Princess and heir to the throne of Thorvaldor, Nalia has led a privileged life at court. But everything changes when she learns, 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, her best friend, Kiernan, and the only life she’s ever known.
Sent to live with her only surviving relative, Sinda proves inept at even the simplest tasks. Then she discovers that long-suppressed, dangerous magic runs through her veins, and she realizes that she will never learn to be just a simple village girl. Sinda returns to the city to seek answers. Instead, she rediscovers the boy who refused to forsake her, and uncovers a secret that could change the course of Thorvaldor’s history forever.
An intricately plotted and completely satisfying adventure, The False Princess is both an engaging tale in the tradition of great fantasy novels and a story never told before that will enchant—and surprise—its listeners.
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"I think another reviewer described this as a book 'for middle-school girls and their mothers'. That's a good description. I liked the friendship between the two main characters and of course the love story (totally clean). Entertaining, light read. Well, except I totally cried at the beginning of the book when the heroine was kicked out of her home and family (maybe that's just because I'm pregnant and prone to crying?). Of course the ending was happy, though."
— Valynn (4 out of 5 stars)
“Fans of Shannon Hale will enjoy this compelling fantasy, which is filled with magic, political drama, and romance.”
— Publishers Weekly“This book takes readers on a wild ride of deception, mystery, and young love.”
— School Library Journal“The perfect blend of enjoyable fantasy. Sinda is a wonderful, sensible heroine, her journey is captivating in its complexity and familiarity, and her romance with Kiernan is gradual and beautiful. Readers will be reminded of the homey feel of authors like Gail Carson Levine and Robin McKinley when they pick up this gorgeous fantasy novel.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)" Delightful addition to this genre. Nalia's always been the princes, but just after she turns 16, that reality is snatched away, and she is forced to find out who she really is. With the help of her best friend, Kiernan, and a flighty sorceress, she succeeds. Fun love story and fantasy, fairy tale adventure. "
— Sandra, 2/15/2014" This book is great! It is definitely a page-turner! Full of twists! A great young adult book. I'd recommend this to my best friend, Abby AND Olivia! "
— Justine, 2/14/2014" I was really enjoying this book until I read a friends review that said it dragged in the middle because a lot of inner dialogue was going on. I was like, "she's right!" and then I just couldn't see past it. She repeated herself a lot SPOILER ALERT like with Kiernan, how many times did she have the argument in her head, does he like me? No we're just friends. He's noble. I'm not... bla blah blah... it got old. But the plot was REALLY good. I just think it could have been edited down a bit without all the ramblings going on in her head. "
— Katie, 1/26/2014" This YA fiction would be an enjoyable read for girls 11-13. "
— Victoria, 1/21/2014" Well it is certainly a refreshing sweet story about the false princess Cinda and her adventure to find the true princess Nalia , along with her best friend keirnan and her magic teacher .. i really liked the plot though it was a bit simple but it was nice and enjoyable "
— Doha, 1/19/2014" So far very good. Boy is this an Emma book!!!!!!! Loved this book. It was fun and different. "
— Bonnie, 1/7/2014" I feel a sweet love triangle coming on! "
— Victorious, 12/25/2013" Well, that was fun. Enjoyed this YA fantasy tale. "
— Jana, 12/16/2013" I really like the story, the magic. But above all the characters. A great read. "
— AnaPIN, 11/18/2013" i was not expecting to love this book. i don't usually read books about magic. loved it! "
— Diana, 4/30/2013" I liked that this book had enough of a plot to it, that I couldn't figure out the ending right away. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that what I had in mind wasn't coming true. "
— Kayla, 2/27/2013" An interesting fantasy novel for middle grade girls seeking some romance, espionage, and magic. The story was not high action or very fast paced but those who enjoy quieter tales that deal with a character learning who she is and standing up for herself in the end will enjoy the story. "
— Amy, 9/24/2012" Wow! Great read, great characters, great plot. I think I cried for Sinda the first 100 pages straight. And Kiernan such a strong friend in Sinda's life really made the story. This is one of those books I'd read again and again. "
— Lburt, 9/11/2012" Good conflict. Great ending. :) "
— Riza, 7/30/2012" Sweet and Short story of a Girl who is lied to about her life and existence, who has the power greater then the wizards before her time, shows courage to get back her life and happiness. "
— Harini, 5/9/2012" This one was good. It was predictable and simple, but a fun fast read. I would read more from this author. "
— Tiffany, 5/18/2011" This book was a surprise for me. The first part seemed very common and predictable, but I was honestly surprised once we got past that. <br/>This book has it all. Magic, grave robbing,romance, regicide... What more could you ask for?<br/> "
— Christina, 5/15/2011" It's pretty neat that this author is from Tulsa. Also, coincidentally making it the 2nd book I've read this month whose author is from Tulsa! :) "
— Abby, 5/15/2011" So much fun. A great read for every age. Run, don't walk to get this! "
— Cindy, 5/13/2011" Wow--this was great! I literally read the whole thing in one sitting. Impressive for a first-time author... "
— Abby, 5/9/2011" 3.5 actually and worth reading. "
— Judit, 5/8/2011" I liked this novel because it is a new, different version of the story, The Prince and the Pauper. I liked the use of magic and some surprising twists and turns in this book. I liked Sinda as a character, because she is relateable and she grows to find her own happiness. "
— Ji, 5/7/2011" This is a light and fairly read. There is magic, princesses and suspense. Did I mention unicorns? Just kidding, no unicorns. I'm sounding very shallow here so I'll just say I read for entertainment, and this book did a good job of entertaining. "
— Amy, 5/3/2011Eilis O’Neal is the managing editor of the literary magazine Nimrod International Journal and the author of The False Princess. She and her husband live in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mandy Williams is an audiobook narrator whose readings include Entwined by Heather Dixon, Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, and Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan.