds her purpose as a wizard scribe, rediscovers the boy who saw her all along, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor's history, forever.



A dazzling first novel, The False Princess is an engrossing fantasy full of mystery, action, and romance.


Buy the book (Amazon/Buy The Book Now at The Book Depository, Free Delivery World Wide)

I was a big fan of The False Princess ever since I heard of the concept. Living your life as a princess and then one day, being told you're not? Then promptly being replaced? That sounds awful. And it sounds like a great idea for a story.

Meet Sinda; false princess, magician, and lost girl. Sinda at the beginning was a weak character, IMO. If anything like that had ever happened to me I would have been far more enraged and less empathetic and acceptant. Her character does grow though, which is something I do love.

The other characters were all charming in their own ways too. Kiernan was gorgeous and I'd have a crush on him if I ever met him; Sinda's aunt was a unique, in depth character. The only character I didn't think was really well done was the villain who was very typical.

The plot was a great adventure. This is the kind of fantasy I like; with strong characters carving the way of the story instead or complex settings. The fantasy aspect really worked for the story and wasn't overwhelming. Everything made sense and I could clearly imagine the settings.

I liked the storyline too. It was placed really well- not on-the-edge-of-your-seat action but enough action that the story felt balanced and moved on in a good pace. The ending was very complete too. I'm not sure if The False Princess is a series but it could be read as a standalone. The ending was refreshing and satisfying.

One thing I felt I was missing was the X/it factor. I really liked this book but I never really loved it. I can't name why though.

Overall, The False Princess is a solid read with an intriguing premise, delicious romance, and an exciting quest. This book is a really solid read. 4 stars,

****

Saturday, October 15, 2011

In My Mailbox (18)


Hey guys, I'm so excited to be doing my 18th IMM! In My Mailbox is all about the fabulous books you got this week and is created by Kristi from The Story Siren

This is kind of a late IMM because I didn't have the time to do it the last few weeks. Weirdly, I didn't get very much last week. This week, I went to the library... 

Before that, I went to the Smart Chicks Kick it Tour in Ottawa. They. Were. Awesome! It was my first signing so I was super nervous and starstruck so I was kind of quiet and didn't ask the questions I wanted to ask. Nevermind that though- the panel was so great. It was full and everyone was so happy to be there. And the line for the signing was over two hours long! Totally worth it though. I was near the end and got Enthralled, along with some bookmarks, a bracelet and a tattoo. 


Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions (The Book Depository/Amazon)
It's an antho from authors who've books I've enjoyed. I think I've read one of every author there so I'm SUPER psyched to read this! 

From the library:


Love Story by Jennifer Echols (The Book Depository/Amazon)
I can't wait to read this. I've never read anything about Jennifer Echols before but I've seen some awesome things being said.
Twisted by Gena Showalter (The Book Depository/Amazon)
I've read the others in the series and they're such fun, action packed reads. I'm curious as to see what happens next. If you love paranormal, or urban fantasy, definitely check this series out.
Burnout by Adrienne Maria Vrettos (The Book Depository/Amazon)
I honestly don't know anything about this book except that I liked the cover. It is a nice cover, isn't it?
The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal (The Book Depository/Amazon)
The premise of this book was what pulled me in. I mean, a false princess? Being a princess one day and then suddenly not would be hard. I wonder what happens...
Bargains and Betrayals by Shannon Delaney (The Book Depository/Amazon)
I originally wasn't a huge fan of the series. I didn't really like 13 to Life but Secrets and Shadows blew me away. I loved it! I can't wait for Bargains and Betrayals and I hope I'll like it. 
My Boyfriends' Dogs by Dandi Daley Mackall (The Book Depository/Amazon)
The title is why I chose this book. It looks like a light and fun contemporary read but I also don't know much about it.


Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake (The Book Depository/Amazon)
The title. The cover. The synopsis. The reviews. All that translates into a MUST read. :)
Sass & Serendipity by Jennifer Ziegler (The Book Depository/Amazon)
Cute, contemporary, fun, light... perfect after scary paranormal ghost stories!
Until the End by Christopher Pike (The Book Depository/Amazon)
It's by Christopher Pike. That in itself is a reason to check it out as he writes original, exciting paranormal stories.
My Beating Teenage Heart by CK Kelly Martin (The Book Depository/Amazon)
Another of those random books I don't know much about. Something about this book just made me want to pick it up. I hope I like it!

That's what I got in my mailbox. Thank you so much for visiting and please leave a link so I can visit you too. Also, feel free to enter the giveaway I have going (link is above). What did you get in your mailbox?
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