The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal

The False Princess
by Eilis O'Neal 

3.5 stars, out of 5

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.

 My Thoughts:

This is really lovely fantasy book, perfect for when you don't want a whole hefty series, but still intricate kingdoms and wizards and prophecies and strong, wonderful heroines who fight for themselves and are PRINCESSES!
Perfect, for when you want to read about a lovely romance but without the fluff and contemporary teenage voices and a love which isn't spanned over a week, a month, or a year, but since you were a wee little girl (or boy) and you have shared your whole life with him (or her) and you know each other better than yourselves.
And also perfect, for when you want to leave the book finally, with a smile on your face, feeling slightly warm and gooey inside.

The False Princess was a really good book, and the above probably sums it up nicely, however, I did have a few problems with it. It could have been so much better! [I mean it was awesome- 3.5 stars! -but you know, it could have been awesomer]

For example, I would have loved to know Keirnan better. He seemed like someone I would could easily have a book-boy crush on what with his sense of humor and easy personality. But sadly, though he played a significant part in the book, his character wasn't as explored and developed as it should have been.

Another thing: if the action had been a bit more breathtaking and scary and nail-bitey-ish, i would have given this a 4 star rating which is REAAALLY high in my book.

But, with everything taken into account- READ THIS BOOK!
Its excellent for a debut novel and I'm sure I'll pick up whatever Eilis O'Neal  writes next without much hesitation.

The False Princess was wonderful and definitely should be on your summer reading pile.


Xx
ChickLitGirl

General Info:

Title: The False Princess
Author: Eilis O'Neal
Published: First published July 13th 2010
Length: 319 pages
Genre: Young Adult; Fantasy, Romance