The False Prince (The Ascendance Series, Book 1)
#1 of 5 in Ascendance Series
on Goodreads (103,581)
What’s inside...
A modern classic by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen, The False Prince thrills with wild twists and turns, danger, deceit, and the revelation of hidden identities that rush readers breathlessly to the end. Set in a discontented kingdom on the brink of civil war, nobleman Conner devises a cunning plan to unify the divided people by finding an impersonator of the king’s long-lost son and installing him as a puppet prince. Four orphans, including the defiant Sage, are recruited to compete for the role. Sage must be chosen to play the prince or face death, but he soon discovers that Conner's motives are dubious, and his rivals have their own agendas. As he moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's palace, treachery and deceit unravel, layer by layer, revealing a dangerous truth that may prove more perilous than all the lies combined.
Character compass
Sage
Roden
Tobias
Imogen
Mott
Cregan
Bevin Conner
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Sage to compete for the throne, and how did his motives evolve throughout the story?
How do the characters in 'The False Prince' demonstrate bravery or cunning? Can you relate any of their actions to real-life situations?
If you were in Sage's position, would you make the same decisions? Why or why not?
Discuss the concept of leadership shown in the book. What qualities make a good leader, according to the story?
How does the author use secrets and surprises to add to the suspense? Did any plot twists particularly surprise you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended responses by asking your child how they felt about the book's events and characters, rather than just what happened.
Use questions that prompt your child to put themselves in the characters' shoes. This will help them engage more deeply with the motivations and emotions in the story.
Discuss your child’s answers thoughtfully, adding your own insights or similar real-life examples which can help them connect the story to the world around them.
Praise your child for any unique insights or connections they make with the book’s themes. This reinforces their analytical thinking and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist, Sage, demonstrates integrity by being truthful and making moral choices, even when faced with difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of honesty and making ethical decisions, even under pressure, which can help build their character and foster trust in their real-world relationships.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: Sage faces numerous challenges and setbacks, but he consistently shows resilience by adapting and persevering to achieve his goals.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the significance of resilience can encourage them to overcome obstacles in their own lives, whether they're dealing with academic challenges or personal issues.
Example Lesson: Understanding leadership
Explanation: The book delves into what it means to be a true leader through Sage's journey. It contrasts different styles of leadership and their impacts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about leadership qualities and the responsibilities that come with being a leader, which can inspire them to take initiative in group settings like school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: Characters who engage in deceitful behavior eventually face consequences, which teaches a lesson about the pitfalls of dishonesty.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the long-term effects of lying and encourage them to be truthful in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Identity and self-discovery
Explanation: Sage goes through a journey of self-discovery, learning about his past and what kind of person he wants to become.
Real-World Application: The story can help children think about their own identity and embrace the journey of discovering and accepting who they are.